GRANDMOTHER'S CLOAK.

Cut it and rip it, each daintiest thread,
Many the years since the needle was sped,
Held by the fingers now nerveiess and cold,
Pressing it, plaiting it, fold upon fold;
Smooth it out softly, in this latter day,
Fashion it deftly in quaint, modern way,
Tenderly touch its soft surface of brown,
Grandmother's cloak is her granddaughter's gown.
See! I am dressed, with a rose in my hair-
Grandmother dear! do you know, do you care?—
Out of the far realms of silence and shade
Can you look down at the gown I have made?
Can you remember when you, too, were young,
Setting the fashions the earth folks among?
Little you dreamed that your warm cloak of brown
Years would turn into a granddaughter's gown.
Grandmother, grandmother! when you were young
Came to you ever, with flattering tongue,
One who bent low, with a smile, to compare
Soft damask cheeks to the rose in your hair--
"Sweeter than roses in Paradise grown?'
Did he go off with the rose as his own?
Waiting I stand, with a smile and a frown,
Doubting and glad, in my sweet modish gown.

What were the dearest of words ever said?
Were the skies bright on the day you were wed?
Did all your fair, loving dreams come to pass
Ere you lay down under green growing grass?
Happy and faithful and tender and true!
May time be as gentle to me as to you,
And all homely virtues and graces come down,
Like sweet olden scents, for the granddaughter's
gown.

MARY RIDDELL CORLEY.

- Boston Evening Transcript.

NEW BOOKS.

THE BROTHErhood of thE COAST, by David Lawson Johnstone. Thomas Whittaker, New York. In his sketch of English life toward the close of the profligate reign of Charles II., Mr. Johnstone has presented a graphic picture, with delicate shading and effective and dramatic grouping. Sir Nigel Elphinstone relates his own story, and the adventures through which he and his friend, Sir Roger Duncombe, pass are full of life and interest. So are those of Scottish border life, the home of Sir Nigel, and the glimpse of General Monk in his later years, while the account of the adventure at sea and the capture by the Dutch man-of-war is a happy presentation of the imbecility that prevailed at that time in the administration of the English Navy. Afterward Sir Nigel and his friend depart for the West Indies, and the scene of the story undergoes a change in these surroundings, from which the book gets its title. These incidents are continuous and thrilling, but they are not as strong as those related of English life, where the author is at his best. The book is full of wholesome entertainment, and it will compare favorably with the historical stories of Doyle and Wyman and more noted authors of the day.

LEE & SHEPARD, BOSTON

"Old Boston," a reproduction of etchings in halftone of old Boston buildings with descriptive text, by Henry R. Blaney. In this handsome volume the etchings of Mr. Blaney have been faithfully reproduced They present a panorama of the historic "O'd Boston," which must prove welcome and attractive to every library. The landmarks of Colonial days are rapidly passing away, and any work which places them within the reach of the general public as attractively as this book does will continue a source of pleasure and of education. The style of architecture in the old mansions as well as the humble dwellings and the public taverns carry with them a host of historic associations. Among the views that are presented are the old State House, Faneuil Hall, Lamb Tavern, The Boston Stone and the Old Province House. In these days, when it is so easy to reproduce the pictures of the past, there is no reason why any of the old landmarks should

pass into oblivion.

The merits of this work set a commendable example of what might be done for "Old New York."

"Poems of the Farm," collected and illustrated by Alfred R. Eastman. The poetry in this attractive book is presented with an appropriate surrounding. The work itself is handsomely bound, and the illustrations, which are numerous, catch the strong and clear atmosphere of the poems.

"Notes from a Grey Nunnery," by Mrs. J. S. Hallock. The "Grey Nunnery" is not a cloister but a quaint old farm house where the author, who has an eye to nature, passed the year. She records her experiences and observations in a series of graphic word paintings, and the scenes are prettily illustrated with half tone vignettes.

"Aunt Billy," by Allyn Yates Keith. This will prove an entertaining book, with its glimpse of country life for those who enjoy the humor and pathos to be found in the country side.

"The Lottery Ticket," by J. T. Trowbridge. One of Mr. Trowbridge's entertaining stories for the young which appeared originally in the Youth's Companion, but has since been considerably enlarged.

"The Blue and The Gray," "A Lieutenant at Eighteen," one of Oliver Optic's entertaining stories of the Rebellion

"Half Around the World," by Oliver Optic, a book of travels for the young in Mr. Adams' brightest style.

"The Boy Officers of 1812," by Everett T. Tomlinson. A picture of an interesting period of the War of 1812.

"Young Master Kirk," by Penn Sharley.
"Kyzie Dunlee," by Sophia May.
"Little Daughter," by Grace LeBaron.

A STUDY IN PATRIOTISM.

"Washington Day by Day," by Elizabeth Byrant Johnston. Miss Johnston has prepared an interesting and patriotic work by the compilation of the leading incidents of Washington's life in the form of a journal for the year. Each day shows several events in Washington's career on the date at which they occurred, and with it some comment on the character of Washington by a well-known writer or a public man. The value of this work in schools as well as in libraries has received the testimony of Dr. William T. Harris, United States Commissioner of Education, and many other well-known educa

tors.

AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY, NEW YORK. "Old Greek Stories," for the Third Reader grade, by James Baldwin.

"Fairy Stories and Fables," second reader grade, by James Baldwin.

"Stories for Children," first reader grade, by Mrs. Charles A. Lane.

"The Physical Geography of Southern New England," by William Morris Davis.

AMERICAN BOOK CO.

"Elementary Lessons in Zoology," by James C. Needham. "School Zoology," by Margaretta Bur

nett.

THE BEDFORD PARK SCHOOL. The awards on the property for the new school at Briggs and Bainbridge ave. and Mosholu Parkway, at Bedford Park in the Twenty-fourth Ward, have been approved. They amount to $29,881. This new school will be further north than any in the city, nearly twenty miles from the Battery. Superintendent Snyder has already the plans under progress, and the building should be ready by next December. It will have 21 classes, all grades. The principalship is already under consideration, and the candidate who is considered directly in the line of promotion is Dr. John W. Davis, first assistant in Mr Sprague's school, No. 66, at Kingsbridge.

OBITUARY.

JAMES HARVEY PARTRIDGE.

James Harvey Partridge, formerly a principal in the public schools of the city, died last month at his home in Cranston, N. J., after a brief illness.

Mr. Partridge was descended from the old Puritan stock of New England. He was the son of William and Jemima (Bidwell) Partridge, and was born on his father's farm, Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Mass., on June 8, 1810. Mr. Partridge, who was, on the maternal side, a near relative of Justice Brewer, of the United States Supreme Court, was graduated from Union College in 1838. In April of the following year he came to New York for the purpose of following a scholastic career. From 1839 to 1844 he served as assistant teacher in Grammar School No. 3. Then he was appointed principal of the old ward school, No 33, in West 35th st., near Ninth ave. In 1856 he was made principal of the then ward school, now a grammar school, in West 28th st., near Sixth ave. He occupied this place until the summer of 1870, when, resolving to relinquish active routine work, he retired to his farm at Cranford. Subsequently he devoted himself mainly to literary work. He married in August, 1856, Sarah K. Farnham, of Bidford, Vt., who died in 1883. During her life Mrs. Partridge was prominently identified with charitable work, and was officially connected with many charitable and philanthropic institutions in this city. James F. Partridge, the only child of the union, died in 1870.

Mr. Partridge gained considerable repute as an author of scientific and educational works, and was a frequent contributor to scientific publications. He was well known, also, as the possessor of a wide range of knowledge on educational subjects, and as a learned Biblical scholar. He was said to have one of the finest private reference libraries, and one of the best collections of stereopticon views in this part of the country. In politics Mr. Partridge was a staunch RepubliInducements were frequently extended to him to enter public life, but he always showed a disinclination to avail himself of opportunities in this direction. The funeral services were held at his home in Cranford, at 12.30 P.M.

can.

TEACHERS' HOLIDAY TOURS. The annual holiday tours for teachers over the Pennsylvania Railroad to Washington and Old Point Comfort will be conducted this season, as they have for several years past, by W. N. Burchard, the Tourist Agent of the road. The Old Point Comfort trip will be $15, which includes transportation and board at the Chamberlain or Hygeia Hotels from Thursday night until Saturday noon, December 28th, with a special rate to those who wish to remain longer. The excursion leaves Jersey City at 8:13 Thursday morning, December 26, and reaches Old Point at 7 in the evening. The tickets are good for return until December 31st.

The tickets for the Washington trip, covering all expenses, will be $14.50. A special train will leave' with the party from Jersey City at 11:13, Thursday, December 26th. At Philadelphia dinner will be served and two hours will be allowed for a glimpse of the Quaker City. Washington is reached at a little after six in the evening, where the tourists will have a choice of several of the leading hotels. A special trip for Mt. Vernon is arranged for Friday afternoon, and the train leaves Washington for return at 3:15 Saturday afternoon. A lady chaperon always attends these Pennsylvania tourist parties for rendering aid and information to the ladies, many of whom are often without escorts. Arrangements for hotels for either of these trips should be made at as early a date as possible, and money for tickets purchased in advance and not used will be refunded if presented not later than one day before the excursion starts. Arrangements can be made at once with Mr. Burchard at 860 Fulton st., Brooklyn; or 1196 Broadway, corner 29th st, New York.

FOR FINAL ACTION.

The Board of Estimate will meet on Thursday of next week, December 19, to take final action on the annual budget of the Board of Education.

1

In the proposed re-organization of its committees as reported by the Committee on By-laws, the present Board of Education of the city has entered upon its most comprehensive and effective reform in school affairs. There has been no portion of the school system that has needed re-organization more than the business methods of the Board itself, but with the old conditions, and the desire of members for an appointment on special committees, this has heretofore been impossible. Even with the new Board in which every member is supposed to be absolutely disinterested, and desirous only of the most effective and businesslike methods of transacting school business, the wide divergence of opinion, is shown by the discussion at the special meeting of last Thursday.

With the approval of the report of the Committee on By-laws, all the school business will be distributed among five committees. By the amendment made in the plan, the Finance Committee will consist of an equal number of members, four of whom will be chairmen of other committees. If the division of the committee work is made, as suggested by the chairmen of the several committees, among the members of their respective committees, there does not seem possible a means of securing a more effective distribution of these various duties. In all bodies of the size of the Board of Education, the work invariably devolves on a few members. This plan seems adapted to extending the interest and the responsibilities of each commissioner in the work, while at the same time it centers responsibilities more largely in the chairmen of the committees. If it succeeds in bringing about a speedy and effective business routine in school business, it will relieve the Board of one of the most frequent grounds of complaint

If he could also have recognized that his position as school officer was entirely incompatible with a political activity in any political organization, his influence would have been of greater value and more permanent. He would not then have found it difficult to recognize that the present ward system is an absurdity that has served its time, or to admit the injustice of any system that gave him, as a single trustee, more authority than all the trustees of a half dozen wards under the same system, in other parts of the city. Mr. Stillings' experience as a school officer is of value to the city, and under a new condition of affairs where that experience may be entirely divorced from other interests, his friends will hope to see his name again directly connected with the schools of New York.

The appointment of two additional assistant superintendents of schools brings up a number of suggestions that have been in circulation for some time. One of these is the appointment of an officer familiar with the subject of physical instruction; another is the appointment of a woman superintendent for which there are several candidates. Still another is the appointment of a superintendent who has had an experience in schools, other than those of the city, and for this also there are several names under consideration as candidates.

The appointment of a superintendent who has not had an immediate experience in New York schools is one to be considered with caution. No city in the country has a larger opportunity of selection from its own ranks than New York has, and the only justification of an appointment of a superintendent not wholly familiar with the school work of the city, would be his exceptional qualification for the place. Such an appointment should be an officer of acknowledged reputation, capacity and experiedged reputation, capacity and experi

ence.

The suggestion as printed in SCHOOL a few weeks ago from Superintentendent Jasper, that male teachers of schools from different parts of the country would find ample opportunities in New York schools, has led to a large and immediate response.

SCHOOL has received many letters of inquiry, and several hundred male teachers from different parts of the country have made application for places, or forwarded their photographs. indicate men of character and intelliThe photographs are usually good, and

gence, but the photographs cannot undergo the examination which candidates are required to pass. Out-of-town applicants will find that there are many capable teachers in and about New York. The result should be to put each candidate to test on his merits, and the schools will obtain the benefit of the trial. The examination is to take place on Thursday, December 19.

*

The meeting of the Board of Education for next week will be the last regular meeting of the Board for the year, and the final meeting, unless one is called for a special purpose. The passing year has seen many important changes in school affairs, but the one that is about to begin is quite as likely to see the creation of even more important measures.

NEW SCHOOL BUILDINGS.

NEW JERSEY.

Bayonne-Tue city council has authorized the issue of 40,000 bonds for a new schoolhouse. Jersey City will repair School No. 10. Alvin H. Graff, Board of Education.

Montclair will erect brick schoolhouse. Loring & Phipps, architects.

New Durham will build brick school; cost, $8,000; architects, French & Dixon, 1 Madison ave., New York City.

North Bergen will build brick school; cost, about $8,000; French & Dixon, architects, 1 Madison ave., New York City.

Palmyra-The Board of Education want plans of a schoolhouse to cost about $8,000.

Phillipsburg will build a schoolhouse. C. C. Rosenberg.

Red Bank will build brick school; $6,000. O. E. Davis.

C. P.

Ridgefield will erect public schoolhouse. Karr, 3 Union Square, New York City. NEW YORK. Albany will erect new schoolhouse. Cost about $23,000. Auburn will build school. J. A. Schweinfurth, Boston.

Brooklyn.-St. Mary's church will build twostory brick school; cost $20,000; James Rooney, 47 Howard ave. Industrial School Association will build $20,000 school; H. C. Stone, 139 Fifth ave., New York City. Three story brick school; cost $81,198; J. Naughton, 131 Livingston st.

Buffalo will build high school; cost, $150,000 to $175,000; M. E. Beebe & Sons. Eight-room schoolhouse; cost about $25,000; Cyrus K. Porter. A sixteen-room schoolhouse; an eight-room addition to school No. 39; R. G. Parsons, secretary public works.

New York City will build five-story brick school; cost, $50,000; C. B. J. Snyder, architect, New York City.

Schaghticoke will build schoolhouse; architects, M. F. Cummings & Son, Troy, N. Y.

Valley Stream, L. I., will build frame school; $7,000; Frederick Devemer, architect. schoolhouse; cost, $6,000; F. N. Deremer, archit ct,

Floral Park, L. I., will erect a one-story frame

Jamaica.

Wood Haven, L. I., will build school; cost, $35,

000; H. S. Chambers, clerk of board. F. R. Deremer, of Jamaica, is makin plans for a brick school. house; cost, $35,000.

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

THE REORGANIZATION OF STANDING COMMITTEES.

An adjourned meeting of the Board of Education was held last Thursday, at which Commis sioner Beneville's report from the By-Laws Committee presenting a plan for the reorganization for the Standing Committees was considered in detail. Mr. Beneville made a statement of the substance of the report which was printed in last week's SCHOOL. The plan reduces the committees of the Board to five, of which the fifth, the Committee on Finance was to consist of the chairmen of the first, second and fourth committees in the order named. Mr. Beneville said this plan had been under the careful consideration of the ByLaws Committee for fully six months. The object to be attained was a more direct and prompt method of transacting the school business. Mr. Holt supplemented these remarks with further comments as to the working of the present committees. He added that some of the members thought that the Finance Committee would not be large enough with only three members, and he moved that it should be increased to five, of which the chairman should be appointed by the presi dent.

Commissioner Hubbell did not take favorably to this re-organization. He thought that nothing could be done by the Board without legislation at Albany similar to that provided by the Seventy Bill last year. He thought the duties imposed upon the members of the several committees by this plan would be too arduous. The Committee on Trustees alone has now serious difficulty in performing its duties, but under a new law which might provide for the appointment of fifty trustees annually instead of twenty-four, it would be impossible for the members to transact the business. He thought that such a committee should be sep. arate. He also called attention to the provision of the statute which provides that a special committee of three must direct the affairs of the Nautical School so that its supervision by five members would not be in accordance with the law. President Maclay relinquished the chair for the time to Dr. Hunt, and expressed his doubts as to the satisfactory working of the plan reported. He did not think that this small number of committees would be sufficient to transact properly the business of the Board. The present number of committees had been the rule, with a little variation, for the past thirty years. The Finance Committee, as reported, would be entirely too small. The result might be that many important matters of business would not receive the consideration that public business should.

A WARM TOPIC.

Mr. Holt called attention to the frequent attempts of the Board to arrange a schedule of the committees as they now stand so that their hours of meeting would not conflict. The result of such efforts had usually lasted a few weeks, when the meetings of the committees would again be assigned to their former days. He did not see why the proposed change should in any way interfere with the due consideration of public business. There would be the same number of commission. ers to consider every application as formerly. If anything, the distribution of such attention would be more equal, and sub-committees could be formed by the several committees to consider the several divisions of their work. He related an instance, the only one in his recollection, in which a public matter had failed to be acted upon by the Board. This happened a number of years ago when the Board received a communication in relation to Symm's Hole at the Arctic Pole. The writer was impressed with the idea that this hole in the earth was the entrance to Hades, and that it would be discovered on that part of the globe, and he had chosen the Board of Education of the city as a means of distributing this information to the world at large. The Board decided to refer the paper to the Committee on Warming and Ventilation, where to his knowledge it still remained and has never been reported upon.

Commissioner Goulden gave the report his cordial approval. He regarded it as one of the most practical ideas that had been introduced since his connection with the body, and he added that his opinion was an entirely unbiased one. Dr. Hunt spoke of his own experience as president, and his efforts to arrange the meetings of the committees so that they would not clash. These efforts had invariably proved failures. Dr. Peaslee objected to the proposed plan, and thought that the Supply Committee and that on Nautical Schools should be separate, and made a motion to that effect. Mr. Hubbell read a plan proposed by Commis

sioner Prentiss, who was absent for nine standing Committees.

Commissioner Little was inclined to think that the Sites and Building Committees should not be consolidated. He moved to substitute for the report a plan for the formation of eight committees, and asked that they be referred back to the By Law Committee to report the same.

Mr. Beneville arose, with some feeling, and said that probably no subject had been given more careful attention by any committee of the Board than this question of reorganization had for the last six months. His committee had considered the question from every point of view, and offered its report, without any personal interest, as the most practical solution of the problem which it could reach. It was unfair now to request of them a renewal of this work. The committee had asked the attendance and suggestions of other members of the Board, and had succecded in get. ting Mr. Hubbell to attend several of their sessions, but they had never obtained from him the remotest suggestion, or a single idea.

Colonel Ketchum said that he regretted to differ from the President of the Board with regard to the report and its practical tendencies, but the more he considered it the more favorably this solution presented by the committee impressed him. The responsibility of the work in relation to school business would rest upon the several chairmen of the committees appointed by the President. They would then be, under the President of the Board, the responsible heads. He did not think Mr. Hubbell should feel anxious about appointments of trustees, even if a new law should be adopted increasing the annual appointments to fifty. Those trustees whose terms would expire were known nearly a year in advance, which was ample time, if they were good men, to determine if they should be continued, and if they were not, to look out for others who would make good officers. A new law would probably not go into operation until the close of the year, and by that time the present report would have had the advantage of a year's trial, which would determine its value, or otherwise.

Mr. Beneville suggested that the report should be given at least a year's trial. The motions of Commissioner Little and Dr. Peaslee were put and lost. The amendment of Commissioner Holt was then adopted, and the resolutions of the Committee, providing that the report go into effect next month, were approved. The committee then reported the necessary amendments.

The five committees will be known as follows:
Finance Committee.

Committee on Instruction.
Committee on Buildings.
Committee on School System.
Committee on Supplies.

The Committee on Supplies is to have charge of the Nautical School, and when acting in that capacity is to be known as the Executive Committee for the care of the Nautical School.

THE NEW COMMITTEES. Ex-Commissioner Gilbert H. Crawford, in a let ter to the Editor of SCHOOL, on the reorganization of the Committees, writes well of the change: DEAR SIR:

Replying to your letter on the proposed reduc tion in the number of Standing Committees in the Board of Education, I think that the experiment is one well worth trying. Without attempting to state all the objections to the present system, I will mention one or two.

Frequently it has happened that one general subject has been distributed among two or three committees, each of which dealt with fragments of the work to be done, so that in the end the Board has had to consider two or three reports, not always harmonious, instead of one. Sometimes this method seemed so objectionable that joint committee meetings were held, but more often the difficulty was overcome by unofficial conferences between members of different committees. There was thus often a lack of unity in treating the same subject matter. Incidentally there were also delays, because one committee would have to wait for the report of another before taking action on the matter which it had specially in hand. Very often one committee had obtained information at considerable labor, which was very important for the consideration of another committee, but of which the latter did not have the benefit. I have known many instances where a committee had all the knowledge necessary to

dispose of an entire subject promptly, and yet was obliged to limit its action to the specific thing referred to it, so that the Board was obliged to take up the matter piecemeal, as successive committees reported.

Selecting a site, building a school and providing it with furniture are so intimately connected that I could never perceive any advantage in dividing the subject among three committees. So with the teachers of day schools and evening schools and the course of study. It has always seemed to me a mistake to distribute these closely related subjects among three committees. I am not so sure that five is the proper number for the new committees. It appears to me that the proposed committees on Construction, Teachers and School System might well be constituted of seven members each instead of five. If they consist of five members each, then five members of the Board, not counting the president, will be necessarily excluded from serving upon these, the three most important committees. The arguments on the other side are, however, of considerable force. The proposed plan will give each member of the Board a place on one of the four committees, and every committee will have plenty of work to do. I should say generally that the adoption of the new plan will naturally lead to considerable saving of work, to a more comprehensive prelimi nary consideration of important matters, and to greater expedition in the transaction of business. The work of the Board of Education has already reached such dimensions and is increasing at such a rate that a greater concentration of power and responsibility is imperatively demanded. To secure the punctual and efficient discharge of its duties, I am inclined to think the Board ought to meet once a week, instead of once a fortnight. The proposed reduction in the number of committees will facilitate such a change as this. Yours truly, G. H. CRAWFORD,

December 11, 1895.

AN ANCIENT RACE.

Six mummies are credibly reported to have been found in a cave between the Elk and Blue mountains in Utah. Two of them are of men, one of whom was of unusual stature; two are women, and two boys. Each was swathed in a long strip of a curious material composed of wool and feathers and was encased in an outer covering of cedar bark. They were remarkably well preserved. The men have red hair and one of them had a heavy mustache. It is easy to see that one of the boys had a violent death. It was at first supposed that they were the bodies of some cliff-dwellers, but it is now believed that they belonged to an earlier race. The place where they were found is much lower than the cliff-dwellers' abodes and the bodies have none of the racial characteristics of that people. The shape of the skulls is that of the Caucasian race and the color and texture of the hair are different from any yet found among the remains of the cliff dwellers.

With the bodies were some curious relics. There were some buckskin pouches of peculiar construction, the leather of which had been tanned by some process unknown at the present day. An earthen vessel containing red corn was also found in the cave, some flint arrow-heads, broken pottery, and several curious articles, the use for which is not known. The most significant fact about them is the excellent preservation of the bodies, showing that this prehistoric people understood the art of embalming. It is probable that, like the ancient Egyptians, they supposed that the future life of the soul depended on the preservation of its discarded habitation.

LITERARY NOTES.

"Yale and Her Honor Roll in the American Revolution" is the title of an admirable work recently published by Professor Johnston, of the department of history. The book is of interest to college men in general, because it clearly defines the position taken by the collegian in that evermemorable conflict for freedom, and to Yale men in particular, because it is a tribute to those men who rendered valuable service to their country and reflected honor upon their alma mater. According to Professor Johnston, who is an authority upon the Revolution, there were in 1775 about nine hundred Yale alumni.

SCHOOL TOPICS.

Primary No. 28, of which Mrs. Nora C. Lenihan is acting principal, has an attendance of over sixhundred in eleven classes. The school building is one of the best equipped in its sanitary and other arrangements in that part of the city.

The attendance in Grammar No. 48, of which Miss Babcock is principal, averages over eight hundred. The registry is 861. Class B of the Grammar department has held a record of 100 per cent. for the two months of October and November, and expects to maintain it the rest of the year.

PLAINTS AND QUERIES.

AN ERROR CORRECTED.

Editor of School:

DEAR SIR-In your issue of December 5th, you report Commissioner Goulden as saying, at a meeting of the Board of Education held December 4th, that, "In the case of Miss Mack, that lady had subsequently written an apology to the Board of Trustees and to Dr. Byrnes."

Permit me to say that the statement is erroneous and the Commissioner must have been misinformed, as I have never written an apology to the Board of Trustees, nor to Dr. Byrnes.

SUSAN M. MACK. NEW YORK, December 11, 1895.

DEAR SIR-Recently there appeared in your paper a copy of the suggestions for school legislation with which the Association of Male Principals proposed to assist the deliberations of their official superiors, the Commissioners of Education. It is to be hoped that those gentlemen are duly grateful for the verbose proofs of their subordinates' zeal.

There are sixty five male principals in the public schools, and only fourteen of these (their association appears to have economical ideas upon the subject of quorum) were present at the meeting which prepared these considerate counsels for the Board of Education. The Commissioners will probably attach to them the weight which the

DEAR SIR.-We have been told that the trustees of the Twelfth Ward intend, or have already nominated another candidate for principal from a Grammar department to the Primary department of No. 54. Is there no one eligible in the line of promotion in No. 54 ? and if not, are there no other competent Primary teachers in the ward or in the city? We do not acknowledge that Grammar teachers make the best Primary principals, nor is that fact established. PRIMARY TEACHER. New York, December 10.

THE GROVE STREET SCHOOL. Editor of School:

DEAR SIR-A day or two ago we spent a profit. able hour in that beehive of industry, the Male department of Grammar School No. 3, on Hudson st., where Mr. B. D. Sutherland controls fifteen classes, averaging forty pupils each, with but twelve class rooms. The college class of fortyone boys had every pupil present, a standard maintained through thirteen weeks of last year. One was struck with the perfect absence of discipline in this class, so intent were these earnestfaced lads upon the work in hand. A lesson in critical English evinced independent thinking on the part of the pupils, good powers of expression and exceptional concentration of mind. On the walls of the class-room were drawings in colored crayons, original designs for oil cloths, wall papers, etc., and some architectural plans that suggested a Vaux or a Le Brun. The colored maps evidenced precision, neatness and some degree of æsthetic taste; leading one to inquire what studies were neglected in order to the bring. ing out of such results. The answer that thirtyfive out of thirty-six boys passed successfully last year their college entrance examination was sufficient reply. At eleven o'clock the windows were thrown wide open, and under the command of one of their number, the entire class went through a series of gymnastic exercises, which brought every muscle into play, supplemented by such military manoeuvres as the limited room space "dmitted. The boys seemed en rapport with their teacher, and evidently believed in him most fully.

We came away feeling that the Ninth Ward is to be congratulated upon such teaching, conscious also that we are unable to speak to the measure of its deserving.

NEW YORK, December 11.

A VISITOR.

[Contributed.]

A PLEASANT CELEBRATION.

TWO INTERESTING DAYS IN THE GIRLS' GRAMMAR DEPARTMENT OF GRAMMAR SCHOOL NO. 5.

On Tuesday, November 26, the Girls' depart ment of Grammar School No. 5 was presented with a beautiful silk flag. The staff is mounted with a silver plate, on which is inscribed, "To the Girls' Dept. of G. S. No. 5, by the Alexander Hamilton Post, W. R. C., of N. Y, Nov. 26, 1895." This is the first time that a " Woman's Relief Corps" has given a flag to any department of a school, and the patriotic girls thoroughly appreci ated the generous gift of the patriotic women.

The girls having marched like well drilled sol diers to their places in the assembly room, the interesting exercises began with the hymn "Ark of Freedom." Miss Beatrice Zacharie made a graceful address of "Welcome," and the programme was continued without hesitation or hitch of any kind, so perfect was the discipline and so systematic the plan of entertainment. After a recitation and song, the former by Helen McEntee, and the latter by the school, the Pledge to Our Flag" was given, and the song, "Flag of the Free," followed. One of the best features of the programme was the Drill," by twenty-eight girls. Helen McEntee was the captain, and the precis ion and snap with which the girls obeyed orders and went through the military marching was a marvel to many and a delight to all.

Many compliments were received by the principal, Miss Emma C. Schoonmaker, from Commissioners, trustees, principals of other schools and friends, whose appreciation was manifested by words of praise for the discipline of the department and the magnitude of the success attained in so short a time.

Mr.John Whalen presided, and many distinguished guests were present, among them being Mr. Robert E. Steel, president of the Board; Mr. Rasines, Mr. Stillings, Morris Sterne, Commissioners Wehrum and Joseph A. Goulden, Mr. J. S. Dean, Assistant Corporation Counsel; Rev. Charles Eaton, D.D.; Rev. Emory J. Haynes, D.D.; Commander A. Scott, of Alexander Hamilton Post; Mrs. A. Huelett, president of the Woman's Relief Corps, and many others.

On Friday, December 6, the same department was instructively entertained by Commissioner Charles C. Wehrum, who, with his wife, spent the morning in the school. Mr. Wehrum gave his very interesting and thrilling paper on the "Battle of Antietam," thereby stirring the hearts of child and teacher, and making the tears start as they realized more than ever before the privations and sufferings of the noble men who fought for our Union.

The Commissioner spoke in strong terms of his pleasure in visiting this department; of the discipline displayed, and of the " magnitude of the success attained in so short a time." His words of encouragement were an evident inspiration to teacher and scholar. The drill of November 26 was repeated for Mrs. Wehrum, after which the Commissioner arose and reiterated his compli mentary remarks, adding that he had visited an armory a few evenings before, but that the marching he had just seen outdid that of the "boys."

After visiting the gymnasium, culinary department, modeling room, etc., Mr. and Mrs. Wehrum left, leaving behind them pleasant memories of kindly words and sweet-spirited interest.

WHEN BABY PUT ON PANTS.

It's a day we all remember, and its scene of solemn state

Still casts a gleam of sadness, when at home we congregate;

For a baby form is missing, and no childish prattle grants

It's music sweet, refreshing, since the baby put on pants.

'Twas a transformation truly, and it marked an epoch grave,

It took away dear babyland and boyhood to us gave;

The change could be discovered with the slightest kind of glance

At the pride-flushed face of baby--that day he put on pants.

It closed the doors of lullaby and opened wide the gate

That leads from arms of mother to the hill of man's estate;

The light of dawning future cross the fragrant pathway slants

Of baby, and enthralls him-on the day he put on pants.

-St. Paul Dispatch.

PERSONAL.

Mr. Hermann Loos was recently appointed an additional teacher in Grammar No. 12, Mr. Townley's department.

Mr. Elijah Jenks, Jr., a capable teacher of Grammar No. 94, has been appointed second assistant in No. 11, Mr. Grotecloss' school.

Trustee Edward H. Sweeny who has been appointed to fill a vacancy in the Sixth Ward is superintendent for the Hilton, Hughes & Co.'s building.

Miss F. G. Curtis was recently appointed a teacher in the Primary of Grammar No. 55, of which Miss Mary White is principal, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Miss Mary A. Furner.

Mr. John H. Grotecloss, principal of Grammar No. 11, was prostrated with an unexpected illness at the time of his election as principal, but has now recovered and is able to give all his atten tion to the school work.

Dr. Louis Rodenstein, the new trustees of the Twelfth Ward, is an active gentlemen under sixty years, and is widely known in the upper part of the city. He is visiting physician at the Manhattan Hospital and the Convent of the Sacred Heart.

Trustee Hornthal has a faculty of coming in ahead on the home stretch. When first appointed a trustee his name was dropped at the executive session of the Board, but it was again

considered, and he was elected at the final meeting.

The Twelfth Ward trustees have nominated Mrs. Kate McDermott for principal of the Primary of Grammar No. 54, the vacancy caused by the retirement of Miss Knapp. Mrs. McDermott is a teacher with an excellent record in Mr. Meighan's department of No. 39.

Miss Jennie V. Van Schaick, of Primary School No. 2, of which Miss Sweeney was the principal, has been transferred to Grammar No. 48. Misses Emma McClellan and Julia A. Kane were recently appointed additional teachers in No. 48, and Miss Mary E. Martin was made permanent substitute in the school.

Miss Florence J. Patrick, a bright young woman who has recently done some excellent work as a teacher, has been appointed in Miss Beale's department of No. 11. Miss E. Harris has received the appointment as additional teacher in that de. partment, and Miss Rose Levy has been made regular substitute for the school.

Miss Mary F. Ward, an additional teacher in Primary No. 8, has been transferred to a vacancy in Primary No. 2, and Miss Katherine Duffy has been appointed to the vacancy in No. 8, of which Miss Francis A. Smith is principal. The attendance in that school, which is over 700, has made necessary a formation of an additional class, of which Miss Gertrude Brada has temporary charge.

The O. I. F. Club of the University Settlement, held a Thanksgiving reception at the club rooms, No. 26 Delancy st. Trustees James K. Paulding and James B. Reynolds of the Tenth Ward are active members of this club. A pleasant entertainment was given on this occasion, in which Miss Maude E. Cross, a bright young teacher of Mr. Frisbee's department of No. 4, took a prominent part.

Ex Superintendent Harrison, while coming down town last Saturday, had a narrow escape from a serious accident. As he was about to get on a cable car a reckless driver of a heavy team dashed down upon the car, throwing Mr. Harrison to the ground, and almost under the car wheels. He escaped with a few slight bruises, and unfortunately the driver of the horses also made his escape. before he conld be apprehended.

With the opening of the schools in September, Miss Emma L. Babcock, principal of Grammar No. 48, was made principal of the entire school, the Primary department being consolidated with the Gran.mar in consequence of the retirement of Mrs. C. M. Botts, the former principal. The work of the school has been proceeding very satis factorily. Miss Emeline Dowling, vice-principal of the Primary, has been made General Assistant

of the school, with immediate supervision over the Primary department.

The corps of assistant superintendents have been busy the past week with the teachers and principals of the schools in the newly annexed district. The experience and surroundings have been somewhat novel. Each superintendent has been required to present a written report with a critical statement of the management, efficiency and general capability of the teachers in these schools and the executive direction of the several departments. These reports were all made to Superintendent Jasper and are filed for reference

GRAMMAR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS.

The third annual meeting of the State Council of Grammar School Principals is to be held at Syracuse on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 26th and 27th of this month. Among the features of the programme are the following papers:

"Examinations and Promotions, how often and on what Basis," Principal J. L. Bothwell, Albany; discussion, Principal Charles E. White, Syracuse.

"Literature, its Relation to Language Study," Principal Jared Barhite, Long Island City; discussion, Principal M. A. Root, Buffalo.

Joint Session of the Council of Grammar School Principals and Associated Academic Principals, Address by Hon. Charles R. Skinner, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

"Correlation of Studies from the Standpoint of the Elementary School," John E. Sherwood, Albany; discussion, George H. Walden, Rochester. Informal discussion. Election of officers.

"Child Study, how can it be made Practical," Dr. Franklin N. McMurray, Dean Buffalo Schoo of Pedagogy; discussion, Miss Marian Strickland' Syracuse.

The following are topics suggested for informal discussion: "Individualization, what can be Done for the Individual Pupil?" "Discipline vs. Management." "Professional Spirit and Professional Study." "How to test the Quality of the Teacher's Work." "The Relation of the Public Schools to the Growing Disregard for Authority." The present officers of the Council are: President, Delmer E. Batcheller, Buffalo. Vice-Presidents, C. F. Norton, Binghamton; W. W. Rixford, Hornellsville.

Corresponding Secretary, H. C. DeGroat, Buf

falo.

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