The State Public School

i rom the Goldwater Kepubucan. This institution has been in operation for three inonths, and it is vv possible to see soinething of its purpose and the modus operandi by which its machinery is kept in motion. Witk the object ot seeing with our own eyes the every-day workings of the school, we went in oom pany with a friend to make an unexpeoted cali. As we drove up to the barn to put out our horse, several of the children ran up and offered to render us all the assistance that such little fellows think themselves capable of. Not a soleuin face among the number then out at play. They did not look as though they were contending with poverty, half starved and abused by the rough hand of stern and ugly parent. Far from it. Every face was wreathed with smiles and satisfaction, and contentment rested upon every countenance. We understand that loinesickness is a thing seldom kriown and only for a short time when the children first come among so man y strange faces. We passed to the reception-rooin and ;hen the library, where we met Mr. Truesdell, the efficiënt and oourteous gen;entleman who presides over the afïairs of the institution. That Mr. Truesdell is weli qualified for the position no one can deny when once they havo met him and xrand out the interest he takes in every detail vï business and instruction connected with the school. In all matters connected with the management of the nstitution Mr. True&dell shows a most complete and careful knowledge. lïe is aiiistaking in every move that is made J? w.aId JBSSÍS&KMmT ÜciiiïdT. n "As an executive he has shown a firmness in lis discipline which has won not only th 'espect and conñdenee of his subordiuates ut the affection of the children. Neithr has this been done by the employment of harsh measures, but by that kind but irm manner which a child will respect iecause it is right. There has not been a ase requiring severe discipline yet, notwithstand there are now upwarü of 130 hildren bet ween the ages of 4 and 14. And many of these carne here with the emark that they were pretty difficult to manage. With Mr. Truesdell we passed to the chool-room presided over by Miss Irish. As it was af ter 11 o'clock this was the livision composed of the older pupila in he institution. The younger children jo into the school-room at 8:40 o'clock in ;he morning aud remain until 10:30, when tbey go out to play. The older ones work until 9:30 o'olock and then go nto school and remain until 11:40. The olass as we passed in were engaged in earning to combine numbers. For the trill they had had and the time they had een there they showed a proficiency one would. hardly expect. After this we ïeard a class read, and we must confess o a degree of admiration for the promptness and correctness of their reading- not merely in pronouncing the words but in he expression of the thought. There was no monotone. The proper inflections were given and every word spoken with a precisión and emphasis that the listener could understand what the pupil meant. Our readers may consider this ulsome praise, but before they pass their ondemnation we ask them to visit the chool and see for themselres. Their riticisms will pass into admiration and ommendation. They will rejoice that ihese children have such good opportunties and will offer the silent petition, God bless the children, and make them ;rue citizens of a State that is doing for hem out of its abundanco." We advise ;he primary teachers of our city schools, and those of the higher grades, too, to visit the school in school hours. They will find something worthy of imitation. But the main point of interest, and one which we especially desied to see was his lot of children sitting at the table ating. At 12 o'clock we repaired to the ining hall, where they were collecting "or their dinner. They came in by cotages followed by their family matron or mother, for these childreu learn to cali ,heir own cottage manager by that en.earing name. After they were all seated at the tap of the bell by the matron of he institution, Miss Hall, they begin to epeat audibly and in concert a blessing upon the food they are about to eat. To one who remembers the influences under which many of them have lived this is an affecting and beautiful scène which eaves a lasting impression not only upon he child but also upon the visitor. Some of tlie children then step out rom their seats and assist the matrons in assing the food to the children. Their üet isplaiu, but substantial and wholsome. The day we were there they had beef soup seasoned with onions, cabbage, po;atoes, etc At each meal they devour 32 oaves of bread, eaoh loaf weighing one jound and nine ounces, That is oneïourth of a loaf to each ohild. In the morning thoy get fresh beef well cooked, jotatoes, bread, etc. They hare nico resh milk twice a day to drink. They eat until they are satistied, and the fact is ;hey may eat more than they ought for ;heir own good. The cost of food and preparing it for the table is 94 cents per week for each child. This average was made when potatoes were 1.25 per bushel. They have ripe fruit furnished at the table, so that all are served alike. The garden on the grounds is now furnishing nearly all the vegetables needed, and this is taken care of by the children under ;he general charge of a superintendent. Tho health of the school is excellent. Not a child is sick, nor has been for the past three weeks. This is something xemarkable when th number, the condition of the children when they they came here, their previous life, the climate and the Beason are all taken into account. Go through this city and take from not merely the homes of the poor but of the rich the same nuniber of children indiscriminately, and the health of those at the public school will compare more than favorably. And this is the result of good and healthful food, together with the exercise which they receive every day. Early in the season there were a few cases of diphtheria- five in number, we believe. There have been some slight cases of fever and ague, but the cbildren were all predisposed to these cases when they carne here. One child has died of diphtheria. He was a fine little boy, keen and bright. Not a word of reproof was ever spoken to him. And yet, when he came here he was said to be a pretty difficult boy to manage. Very often thoae that come with the worst reputation prove the best. The management of this institution is to furnish an example in sanitary scienoe and public health from which many mothers and fathers of one or two little chioks may take pattern. It is to show parents that the food and exercise and study of the children at regular hours and in stated quantity is promotive of good health, good digestión, strong systems, and we hope good moráis. Every person employed in the school, from commissioner to the most humble employé, seems earnest in the work and ia trying to insure the complete success of what was a comparatively new enterprise. The work done so far speaks well tor those in charge. We have no doubt that our citizens will do their share toward making the work efficiënt and satisfactory. They most assuredly will when they fully understand the objects of the institution, and the -magnitude of the results to be attained. It ig to take a class of dependent children, who otherwise might grow up in ignorance and vice, and bring thera under good influences, give them proper training intellectually, physically and morally, and thus fit them to become useful members of society. This is an object worthy the hearty support of a truly Christian State. May the citizens of Michigan always deern it a pleasure and a high privilege to contribute to a public charity so noble and commendable. II M i l