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5 apprehended, is conducted with as much regularity and accuracy as any department of public business under the General or State Govern- ment. A list of the Books selected will be found in the Appendix. In the Report at the close of the year 1866, a full statement will be made of the number and grade of Books furnished to the Schools. The Counties have cheerfully procured Text Books of the authorized series, but the School Commissioners of Baltimore have refused to recognize in this particular the authority of the State Board. They use Books of their own selection, and thus nullify the intent of the law to establish a uniform system of Public Instruction for every School and High School in the State. It is proper her to remark, that it was the cause of considerable sur- prise and gratification to find so many of the principal literary and scien- tific men of our country, and the largest publishing houses, engaged in writing and printing, in styles almost of elegance, books for the Schools. When we compare the character of Text. Books of the "present day, and the beauty of their manufacture, with those of twenty-five years ago, it is difficult to realize that they are designed for the same: purpose. For the benefit of conference, and to enable the State Board to impart to the School Commissioners selected for the different sections of the State, their views as to the proper method of organizing and conducting Schools under the new law, and to secure unity and energy of action, it was decided to call A CONVENTION OF COMMISSIONERS OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS, To assemble in Baltimore, August 22d and 23d. The invitation was responded to by a large number of Commissioners; the City of Balti- more and all the Counties being represented, except Charles, St. Mary's and Somerset. Lieut. Governor C. C. Cox, in the absence of Governor Bradford, presided, and opened the business of the Convention with a very appro- priate and eloquent address The deliberations of the Convention were exceedingly interesting, and marked by a harmony of feeling, and determination of purpose, most gratifying to the friends of Universal Education. Several modifications of the School Law were discussed, which will be presented to the Gen- eral Assembly, for their consideration, by a Committee appointed for the purpose. It is proper to say, in this connection, that all the amendments to be proposed meet with my hearty consent. Many of them are em- bodied in the suggestions under the eighth caption of this Report. The Convention met in the New Assembly Rooms, which were ten- dered, free of all charge, by the intelligent and liberal owner, Mr. Fen- ton, who also paid all expenses connected with the use of the apartments. This courtesy was acknowledged by an unanimous vote of thanks. It was in striking contrast with the action of the President of the Board of School Commissioners of Baltimore City, who refused the use of the Hall of the Western High School, for which application was made. |
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Proceedings and Acts of the General Assembly, 1866
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