62

Office of the Commissioners of Public Schools,
Baltimore, Dec. 19th, 1866.
To the Board of Education of the
State of Maryland.

Gentlemen: I have been requested to present to your Hon-
orable Body a statement in relation to the Floating School of
Baltimore, and to request you to incorporate it with the other
Schools of the State in the system, as ordered by the law of
the General Assembly.

The School was organized by the joint action of the Com-
missioners of Public Schools and the Board of Trade of the
City of Baltimore. The action on the part of the Commis-
sioners was authorized and directed by the Mayor and Gity
Council. The object of the organization was the elevation
of the profession of the sailor by the introduction of a system
of instruction adapted to its peculiarities. It is believed that
by such elevation of the profession and character of the sailor
great advantages would be secured for our national and mer-
cantile marine.

The School was established with the view of its erection
into a State Institution. For the accomplishment of this
purpose, an act of incorporation was prepared and presented
to the Legislature of the State, in 1860. The act was refer-
red to a Committee, but was never acted upon by the Legis-
lature.

The design was to admit pupils from each City and County
of the State, in proportions determined by the population of
each. Connected with the Institution there was to have been
a, Boarding Department, with every provision necessary for
its successful management. The pupils were to be admitted
without charge for Board, and with that of one dollar per
term for tuition, and the use of Books and Stationery.

The Floating School of Baltimore was the first of the kind
that was established on ship-board, the ship being afloat upon
the waves. Institutions for the training of boys for the M9~
fession of the sailor, were established in Europe, but they
were located upon the land. Ships and boats were provided
for practice upon the water.

Since the establishment of our Floating School, other cities
of our country have followed the example, and there are
other Schools of the kind in operation.

Before the war the School numbered seventy-four pupils.
It was discontinued in 1863 in consequence of the withdrawal
of a large number of the pupils, either to enter the army or

to assist in the support of their families.

The case is respectfully submitted to your Honorable Body,

in the hope that such measures may be adopted, as may be
necessary for the resuscitation of the School and ita future

support. Respectfully,

J. N. McJILTON.