Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-06-06
FIFTY YEARS Ago In
THE STAR.

Observance Of Memorial day last
Monday was notable in this city for
the reason Of the fact
Nav 30 at that the great amphi-
theater recently COM
6 'oA' pleted was used for
the first time on such an occasion.
Fifty years ago facilities for the cere-
mony at Arlington were not as eN-
tensive as at present. In The Star
of May 80. 1870, is the following
paragraph in an article descriptive
Of the ceremonies Of the day:
THE rain yesterday prevented the
extensive preparations from being
made in advance at Arlington which
were intended. A large force of
workmen were on hand yesterday
till afternoon. The lumber and other
material being on hand, though. it
was but the work of few hours
to set things in readiness. The main
stand was erected near the entrance
the rear OF the Arlington mansion.
and was large enough to accommo-
date 500 persons. 1t was here the
principal ceremonies took place. Near
the main stand, and in fun view of
It. a strong platform capable Of hold
ing 500 persons was erected for the
grand chorus and the Marine Band.
Both Of these stands were tastefully
decorated with flags and evergreens.
the accommodations on the main
vided in eligible places nearby. being
ample for 1000 persons. Both OF the
stands were sheltered by canvass.
looped up with flags and presented
a very beautiful appearance in con-
trast with the dark green foliage
o%h
4
An adjourned meeting OF the school
intendency was
School Board and held on satur-
Superintendent. and in The Star
Of the 30th is printed news report.
The special committee named to con-
slider charges against the superin-
tendent, 2. Richards. submitted its
report to A. K. Browne. the chairman.
The committee held that Mr.. Rich
ards should have put in his reply
in writing. but this he had failed to
do. A printed copy OF what appeared
the committee. While the committee
did not complain of the course Of the
superintendent in this respect, 1t held
that 1t could not with propriety take
under advisement paper whicn
had not been properly presente o. anu ,on
the whole board. The committee
stated that the ONCE OF superin-
tendent was purely executive, pul
that the superintendent had not con-
sldered himself an agent to carry
out the wishes Of the board, but an
officer Of equal power and authority
with the board. The report continues:
"When the board defined his duties
under the law it did not meet ms
ideas as to the extent OF the au,
this respect he has considered him
self curtailed in power. The board.
on the other hand. could not see
how 1t was possible for them 10 en-
large his powers according TO ms
wishes without destroying to great
degree his own usefulness. Hence
resulted a divergence OF practice ana
the inevitable collision. II the APP
pointment of superintendent. ana nus
continuance in position had depended
have resulted from the introduction
of the office into our school system.
Your committee are clearly OF the
opinion that the law in this respect
should be amended. They are I'M
PEELED to this expression, NOT IRON
sire for the continued prosperity OF
our schools. In point Of everything.
except buildings. that goes TO cor
stitute educational establishments,
we are now second to none In ars
their advance has been most rapid.
The number in attendance Is con-
stantly increasing and continnnliy
demanding enlarged schoo! fAcintles.
Contributing freely their time. taiens
g. Onad the board
Of trustees, one and all, earnestly
hone that no hindrances Will be per-
mitted to obstruct it's progress
The committee submitted resoiu.
tons requesting the amendment OF
existing laws to make the supsrin.
tendent elective by the board OF
trustees. After an extended and at
times acrimonious debate the report
was adopted by vote OF to ..
In those days spelling contests were
features of the general closing exer-
cises Of the schools. In
sn.l1;nr The Star Of June 2. 1870.
is the following account
Contest. Of such a competition:
sThe four intermediate schools OF
the third district concluded their con-
tests for the gold medal yesterday at
the wallach School. under the direc-
ton of Trustees Moore and Duln.
Each school was represented by eight
pupils, making in all sixteen boys and
sixteen girls. Eighty-one words select
ed from the first 100 words of the Com
prehensive Speller were given out to
he written. The result was that Ellen
Miller. Katie Somers, Bridget McGraw
and Florence ODER of Miss Lucy b.
Davis school: Annie Cunningham.
Mary Hughes. Lavinia Accardi and
Mary Ellen Brown each missed one
Johnson's school. and Harry Sponora
of Miss Kate Morphy's school did not
miss a word On the second trial
Bridget McGraw. Florence Ober and
Mary ELAN Brown each missed one
word and the other six none. forty
new words having been given out. On
the third trial. Katie Somers and Ella
Miller each missed one, the rest none.