The Wrangell sentinel., 1923-11-29

last. was splendid success and fitting climax to a program that has aroused considerable enthusiasm in the community. When an audience will sit for almost four hours and follow, with intense interest. a pro- gram of speech and song, then, that audience is interested in Americani- zation and the problems that face America, today.
 Commander w. R. Nevill of Merlin Elmer Palmer Post No. presided in a most capable way. A very striking feature at the opening was the parad- ing of the colors. The Bronson or chestra made splendid contribution and Mrs. Bronson officiated at the piano. On the platform were Mayor J. c. Grant, Judge Wm. G. Thomas. Post Commander w. R. Nevill, Com missioner L. D. Henderson, Superin- tendent of Schools w. L. Gross, pr. Is. c. Shurick, Adjutant of the Le- zion, and, Captain Dancey.
 The community singing drew most generous response from all. One of the feature songs was three versed appeal, thrown on the screen. an appeal from the school children of Wrangell for a decent school building in which to pursue their studies. This appeal was exceptional ly well received.
 Superintendent w. L. Gross of the Wrangell Public Schools. was the first speaker, and, in a very interest ing half hour, he traced the record of the Wrangell school with an occa- sional sidelight on the educational |effort in other fields. He pleaded for cooperation on the part of the homes and business men and he assured them that, with this cooperation, the efficiency of the local school would be speedily advanced. He stated that the work of the Wrangell school was fifty per cent better this year than last year, but said he would not be satisfied unless he made the work next year better yet. He asked that patrons refrain from criticising his efforts without first trying to under stand his motives and praised the work that MT. o. A. Bronson is doing with his music pupils and the untir- ing efforts he is making in their be- half.
 Mayor Grant was called on for few words and he took advantage of the opportunity to voice an enthus- iastic endorsement of the American ization program.
 Judge Thomas was next in line.
 Before coming to Alaska" said Commander Nevill, my impressions were of land that was universally accepted as the last frontier, land of romance. My coming has changed all. The days of the frontier and the days of romance have passed on and I find Alaska a different land from the land had visualized Still. there remain a few of those connecting links, those personalities that bind the present to the past. Wrangell is honored in having as one her best beloved citizens, man who breathes the spirit of old Alaska. We are glad to have him with us tonight Let me present Judge Thomas"
 Judge Thomas spoke briefly, but he crowded a world of sentiment into a few words.
 Commissioner of Education L. D.
 Henderson was then introduced Tracing the educational system through the different countries of the world, he held up the World Con- l ference on Education. which met at San Francisco. last summer. as one
 the great hopes of a better under standing between nations The pro- gram for the improvement of the schools of the United States, as pro- vided for in the Towner-Sterling bill, was outlined in an interesting
 way. MT. Henderson carried his thought right through to Alaska and detailed for his audience the plans that were in the making for big
 ger and better school system for the
 Territory. He urged the people of
 Wrangell to provide more adequate
 plant for the boys and girls through
 the construction of new building.
 "We are now in the modern era of
 education." he concluded, "and the
 courses of study. material equipment
 of the schools and the general. cen
 tral ideal of instruction and culture,
 must be of a character in harmony
 with the progress of time"
 At this juncture. the orchestra
 contributed a patriotic medley and
 the audience was given an opportu- | l.