USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1886-1887 > Part 5
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J. MURRAY KNIGHT, J. FRANKLIN BATES, HENRY A. MONK, 1
Selectmen of Braintree.
85
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK.
MARRIAGES.
1886.
Name.
Residence.
Age
Jan.
9. Enoch Chase Bryant,
Braintree,
22
Clara Louisa Keith,
21
13. Walter Henry Howland, Lillian Relief Pennimau,
66
29
66
20
16. Henry H. Haskins, Rose Carter,
Providence, R. I.
27
60
24
25. Frederic Eben Wilkinson,
Braintree,
23
Nellie Josephine Burke,
17
28. Sanford Alexander Whiting, Ella Isabel Gurney,
South Abington,
20
Feb.
6. James Francis Foley, Mary Ann Nolan,
66
27
14. Louis Dejon,
22
Theresa Ann Levangie,
66
23
28. Edward Carpenter Holyoke,
Braintree,
28
Emma Hudson Pidgeon,
66
29
March
4. Albert Frank Hollis,
66
21
Maria Bridget Nugent,
Weymouth,
19
6. John Wendell Phillips, Clara M. Smith,
66
23
23. Frederic William Penniman,
Braintree,
27
Anna May Pierce,
19
April
6. Scott Osborne; Laura A. Belcher,
Braintree,
32
8. Samuel Breck Sampson, Fannie Dunlap Benham,
66
20
66
19
15. Horace Fairbanks Trufant, Cora Anna Blanchard,
Weymouth, 66
18
Braintree,
26
Weymouth,
24
29. James Edwin Grover, Annie May Pool,
Braintree,
20
2. Wilbert Gardner Coy,
Quincy,
26
Lugie Benjamin,
Braintree,
17
19. Leonard Pierce, Sarah Jane Pulson,
Randolph,
57
38
6
20
27. George Henry Dunbar, Jennie Lincoln Larney,
Weymouth,
19
66
31
Holbrook,
23
28
27. George Warren Smith, Bridget Jane Coyle,
Boston,
23
May
25
Braintree,
26
86
1886.
Name.
Residence.
Age.
May
22. Eugene Washington Holbrook, Josephine Fisher,
Braintree, 27
34
24. Ferdinand Behnke,
Boston,
21
Emma J. Hill,
Quincy, 20
26 John Parker Burdick,
Braintree,
66
Mary Ann Healey,
66
54
June
9. Willie Milton Morrill, Laura Cummings Hollis,
66
24
24. James Lane, Alice Havey,
66
28
30. James A. Warren,
Quincy,
30
Anastatia A. Ring,
66
18
July
2. George B. Loud, Antoinette W. Knights,
66
29
3. Burton F. Johnson, Jennie L. Smith,
66
21
66
21
3. William Everett Hollis, Nellie Frances McGaw,
Braintree,
18
Aug.
19. Amos Warren Goodnow, Ella Frances Spear,
66
36
Sept.
14. Charles Watson Allen, Eleanor Punchard Jewett,
Braintree,
30
15. George Carpenter Thayer, Addie Louise McNeil,
Boston,
23
18. Thomas Francis McCue, Sarah Jane Doherty,
Weymouth,
22
21. James Eanison Wheeler, Mary Jane Glidden,
Jefferson, Me.
36
25. Edward Crone Campbell,
Braintree,
33
Sarah Jane Smith,
Walpole,
27
29. Harry Alfred Dunham, Lillian Rose Dyer,
Braintree,
19
30. Leonard Francis Edson, Mary Jane Summers,
66
21
Oct.
13. George Henry Whitman, Marietta Jane Call,
16
22
13. Patrick Joseph King, Helen Agues Griffin,
66
21
17. William Henry Sullivan, Catherine Josephine Malone,
Quincy,
26
27. Francis Smith, Lydia S. Peterson,
Braintree,
44
Nov.
6. Cyrus Morrison, Mary Agnes Crockett,
66
29
20. Benjamin A. Atwood, Lucy M. Beal,
Hingham,
24
66
24
66
19
Boston,
37
66
25
Braintree, 66
23
66
Natick,
27
19
22
26
66
26
44
37
66
25
26
Weymouthı,
29
28
.
87
1886.
Name.
Residence.
Age
Nov.
23. Michael Francis McLanghlin, Elizabeth Annie Rudderham,
Holbrook, 26
Braintree, 24
24. George Gilbert Chambers,
Needham,
21
Anna Gertrude Morse,
Wellesley,
20
25. James M. Coughlin, Honora Sullivan,
Braintree,
31
27. John Edward Perry, Rose Murtha,
20
Dec.
2. Joshua G. Rich,
Greenwood, Me.
66
Harriet Newell Gore,
Braintree,
54
21. Charles Oscar Miller,
66
23
Carrie Lizzie Loring,
66
20
25. Robert McDowell,
29
Alison T'nbull Lawrence Lowson,
66
28
Whole number of marriages, 49.
Of the above, 17 were born in Braintree, 13 in Weymouth, 10 in Boston, 31 in other places in Massachusetts, 1 in Maine, 5 in Nova Scotia, 4 each in Rhode Island and Ireland, 3 in New York, 2 in New Hampshire, and 1 each in England, Connecticut, and New Brunswick.
Twenty-five marriages were solemnized in Braintree, 10 in Quincy, 6 in Weymouth, 4 in Boston, and 1 each in South Abington, Holbrook, Nor- folk, and Natick.
Ten were married by Rev. A. A. Ellsworth, 5 each by Rev. L. H. Frary and Rev. W. L. Hood, and 3 by Rev. E. O. Dyer. Twenty-six were mar- ried by clergymen of other towns.
Eighty-seven entered on the joys and trials of matrimony for the first time, 8 for the second, and 3 for the third.
Average of males, 29} years.
Average age of females, 25 years.
Two clergymen violated the laws of the State by solemnizing the mar- riage ceremony without having a certificate from the Town Clerk of Braintree ; and two by failing to return the certificate for record.
Through the kindness of George L. Gill, Town Clerk of Quincy, we have a complete record.
BIRTHS.
1886.
Jan. 1. Thomas F. Mahoney,
2. Grace May Whittemore,
3. Foster,
3. Leon Dexter Pickering,
5. Marion Adelaide Starkey,
20. Charles E. Dowd,
Paul and Theresa.
Feb.
5. Robert Andrew Chambers,
Andrew F. and Cather'e T. George W. and Sarah M. Edwin A. and Lillian A.
Charles H. and Emma F.
Frank R. and Anna F.
James and Eliza.
23
Manchester,
33
88
Feb. 6. 14. Charles Edson Allen,
22. Gertrude Isabel Parker,
24. Joseph Gregg Morrison,
27. John Jourdain Drinkwater,
March .3. Richard Gorham,
8. Etta Lavinia Hayden,
8. Flora A. Jolinson,
8. Emma Johnson,
15. Ralph Kimball Watson,
17. Gertrude Frances Maher,
19. John Joseph O'Rourke,
22. Wilbert Earl Drollett, Bower,
April
May
2. Olive Sophia Horte,
3. Fred Mckenzie Arnold,
5. Anna Malally,
7. Charles Moses Whitehouse,
14. Edward Burton Jones,
Alonzo and Merilla.
E. Rogers and Susan.
George A. and Margaret H ..
Thomas and Ellen.
Peter and Margaret. Andrew and Julia. Isaiah and Sarah.
John and Fanny.
William and Annie.
13. Addie Evelen Holmes,
William A. and Faunie E.
16. Archie Eldon Belcher.
Royal and Julia A.
16. Arthur Weldon Belcher,
Royal and Julia A. Herbert W. and Emma.
20. Ellis Mayhew Woodman,
Clarence A. and Josie H.
28. Helen Florence Lund,
Charles A. and Clara F.
July
1. Angie Butler Wixon,
7. Margaret Bessie Foley,
9. McManus,
11. Rosanna McManus,
13. Clarence Edward Hewitt,
17. Allie Zozo Osborn,
18. Helen Watson Whitmarsh,
19. Mary Coughlin,
22. Foster Sharp Harrington,
31. Flora Amelia Hearn,
Alexander and Ginevra L. Wm. A. and Charlotte P. George S. and Mary L. R. Elmer and Sarah R. Jolın J. and Lizzie A. Richard and Bridget. William A. and Lois A. F. Edward and Hannah. F. Edward and Hannah. Thomas A. and Elizabeth. James and Mary.
John and Rosanna.
Albert A. and Ortana.
Thomas and Margaret.
Charles S. and Sarah H.
Malcolm and Anna.
Charles E. and Mary A.
John and Mary J.
Olaf J. and Regina.
W. Ellsworth and Bessie M ..
John and Mary. Lillian.
17. Mary Christy,
17. Albion Kendall Miller,
18. William Chester Killian,
28. Alice Donalioe, Stephen Delory,
2. Frank Harnish,
4. Alice Gertrude Hollinshead,
7. Edwin Irving McDowell,
19. Elma Beatrice Borden,
Amos R. and Lydia G.
James F. and Mary A. Albert H. and Elizabeth A. John and Bridget. Joseph and Elizabeth.
James A. and Anna P. S. Everett and Delia. John E. and Catherine M .. David A. and Harriet F. William and Amelia.
1
:
June
Graves,
29. 1. Mary Merrill Bates,
7. Malcolm Joseph Beaton,
13. Charlotte Kimball Packard,
29. George Herbert Kellogg,
89
Aug. 2. Eva Laura Etta Osborne,
6. Grace Lowson,
7. Frances Marian Bryant,
9. Cora Isabel Holbrook,
11. Annie Dejon,
19. Frances Anna Johnson,
24. Mary Ellen Hallissey,
26. Rodolphus Porter,
29. Joseph Arthur Whitcomb,
30. Charles Bertine Woodsum,
1. Catherine A. Gurney,
Sept.
2. Ratcliffe,
2. Ratcliffe,
6. Willie Quinn,
7. Pierce Tuckerman Richards,
16. Byron Thomas Whitmarsh,
17. Albion Waitt Simonds,
21. Effie M. Holbrook,
22. Loring Moore Hazeltine,
23. Edward George Moreland,
26. Theodore Everett Fogg,
Oct.
1. Martha Ann Dejon,
7. Daniel Gallivan,
12. Louis Safford Howland,
12. Jennie Henderson Lang,
13. Jane Ann Pickard,
15. Lida Alice Tupper,
16. Patrick Thomas Donahue,
16. Willie Carlton Loring,
21. Annie Louisa Robery,
21. Lena Durfee Goodspeed,
23. Lottie Chick,
Nov.
5. Mabel Amelia Pratt,
6. Chester Thayer,
10. Florence May Buker,
11. Frank Everett Hollis,
12. Helen Gertrude Qualey,
24. Wilbert Newell Coy,
29. Lizzie Carlton Monk,
Dec.
2. Fannie Alexander Cox,
3. Margaret Green,
6. Nathaniel Edward White,
7. Cora Frances Loring,
9. Victor Augustus Beede,
12. Bertha Standish Hobart,
26. White,
30. Timothy Edward Sullivan,
Walter S. and Laura A. Peter B. and Susan J. E. Chase and Clara L. Alden H. and Mary A. Simon and Mary.
Robert and Katie E.
Michael J. and Hannah E.
Rodolphus and Alice M.
Charles G. and Nettie H.
Maurice B. and Mary H.
Maurice and Lizzie.
Charles H. and Nellie F.
Charles H. and Nellie F.
Michael and Mary.
Horace J. and Hattie.
Frank O. and Annie.
H. Willie and E Claribel.
Charles !1. and Rose E.
David C. and Lilla B.
Joseph E. and Maria A.
George E. and S. Estella.
Edward and Katie.
Daniel and Bridget. Walter H. and Lillian R.
Thomas and Ashie. Alexander and Nellie.
William A. and Lydia A.
Thomas and Charlotte.
Willie J. and Jennie I.
John P. and Matilda.
Herbert N. and Carolina.
James W. and Flora E. Alvin A. and Eliza A. Clara. George C. and Ella A.
Albert F. and Maria B.
James R. and Eliza J.
Wilbert G. and Lugie.
Henry A. and Emma J. James and Henrietta.
Thomas and Mary. Albert N. and Susie E. Charles H. and Julia.
Frank H and Carrie M.
Charles A. and Eliza H. Herbert G. and Nora L. John F. and Annie T.
Dec.
31. Mary Agnes Monroe, Walter O. and Lydia J.
Omitted last year.
1885.
May 11. Freeman Davis Storms,
Henry M. and Sarah.
Males, 51. Females, 51. Whole number for 1886, 102.
Twenty-one of the father, were born in Braintree; 33 in other places in Massachusetts; 14 in Ireland; 10 in Nova Scotia; 6 in England; 3 each in Maine and Rhode Island; 2 each in New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and Scotland; 1 in Norway ; 1 on the Indian Ocean, and 2 unknown.
Sixteen of the mothers were born in Braintree; 39 in other places in Massachusetts; 13 each in Ireland and Nova Scotia; 4 in Maine; 2 each in Vermont, New Hampshire, England, and New Brunswick; 1 each in Louisiana, Rhode Island, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, South Caro lina, Kansas, Canada, and Norway.
Many thanks are due to Noah Torrey, M. D., and S. C. Bridgham, M. D., of Braintree; and also to the physicians of the neighboring towns who cheerfully and promptly complied with the law by returning the births which occurred in their practice, thus assisting the recording officer in obtaining complete registration. Ifthere are any errors or omissions in the above list of births, please notify the Town Clerk immediately.
DEATHS.
1886.
Name and Birthplace.
Y.
M.
D.
Jan.
Ida Hoyt, Chatham, N. H.,
23
6
24
4.
Frank L Jones, Randolph,
2
4
22
10. Clifford M. Goodspeed, Braintree,
-
7
19
12.
Ellen Dugan, Braintree,
17
11
23
23.
Orace Allen, Winchester, N. H.,
79
2
16
24.
Herbert R. Jennings, New Bedford,
22
9
14
24.
Lena E. Jones, Randolph,
5
9
27
27.
Mary A. Eaton, Boston,
52
7
-
Feb.
7. - Graves, Braintree,
-
-
1
8. Mary Ann Littlefield, Braintree,
66
6
3
11. Amos Wixon, Quincy,
5
3
23
17. Caroline T. Hawes, Wiscasset, Me.,
65
11
5
23.
Charles A. Pace, Braintree,
8
24
Mar.
8. Emma Johnson, Braintree,
10. Flora A. Johnson, Braintree,
81
-
.18.
Ann M. Foye, Groton,
72
2
28
April
3. Catherine Hussey, Ireland,
70
-
17
5. Elsa 1). Bower, Mattapoisett,
44
10
20
12. Saba R. Dyer, Plympton,
59
4
5
17. Joseph A. Arnold, Braintree,
74
5
7
22.
Edmund E. Rex, Westerly, R. I.,
1
1
16
2
11. Thomas B. Coffin, Edgartown,
91
.
1886. Name and Birthplace.
Y.
M.
D.
April 23. Herbert C. Packard, Braintree,
2
11
21
25. Laura E. Adams, Needham,
1
6
16
29. Warren A. Foster, Boston,
2
10
14
May 9. Franklin J. Bayley, Weymouth,
9
6
9
10. Adeline Cole, Groton,
79
9
17
12. Thomas Buker, Braintree,
56
17. William Callahan, New York,
34
-
19. Eunice P. Hollis, Braintree,
61
1
22
20. Edward W. Hill, Braintree,
18
10
3
June
5. Charlotte Potter, Boston,
34
8
16
7. Leander Tupper, Nova Scotia,
18
-
10. Reuben F. Thayer, Braintree,
52
6
15
11. David Thayer, Quincy,
60
4
22
11. Jane K. Dyer, Grafton,
51
3
15
21. George A. Cheney, Boston,
60
6
-
27. Franklin L. Cram, Braintree,
1
4
20
27. Archie E. Belcher, Braintree,
84
3
26
7. Flossie E. Newcomb, Braintree,
1
1
24
10.
Charles E. Dowd, Braintree,
-
5
20
14. Cora A. Bates, Dorchester,
27
7
29
15.
George W. Kelley. Newmarket, N. H.,
78
6
11
19. David Green, Boston,
78
9
10
24. Benjamin V. Arnold, Braintree,
65
3
-
-
-
1
5
8. Francis Dejon, Braintree,
9
7
11. Phillips Curtis, Marshfield,
82
9
1
16. Arthur L. Whitty, Randolph,
32
7
20. Robert Brooks, Braintree,
1
7
8
30. Charles R. Drake, Brockton,
30
1
25
Sept.
3. Ratcliffe (son), Braintree,
-
-
-
1
15. Clarence J. Starr, Braintree,
1
2
10
16. William Gorman, Nova Scotia,
21
-
-
1
13
22.
James L. Slavin, Braintree,
27
11
4
24. Daniel W. Foster, Lowell,
35
9
14
25. Eva M. Leavitt, Amherst,
36
-
2
Oct.
6. Abbie F. P. Wales, Cambridgeport,
38
1
5
7. James P. Arthur, Hamburg, Germany,
86
7
14
8. Catherine A. Gurney, Braintree,
-
1
7
14. Benjamin L. Morrison, Ripley, Me.,
58
6
16
16. Mary P. Hobart, Scituate,
60
-
20
17. Margaret Eagan, Ireland,
81
11
17
1
-
11
27. Mary Parsons, Scotland,
July
August
1. Thomas F. Mahoney, Braintree,
7
2
3. Addison F. Whitney, Randolph,
-
1
3. Ratcliffe (daughter), Braintree,
19. Grace Lowson. Braintree,
29
12. Addie E. Holmes, Braintree,
-
92
1886. Name and Birthplace.
Y.
M.
D ..
Oct.
24. Lydia T. Howe, Braintree,
86
5
21
26. Lottie Chick, Braintree,
-
-
2
30. James Miller, Scotland,
78
6
-
Nov.
5. Cora L. Reynolds, Boston,
4
10
5
6. Caroline H. Batson, Braintree,
1
11
21
9.
Ellen Shehan, Ireland,
67
-
-
10.
Winifred Donahoe, Braintree,
2
2
8
12. Hannah Webster, New Hampshire,
80
11
3
15. Edgar Lombard, Boston,
36
15.
Sarah Ann Waite, Easton,
74
8
13.
26.
Susan A. Holbrook, Braintree,
70
3
11
Dec.
4. Margaret Green, Braintree,
-
1
4. Moses B. Richardson, New Hampshire,
35
5
14
30. Patrick F. Doherty, Braintree,
16
8
22
Stillborn, 3; making in all, 85.
32 were under 5 years of age.
3 between 5 and 10 years of age.
4
10
20 “
5
20 " 30
66
9
66 30 66 40 66 66
1
40
50
66
6
66
50 66 60
66
66
8
66
60
70
66
66
7
66
80
90
Average age of all the deaths, 32 3-4.
Males, 45 ; females, 40.
Single, 47 ; married, 24; widowed, 14.
38 were born in Braintree ; 30 in other places in Massachusetts ;. 5 in New Hampshire ; 3 in Ireland ; 2 each in Maine, Scotland, and Nova Scotia, and 1 each in Rhode Island, New York, and. Germany.
The birthplaces of the parents of the deceased were as follows :
Fathers. - Braintree, 12; other places in Massachusetts, 25; Ireland, 14; New Hampshire, 11; New York, 4; England, 5 ; Maine and Scotland, 3 each ; Germany and Nova Scotia, 2 each ;. unknown, 4.
Mothers. - Braintree, 14; other places in Massachusetts, 31 ; Ireland, 14; New Hampshire 6; Nova Scotia, 5; Scotland and Maine, 3 each ; Germany and England, 2 each ; Rhode Island, 1 ; unknown, 4.
-
10
6.
70
66 80
93
Causes of death are as follows : Consumption, 12; cancer, 8 ; Bright's disease, 7; meningitis, cholera infantum, heart disease, 5 each ; scarlet fever and premature birth, 4 each ; pneumonia, con- vulsions, still-born, apoplexy, diphtheria, 3 each ; bronchitis, inan- ition, old age, typhoid fever, softening of brain, 2 each ; hysterical mania, paralysis, cyanosis, disease of liver, enteritis, stomatitis, ramollissement of brain, atelectasis, marasmus, unknown, 1 each.
40 were buried in Braintree ; 17 in Weymouth ; 8 in Quincy ; 6 in Randolph ; 4 in Boston ; 2 in Mattapoisett ; and 1 each in Ded- ham, Rockland, Taunton, Chelsea, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and New Brunswick.
SAMUEL A. BATES,
Town Clerk
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF BRAINTREE,
FOR THE
SCHOOL YEAR 1886-87.
1
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The annual report of the School Committee of the town of Brain- tree for the year 1886-7 is hereby respectfully submitted
In the Selectmen's report will be found the amount of the appro- priations and the list of expenditures.
The estimates for the ensuing year are as follows : -
For schools . $9,300 00
For school incidentals .
.300 00
For incidentals for schoolhouses . 400 00
For text-books and supplies
800 00
For Superintendent's salary
1,200 00
In making this report, it may be best to state at the outset that it is our purpose to speak mostly of the general condition of the schools, leaving to the Superintendent to enter into the details, inas- much as the routine work has been performed by him, under the general direction of the Committee. The Committee have not failed to visit the schools and examine into their condition, recognizing the fact that they are responsible, and yet not interfering with, but striving to assist, the Superintendent in his duties.
At the beginning of the Fall Term, Mr. J. T. Clark suddenly and unexpectedly resigned his position as Superintendent, and the Committee at once chose Mr. Charles L. Hunt, of whose service in Falmouth the State Report says that " the employment of a pro- fessional superintendent has met with gratifying results, when compared with the work of school committees in neighboring towns."
The personnel of the Committee has been changed by the resig- nation of T. H. Dearing, M. D., and the election, by the Select- men and Committee, of Mr. John Reed to fill the vacancy.
Some necessary changes have been made in the schools during the year.
In the Union Grammar, Mr. H. E. Walker succeeded Mr. C. W. Bean, and in the West, Miss Mabel L. Bates succeeded Miss Lucy E. Keith. In this connection, we observe that this school has evi-
7
98
dently been at a stand-still for some time, having suffered a constant change of teachers. As soon as a teacher has taught a year in an outlying school, she wishes to go into a larger and better paid school. It seems hardly necessary to say that few teachers of ability can be hired for six dollars per week.
Scholars in the district schools stand very poorly in comparison with those of the same age in our graded schools.
It is fair to say that it is not due to any fault of the present teachers, who seem to have succeeded as well as could be expected.
The district schools should not be the fag-ends of the system, to be endured as a necessary evil, but should be kept under the con- trol of a competent teacher, as long as such teacher can be retained by adequate recompense.
In the Iron Works School, Mr. J. S. Manta succeeded Mr. J. E. Pickering, and in the East School, Miss J. G. Carmichael suc- ceeded Miss Rachel Kempton.
The only other change was in the Southwest, where Mrs. Record gave place to Miss Isaline Hayden.
We are pleased to remark that there has been an increase in the number of scholars attending the High School, filling the present room nearly to its full capacity.
The removal of a partition has largely increased the room of the assistant teacher, making it more healthy and convenient for general work.
During the year, the Committee voted that any scholar receiving less than fifty per cent in all his studies shall neither receive a diploma nor take any part in the graduation exercises.
Already a marked rise in the general rank has been noticed, convincing the Committee of the value of keeping the pupils up to their grade.
Scholars in the High School, who wish to drop any of the prescribed studies, can only do so on application to and permission by the Committee.
In the Union Grammar and Intermediate there has also been a marked increase, and the rooms are now full. No epidemic or contagious disease has interfered with the work of the schools during the year, but the attendance has suffered since winter began by the number and severity of the storms we have experienced.
During the year, the town has made arrangements with the Hampden County Truant School, according to the laws of the
99
State, by which habitual truants may be sent to that school. So far, there has been no occasion for its use.
In the general survey of the schools, we would call the attention of the town to the fact that a system of education is no longer an attempt but a science.
Where others have made mistakes, it is wise for us to be fore- warned. Where others are advancing, it is wise to observe and follow their successes.
The State Board of Education, at much cost, is striving to advise, and we gladly accept some hints.
Music bas often been urged as an essential in our course of studies, but we would only say now that it does seem proper that some simple singing books should be placed in all the schools where reading is taught, and that the town expect that its teachers be competent to teach the elements of music. We would not subject the practical to the ornamental, but the charmed octave is so nearly related to reading and oratory that its presence would soon be felt.
Some things belong to home culture, but when we urge the teaching of good morals at every step of our school life, whether in reading, in literature, in hygiene, or physiology, we are not pleading on the grounds of " economy of youth " merely, but on the broad principles of the Constitution of this State, which says in memorable words (Chap. 5, Sect. 2) : -
' Wisdom and knowledge, as well as virtue, diffused generally among the body of the people, are necessary for the preservation of their rights and liberties, . . and it shall be the duty of legislatures and magistrates to countenance and inculcate the principles of humanity and general benevolence, public and private charity, industry and frugality, honesty and punctuality in their dealings."
The wisdom of supplying text-books has already been proved by economy of time at the beginning of a new term, and economy of money, inasmuch as a book will now last, on the average, three years, and book agents claim that their sales have already been lessened one half; also by the increased attendance of pupils.
It has been said many times, and with much of truth, that our system of education does not fit pupils for the necessary duties of life. To meet this want, a system of manual training has been introduced into some large cities, with the intent of making up for the loss of the apprenticeship system. It is often a difficult thing
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for a boy to get the opportunity of learning a trade. We may not be in a position, as a town, to accomplish much without large expen- diture, but the fact of a need, and an attempt to fill it, ought to in- terest every parent. The training of the eye and the hand, now neglected, ought to be brought about in some way so that our High School graduates should not feel above the common trades in which most ought to be helpful workers.
Sometimes it may seem that the thousands of dollars annually expended are fruitless in adequate results ; and, in asking for further estimates, we are met with the answer that the public would like first to see something for what has been already expended.
There is, however, an advance, an increase of general knowledge and the power to acquire knowledge, as the result of better. methods of teaching and study, and perhaps we cannot close this report in more fitting or encouraging words than those found in the State report : -
" Finally, none of us - neither the public nor the committee, neither superintendents nor teachers- should be impatient for results. The most worthless plants often grow rankest. Flesh and muscle receive quick nourishment, but nerve tissue and the substance of the brain grow slowly. And far more moderately are lasting improvements made upon human minds and character."
For the Committee,
WILLIE H. SHAW.
MINORITY REPORT.
The appended minority report, expurgated from the original, . merely attempts to embody a recommendation in regard to admis- sion to the High School, and to a better grading of our schools.
It often happens that pupils wishing to enter the High School are so diffident or so slow in writing, that they are extremely nervous and ill at ease in the presence of the Committee, and fail to pass a solely written examination.
The studies in the lower grades are pursued principally by oral methods.
There ought to be, as the Superintendent suggests, a system of marking pupils in the eight grades below the High School. Again, the Superintendent ought to examine (and does) all the schools, orally and in writing, at least four times during the year.
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Promotion should depend on the advance so manifested, and not on seniority ; the proper place for each pupil should be determined by proposal of teacher, recommendation of Superintendent, and decision of Committee.
An unpaid school committee will not do the work as well as a faithful superintendent.
Children, on satisfactorily completing the studies of the Inter- mediate School should receive a certificate. When they meet the requirements of the Grammar School, they should likewise receive a certificate, which should entitle them to admission to the High School, subject of course to the check list of the Committee.
Of course there are objections. It is indirectly giving consider- able power into the hands of the Superintendent ; but, at the same time, he is responsible to the full extent of his position.
Boston believes in it, and the Secretary of the Board of Educa- tion says (p. 76) : " It would seem to be reasonable that all pupils who hold diplomas certifying that they have passed satisfactorily over the branches of study required to be pursued in all the lower schools, should be admitted to the High Schools, without further limitations." Respectfully submitted,
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