Morris tribune., 1914-05-22


In cur science department, recita-
tion classes for over 100 students per
day are held in small room 20x24
feet, and this room is also used each
day for a physical and chemical lab
oratory combined. The students are
obliged to sit on long seats with
no desks, and in some of the largest
classes, some of the students sit on
laboratory stools during recitations
When examinations are given in the
science subjects, writing boards are
furnished and the students use their
knees for desks. In this great age
noted for scientific progress, is it not
inconsistent for the people of Morris
to withhold from their young peo-
pie adequate science laboratories and
facilities for instruction?
There are 129 students enrolled in
the English department of the high
school. The room in which they re-
cite measures 18x24ft., and is 50 small
that no more student arm chairs can
be placed therein. In orderd to ac-
commodate the largest classes, fold
ing chairs are used, and the crowd
ed condition of the room can easily
/ be imagined
In the high school room, the isles
have been so narrowed down as to
be almost dangerous in case Of fire
alarm, and this was done in order to
place therein as many seats as posi-
BILE, there are but seventy seats in
this room and the total enrolment in
the high school is 116. We are here
stating absolute facts which any per-
son may verify.
Morris is the only town in Minneso-
ia with an assessed valuation of ov-
er $70O,0000O which does not teach
sewing, cooking and agriculture. That
we are losing each year a consid9ra-
bic sum of money by reason of our
inability to teach these subjects will
/ be evident to all as the following
facts prove:
Morris receives per anpum the sum
of $4,000 state aid, and in addition,
the sum of $1,000 or the normal de-
partment (Which latter sum we are
in great danger of losing by reason
of unsuitable quarters) making a to-
tai Of $4,000. Our neighboring towns,
i Bapsons Graesyille and sSauk zCenten
where work in agriculture sewing and
cooking, manual training and normal
training is done get the following sums
Benson, something over $4,000, Grace
Vile $4,000, and Sauk Center $4,000. We
are getting $500 per year less than
Graceville and Benson, and Sank Cen
ter gets enough more state aid each
year than we do to pay the annual
interest on the entire sum we are
asking to build and equip new build
: ing.
} There are 216 high schools in the
5 state Of Minnesota The following
: table shows the growth of industrial
: subjects in Minnesota high schools;
} No. schools teaching sewing in 1905
Al, in 1912, 1914
? No. Schools teaching cooking in
1908, IS, in 1912, 130
, No. schools teaching manual train
: ing in 1908, "a, in 1912, $50.
No. schools teaching agriculture il
: 1908, Al, in 1912, 123.
} % high schools in the state received
$2500 each from the state for teach,
ing agriculture and &c high schools re
ceiva from the state $500 each.
We have figured that it will take
: SIS, 900 to build and suitably equip 6
2 school house for Morris. This sun
: will bear interest at the rate of 4
2 per cent per annum. In this connec
: ton, the following figures may be o1
: interest:
: During the first 5 year period on
: ly the interest need be paid, viz tbs
e sum of $4,000 per annum.
: During the second five year period
r $4,000 per annum will be paid on tbs
: principal. The average interest fol
e this year paid is $2,7O0 per year, maxi
: ing total of $500 per anHum to bt
v paid.
e During the third year period
S $4,000 per annum will be paid on tht
n principal The average yearly inter
e est for the period is $4,000, making
e the amount to be paid yearly for thil
o period. $6,OOO
It During the fourth five year period
n $4,000 per annum will be paid on tn,
: principal The average annual inter
0 est for the period is $1,1OO, making
e the total annual payment for this per
It iod, $500.
: The assessed valuation for all tn
e property listed for taxation in thi
d district is $712,4730O The presen
e school tax in the district is % mills