EDUCATIONAL THOUGHT.

A STANDARD OF PRONUNCIATION. There should be a standard of good English pronunciation as rigidly maintained in our schools as the German, French, Italian and Spanish standards are adhered to in the countries where those languages prevail.-The Boston Herald.

TRENTON'S SCHOOL LIBRARIES.

The fact that seventeen out of twenty-one public schools in Trenton, N.J., have taken advantage of the law to help them to obtain libraries shows how much needed the law was, and how much benefit may be derived from it. The law authorizes the treasurer of the school fund to pay to any school $20 for the establishment of a school library, on condition that the school itself raises at least as much more, and $10 annually thereafter on the same conditions.-The Philadelphia Press.

EDUCATION PROGRESSING IN LOUISIANA.

Mr. Hargrove shows by the facts and figures presented that if public educational interests in Louisiana are not in the high state of advancement found in some Northern and Western States, they are by no means in the low and discouraging condition predicated of them, but that they are fairly prospering under all the difficult circumstances which surround them, and there is cheering hope of important improvement.-The New Orleans Picayune

SEEKS RE-INSTATEMENT. Mary M. Jordan, who was a teacher in Grammar School No. 61, and was discharged by the trustees of the school for making statements about one of the trustees which they believed to be false, intends, through her lawyers, Matthews & Koehler, of No. 99 Nassau st.. to begin mandamus proceedings before Judge Pryor in the Court of Common Pleas next Wednesday. She will try to have the Board of Education and the trustees of the Twenty-third Ward required to show cause why she should not be re-instated.

TEACHERS' AID SOCIETY.

The following circular has been issued with a view to the organization of this society:

The desirability of organizing a society for providing a fund to be disbursed for the benefit of its members in time of sickness has been discussed for some time by our Teachers' Association.

By vote of the directo.s a committee was appointed. Its chairman reported that they had considered the constitutions and by-laws of aid societies belonging to various professions and benevolent and social organizations, especially the Teachers' Aid Association of Brooklyn. The mortuary features of such societies were disre garded, because of existing provisions of the Mutual Life Assurance Association and of the Teachers' Protective Union.

In view of the contemplated project, we may assume this average schedule:

Initiation fees, $2; monthly dues (no assessments), 50 cents; weekly sick benefits, $5.

The management could be under control of the

Teachers' Association; but this question and other details will be determined by the members.

The committee was authorized to issue a "Circular of Inquiry," which is hereby presented for the signatures of principals and teachers favorable to the formation of such an aid society, if organized on a sound financial basis.

Teachers wishing to make inquiries or to express suggestions and views, favorable or unfavorable, will please address,

ROBERT B. KEYSER, Chairman of Committee, 488 Hudson st., New York City.

September 9, 1895.

HARD TIMES AND TEACHERS' WEDDINGS.

Hard times have seriously depressed the marriage market in the Northwest during the past twelve months, and the fact has been attested in a curious way. It is stated by the public school authorities of the State of Washington that fewer vacancies of teachers' places occurred during the year than for a number of years past. Vacancies usually occur through the teachers getting married, and very few were married last year. In a number of cases it was related that young women who were engaged to be married during the year had been compelled to assume unexpected responsibilities through the hard times, and so had postponed the event; while the inference is that the hard times also influenced lots of young men to continue courting another year or so.-Exchange.

ON EQUAL FOOTING.

A teacher in Oregon recently had a Chinese pupil. When the Celestial came, among other things she asked him his name.

"My name," said the Chinaman, smiling, "is Wang Hang Ho."

"Oh, I can't remember all that," said the teacher, "I will call you John."

John smiled all over and asked:-
:-
"What your namee?"

"My name is Amelia Nettleton."

"Me no memble all that," said John. "Chinaman he no savey your name. Me call you Tommy."

HER DECOLLETE GOWNS.

She talked of the ball and of those who'd be there
And asked if he'd go.

He pleaded he really had nothing to wear-
She knew that was so.

"But neither have I," she then hastened to say,
He answered: "Society says that you may
With perfect propriety go there that way.
I can't, don't you know."
-Chicago Post.

THE CITY COLLEGE SITE.

The first step in the purchase of the new site for the City College, it is reported, was taken on Wednesday in the signing of the preliminary con tract for the sale of eleven lots in the plot bounded by Convent ave., St. Nicholas Place, 138th st. and 139th st. Six of these lots face St. Nicholas Place, while the remaining five form the southwestern corner of Convent ave. and 139th st. The sale of this piece of land has been under negotiation since July, and has been rapidly pushed since then. Col. Alexander P. Ketchum has conducted the negotiations in behalf of the Board of Education, his associates on the Site Committee having given him full authority to go ahead with the purchase. The sum of $47,000 was the price agreed upon for these eleven lots.

This is a part of the Benjamin H. Hutton es. tate, and the preliminary contract read that it was to be sold to the "Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of New York." Frank R. Houghton acted as the broker.

Commissioner Charles Strauss said to a New York Tribune reporter in reference to this sale:

The matter has been kept as quiet as possible, and I do not feel at liberty to say anything in reference to it. The Committee settled on the Convent ave. site last June, and we are satisfied that it is the best available site in the city. We have been instructed to go ahead and acquire the property as soon as possible, and we have been negotiating for these lots ever since July. I do not profess to be an expert in real estate values, but I do not think that $47,000 is too much for the property, and at the same time I regard it as a very fair price."

Another member of the committee said: "When we settled on the Convent ave. site we had some correspondence with the owners of property up there. Of course the establishing of the City College up there would immediately send up the price of real estate in that neighborhood. In fact, the mere announcement of the Site Committee's decision to place the college there sent up prices Property up there was worth about $5,000 a lot, and when we decided to put the City College there we had a tacit agreement with these property owners not to advance the price of their lots to an abnormal figure. I think the property owners will adhere to this agreement, so we need apprehend no delay from condemnation proceedings."

BY WAY OF ILLUSTRATION. Theodore-Tell me, now, what is the meaning of the expression, "pulling your leg?"

Richard-I can't tell you in so many words, but I will illustrate. You haven't $10 about you that you can let me have for a week or two? Thanks. -Boston Transcript.

ESTABLISHED 1852.

Also in Covington, Ky.; East Des Moines, Ia.; Wichita, Kan.;

Summer Terms, beginning June 1st. The knowledge of the rudiments of Perone to make a correct drawing of any ob

Logansport, Ind.; Sedalia, Mo.; Kalamazoo, Mich.; Winona,pective is absolutely necessary to enable Minn.; Kenosha, Wis.; East Cleveland, O., and in over 500 towns. and districts throughout the country.

For full Description and Terms of the
:: Natural Course in Music, Address ::

AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY,

Washington Square, New York.

SOMETHING NEW. See page 33, supply book. ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR SCHOOL USE, 1895. Scholar's Record Composition, Tablet No. 50; Form and Drawing, Tablet No. 80; Letter Writing, Tablet No. 60.

AMERICAN LEAD PENCILS. See page 37, supply book.
Scientific-Rose-wood or Satin Polish. Large or small.

DEFIANCE PENS. Page No. 35, supply book.

Extra Chilled Steel Points Pens, Highly Endorsed by both Principals and Teachers.

ject, in the house or out of doors. What more delightful than the ability to make a sketch of any thing you may see or think of, and how helpful such knowledge is in teaching, even in the Primary Grades.

I will impart this knowledge to any one in six lessons.

One or two pupils together at my studio $5.00 each. Apply early and secure morning hours for July and August, afternoon

lessons in June.

I will also enable Teachers to teach their own grades in Drawing successfully, on the same terms.

N. B.-The advantage of private lessons is obvious: The pupil secures the whole attention of the Teacher.

Address by letter or postal card,
EDWARD MILLER,

44 So. Washington Sq., City. Teachers! Are You Interested in Drawing?

The L. W. Ahrens Stationery and Printing Co., School, in the new building of the Univer

85 LIBERTY STREET, OFFICE AND SALESROOM.

SCHOOL ASSOCIATION NOTICES.

Association of Primary Principals holds its regular meeting the second Monday in each month, at the New York City College. President, Miss Josephine E. Rogers; Secretary, Miss S. E. Buckbee.

The "Emile" holds its regular meetings on the first and third Fridays of each month, at The College of the City of New York. William J. O'Shea, President; Bryan J. Reilly, Rec. Secretary.

Primary Teachers' Association. Regnlar meetings held on the third Monday of each month, at The College of the City of New York. Mary A. Magovern, President, Mrs. J. E. Archer. Secretary.

The Teachers' Co-operative Building and Loan Association holds its regular meetings on the last Friday of each month, at No. 160 East 34th st., at 4 p. m. Joseph G. Furey, President: Magnus Gross, Jr., Secretary.

Teacher's Building and Loan Association. Regular meeting on the last Friday of each month, in Grand Central Palace, 127 East 43d st. David E. Gaddis, President: A. D. Stratton, Secretary.

Janitors' Association of the New York Public Schools will hold its regular meeting on Saturday at 4 p. m., Nov. 16th at 3rd ave. and 79th st. Samuel C. Haight, President: Frederick Meyer, Secretary.

Teachers' Association of the City of New York holds the regular meeting of its Board of Directors on the third Tuesday of each month, in the City College, at 4 p. m. Matthew J. Elgas, President; Henry M. Farrell, Secretary.

KNICKERBOCKER

TRUST Co.

234 FIFTH AVE., COR. 27TH ST.
Branch Office,

Capital,

66 Broadway, New York. $1,000,000 00 DESIGNATED LEGAL DEPOSITORY. Interest allowed on time deposits. Checks pass through N. Y. Clearing House.

Acts as Executor, Guardian or Administrator of Estates, and as Receiver, Registrar, Transfer and Financial Agent for States, Railroads and corporations.

Money to Loan on Bond and Mortgage. ROBERT MACLAY, President. CHARLES T. BARNEY, Vice-President. JOSEPH T. BROWN, 2d Vice-President. DIRECTORS:

AMUSEMENTS.

Academy of Music-Fourteenth street and Irving place, at 8:00-The Sporting Duchess."

American Theatre-Forty-second street and Eighth avenue. at 8:00- The Great Diamond Robbery."

Abbey's Theatre-Broadway and 38th st. -Francis Wilson in "The Chieftain." Bijou Theatre-Broadway, near Thirtieth street, at 815.-May Irwin in the "Widow

Jones."

Broadway Theatre-Broadway and 40th street, at 8:00-"Princess Bonnie." Daly's Theatre-Broadway, near Thirtieth street, at 8:00-Mrs. Potter and Mr. Bellew in " Le Collier de la Reine."

Eden Musee-Twenty-third street, near Sixth avenue-Waxworks.

Empire Theatre-Fortieth street and Broadway, at 8:15-Mr. John Drew in "That Imprudent Young Couple."

Fifth Avenue Theatre-Twenty-eighth Street, near Broadway, at 8:15.-Nat. C. Goodwin in "A Gilded Fool."

Fourteenth Street Theatre-Fourteenth st. and Sixth ave., at 8-Clara Morris in "Camille."

Gaiety Theatre-Broadway and Twenty ninth street, at 8:15-Burlesque.

Garden Theatre.-Madison Square Garden, at 8:15.-"Trilby."

Garrick Theatre-Thirty-fifth st. and Broadway-"A Social Highwayman." Grand Opera House-Twenty-third street and Eighth avenue, at 8:00-Sowing the Wind."

Harlem Opera House-One Hundred and Twenty-fifth street, near Seventh ave., at 8:15-Marie Wainwright in "The Love Chase."

Herald Square Theatre-Broadway and Thirty-fifth street, at 8:15-"Rob Roy."

If so, you should look into the courses taught at the Metropolitan Normal Art sity of the City of New York, east side of Washington Square. For circulars, address at once, the principal,

Langdon S. Thompson,
30 Park st., Jersey City, N. J.

TEACHERS' LICENSES.

Candidates for examination at the Board of Education, also Normal College students coached. Experience; success; ref

erence.

MRS. ANNIE M. ATKINSON, 236 West 130th St.

FREE TO TEACHERS. Prof. Paul Bercy will give a course for beginners in French,free to teachers, every Thursday, at quarter past four, in the Institute, 39 West 42d st., New York.

"Le Français pratique" will be used. First lesson: Thursday, October 10th.

GRATIS!

fourth street, near Broadway, at 8:30."The Gay Parisians."

Koster & Bial's Music Hall- - Thirtyfourth street, bet. Broadway and Seventh avenue, at 8:15-Variety.

Lyceum Theatre-Fourth avenue, near 23d st., at 8.00-E. H. Sothern in "The Prisoner of Zenda."

Madison Square Garden. -Madison avenue and 26th stteet at 8:00.-Black America.

Palmer's Theatre-Broadway and Thirtieth street, at 8:15-Della Fox in "Fleurde-Lis."

Proctor's Pleasure Palace-Fifty-eighth street, bet. Lexington and Third aves. continuous from noon to midnight Vaudeville,

Proctor's Twenty-third Street Theatre -continuous from 11:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. -Vaudeville.

Standard.-Thirty-third street and Broadway, at 8:15.-"The Capitol."

Union Square Theatre-Fourteenth street near Broadway, continuous performance from noon to 10:30 P. M.-Vaudeville and Opera.

21 East 17th Street, New York. EXERCISE FOR HEALTH The Victor Pulley Weight Machine No. 5, has no equal for general physical exercise. Everybody seeking good health should have this machine at home for daily use. Price,Japan finish, $15.00. Nickel Trimmings, $18.00. Estimates and plans furnished for school gymna

siums,uniformsfor gymnasium use,also for allsports,outing and yachting. Our illustrated Catalogue, also

book, Physical Culture, free.

A. G. SPALDING & BROS., 126-128-130 Nassau St., New York.

Descriptive pamphlet free on application to
Rumford Chemical Works, Providence,
R. I.
Beware of Substitutes and Imitations.

For Sale by all Druggists.

VERY one in need of information on the

subject of advertising, will do well to obtain a copy of "Book for Advertisers," 368 pages, price one dollar. Mailed, postage paid, on receipt of price. Contains a careful compilation from the American Newspaper Directory of all the best papers and class journals; gives the circulation rating of every one, and a good deal of information about rates and other matters pertaining to the business of advertising, Address, ROWELL'S ADVERTISING BUREAU, 10 Spruce St., N. Y.

USE BARNES' INK.

A. S. BARNES & CO., 56 E.10th St., N.Y.

CAVEATS, TRADE MARKS, DESIGN PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS, etc.l For information and free Handbook write to MUNN & CO., 361 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. Oldest bureau for securing patents in America. Every patent taken out by us is brought before the public by a notice given free of charge in the

Scientific American

Largest circulation of any scientific paper in the No intelligent world. Splendidly illustrated. man should be without it. Weekly, $3.00 a year; $1.50 six months. Address MUNN & CO. PUBLISHERS, 361 Broadway, New York City.

MY PLAYMATES.

The wind comes whispering to me of the country green and cool,

Of redwing blackbirds chattering beside a reedy pool:

It brings me soothing fancies of the homestead on the hill,

And I hear the thrush's evening song and the robin's morning trill:

So I fall to thinking tenderly of those I used to know,

Where the sassafras and snakeroot and checkerberries grow.

What has become of Ezra Marsh, who lived on Baker's hill?

And what's become of Noble Pratt, whose father kept the mill ?

And what's become of Lizzie Crum and Anastasia Snell,

And of Roxie Root, who 'tended school in Boston for a spell?

They were the boys and they the girls who shared my youthful play;

They do not answer to my call! My playmates, where are they?

What has become of Levi and his little brother Joe,

Who lived next door to where we lived some forty years ago?

I'd like to see the Newton boys and Quincy Adams Brown,

And Hepsy Hall and Ella Cowles, who spelled the whole school down!

And Gracie Smith, the Cutler boys, Leander Snow and all

Who I am sure would answer could they only hear my call!

Alison took the broad view of the revolutionary period of France, and aside from all prejudices, he saw that the era of Napoleon would take its place in history with that of Pericles and Hannibal; perhaps he might have added with stricter accuracy with those of Alexander and Cæsar. The climax in the case of Bonaparte, his deposition, imprisonment and death at St. Helena was scarcely less tragic than the deaths of Alexander or of Cæsar. The career of each of these terminated with the completion of a work of reconstruction. Napoleon's last years contain an ele. ment of pathos as well, which will appeal even more strongly to future generations, and will doubtless continue an important factor in perpetuating the influence, as well as the memory of Napoleon, to ages as remote from the present as the present is from those of his predecessors, two of the world's greatest conquerors and strongest individual forces of the past.

Alison's History of Europe was one of the most voluminous works of the century. The author was occupied with it for twenty-eight years. The full narrative covers a great variety of detail and fills over eight thousand pages in ten large octavo volumes. The presentation, therefore, of a careful abridgment as that of Mr. Gould's has been admitted to be, of the life study of the author, cannot fail to be of lasting value to the general student and reader. The general style and treatment of Alison is retained throughout the abridgment, and the interest which, despite the faults of the author, never permits his narrative to become dull.

ALISON'S HISTORY OF THE NAPOLEONIC PERIOD. THE ERA OF NAPOLEON. Europe from the French Revolution, 1785, to the Fall of Napoleon, 1815. By Archibald Alison. Abridged by Edward S. Gould. A. S. Barnes & Co., New York.

This abridgment of Alison's well-known and standard work comes opportunely, in the present renewed interest of the Napoleonic period. While the volume is, as it states, an abridgment, the abridgment is of a character to present more direct and concisely the results of Napoleon's career, and its influence on the history of Europe and of the world. It is published as a student's edition and no student of the Napoleonic period can afford to disregard it. In the light of the mass of information which has been contributed from all quarters within the past decade, on the career and character of Bonaparte, the estimate of Alison has a fresh interest. His facts are usually advanced with care and his judgments are more comprehensive and unpartisan than the majority of the earlier historians of Napoleon.

An essential feature in this geography is its treatment of the physical character of the earth's surface. In addition to the large and excellent relief maps which are distributed through the book, the text and the illustrations are especially devoted to those facts which geology has during the last half century shown to be written all over the face of the earth. The waste of the land, the continuous wearing of the sea, the cutting of the rivers, and the work of the winds are distinctly depicted, and their agencies as factors in forming the habitable globe, are continuously kept before the pupil's eye and impressed upon his thought. Frye's Geography should easily hold its place in the school among the best works on this subject.

AMERICAN BOOK CO., NEW YORK.

NIAGARA FALLS AND THEIR HISTORY. By G. K. Gilbert.

Mr. Gilbert contributes the interesting account of the history of Niagara for the National Geographical Monographs. He is aided in his narrative with numerous illustrations that aid to make the whole career of Niagara as clearly defined as if each stage of its progress, covering fifteen or twenty thousand years, had been recorded in the most legible type, and by the most improved presses of modern times. The scientific history of Niagara begins with the sketches of Captain Basil Hall, of the English Navy, in 1827. These sketches were made with the Camera Lucida, and were as accurate as if they were taken with a modern camera. The scientific inves. tigation and study of the history of the Falls and the hypotheses regarding it have already accummulated a considerable literature of the most important of which Mr. Gilbert presents a list in this Monograph.

SHE LIKED HIM.

Mrs. Gray-Strange that you should consult Dr. Jalap, when your husband is a physician.

Mrs. Black-I find it more helpful to consult Dr. Jalap. When I begin to tell him about my bad feelings he always asks me to hold out my tongue. But my husband only tells me to hold it, --Boston Transcript.

SUFFRAGE FOR WOMEN.

NEW YORK CITY, JUNE 17, 1895.

Editor of School: DEAR SIR:-An association opposed to the Extension of the Suffrage to Women having been formed, it is desired to form branches in all cities and towns throughout the State.

This association has been called into active being by the fact that the Legislature of '95 has passed in both its houses what is known as the "Nixon Resolution." This is a Resolution to let the question of Woman Suffrage go before the people for their decision. It has to be also passed by both houses next year and then to be voted upon at the next ensuing election.

The passage of such a Resolution is mischievous legislation, and it would never have taken place had the members of the two Houses been convinced that a large majority of the women of this State earnestly opposed the extension of the Suffrage to their own sex. The fact that the many women who are opposed to the Suffrage never realized the danger of this imposition, is the reason why they have not long since been heard. The one way to show our interest is to form these Branch Associations, and by reading and talking to interest others who are now indif. ferent or ignorant.

Through your valuable paper we address those women in your city who are opposed to the active participation of women in political life, or, who are still undecided but desire to instruct themselves in the matter. We beg some of them or any one of them to send their names to the secretary of the Central Association, Mrs. George Phillips, 169 East 60th st., New York city, who will at once forward them a letter suggesting a method of forming a branch. This work is of imperative necessity, for, unless the women of this State rise in their might and refuse to be coerced into a kind of life from which they have a “natural right" to be exempted, the obnoxious legislation will go on. Our legislators have only to be shown that the women opposed to the Suffrage are a force in the community to be convinced that the burdening them with political responsibilities would be to do them a grave wrong. Let education with all its acquired wisdom advance more rapidly that women may all learn that a division of the world's work between men and women is necessary for its perfect accomplishment. Signed,

MRS. FRANCIS M. SCOTT, Chairman,
MRS. GEORGE WHITE FIELD, Treasurer,
MRS. DAVID H. GREER,

MISS ELEANOR G. HEWITT,

MISS FLORENCE LOCKWOOD,

MRS. ELIHU ROOT,

MRS. SCHUYLER VAN RENSSELAER,
MRS. EVERETT P. WHEELER,

MRS. GEORGE WADDINGTON.

THE FALL EXHIBIT OF ARNOLD,
CONSTABLE & CO.

The display of Arnold, Constable & Co., at Broadway and 19th st., rivals a florist's window in the bewildering variety of the color combinations. In setting the present styles the manufacturers have gone back to the anti-bellum days, and even to the earlier times of powder and patches, for their patterns and color schemes. Throughout it all there is a tendency to run the changes on Parisian effects in design and color, and the gorgeousness of the taffetas and brocaded satins, velvets and silks that result must be seen to be appreciated. Neutral tints, and the die-away colors of recent years, are things of the past. These goods will be reserved for evening wear chiefly, with an exception in favor of the brocades, which are to be largely used in the making of the Louis Quatorze, that will gradually supplant the fancy waists of the prevailing mode.

Street costumes will take on an added richness of color this season, and the prevailing stuffs for their making promise to be French boucles, plaids and novelties, and all conceivable shades and colors. Wool mohairs, in two tones, and crepe burettes in brown and black, blue and black, scarlet and black, etc., promise to be great favorities for street wear. Another new line of goods that will be much worn by the fashionable, and which also keep up the general color scheme, are embroidered chiffons in all shades, with chiffon bands, with lace and spangles, suitable for waist trimmings. Lace collars are among things without which a costume is now hardly complete. The latest styles are in renaissance and batiste lace, with the higher grades in duchess and point.

A PUBLIC SCHOOLS' DAY. The report of the Committee on School System adopted by the Board of Educa

tion last week establishes a Public Schools' Day, to be observed yearly on the second Friday in October. It is the purpose of the Board, Commissioner Hubbell stated to SCHOOL, to begin with the observance of this day at once. Some of the members have favored the postponement of any action the present year, the time for preparation being so short. Mr. Hubbell, however, concluded, after consulting President Maclay, to arrange for immediate action, and, in his report, Superintendent Jasper will call a meeting of principals of all the schools to arrange for a plan at an early date.

There is a great deal to be said both for and against a demonstration of this character. For many years the Board was opposed to authorizing the assembly of children on the streets in any way, on the ground that it had no right to assume a responsibility that was always calculated to result in some unfortunate incident to some one individual of the many thousands of children. The functions of the Board, these commissioners assumed, are to regulate the management of children in the schools, and they cease when the pupils leave the school building. These school officers have opposed any parade of the pupils on every occasion; and the same position has been taken by many parents.

In arranging for a Public Schools' Day, the Board will be obliged to conduct any demonstration with great caution to avoid the criticism that may be incurred. In smaller cities the public schools participate frequently in public and patriotic celebrations, and there can be little doubt that such events inculcate broad and patriotic lessons in the pupils. Above all things, it tends to obliterate the isolation and the clannish spirit that attaches to New York schools in particular. It is calculated to cultivate a more sociable

disposition. If in addition to this the presence, and the realization of what a vast army of children is being educated for the public good, can stimulate local interest and pride in the public schools, an influence in the support of the schools may be developed that could be obtained so effectively in no other way.

We are informed since the above was written and before going to press, that in all probability the parade and observance of the day may be postponed the present year. This course is favored by many of the commissioners, and Commissioner Hubbell, after consulting with Superintendent Jasper in regard to the matter, is inclined to agree to the postponement. The Board will probably consider the subject at the meeting next Wednesday. In view of the comments that have reached us, and the short interval that there would be for any preparation, SCHOOL believes that it would be much

better to defer the observance of this day until next year, when there would be ample time for preparation.

**

Orders

Some idea of the volume of business which is associated with the schools of the city, is conveyed by the work of the Supply Department for the first week. after the opening of the schools. Every school requiring supplies sends in its application to Scretary McMullin. Orders were received during the first week from about sixty-five per cent. of the schools of the city, which would mean from more than 150 different departments, Primary and Grammar. These orders were for slates, pencils, pens, ink, paper, and books for all grades, from the primer to higher arithmetic and geography. They came from schools in every part of the town, from the Battery to Inwood and Kingsbridge. The schools of the newly annexed district are not as yet included in these supplies, but in all probability they will be after this year.

The actual amount of labor involved in packing and shipping would have kept in packing and shipping would have kept the wholesale department of any thriving business occupied. business occupied. There were in the aggregate thirty-eight wagon loads of material delivered during the week, the value of which amounted to about $60,000. Every application that was received during the week was promptly filled. There was no delay and less complaint than has been known since the department has assumed such large proportions.

There will probably continue to be some waste of time and more or less delay in the delivery of supplies from the present building at Grand and Elm sts. Eighty per cent of all the schools are north of this part of the city, and a cen

tral point from which they could be sent would largely expedite deliveries. When the Board makes use of its uptown building site, or secures a central building, this may be obviated. But it appears that additional and better facilities for the receipt of orders would be afforded and the service improved if the offices. of the Supply Department were placed in the vacant room in the building on Elm st. The shipping and receipt of orders could then be received and disposed of without making it necessary for delegations of principals to stumble over employes, steam pipes, masses of books, and glowing furnace fires, or to lose themselves in the dark, cellar corridors that are as intricate as Ariadne's labyrinth in the Isle of Crete.

The fund for libraries in the schools of the city for the current year has not yet been expended, but the Committee on Course of Study, which has this under their charge, will take up the list of books to be selected from at an early meeting. The total of the moneys derived from the city and the State aggregate about $2,800. For the coming year the Board asks for an appropriation of $15,000 in the city, which will place the total at $28,000. There will be a further increase another year from the schools of the new district. Some of these schools have libraries established under the State Fund. These libraries, of course, become the property of the city. and these schools will be allowed a proportionate share of the money which is set aside for library purposes.

THE LIMIT OF SPEED.

A month ago English railway managers announced that the fastest time ever made for a long distance by a railroad train, had been effected by the trains on an English road. A distance of nearly 500 miles was covered at the rate of 63 miles an hour. The New York Central, whose Empire State Express has held the record, last week decided to test this issue. The run between New York and Buffalo, 436 miles, was made in 407 minutes, at an average of 64 miles an hour-a mile an hour faster than the British average, while the weight of the Central train was nearly double that of the English. Ex-School Commissioner Walter H. Webb, who is vice-president of the Central, arranged this trip and accompanied the train.

It appears, however, that the limit of speed by the steam locomotive is being reached, and it is doubtful if an average rate of 75 miles an hour for a long distance will ever be exceeded, if that is reached. Higher possibilities are indicated when electric roads have become fully developed, and when perhaps 100 miles an hour may become as common as