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action of the boards of education in making a rule that pupils in free high-schools shall not organize or maintain free high-school fraternities while they are high-school pupils.

A HEARING GIVEN THE RETIREMENT FUND
BILLS.

On Friday evening, March 12, an important hearing was given the Milwaukee and State teachers' pension bills by the joint committee on education of the legislature. Among those present who spoke in favor of the measures were James O'Connor, Miss Nellie Minnehan, Supt. C. G. Pearse, and Prin. Kroeger of Milwaukee; Miss Elizabeth

Herfurth, the prime worker on the state bill,
Judge Sanborn of the Federal Court, Asst. State
Supt. Borden, and Mrs. Jastrow, of Madison; W.
A. Jones of Mineral Point; President Salisbury of
Whitewater; Superintendents Buell of Janesville,
Bird of La Crosse, and Tobey of Wausau.

No one appeared in opposition to the measures and the members of the committee present seemed anxious to get all the information possible on the subject for proper guidance in their recommendation to the legislature. Unless the committee on claims report adversely, it is not at all unlikely but what Wisconsin will have two teachers' pension laws upon the statute books very soon.

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THE CHILD MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL AT EDGERTON.

Through the beneficence of Miss Florence Child, Edgerton was able, on March 5, to dedicate the above magnificent school building, representing in its entire cost an expenditure of nearly $50,000, and embodying in its construction the most modern architectural ideas.

The Child Memorial High School building is 78x100 feet; contains twenty-three rooms; is constructed along colonial lines, the walls being of semi-vitrified brick of two shades, with Bedford stone trimmings, set off with a green tile roof; the gymnasium in the basement is 36x62 feet with an eighteen foot ceiling; the assembly room on the second floor has provision for 120 pupils and is equipped with modern, adjustable seats.

Rooms are provided for Domestic Science, Manual Training, laboratories, class rooms, offices, etc. The heating plant is separate from the building and is provided with power fans that renew the air of the entire building every sixteen minutes. Here is a modern school building of medium size which it would pay school boards contemplating the construction of new buildings to visit.

AN INTERVIEW, AND SOME RESULTING THOUGHTS FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD.

BY MARY D. BRADFORD.

There entered my office recently a young woman who was graduated from our school last year. We sent her to S. in answer to a call for a good first primary teacher. She was home for her spring vacation, looking somewhat worn and fatigued. "Well," said I, "let me hear how the year has gone so far."

"I like primary teaching," she replied, "and do not want to change, but the conditions in S. are rather hard."

Then, as I questioned her, the following story came to light: The room in S. in which the first and second grades are placed, is in the basement of the school building, a room which, she thought, had been originally used for wood, and had been finished off for a school room when need had arisen for it. There is no provision for ventilation except by the windows. The windows are high above the floor, the sills being about on a level with the ground outside, and extend clean to the ceiling. To open a window, she must mount to the high, deep sill, and pull the window down by main force, or go outside and do it. Then, of course, the cool or cold air rushed in, and came down with chilling effect upon herself and children. When in milder weather she raised the lower sash, the wind tossed in upon them-clouds of dust from the ground just outside the sill.

When cold weather came, the storm windows were put on. She asked that some of the windows be made so that she could open them. This was done, but it happened that the storm windows that could be opened, were put over the windows that could not be opened. Her winter condition was this: Two windows in her schoolroom that could be opened to admit fresh air, one from below, with the effect already mentioned, of dust and discomfort, whenever a breeze was blowing, and the other --such that opening it from the top always submitted herself and pupils to a draft.

In this cellar room she and her thirty pupils were shut for five hours a day, she endeavoring with all the zeal of an earnest nature to do her full duty as a teacher.

Another incident gives evidence of the absolute disregard of the extreme indifference on the part of those in authority to the comfort of these chil

dren and their teacher. She came to school one Monday morning to find that coal had been put into the coal bins, her basement neighbors, and coal dust covered everything, floor, desks, books, walls. In an hour after school began, the faces of herself and children were like those of coal heavers.

Soon after, the storm windows were put in, and the shut-in condition there intensified, the effect of the bad air upon the teacher's health began to manifest itself. She lost stamina, and began to have colds. A more serious attack coming in the last week of the fall term, sent her home for her midwinter vacation, sick. She managed to return, and to open school the following Monday, but was unable to continue the rest of the week. For two weeks more she struggled along, and then was obliged to consult a specialist and has since been under his care, although able to continue her teaching.

I have given the details of her story, because it is such a clear case of the indifference of some school authorities to the condition under which their teachers and school children work.

"I never was sick in my life before, except for chicken-pox," said the girl.

"How about the children?" I asked; "how do they stand it?" "O, they are sick with colds about all the time," she replied, "so that the work has been seriously interfered with. Whenever sickness of any kind makes its appearance, the parents take their children out, fearing that they will catch it."

"Ah, then the parents realize the conditions, do they? Why do they stand them? Is the town poor ?"

"Oh, no indeed. Altho the town is small, perhaps eight hundred in population, its valuation is said to be a million, and within the year a three-million dollar dam has been completed, taxable within the city. But it's a rather old town, and the people with money are the old settlers, who have no children in the schools, and so don't care. Then, too, the parents think that the children can stand it somehow for the first year or two; for when they get to the third and fourth grades, they are provided for in the County Training School, where they serve for practice school purposes, and have a pleasant

room.

"They have offered me five dollars more a

month to come back next year, and on the children's account I feel like going back; besides, I know it is not best for my professional reputation to change too often; but I fear I cannot stand it. My doctor's bills, thus far, have taken about all I could save. There is no prospect, that I can see, of any improvement next year in the conditions."

So much for this young teacher's story. Now for the resulting thoughts, all of which discretion warns me, it is not best to record. Why are such reports possible, coming from a prosperous community? Why do parents of little children submit to having them put into a basement room under such barbarous conditions,-unhygienic, uncomfortable, unattractive? Why does the school board shirk its duty toward their little ones of the school community? Why, when neither of those agents act, is there not some one else bold enough to make an effort for their relief? If that room must be used for public school purposes, why not put the grammar school, or a high school

class in there,-those better able to endure the bad conditions? Why isn't this done? Frist, because the boys and girls of that age wouldn't stand it. They would refuse to go, or if compelled to go, would raise such a howl about it in the home, that parents would take notice. Even if the students endured such conditions, the State Inspector of High Schools would have to be reckoned with, and the school board would be obliged to face the alternative of properly housing and equipping the high school, or having the school dropped from the accredited list.

But the helpless little ones! Their protest against dirt, darkness and bad air is not needed; they must stand everything.

Poor little unfortunates! If they were attending some state graded school in a village or at a country cross road instead of living in a milliondollar community, the state Graded School or state Rural School Inspector would come to their defense, and the school board would be brought to see and do its duty,-a thing that has come to pass in more than a few instances,-how greatly to the benefit of that class of our child-citzens but few appreciate!

Will not the indifference of school boards, illustrated by the story of my young friend, induce the state to reach out its protecting hand to

the children under such administration, and compel just treatment of them, as of others of its children?

Surely it is important that the best opportunities should be afforded children, at a time when education counts most and fastest towards habit-forming, and when youthful feet are most readily started along the road towards good citizenship.

A DENTAL EXAMINATION IN THE NEW LONDON SCHOOLS.

Supt. E. W. McCrary of the New London public schools recently caused an examination to be made of the teeth of all the children in the first six grades. This was brought about through a preliminary meeting arranged by Mr. McCrary with the four dentists of the city. These dentists were given a room in which to carry on the work which for the 277 children examined took two

days. A blank report was prepared of each pupil

showing the condition of the permanent and temporary teeth, and notices sent to the parents of any defects discovered.

The following tabulation of results will perhaps convince other cities that such an examination would result in much material good to the pupils. in the public schools. No. children examined

.277

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WISCONSIN CITY SUPERINTENDENTS TO MEET AT MILWAUKEE APRIL 16-17.

President E. M. Beeman of the City Superintendents and Supervising Principals' Association announces a meeting of that organization to be held at the Plankinton, Milwaukee, Friday and Saturday, April 16-17, beginning 2 P. M. of the 16th.

This is the first independent meeting of the city superintendents to be held, and it ought to draw a large attendance as there will be no other attractions. Friday afternoon will be given to a discussion of how to organize and conduct teachers' meetings so as best to stimulate progressive growth in efficiency. It is hoped to have Supt. Long of Peoria, Ill., and Miss Margaret Canty of the special school, Milwaukee, to lead in the discussion of this topic. A banquet, or rather informal dinner, will be held at 6:30 P. M. of the same day at which Supt. H. S. Youker of Grand Rapids will lead in the discussion of the main lines along which school legislation affecting cities should be reorganized and recodified. An outline of Mr. Youker's topic will be mailed in printed form to all members before the meeting. Saturday forenoon will be taken up largely with business matters, but other subjects may be discussed at this time.

No city superintendent or supervising principal should fail to attend this important meeting.

GEOMETRY ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFIED.

The faculty of the University has modified the entrance requirements in Geometry so that hereafter one year's work in the subject will be sufficient and this work may include plane alone or both plane and solid Geometry. This change makes it necessary in the future to offer solid Geometry in the University, but it is hoped that most of the schools will continue to teach solid Geometry. In the case of those who desire to enter the College of Engineering, solid Geometry must be taken, though it is not necessary for those who enter the College of Letters and Science. The minimum prescribed for solid Geometry is forty-five propositions in solid and spherical work. Beginning with the year 1912 the Engineering College will require one-half year of solid Geometry from all students entering that department.

trance requirements on this subject, as heretofore the University has required a year's work which should cover about 180 propositions in plane Geometry and forty-five in solid. The smaller schools of the state will appreciate this change.

CONGRESS STINGY WITH THE U. S. COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE.

The United States Commissioner of Education, Hon. Elmer E. Brown, this year asked congress for $24,100 for additional office assistance and received $4200; his own salary was increased from $4,500 to $5,000, making a total increase in the appropriations for the general work of the Bureau of $4,700 over the present year. A further request of $88,500 for new quarters, collecting statistics, and additions to the library were politely refused, but the reindeer of Alaska were awarded $12,000, and $200,000 was again allowed for the education of the Alaska natives.

OUTSIDE RESIGNATIONS.

Supt. Cooley of Chicago leaves the professional field to accept the presidency of The D. C. Heath Publishing Company at a salary of $12,000 per year. Another gain for the commercial, and another loss for the professional, field of education. Supt. Pearse of Milwaukee is a strong candidate for the position vacated by Mr. Cooley.

President Angell of Ann Arbor also resigns from the presidency of Michigan State University after a long and faithful service.

THE AGENCY BUSINESS.

The past month has seen much activity in the placing of teachers for the next school year. School boards are realizing the importance of having the members of their faculty chosen at as early a date as possible. Our Agency has never before had so many calls from school officers at this time of the year as during the last month. Teachers who have not yet enrolled should do so at once.

SPECIAL TO DENVER.

Elsewhere in this issue we announce a special Journal train from Wisconsin points to Denver, July 3. Through sleepers will run from Wisconsin to Denver and reservations may soon be made with the Editor. A large delegation is expected

These changes give a greater elasticity in the en- from Wisconsin.

THE JOURNAL SPECIAL TRAIN TO DENVER. About all the details have now been completed for the Journal special train to the meeting of the National Educational Association at Denver next July. This train will leave Wisconsin, Saturday, July 3, and through sleepers will start from Eau Claire, Madison, and Milwaukee so that Wisconsin parties may go through to Denver from these points without change of cars. The round trip railroad fare from Milwaukee is $33.50; Madison, $29.50; La Crosse, $27.40; Appleton, $33.65; and proportional rates for intermediate points. This special train will be equipped with both tourist and standard sleepers. A double berth in a tourist car from Milwaukee, Madison, or La Crosse, to Denver will be only $3.00; from Oshkosh or Green Bay, $3.50. Rooms can be obtained in Denver from 50c a day in private homes to any kind of a price in the hotels. An allowance of $1.50 a day for living expenses at Denver is ample.

Wisconsin no doubt will send a large delegation. It is only at the earnest solicitation of many Wisconsin educators that the Editor of this Journal has consented to conduct another party to the N. E. A. and the temptations of the west with its magnificent mountain scenery are too great to be resisted. The fact that the president of this great association is one of our own this year is also a strong incentive to action.

Undoubtedly many Wisconsin teachers and their friends will take in Yellowstone Park, and certainly all will go down to Colorado Springs and see the Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Cripple Creek scenery. By the way, it is well to know that a round trip ticket costs no more to Colorado Springs or Pueblo, via Denver, than to Denver, and a ten days' stop-over can be secured at each of these places. A special Pullman has been chartered at Denver for Saturday, July 10, for those of the Journal party who wish to take in Yellowstone Park, going via Colorado Springs, the Royal Gorge, Salt Lake City, and Ogden. Members of the party who are going to Yellowstone Park should be sure to purchase through tickets to Yellow Stone Station as a great saving will be made. All tickets provide for stop-overs at Denver, Colorado Springs, and Salt Lake City.

We have now in press a fourteen page circular giving the details of this special train which will be sent free to any inquirer. Berth reservations

may be made with the Editor, both for Denver and Yellowstone Park, any time after May 1.

GREEK ELIMINATED FROM THE RHODES
SCHOLARSHIP CONTESTS.

The University of Oxford has recently notified the members of the American committees of selection for Rhodes scholarships in this country that the subject of Greek would not hereafter necessarily constitute an essential requirement in the examination of candidates. It appears that this condition has heretofore shut out many strong scholars, and the desire of the authorities is to secure the strongest men available, regardless of whether or not they have a knowledge of Greek.

THE CHICAGO MEETING.

The meeting of the Department of Superintendence of the N. E. A. at Chicago last month was a success in point of attendance and interest manifested in the proceedings. About sixty superintendents and principals attended from Wisconsin and a large delegation was present from northern Michigan. The next meeting will be held at Indianapolis. The new president is Supt. Stratton

D. Brooks of the Boston schools.

Those of the Wisconsin delegation who were promised definite assignments at the Stratford Hotel will probably not patronize that hostelry again. This Journal wishes to apologize for having attempted to do business with the Stratford manager who saw fit to repudiate most of his promises made far in advance of the meeting. One courteous (?) clerk behind the counter assumed the privilege of calling one schoolmaster a liar, and those who had ordered single rooms were told that the Stratford had made arrangements with other hotels for all such reservations. On going to these hotels the lie was given to the Stratford manage ment for making such statements. All the other hotels, so far as we have learned, lived up to their agreed reservations. This is the first instance in our extensive hotel experience where we have failed to secure what was definitely promised. We thus pay our respects to the management of the Stratford with the hope that the report that a new hotel—under new management—will be erected in its place is true, and that the same may come about before another meeting of educators is held in the city of Chicago.

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