Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 2, 1879.

The following is a list of new buildings erected in the city of Winfield since January 1, 1878, with the name of owner and cost of building.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.

FARRINGER, PROF. C., is one of the most skillful music teachers in the state. He teaches vocal music and performance on various kinds of instruments and keeps instruments for sale.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 8, 1879.

The following are names of scholars who have been absolutely perfect in attendance and punctuality during the last school month.

Fred. McLaughlin, 96; Linnie Peed, 85; Charlie Grimes, 86; Mary Theaker, 92; Jerry Adams, 95; Samuel Reed, 88; May Benedict, 85; Susie Hunt, 84; Willie Patterson, 74.

Ella Bowers, 81; George Endicott, 94; Edward Garris, 90; Frank Theaker, 90; Jessie Rentschler, 89; Mary McClung, 88; Charlie Randall, 83; Myrtle McNelly, 67; Walter Patterson, 55.

Lillie Mitchell, 85; Elmer Howard, 70; Jimmie Roberson, 90; Maggie Ford, 85; Harry Rentschler, 80; Lucy Simpson, 80; Lizzie Garris, 80; Lydia Petcel, 75; Henry Simpson, 75; Thomas Petcel, 75; Clara Ford, 75; Rosa Garris, 60; William Harden, 60; Tom Harden, 70.

Linnie Peed, Fred McLaughlin, Chas. Grimes, Frank Theaker, and Lillie Mitchell have been present every day during the term. C. H. SYLVESTER, Principal.

ASSISTANTS: Miss Ela, Mrs. Theaker.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 8, 1879.

Deportment and standing of pupils in the "A" and "B" grades, in District No. 69.

Allie Bowen, 100; Angie Bowen, 100; Nannie Scott, 100; Clara Scott, 100; Maggie Turner, 100; Sadie Scott, 100; May Deweese, 100; Kate Deweese, 100; Callie Donelly, 100; Joseph Ramsey, 100; Willie Ramsey, 85; Hattie Wood, 100.

Allie Bowen, 100; Angie Bowen, 85; Nannie Scott, 100; Clara Scott, 85; Maggie Turner, 85; Sadie Scott, 85; May Deweese, 85; Katie Deweese, 90; Callie Donelly, 60; Joseph Ramsey, 90; Willie Ramsey, 85; Hattie Wood, 60.

[Skipped Geography and Grammar. Repetition of many names already given.]

Reading and spelling of both classes were of high grade. J. O. WILKINSON, Teacher.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 8, 1879.

District 53, Bolton Township, for the month ending January 3rd, 1879.

Lester Burnett, 97; Mary Lorry, 89; Annie Coulter, 97; Martin Coulter, 95; Frank Bland, 95; Ruth Voris, 94; Rose Sample, 96; Hattie Rice, 96; Alvin Voris, 96; Hannah Lorry, 94; Willie Voris, 93; Maggie Sample, 94; David Bristow, 95; Frank Lorry, 96; Eddie Voris, 91; Lulu Bland, 94; Clara Lorry, 92; Carrie Rice, 95; Fred Lorry, 95; Mamie Schnee, 93; Willie Schnee, 95; Moses Coulter, 95; James Michael, 92; Stevie Rice, 94; Clyde Akers, 91; Earnest Frost, 89. L. E. NORTON, Teacher.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 15, 1879.

We are told that Col. McMullen is negotiating with the authorities of Winfield for the sale of his new residence to the city for purposes of a schoolhouse. Winfield is greatly in need of such a building and we have no doubt the trade will be consummated at an early day. Should the Colonel close this sale, we are assured that he will return to this city for a permanent home as his valuable property here remains unsold.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 15, 1879.

We acknowledge the receipt of the Biennial Report of Hon. A. B. Lemmon, State Supt. of Schools. The report is full of interest and is conclusive evidence of the right man in the right place.

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Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.

Miss Ella Grimes is wrestling with the boys at the Centennial schoolhouse.

"Victory" school house in dist. No. 115 still remains in an unfinished condition and a monument of emptiness, as regards school-keeping.

Miss Henrietta King has prestige at Thomasville schoolhouse, and enjoys the enviable reputation of teaching the best school ever taught in that building.

C. L. Swarts puts on pedagogical airs at Enterprise No. 93. DIXON'S GRAPHITE.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.

Our city schools are running over with scholars.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.

Mrs. Amy Chapin has begun teaching in district 115, Pleasant Valley.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.

Miss Fannie Pontious closed her term of school in district 22 on the 8th.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.

C. L. Swarts has been engaged to teach the school in district 93, Beaver Township.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.

The Jarvis school, district 30, supports a literary, the session being on Wednesday evening.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.

The Sheridan school, district 47, has a grammar school twice a week, on Tuesday and Saturday evening, conducted alternately by Sol. Smith and Emery Johnson.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.

A necktie festival for the benefit of the Crooked Creek Library Association is to be held at Crooked Creek Schoolhouse on Friday evening Jan. 31, 1879. The price of a necktie is to be 50 cents. Those not desiring neckties can have their supper for 25 cents each and those just wishing to look around can look for 10 cents. All efforts are being put forth by the energetic executive committee to make it an enjoyable occasion and all should turn out.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.

MR. EDITOR.--The following named pupils have the average standing attached to their respective names, on a scale of 10, for the last school month ending December 20th, 1878.

Mary Orr, 9 ½; Lilly Wilson, 8; Maggie Limbocker, 8 ½; Mary E. Curfman, 8 ½; Archie Harlow, 8 ½; Elmer Curfman, 9; Richard Morgan, 8 ½; Mattie Baird, 7 ½; Clara Limbocker, 7; Bell Curfman, 8 2/3; Samuel Wells, 6 ½; Maggie Wilson, 9 2/3; Annie Orr, 9 2/3; Minnie Larimer, 9 1/3; Oscar Curfman, 9; Jimmie L. Baird, 9; Minnie Burton, 9 2/3; Emma McGee, 9 ½; H. U. Curfman, 9 2/3; George Carter, 9 2/3; Frank E. Limbocker, 7 ½; Earnest Wilson, 6 ½; Fred Limbocker, 8 2/3. Total number of pupils enrolled to-date 46. Number of visitors this month 18. A. B. TAYLOR, Teacher.

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Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.

The festival at our schoolhouse was well attended and everybody happy. Rev. Lahr and lady visited the Fairview school a few days ago. The festival at Maple Grove was a success. The literary is still in progress. Yours truly, ANONYMOUS.

Excerpts...

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.

Board of County Commissioners met in regular session [January 6, 1879]. Present: R. F. Burden, W. M. Sleeth, and G. L. Gale, commissioners, James McDermott, county attorney, and M. G. Troup, county clerk.

Among other proceedings had, bills against the county were presented and passed upon by the board as follows.

[TEACHERS' EXAMINATION.]

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.

On the 31st day of January, at Arkansas City, Dexter, and Winfield, an examination will be had of applicants for teachers' certificates. At that time questions upon the metric system and upon the best methods of teaching of the English branches will be submitted to every candidate, and exact and comprehensive answers to these questions will be expected. Teachers should govern themselves accordingly. An examination will be held in Winfield March 28th. Work will begin at 9 o'clock a.m. R. C. STORY, Co. Supt.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 22, 1879.

Our school is filling up with many new faces.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1879.

It is said that the Germans of this city have secured a German teacher, Professor Backus, a gentleman of high education, for the purpose of establishing a private school, in which the German language will form a special branch of study. We wish them success.

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[FROM RICHLAND CORRESPONDENT: DEEDS AND TAXES.]

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1879.

MR. EDITOR:--We up here are being exercised somewhat over our rights, and there are two nearly equal sides so far as members go; that is, there are fifteen tax-payers on real estate in our school district, and twelve holders of claims, that pay no tax on real estate, and nearly all of them have run over their time--in fact, some of them three of four years over the time given by law. There has been for some time a listlessness in deeding, and the tax-payers are getting very restless under the heavy burden of tax to build a school-house and keeping up a school in the district and other taxes beside; consequently, they called a meeting of all interested on both sides--a sort of neighborly gathering--and talked the matter over, then adjourned one week; then held another meeting, talked some more, and adjourned again till next Saturday night. These meetings are conducted in good order, and I think will be a good thing for all concerned. One side claims they are not able to deed yet, while the others say when they deeded, money was worth from thirty to fifty percent, and now can be had at less than half what they were obliged to pay; and further, that they have had time to make their improvements before being called on to deed, while the first that deeded had to make their payments on their land before they could raise much of a crop. Then the claim holders say what they did raise was worth so much more than it is now. L.

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Arkansas City Traveler, January 29, 1879.

There are 111 school districts in the county, all of which have substantial schoolhouses; these affording facilities for education nearly equal to those of older countries. . . .

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1879.

Why does not someone move in the matter of building a schoolhouse in this city? Everyone admits the necessity, and as a matter of economy there can be no doubt of its advisability. Someone must attend to the matter. Who shall it be? You must not depend upon the editor of the COURIER. He cannot attend to all these things. Call a meeting and decide what shall be done. We think the school board should call the meeting and everybody should turn out. It is an important matter. Wake-up! Stir around!

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Winfield Courier, January 30, 1879.

The school at Green Valley is in a flourishing condition; two of the boys have graduated and left school--H. Hopkins and F. W. Wentz.

The spelling-school last Tuesday evening was a success. Miss Davis, from the Beck school, and some of her scholars were there.

Miss Ella Olmstead and Miss Anna Martin are taking music lessons with Mrs. Rothrock.

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Winfield Courier, January 30, 1879.

The Rev. Harrison, pastor of the M.E. church, has just concluded a series of meetings at the Centennial schoolhouse. Twenty-seven persons united with the church.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1879.

District No. 1: WINFIELD.

Geo. W. Robinson

Emma Saint

Sarah Aldrich

Sarah Hodges

Mary Bryant

Allie Klingman

Ioa Roberts

Connected with Winfield. District Number

Alice Aldrich 48

Mattie Minnihan 43

Mina Johnson 13

Celina Bliss 9

Mrs. Alice Bullock 106

R. A. O'Neill 77

A. B. Taylor 21

Ella Freeland 50

Maggie Stansbury 108

Ida Carey 97

Anna Hunt 90

John Bower 12

F. Starwalt 49

S. T. Hockett 64

Fannie Pontious 22

Sarah E. Sitton 31

District No. 2: ARKANSAS CITY.

C. H. Sylvester

Mrs. L. M. Theaker

Connected with Arkansas City. District Number

T. J. Rude 51

Lizzie Landis 42

Chas. Hutchings 89

J. M. Hawthorn 6

Albertine Maxwell 32

Charles Swarts 80

H. G. Blount 41

J. O. Wilkinson 69

Risdon Gilstrap 33

Frank A. Chapin 10

L. E. Norton 53

Flora Finley 34

James Perisho 62

District No. 20: FLORAL.

G. B. Richmond

Connected with Floral.

Squire Humble 19

District No. 45: TISDALE.

E. A. Millard

Connected with Tisdale.

S. A. Smith 47

District No. 30: MOSCOW.

R. B. Hunter

District No. 26: LITTLE DUTCH.

T. J. Floyd

Connected with Little Dutch.

R. B. Corson 81

District No. 52: NEW SALEM.

Ella Davis

Connected with New Salem.

Sarah Bovee 39

[Miss] Ray Nawman 55

District No. 14: LAZETTE.

Mary A. Tucker

Connected with Lazette.

H. T. Albert 15

Emma Burden 95

M. Hemenway 94

District No. 5: DEXTER.

W. Trevett

Connected with Dexter.

W. E. Merydith 54

R. C. Maurer 7

Allie Hardin 88

Viola Hardin 88

S. F. Overman 56

Alpha Harden 29

District No. 84: CEDAR VALE.

H. P. Attwater

Connected with Cedar Vale.

Alice Dickie 79

N. P. Seacord 56

James Seacord 83

District No. 60: POLO.

Thos. B. Kidney

Connected with Polo.

Mrs. Sarah Hollingsworth 74

District No. 18: BALTIMORE.

Lou Bedell

District No. 24: ROCK.

Electa F. Strong

Connected with Rock.

E. Limerick 25

Simeon Martin 29

District No. 72: RED BUD.

J. T. Tarbet

Connected with Red Bud.

R. A. Hall 91

District No. 73: DOUGLAS.

L. L. Hollinger

District No. 11: BUSHNELL.

L. McKinley

Connected with Bushnell.

Sadie Davis 71

District No. 85: SILVERDALE.

Jennie Scott

District No. 8: OXFORD.

Hattie McKinley

District No. 107: OTTO.

E. B. Poole

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1879.

In 1878 the following circular was sent out by the State Superintendent. Circumstances prevented my submitting the matter therein to your attention. The object of this work is an excellent one, and it is not too late to begin the desired work. In a short time sample pages of paper, fools-cap size, showing headings and rulings, will be sent to every teacher in the county. Can you not put on record the work of your classes? Let some subject be taken every week, or every month if time permits, and have the pupil write the questions and answers on fools-cap paper, using but one side of a leaf. This work, when completed, should be collected and sent to my office. It is intended to use all material thus sent in to make an educational exhibit at our next county fair. Read the circular carefully, then follow its suggestions.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1879.

STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, TOPEKA, KANS., NOV. 10, 1878.

DEAR SIR:--Most teachers require of their students occasional written exercises in study, recitation, and examination. The value of such exercises is unquestioned. It is now proposed to use them in the collection of the material for an educational exhibit that shall show what is actually being done in all the classes of every grade of schools in the state. Your cooperation in this undertaking is earnestly solicited.

It is proposed that this collection shall be divided into three sections, viz.:

1. Common or country-school work.

2. Graded-school work.

3. The work of higher institutions of learning, including the State University, State Agricultural College, Normal School, and denominational colleges.

To make such a collection valuable, the work should be prepared on a plan that should be followed strictly by all participating schools. To aid in securing uniformity of work, the following rules are respectfully suggested:

1. All exercises should be prepared on paper uniform in size and ruling with the enclosed.

2. The work should be collected by classes; every member of the class should be represented, either by work, or by a sheet of paper on which the teacher shall give the reason of the child's failure.

3. Use pen and ink in making all written exercises.

4. Specimens of work should be collected from time to time as the teacher thinks best. These should illustrate--(a) methods of study, (b) recitations, (c) examinations. During a term, every member of each class should be required to prepare several papers.

5. Students should not be given time for special preparation for this work. The papers should show the average work of each student, nothing more. Teachers should require their students to be prepared to put themselves upon the record at any time. By so doing, they can make the preparation of these exercises an excellent incentive to study.

6. In assigning a written exercise in study, recitation, or examination, the teacher should announce the time to be given for its preparation, and at the expiration of that time, he should collect all papers and note the exact time in which they had been prepared. These papers should be fastened together and put in covers similar to those sent herewith.

Students' work prepared as herein suggested, can be made a very interesting part of a school examination. It will give parents and others a better idea of the teacher's methods, and the actual progress made by students than can be obtained in any other way.

The next meeting of our State Teachers' Association will be held at Lawrence. Is it not possible to make a collection of school work an interesting and valuable feature of that meeting?

If you think so, and if you are willing that your work shall be compared with that of others, you are requested to begin to make such a collection at once. Attend the meeting of the Association, if you find it possible, and bring your "fruits" with you. If unable to be present at the meeting, send your work by express, addressed to me, and it will be placed on exhibition. It is proposed, finally, to place the collection in the office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, where it may be examined at any time.

Very respectfully, your ob't servant,

Arkansas City Traveler, February 5, 1879.

G. W. Robinson, principal of the Winfield schools, was in town Friday and Saturday conducting the teachers examination.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 5, 1879.

The teachers examined on Friday and Saturday last, developed a remarkable faculty on the part of one of the applicants for drawing, his map of Lake Michigan representing the probable state of his feelings, if not the geographical position of the lake.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1879.

MR. EDITOR:--Is it not somewhat strange and something of a neglect, that with all the beautiful magnesia stone sidewalks we have laid to almost all parts of the city, we have none on the north side of courthouse block and block west of it, and south side of 9th avenue, this being one of the most traveled thoroughfares in the city, about two-thirds of the school children passing over it twice a day, and being thronged during court week and the main outlet to the east part of the city. When the spring rains set in, from the position of the ground, the old rickety makeshift we have now will be inundated over two feet in water for probably days. Is it not the wish that our city fathers have us a good, substantial, eight-foot sidewalk put down on north side of these two blocks above high water mark. W. A. LEE.

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Winfield Courier, February 6, 1879.

No school at Star Valley schoolhouse last week owing to sickness in the teacher's family. Star Valley has an interesting debating society which meets every Saturday night. REFLEX.

Red Bud, February 1, 1878.

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Winfield Courier, February 6, 1879.

That there is virtue in prayer was amply verified last week by the clerical gentleman who conducted a series of meetings at the Centennial schoolhouse. The attendance not being satisfactory, he prayed that the wagons of those farmers who deliberately and premeditatedly started for Wichita, while an opportunity was presented for the redemption of their souls, would break down. K. J. W. was the victim selected for its verification.

I venture the assertion that district No. 93 supports one of the most interesting, entertaining, and instructive lyceums in the county; meets every Wednesday evening. The exercises are profusely interspersed with excellent vocal and instrumental music, of which the violin plays a prominent part. The question discussed last evening was: "Resolved, That intemperance has caused more misery than war." Chief disputants: Messrs. C. W. Roseberry and C. L. Swarts. It was decided in the affirmative. DIXON'S GRAPHITE.

January 31, 1879.

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Winfield Courier, February 6, 1879.

J. S. Baker is doing a good work in the Pleasant Grove school. He occasionally "teaches the young idea how to shoot" with a cottonwood shoot.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1879.

The following is a report of the Little Dutch school for the month ending January 24, 1879: No. enrolled during this month, 60; total No. of days of attendance, 783; No. off days school was in session, 19; No. of cases of tardiness, 97.

The following are the names and grade of those having an average standing of 90 percent and upward: Thos. Covert 91, E. E. Rogers 91, Ida Schock 98, Clara Green 94, Ella Schock 91, Elty White 92, Alfred Savage 90, Mary Taylor 90, Gardie Taylor 90, Alex. Cox 93.

There were seven visits from patrons of the school during this month.

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Arkansas City Traveler, February 12, 1879.

Arkansas City: We have a splendid school now giving advantages to 200 pupils that cannot be excelled in any school of its grade in the county, and under the superintendence of a Wisconsin graduate.

[SCHOOL REPORT.]

Arkansas City Traveler, February 12, 1879.

The following are names of scholars who have been absolutely perfect in attendance, punctuality, deportment, and good in scholarship.

Mollie Christian Mary McClung

Mattie Mitchell Linnie Peed

Mary Theaker Emma Theaker

Charlie Grimes Fred. McLaughlin

Walter Patterson

The following are deserving of honorable mention for diligence, good behavior and nearly perfect attendance.

May Benedict Laura Gregg

Jessie Finley Anna Hutchison

Susie Hunt Stella Swarts

Annie Norton Jessie Sankey

Jerry Adams Lute Coombs

George Endicott Samuel Reed

Wm. Randall Charlie Randall.

Perfect in attendance and punctuality.

Maggie Ford, 95; Frank Theaker, 85; Jonnie Garris, 80.

But once tardy.

Clyde Marris, 90; Harvey Roberson, 60; Perry Fullerlove, 85.

Perfect in attendance and punctuality.

Lizzie Garris, 90; Grace McClung, 90; Clara Ford, 70; Jasper Fitzpatrick, 70; Elmer Howard, 70; Abe McClaskey, 85; Allie Harris, 60; Oak McClaskey, 60; Tom Howard, 50; Arthur Howey, 50. MRS. THEAKER, Teacher.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 12, 1879.

There will be a Cemetery meeting, held at the Parker Schoolhouse on Friday afternoon, February 14th, at one o'clock, p.m., to clear off the grass from the ground, and also to repair some sunken graves, elect officers, etc. Friends turn out and repair the resting place on your departed friends. G. H. SHEARER, Sec.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

Misses Nellie Aldrich, Sarah Bovee, Mattie Minnihan, Estella Crook, Annie Hudson, Hattie McKinley, Electa Strong, Lyda Strong, Mrs. I. E. Brown, Ed. S. Smith, J. S. Baker, A. E. Hon, L. McKinley, and Mrs. S. E. Litton were at the teachers' examination held in this city on the first of this month.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

C. H. Sylvester, principal of the Arkansas City schools, was in town Saturday last.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

Miss N. P. Seacord's school, district 66, closed on the 27th ult.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

R. C. Maurer's school, in district 7, closed Wednesday of last week.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

Squire W. E. Ketchum has reopened the Maple City school after a vacation caused by sickness.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

District 54, Dexter Township, has a literary society every Friday and a spelling school every Thursday evening.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

Dr. Cole, of this place, delivered a very interesting lecture before the pupils of the Winfield High School on last Friday afternoon.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

Miss Viola Harden closed school in the Plumb Creek district, No. 38, on the 30th ult.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

Miss Electa Strong has closed her first term of school in district 24, Rock Township. She will soon begin a second term.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

Thomas Rude teaches singing as well as school in district 51.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

N. S. Armstrong has closed the winter term of school in the Stalter district No. 23.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

Miss Ray E. Nawman has ended the winter term of school in district 25.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

Can our school board call an informal meeting of citizens to determine what action should be taken for our city schools next year? But few months remain in which proper arrangements can be made. Let us act promptly.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

Go to the school house meeting.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

Miss Allie Harden has finished her first term of school in District 88.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

There will be a meeting of the citizens of District No. 1, at the schoolhouse in Winfield, on next Saturday, 15th inst., at 2 o'clock p.m., to consider the matter of building a school- house. Let everybody turn out and give a full expression.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

Ed. COURIER: The tax-payers' meeting took place according to adjournment, and with Mr. E. B. Sawtell in the chair, passed the following preambles and resolutions.

Whereas, There is over one-third of the land in this school district yet undeeded and held by claimants, and most of said claims have already been held over the time allowed by law and have not, or are not, paying taxes of any kind; and

Whereas, The land that has been heretofore deeded has been paid for when money was worth an average of thirty percent, and can now be had at a rate below one-half that rate; therefore,

Resolved, That we, the tax-payers of School District No. 22, Richland Township, do earnestly request our fellow citizens to deed their claims before the 1st of March, 1879, such of them as have exceeded the time allowed by law.

Resolved, That we think they ought to deed for the following reasons:

1st. To secure their homes to themselves and families, which can be done in no other way.

2nd. To thereby increase the taxable property so as to keep up our schools for longer terms.

3rd. To make themselves our equals (as they are otherwise) in bearing the burdens of state, county, and district taxes.

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Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

The teachers of the various schools in Southeast Cowley were edited by a visit from the efficient and gentlemanly county superintendent, Prof. Story, a few days since. This is the first time that a county superintendent has ever visited schools in this part of the county.

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Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

A festival was held at the house of Mr. Hodgson's recently, and about $16 was realized, which is to be applied towards purchasing a library for the Grand Prairie Sabbath school.

The good people of District 91 gave the school children a grand dinner on New Year's Day. There were about sixty persons that partook of the excellent dinner, and still enough remained for nearly as many more. Among those who were instrumental in getting up the dinner and who contributed largely to the same were Mrs. Daniels, Mrs. Walck, Mrs. Whipple, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Johnston and others. Stirring speeches were made by Squire Walck, Mr. Whipple, R. A. Hull, and others. Whenever the patrons of any school district manifest a deep interest in the welfare and advancement of the charge they commit to the care of a teacher, no fears need be entertained as to results.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.

There will be a festival held at the Centennial Schoolhouse, in Silverdale Township, on tomorrow evening, Friday the 14th, St. Valentine's day, for the benefit of Rev. Rose, of the Dexter circuit.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 19, 1879.

The Supreme Court decides that a teacher of a public school must be employed by the school board at a regular meeting, and proceedings of the meeting then and there entered on record.

[SCHOOL REPORT: DISTRICT NO. 53.]

Arkansas City Traveler, February 19, 1879.

The following is the standing, by examination, of the pupils of School District No. 53, for the term ending February 6th, 1879.

Maggie Sample, Rose Sample, Lester Burnett, Hannah Lorry, Annie Coulter, Lulu Bland, George Coulter, Frank Lorry, Frank Bland, Fred Lorry, Mamie Schnee, David Bristow, Mary Lorry, Martin Coulter, Clara Lorry, Carrie Rice. L. E. NORTON, Teacher.

Winfield Courier, February 20, 1879.

District 114 has a good stone schoolhouse in which is a good school.

Winfield Courier, February 20, 1879.

The Science Valley Free Baptist Church will have a festival at the Pleasant View schoolhouse, 3 miles east of Winfield, on Friday night, February 28, for the benefit of their minister, Rev. James P. Henderson.

Winfield Courier, February 20, 1879.

E. B. Corson's school, district 81, Ninnescah Township, has spelling schools on Tuesday nights.

Winfield Courier, February 20, 1879.

The schoolhouse in district 116, built by Captain Myers, is one of the best little houses in the county.

Winfield Courier, February 20, 1879.

Simon Martin, teacher in district 29, Rock Township, gives his school written examinations monthly. The effect of this work is seen in the marked improvement of his pupils.

Winfield Courier, February 20, 1879.

There will be a festival at Excelsior schoolhouse Friday night. The people of Excelsior are noted far and wide for their success in catering to the appetites of the hungry; and this will undoubtedly be better than any held in that vicinity heretofore.

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Winfield Courier, February 20, 1879.

R. B. Corson is doing a good work in the Green Valley school. Long may he live to teach and instruct the rising generation. VERY SOFT.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 26, 1879.

EDITOR TRAVELER: I wish to ask whether there is any city ordinance against ringing bells at improper hours? Last Friday evening after the Literary the schoolhouse bell was rung some fifteen minutes. It was at a late hour and it was enough to startle any person. For my part I took a good deal of trouble to go and look to see if there was not a fire. If there is no ordinance at present, ought not the Council to pass one imposing a fine and imprisonment on any person ringing any of the public bells when there is no occasion for it? CITIZEN.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 26, 1879.

The Stock Protecting Co. of Creswell Township, will meet at Parker's schoolhouse on Thursday evening, March 6th. All the members are requested to be present.

Winfield Courier, February 27, 1879.

M. S. Ticer has closed his school in Vernon Township, district 68.

Winfield Courier, February 27, 1879.

Harry Blount closed this week his second term of school in district 41.

Winfield Courier, February 27, 1879.

Districts 29 and 114 were in town Saturday trying to settle their differences growing out of division of school property.

Winfield Courier, February 27, 1879.

C. C. Critz closed his school in Rose Valley, district 41, on the 21st.

Winfield Courier, February 27, 1879.

Squire Humble closes tomorrow his school in district 19, Queen Village.

Winfield Courier, February 27, 1879.

A festival, in aid of Rev. Mr. Lahr, will be held Friday evening in district 27, Ninnescah Township.

Excerpt...

Winfield Courier, February 27, 1879.

Mr. E. B. Poole's school in District No. 107 closes Monday, the 24th inst.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 5, 1879.

We call special attention to the new ad of Prof. Wilkinson in this number. Those in need of musical instruments will find the best at his rooms, on sale, where every attention will be paid the purchaser.

[SCHOOL REPORT: M. L. ELA, TEACHER.]

Arkansas City Traveler, March 5, 1879.

John Sankey, Seymore Goff, John Garris, Arthur Coombs, Archie Coombs, Manford Walch, Frank Theaker, Angie Small, Fleeta Cox, Ella Hoyt, Maggie Ford, Lillie Mitchell, Annie Speers, Laura Holloway, Myrtle McNelly, and John Howard. M. L. ELA, Teacher.

[SCHOOL REPORT: MRS. L. M. H. THEAKER, TEACHER.]

Arkansas City Traveler, March 5, 1879.

Scholars perfect in attendance in Primary Department, Arkansas City:

Lizzie Garris, Grace McClung, Clara Ford, Turner Sankey, Maggie Patterson, Lone Ware, Della Poland, and Johnnie Milan. MRS. L. M. H. THEAKER, Teacher.

Excerpt...

Winfield Courier, March 6, 1879.

The House has passed a bill which punishes any person for driving or riding over the growing hedge of another; also reducing interest on tax sales to 25 percent; also changing time of holding annual school meeting to first Thursday in July; also giving purchasers of school land twenty years to pay for same at 7 percent interest and extending the time for delinquent purchasers to September next; also an act making it a felony for any bank officer or owner of a private bank to receive deposits when the bank is insolvent or is in a failing condition; also an act which prevents cities of the second class from issuing license to sell intoxicating drinks; also an act reducing fees of county clerks and county treasurers; and has pending before it ready for final passage a bill which makes it a misdemeanor to disturb any kind of public meeting. Most of these bills will pass the Senate and are the ones in which our people have some interest.

Excerpt...

Winfield Courier, March 6, 1879.

The spelling school Tuesday evening at Green Valley was a failure on account of bad weather. VERY SOFT.

Winfield Courier, March 6, 1879.

The following is a report of the Little Dutch school for the month ending February 21st, 1879.

Number enrolled this month, 64; total attendance in days this month, 966; average daily attendance, 48.3; number perfect in deportment, 17; number neither absent or tardy, 26; number of cases of tardiness, 71; number of visits from patrons of the school, 11; number of days school was in session, 20.

The following is the total average grade of those having a grade of 90 percent, and upward, in scholarship, deportment, and attendance: Clara Green, 95; Maggie Heffner, 96; Ida Schock, 96; Elda Schock, 96; Effie White, 92; Lulu Rogers, 91; Mary Taylor, 92; Carrie Smith, 90; Franklin Savage, 94; Alex. Cox, 90; Thos. Covert, 95; E. E. Rogers, 94; Gardie Taylor, 93; Clem Schock, 90.

Excerpt...

[REPORT FROM "AS YOU PLEASE" - MOSCOW.]

Winfield Courier, March 6, 1879.

Moscow, school district No. 92: The Moscow schoolhouse is almost completed and school will open about the first of April.

Winfield Courier, March 6, 1879.

Hereafter the work of examination will be confined to one day, and the studies considered will be limited to a given number of minutes. The metric system and the principles of teaching will form part of every examination. The standing of applicants in spelling and in grammar will be taken largely from their written work. The next examination will be held in the Winfield high school room, beginning at 9 o'clock a.m., Saturday, March 29. Parties interested should take due notice. R. C. STORY, County Superintendent.

Excerpts...

Winfield Courier, March 6, 1879.

The festival held at Blue's schoolhouse Feb. 28th was a success. The festival was given for the benefit of Rev. Mr. Lahr. The people of the Winfield circuit will shortly have to part with their minister, Rev. Mr. Lahr. We hope the next minister will be as good a preacher as he is. Mrs. Hood furnished some splendid music for the festival.

The Crooked Creek Lyceum is still under headway.

There has been some talk of starting a Temperance Lodge at the Valley View schoolhouse.

[SCHOOL REGULATIONS IN CITIES OF THE SECOND CLASS.]

Winfield Courier, March 13, 1879.

As our city is about to assume the dignity of second class, the following will be of interest to our citizens.

Cities of the second class have special laws for their regulation in school matters. The board of education consists of two members from each ward, who hold office for two years, one being elected annually. No member of the board of education shall be a member of the council, and no councilman shall be a member of the board of education.

For the want of room for schools, children between the ages of five and seven may be excluded from the schools. Territory adjacent to cities of the second class may become attached thereto for school purposes only, application being made to the board of education, and the territory, if attached, is entitled to elect two members of the board of education when equaling any one ward in population or taxable property.

The annual election comes on the first Tuesday of April. The board must organize at its regular meeting in May, and meets on the first Monday of each month. It elects its own officers, excepting the treasurer makes its own rules and regulations, and has sole control of the schools and school property of the city.

A superintendent of schools shall be appointed by the board, shall constitute the committee to examine all applicants for teacher's positions. In other particulars, cities of the second class are subject to laws similar to the general school laws of the State.

[REPORT FROM "X" - PRAIRIE GROVE.]

Winfield Courier, March 13, 1879.

MR. EDITOR:--Some fever in these parts, such as railroad, gold, and spring fevers. Some danger of buck ague since shotguns have been so freely used of late in the County. Literary at Prairie Grove will soon close with an exhibition. Give us an east and west road; bonds will carry up this way. Miss Fannie Pontious goes back to Richland to teach the summer school, which is an evidence of her ability to give satisfaction as a teacher.

In reply to U. R. A. Brick & Co., permit me to say if they would use the word Prairie Grove, the proper name of Dist. No. 108, given to it when organized, it would be some credit to them for if it was a buzzard's festival, U. R. A. Brick & Co. were the buzzards. They state they were attacked by the buzzards before they were done eating. Buzzards will congregate around carcasses.

Excerpt...

[BEAVER FILBERTS BY "DIXON'S GRAPHITE."]

Winfield Courier, March 13, 1879.

Sickness prevented Mrs. Ed. Chapin from discharging her duties as governess in Dist. No. 115 last week. Miss Grimes' school in No. 4 in one more week will be enumerated as one of the things that were.

Winfield Courier, March 13, 1879.

In the United States the cost for public schools is $2.02 for each inhabitant. The army taxes us $1.39 per head, while whiskey is only $20 a head.

Winfield Courier, March 13, 1879.

The quota of state school fund apportioned to this county, amounting to $3,692.62, has been received by the treasurer and is ready for distribution. Superintendent Story informs us that it will amount to 68-1/4 cents per scholar of school age.

[MISCELLANEOUS ITEM RE TAXES IN COWLEY COUNTY.]

Arkansas City Traveler, March 19, 1879.

The lowest rate of tax in Cowley County is 13 mills on the dollar; the highest 45 mills; the average about 25 mills. The only localities where taxes are high, being Winfield and Arkansas City, where substantial improvements have been built, such as bridge, schoolhouses, etc. Winfield has two iron and one combination bridge across Dutch creek, as well as a good courthouse and jail, each brick structures, and a large stone schoolhouse. Arkansas City has a large combination bridge across the Arkansas River, erected at a cost of $13,000, and one across the Walnut River that cost $3,000; also a splendid brick schoolhouse which cost $10,000 and is the finest building in the county. The entire indebtedness of the county is but $31,500. According to the last assessment our taxable property amounted to $2,020,000.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 19, 1879.

By order of the Mayor and Council, Tuesday, March 25th, A. D. 1879, is appointed as an arbor day, and all citizens interested in improving the town are most respectfully requested to furnish trees and turn out and take part in the work of the day. Quick growth trees will be the most suitable. It is desirable to have the ground around the School House well supplied with trees. It is also suggested that each person furnish as many trees for their own lots as their circumstances will permit. JAMES BENEDICT, Mayor.

Winfield Courier, March 20, 1879. Editorial Page.

For more than two months our State Senator, Hon. A. J. Pyburn, has been constantly at his post at the capital. His return to his home and friends is taken as an opportunity for speaking of his work.

Though differing from Mr. Pyburn politically, we take pleasure in commending his course during the winter. In his support of Mr. Ingalls, he obeyed the wishes of a very large majority of his constituents of all parties. By securing the enactment of the law governing the issuance, payment, etc., of school district bonds, he has rendered the entire State a service, this being one of the most important laws enacted by the legislature. Should it ever be our fortune to be again represented in the State Senate by a democrat, we shall hope that Mr. Pyburn will be the man.

Winfield Courier, March 20, 1879.

The state of Kansas has 266,575 children of school age, and 4,520 schoolhouses, or about sixty children to each school.

Winfield Courier, March 20, 1879.

The Arkansas Valley Teachers' Association will hold a spring session at Newton, April 3, 4, and 5. A good time is expected. Reduced rates on cars and at hotels have been secured for teachers going to this association. Our county superintendent is on the program for a paper on "Supervision of Schools."

Winfield Courier, March 20, 1879.

The Presbyterian Synod of Kansas has appointed a committee and is taking steps toward locating a Presbyterian college somewhere within the limits of the Synod. Emporia has offered $10,000 toward having it located at that place, and Salina proposes to give $15,000.

Rev. J. E. Platter, who is one of the committee, has offered to donate 20 acres of land adjoining Winfield toward having the college located at this place, and we understand that an effort will be made to get additional subscriptions. With the building of the A. T. & S. F. from the north, the L. L. & G. from the east, and the Mo. Pacific from the northeast, Winfield would be a desirable point for the location of such an institution. Would it not be well to work this matter up?

Winfield Courier, March 20, 1879.

Several hundred dollars were paid last week on orders for state school fund, "and still there's more to follow."

Winfield Courier, March 20, 1879.

Can't our school districts appoint an "arbor day" for the purpose of planting trees? This is a matter that all good citizens should encourage.

Winfield Courier, March 20, 1879.

The students of our city schools presented a pleasing sight as they marched up Ninth avenue Tuesday afternoon to witness the phonograph exhibition at the Opera House. There were between three hundred and four hundred in line marching in two ranks. The older students had the lead and as the long line tapered down to the A B C folks, it looked as if the professor in charge or someone else had whittled the school down "almost to a fine point."

Winfield Courier, March 20, 1879.

District 75 has had two prairie fires which, owing to the energy of teacher, scholars, and neighbors, were kept from doing the destruction they otherwise would have done. Look out for fires.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 26, 1879.

Our District School closes on Friday next.

Excerpts...

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 27, 1879.

VALUATION AND INDEBTEDNESS.--Assessed valuation of personal property, $447,200; total assessed valuation of all property, $2,020,074.60; true valuation of all property, $3,866,789.33. Total indebtedness of county, township, city, and school districts, $145,668.82; percent of indebtedness to assessed valuation, .07+.

SCHOOLS.--Number of organized districts, 115; school population, 5,681; average salary of teachers, per month, males, $33.35; females, $26.48. Schoolhouses built during 1878, 9; frame, 8; stone, 1. Total number of schoolhouses, 98; log, 1; frame, 89; brick, 8; stone, 5. Value of school property, $77,250. No report on shade trees.

Winfield Courier, March 27, 1879.

At the close of the last school year, July 31, 1878, Kansas had a school population of 266,575. Of this number 177,806 were enrolled in school--the average daily attendance being 106,932. The increase of school population for the year was 33.701; in enrollment, 19,731, and in average daily attendance, 12,023. The average length of school term for the entire State was 22.6 weeks, this being an increase of 1.1 weeks over the previous year.

Excerpt...

Winfield Courier, March 27, 1879.

Some of our farmers start to Wichita tomorrow for lumber to build a schoolhouse in District 109. They expect to build it immediately and have a school this summer.

[R. C. STORY REPORTS ON SCHOOL BOOKS.]

Arkansas City Traveler, April 2, 1879

The late Legislature passed a law requiring school boards, each and every board in the State, to adopt within six months a uniform series of text books in each branch of study in our schools. When this adoption shall have been made, the law forbids any change therein for five years, unless asked by petition from four-fifths of the legal voters of the district desiring the change. School boards can adopt any set of books that may now be in use or that may be wanted by their respective districts.

This adoption should be made at the next annual meeting, and should be made with due deliberation. Many books now in use are not first-class text books, many others are too expensive when bought by retail. Boards should follow the recommendations of the State and County Superintendents, and should give book agents a wide berth.

The State Superintendent proposes to submit a list of the best and cheapest books for our schools, and when this list comes out boards can follow it without fear or mistake. An effort will be made to have the new law go into operation with an even exchange of new books for old ones.

The State tax of one mill, which made up a part of the State fund, was not renewed by the Legislature. This will reduce the State fund for 1880 and 1881 about one-half. Districts should bear this fact in mind in making arrangements for the next school year.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 2, 1879.

MONDAY, April 7th, the public schools will open for a summer tern of two months. It is desirable that scholars should attend during the remainder of the year. The classes will all advance in studies and absence will entail irregularity or entire loss of grade. The examinations show marked improvement in almost all students. Good work has been done by them all. Let it continue. C. H. SYLVESTER, PRINCIPAL.

Winfield Courier, April 3, 1879.

School boards should "look a leedle oud," as the Legislature struck out the one mill state tax that has been levied heretofore for the state fund. The new law authorizes boards to adopt a uniform series of books in each grade, and forbids any change for five years, except on petition of four-fifths of the legal voters.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 9, 1879

The genial face of Mr. Bacon, principal of our public school last year, is with us for a little while.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 9, 1879.

There will be a meeting of the S. P. U.'s at Bland's School House on Saturday evening, April 19th, at early candlelight.

Excerpt...

Arkansas City Traveler, April 9, 1879.

We want to tell you something from the east end of the banner township. Arbor day will have a memento in green and flowering beauty, at Spring Side schoolhouse for years to come. Messrs. Myers, Gassaway, Chamberlain and Mavis with others were on the ground early under the lead of East Bolton's Martyr, T. Armstrong. The result: 150 nice trees set out, with roses and flowering shrubs, which will tell their tale in years to come.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 9, 1879.

Arbor day at the Linton Guthrie Conover Schoolhouse witnessed the setting out of a number of fine shade trees and preparation for still further beautifying the grounds, which are to be enclosed with a fence.

Excerpts...

[REPORT: "DIXON'S GRAPHITE," - BEAVER FILBERTS.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 10, 1879 - Front Page.

Beaver's literary institutions at the Tannehill and Enterprise schoolhouses, after a pleasant and interesting winter session, have adjourned, to meet again when another season's crop is garnered.

Miss Grimes' school at Centennial closed last Saturday with a dinner entertainment. Clara Browning received an excellency for scholarship.

[COWLEY COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS.]

Winfield Courier, April 10, 1879.

There are one hundred and seventeen school districts in this county. Around the school house in each of these a grove should be planted this spring. If the ground has not been broken or is not fenced, then the district board should see that it is put in cultivation; at the next annual meeting provision should be made for the fence and a year hence the trees should be planted. Delay not but go to work at once.

Excerpts...

[TISDALE ITEMS.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 17, 1879. Front Page.

School begins this morning with Mrs. Ida Brown as teacher.

Mattie West is teaching school in district No. 78.

Sadie Davis will soon close her school in the northeast corner of the county. NIP.

Lazette, April 11, 1879.

Winfield Courier, April 17, 1879.

In view of the change in Winfield from a third class to a second class city, some changes in school district No. 1 will be made before the annual meeting. The superintendent contemplates forming a district east of town out of the following territory: S. W. 1/4 of 13, S. ½ of 14 and 15; the N. ½ and S. E. 1/4 of 22; all of 23, 24, 25, and 26, and the E. ½ of 27, T. 32, R. 4.

All interested in this matter would do well to see the county superintendent, Saturday next, at 2 o'clock p.m.

Excerpt...

[LITTLE DUTCH - "BONER"]

Winfield Courier, April 17, 1879.

T. J. Floyd's school is progressing finely.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 23, 1879.

The Legislature passed a law of considerable importance concerning schools, of which the following is the substance.

The district board, each board of education, and each and every school district board shall require a uniform series of text books to be used in each branch of study in each school; but each board shall determine for itself, within six months from the passage of this act, the particular series of text books which shall hereafter be adopted and introduced in pursuance of the provisions of this act by said boards. No change shall be made for a period of five years from the date of the introduction of any particular series of text books, unless four-fifths of the legal voters of any district shall petition for a change in the series of text books adopted; but no member of the said boards, or either of them, nor any teacher, while employed as such teacher, shall act as agent for any author, publisher, or bookseller, nor shall any member of the said boards, or any of them, or any employed teacher, directly or indirectly, receive any gift, emolument, or reward for his or her influence in recommending or introducing any book, school apparatus, or furniture of any kind whatever.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 23, 1879.

There will be preaching next Sabbath afternoon (April 27th) at three o'clock in the Stony Point Schoolhouse. After which if the way is clear, a Union Sunday School will be organized.

Excerpt...

["ALEXANDER" FROM OMNIA TOWNSHIP.]

Winfield Courier, April 24, 1879.

The new schoolhouse in district 100 is completed, and last Sabbath witnessed the organization of a Union Sabbath school therein.

Excerpt...

["NEBUCHADNEZZAR" FROM FAIRVIEW - DISTRICT NO. 21.]

Winfield Courier, April 24, 1879.

A. B. Taylor is teaching school in district 39. We saw him a few days ago in our midst shaking with the ague.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 30, 1879.

Divine service was held in Stony Point schoolhouse last Sabbath by Rev. McClung. A large number were present. After service a Sabbath school was organized.

Excerpt...

["VERY SOFT" - NORTHEAST NINNESCAH]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 1, 1879. - Front Page.

School closed at Green Valley March 26. Teacher: Mr. Corson.

Excerpt...

["L." - RICHLAND.]

Winfield Courier, May 1, 1879.

Richland school has opened for a three month's term: Miss Fannie Pontius, teacher. She taught the winter term of three months and gave general satisfaction.

Excerpts...

["DIXONS GRAPHITE" - BEAVER]

Winfield Courier, May 1, 1879.

School reopened at the Centennial last Monday, under the supervision of Miss Henrietta King.

Now is a golden opportunity afforded the school board of district No. 4 to exhibit usual energy and enterprise in accepting the advice of the COURIER in a recent issue, to plant shade trees around the schoolhouse. The board might appoint an arbor day and request that each family in the district send one representative with a young, thrifty, growing tree. The hearts of posterity would surely overflow with gratitude to the energetic board that engineered the work to a successful issue. Who will be the first to establish a name on the scroll of fame in this direction?

Victor schoolhouse has considerably improved its appearance by a coat of paint and a supply of hitching racks for securing horses. This is a good example for other schoolhouses to follow.

Buck Anderson, once a week--every Thursday night--at Beaver Center schoolhouse, explains to the rural minds the intricacies and rudiments of vocal music.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 7, 1879.

The Auditor of State has just forwarded to Washington a list of 225,000 acres of indemnity school lands. The claim of Kansas for the sixth and thirty sixth sections Indian reservations is the first and only one of the kind allowed to any State.

Winfield Courier, May 8, 1879.

School boards would do well to follow the instructions sent out last week by our county superintendent regarding purchase of textbooks for their schools. Book agents will come into the county, but they should be recognized only so far as endorsed by the county superintendent, and no farther.

[Refers to act of the late legislature, wherein each and every district board in the State is required to adopt, within six months, a uniform series of text-books, to be introduced and used in each separate branch of study. When adopted, books cannot be changed for five years, unless four-fifths of the legal voters of a district petition for a change.]

[ORGANIZATION OF BOARD OF EDUCATION.]

Winfield Courier, May 8, 1879.

The Board of Education, elect, met Monday evening in pursuance of the provisions of the law for the purpose of effecting an organization.

The meeting was called to order by Mr. M. G. Troup, after which officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows.

President: F. S. Jennings.

Vice President: N. L. Rigby.

Clerk: Fred C. Hunt.

The clerk's salary was fixed at $50.00 per annum.

The Treasurer's bond was fixed at $10,000.

Resolution passed that no application for position as teacher be considered until after the middle of June, and that in the meantime all applications be filed with the Clerk of the Board.

Board adjourned to meet again at the office of Jennings & Buckman, when the report of the retiring Board will be received. A full attendance of the retiring Board at that time is

requested.

Excerpts...

["DIXON'S GRAPHITE" - BEAVER.]

Winfield Courier, May 15, 1879.

Miss Jennie Rouzee is teaching a subscription school at Enterprise.

Miss Amelia Jones is conducting a subscription school at Beaver Center.

Last Monday Miss Amy Robertson began a three months' term of school in district No. 44.

Winfield Courier, May 15, 1879.

Last Friday afternoon a lively gent from the country was in Joe's saloon, and not behaving to suit, Joe ordered him out, when he seized a cuss, and threatened vengeance. Someone called out "Police!" and the country gent ran away like an antelope, with Ed. Nicholson and several others after him, followed by an excited crowd of men, boys, bootblacks, loafers, and school was just out, and a crowd of school children followed in the wake, making a very exciting and amusing affair of it. The pursued was finally overtaken and captured and marched back into Main street followed by the crowd. Here two ladies fell upon the prisoner and cried and moaned as though he was their only stay and support and was going to his execution. The prisoner was taken before Judge Boyer and Joe was summoned to make his complaint. Joe appeared and said he had no complaint to make, and no one else having any, the prisoner was told he could go, but someone suggested that he should jump out of the window and let the crowd have another race, which he accordingly did, and someone sung out that the prisoner had escaped. Again, there was excitement and rushing to and fro and searching in every notch and room along the street to find him. When found he was marching proudly along the sidewalk with a lady on each arm, but was not further molested.

Excerpts...

[REPORT FROM "SCREECH OWL" AT VERNON.]

Winfield Courier, May 15, 1879.

Rev. J. A. Rupp preaches every two weeks at Valley View at eleven o'clock.

District No. 48 has for the first time started a Sunday school, with J. A. Rupp, Supt.; Chas. McClung, Ass't Supt.; Mary McClung, Sec.; Ada Kimble, Librarian and Treasurer. All are invited. We can now boast of three Sabbath schools.

Pleasant Grove will have a picnic the last of May. All the schools around will be invited.

Mt. Zion Sunday school is to have a concert.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 21, 1879.

The people over in Bolton held a picnic in Moore's grove last Saturday afternoon. In the evening a dance took place at the Bland Schoolhouse and everything passed off lovely.

Excerpt...

[REPORT FROM "TRAVELER" AT GROUSE CREEK.]

Winfield Courier, May 22, 1879.

On the west side of the river lays the farm of Mr. Morris, of Black Hills fame. He has just finished building a large stone barn, costing I am informed, from $600 to $800. Here I may state that the Grouse valley between Lazette and Dexter contains more and better barns and stables than any other part of the country, some of the stone buildings costing many hundred dollars more than the one above mentioned.

To the south of this place lays the farm of George Gardenhire. This farm has been under the charge of Mr. Tucker, the pedagogue of this school district. He seems to be a success, both as farmer and teacher, a young man of good acquirements and excellent ability.

Excerpt...

[REPORT FROM "PHIL." AT PLEASANT HILL.]

Winfield Courier, May 22, 1879.

Pleasant Hill and Floral schools look rather thin; the children have the measles.

Winfield Courier, May 22, 1879.

The voters of district No. 1 will meet at the King schoolhouse Friday, May 31, at 1 p.m. to select temporary officers to serve until the annual meeting.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 28, 1879

The present term of school closes Friday.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 28, 1879.

All members of Co. C. (Bolton Militia), are requested to meet at the Bland Schoolhouse on Saturday, May 31st, at 2 o'clock for the purpose of signing the muster rolls.

Winfield Courier, May 29, 1879.

DASTARDLY--Some galoots supposed to be from Arkansas City, have lately been in the habit of passing by the schoolhouses between the city and Winfield, and firing pistol balls through the schoolhouse doors and walls. If they do not get well peppered with a few charges of salt, they will fail to meet their desserts.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 4, 1879.

Rev. J. S. McClung will preach at the Starry Point Schoolhouse, next Sabbath afternoon, at half-past two o'clock.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 4, 1879.

There will be an informal meeting of the citizens of School District No. 2, on Saturday, June 7th, at 2 o'clock, for the purpose of taking into consideration the hiring of a teacher for the next school year. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 4, 1879.

School closed last Friday with a good year's work done. Mr. Sylvester has given the very best of satisfaction in his management of the school. He has succeeded in doing, what very few teachers are able to, that, of establishing a true and lasting friendship between himself and his pupils; and has won by his gentlemanly conduct and assiduous attention to the duties of his school, a host of friends. We hope to welcome him back again next year.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 4, 1879.

Maggie Sample, Rose Sample, Annie Coulter, Clara Lorry, George Hunt, Frank Lorry, Frank Bland, Ruth Voris, Fred Lorry, Mamie Schnee, Marion Hunt, Mary Lorry, Clyde Akers.

Excerpt...

[REPORT FROM "DIXON'S GRAPHITE" - BEAVER FILBERTS.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 5, 1879. - Front Page.

Miss Jennie Rouzee suspended school at Enterprise on account of illness.

Winfield Courier, June 5, 1879.

H. T. Albert's school is full, and work moves along well toward the close of the term.

Excerpt...

[REPORT FROM PRAIRIE GROVE.]

Winfield Courier, June 5, 1879.

Richmond's school is out after a nine month's siege.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 11, 1879.

Mr. Sylvester left for his home in Wisconsin last Monday morning. As this is the annual vacation of the public school, he expects to remain away about ten weeks, and then return with fresh vigor to commence his task anew.

Excerpts...

[BALTIMORE ITEMS: REPORT FROM "X. Y. CAESAR."]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 12, 1879. - Front Page.

Miss Bolcourt is teaching a summer school at the Baltimore schoolhouse now.

Charles Messenger and George F. Thompson returned from Manhattan on the 25th of May, where they have been attending college since last September. Both are well pleased with their first year in college, and will probably return again in the fall.

Winfield Courier, June 12, 1879.

A. E. Hon has closed his term of School in District 10.

Winfield Courier, June 12, 1879.

R. B. Huster, formerly teacher in district 30, has gone to Lawrence.

Winfield Courier, June 12, 1879.

School District 118 has been organized by our county superintendent.

Winfield Courier, June 12, 1879.

District 82, Liberty township, has voted bonds for a schoolhouse.

Winfield Courier, June 12, 1879.

Charles Powell has accepted an agency from Van Antwerp, Bragg & Co., publishers of the widely known Eclectic series of school books. Charley is a responsible representative of a responsible firm.

Winfield Courier, June 12, 1879.

On last Friday the spring term of the Winfield school closed. This has been the most successful term of school ever taught in Winfield. The principal, Mr. Geo. Robinson, has worked earnestly and faithfully to bring our schools to a high state of perfection, and his success is justly merited.

Winfield Courier, June 12, 1879.

The annual meeting for the election of school officers will come on Thursday the 14th day of August. Clerks, directors, and treasurers should get their districts in ship-shape for this meeting, and patrons should turn out in full force to do their duty in supporting and regulating school matters.

Excerpt...

[REPORT FROM "REFLEX" - MAPLE MATTERS.]

Winfield Courier, June 12, 1879.

Miss Strong, of Rock, is teaching a summer school at the Centennial schoolhouse.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 18, 1879.

The Ethiopians of Beaver Township gave a concert at Victoria School House last Saturday evening.

Excerpts...

[REPORT FROM LAZETTE.]

Winfield Courier, June 19, 1879.

James Kelly called on Tuesday evening. Jim is trying to induce the school boards to adopt the school books published by Van Antwerp, Bragg & Co., which we did just a few hours before Jim got in. I am sorry Jim did not get in sooner.

Prof. Story was over and called on us last week. We are always glad to see our old friend, Mr. Story, and have him stop and see us. "Seems like some of our folks."

Our spring term of school will close this week, which ends a series of nine months of school by Prof. H. T. Albert, one of the best teachers in Cowley. Hope we will be able to procure his services again next fall and winter.

Excerpts...

[REPORT FROM DEXTER.]

Winfield Courier, June 19, 1879.

Miss Allie Harden is teaching school in district 54, on Crab creek.

Arvilla Elliott is teaching school in district 110.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 25, 1879.

There will be a meeting of the people at Bolton, at Bland's Schoolhouse, Saturday night, to discuss bridge matters.

[SUITABLE SCHOOLHOUSE IN WINFIELD.]

Winfield Courier, June 26, 1879.

We observe that the Mayor of this city has called an election for next Tuesday in the school district composed of the city of Winfield, to vote upon a proposition authorizing the issuance of bonds of the city or district not exceeding $10,000 with interest not exceeding seven percent, to build a suitable schoolhouse. Now we have had no hand in getting up this matter, have not been consulted, and have consulted with no one in regard to the matter; do not know who has been active in the matter and what are their intentions further than appears in the election proclamation, but we are of the opinion that the bonds should be voted.

So far as the taxes are concerned, we presume they will affect us personally fully as much as they will affect our neighbor across the way, who opposed the bonds on the ground of taxation, and says that if we vote these bonds "we will keep voting them until a debt of $50,000 is made."

The absurdity of this freshman statement is apparent when we consider that this district once voted $5,000 for a similar purpose and have not more in several years and that now these bonds are paid.

It is a fact that we need a great deal more school room now, that our city is growing and promises in the immediate future to require still more. During the last session six school rooms have been well filled and it has become a moral certainty that eight rooms will soon be required. We have now only four belonging to the district, have been renting two at $350 per annum (if we remember correctly), and if we do not build, we must rent two more at similar cost, thus making our rents amount to $700 a year, besides the danger to the health of our children by confining them in badly ventilated and damp basements. Now if the $10,000 bonds be issued, the interest could not be greater than $700 per year, the amount we must otherwise pay as rents; therefore, our taxation would not be increased thereby, at least until money must be raised to sink the principal.

We should say, build a main school building on the south end of our present stone wing sufficiently large to add four large and convenient school rooms and for hall, closets, and other modern conveniences, employ a first class schoolhouse architect (we shall not apply for the job) to attend to it, remodel the roof, and some other parts of the present building to make the two one harmonious whole, and make it an architectural beauty such as we shall feel proud of. We believe this can be done for $8,000, and we believe our school bonds bearing six percent interest can be sold at par. If these should prove facts, our yearly interest would be only $480 and it would actually decrease our taxation.

But were it a fact that it would increase our taxation, would it not be vastly better to preserve our children in life and health by providing healthy, well ventilated and convenient school rooms above ground? And were there nothing in this, what friend and citizen of our proud young city is not willing to put his hand into his pocket a little way in order to give his city the credit of having a fine school house?

We are daily receiving letters of inquiry from other states in relation to this city as a desirable location for residence and business, and among these inquiries those concerning our school and church buildings, schools and churches are always prominent in well written letters, while the illiterate letters rarely refer to them. On strangers who are intelligent and who would make valuable citizens, the appearance of the schoolhouse will have a decided effect in deciding their location. We are gaining a proud name for our churches, let us have a schoolhouse of which we need not be ashamed. Vote for the bonds.

Winfield Courier, June 26, 1879.

At a meeting of the School Directors on Monday, June 16th, F. S. Jennings in the chair, the following appointments were made for the coming year: Principal, Prof. E. T. Trimble, of Illinois, who takes the place of Mr. G. W. Robinson, resigned; Helen E. Meach, of Chicago, who takes the place of Miss Aldrich in the grammar department; Miss Sarah Hodges, who takes the place of Mrs. Moffit, resigned--second intermediate; Miss Minnie Johnson, a new appointment, 1st intermediate; Miss Allie Klingman, returned, 2nd primary; Miss Mollie Bryant, 1st primary. The Chair appointed the committees for the ensuing year, to-wit: M. G. Troup, Finance; N. L. Rigby, Ways and Means; I. W. Randall, Care of School property. The first Monday in July was set for the next meeting of the Directors. The fall term of school opens September 1st.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 2, 1879.

The Semi-Weekly boils at the thought of ten thousand dollars for a public school building for the city of Winfield, and says that if you want to stop emigration, commence to vote bonds! You see, Brother Conklin, we are none of us selfish. It would hurt the city of Winfield to vote her into debt, but to create a debt to build another courthouse for the people of Cowley to pay is really a pretty thing. No, don't give ten thousand dollars for that schoolhouse to enlighten and ennoble the minds of countless numbers who are soon to make our laws and fill public places, but put the money into the courthouse and make cells and chains to protect society.

[EDITORIAL ABOUT SCHOOLHOUSE IN WINFIELD.]

Winfield Courier, July 3, 1879.

We did not take any interest in the school bond election last Tuesday, because of the fact that there was no registration as required in cities of the second class, and this, whether it would make the bonds invalid or not, would render the bonds unsalable.

Therefore, when this question was raised, we concluded it was best not to vote the bonds, and feeling sure of a defeat, we paid no attention to the matter.

Now, we have to urge that the citizens take hold of this matter at once, have the proper registration effected, and call an election to vote $6,000, or such sum as is necessary to build a main part to our present school house and make such changes in the old as will make it correspond with the new, making in the new part four large and convenient school rooms, hall, closets, and other conveniences, and making a good looking and substantial building of it. This with the two rooms in the wood structure will make all the school room we shall need until the city is richer and more populous, and we think can be effected for $6,000, in district bonds drawing six percent interest, or $360 interest per year.

If we do not do something of this sort, we must pay about $600 per year rent. We take no stock in the idea of building more board shanties scattered around the city. When we need more school room than the above place will furnish, we should build another fine schoolhouse in the south or southwest part of the city, but we don't like the stingy idea of building low, dirty board barracks near as well as we do paying taxes for good buildings, especially when the barracks are going to make about as much taxes as the fine school buildings.

Winfield Courier, July 3, 1879.

Keep it before the people. The annual school meeting comes on the second Thursday of August.

Winfield Courier, July 3, 1879.

Mr. H. C. Holcomb will have a stand on the grounds next Friday. Mr. Holcomb has been a cripple from his birth, and deserves the patronage of all kind hearted people. He is a school teacher by profession, and not having a school at present, feels desirous of doing something for himself whenever occasion offers. Let all of our readers who have a spare dime to spend patronize Mr. Holcomb.

Winfield Courier, July 3, 1879.

The storm Friday night last did considerable damage in Harvey township. Mr. Callahan's house was blown down and he received some damage from the falling timbers. John Mason's house was blown over. A house belonging to Mr. Pattison was torn down. Mrs. Campbell's house and the schoolhouse in Cedar Valley were also blown down. The trees along Grouse were fearfully twisted and torn, and the immense rainfall put the creek on a big tare.

Excerpt...

[REPORT FROM PRAIRIE GROVE.]

Winfield Courier, July 3, 1879.

Miss Fannie Pontious' school at Richland closed last Saturday. I was not there but heard that the parents came with full baskets. Miss Fannie set up the lemonade and thus closed a pleasant school. She is going to attend the normal and somebody will get a good teacher this winter if they employ her.

Excerpt...

[REPORT FROM "X. Y. CAESAR" - BALTIMORE ITEMS.]

Winfield Courier, July 3, 1879.

During one of the late storms the lightning struck our schoolhouse, doing some damage to the south end. Miss Bolcourt's school closed at this place one week ago to-day.

Excerpt...

[REPORT FROM "ALEXANDER" AT OMNIA TOWNSHIP.]

Winfield Courier, July 3, 1879.

It has rained and rained, and all we have been able to do for some time is to be interviewed, not by politicians exclusively, but mostly by book agents without rest. Our legislature is responsible for a great loss of breath on account of the new school law. We have adopted, but not until we were convinced that there was a terrible lot of good books published in the U. S., and that about forty good natured agents were very much interested in having us adopt their particular series, just for our own good.

Excerpt...

[REPORT FROM "KNICKERBOCKER" AT NEW SALEM.]

Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.

Miss Mollie Buck's school closed on the 3rd. She had a full attendance throughout the term.

Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.

The bidding on school land Saturday got quite exciting, and the school fund gained considerable thereby. One quarter section brought $912.

Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.

Mr. Anderson Battery, of Omnia township, was in the City Tuesday, taking the initiatory steps toward the organization of a new school district in Omnia.

Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.

Surveyor Haight has just completed a beautiful and accurate school district map of Cowley County. It was made for the use of the superintendent's office.

Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.

The petition for the attachment of adjacent territory to the city of Winfield for school purposes was presented to the Board Monday night. It was signed by a very large majority of the people living on the land in question.

Excerpts...

[COWLEY COUNTY: FROM THE TOPEKA COMMONWEALTH.]

Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.

The schools of Cowley County, under the efficient management of Supt. R. C. Story, are second to none in the State. I insert the following statistics on schools.

No. of Districts in the county: 115

School population: 5,681

No. of pupils enrolled: 3,766

No. of districts having school: 100

Value of school property: $68,810

Taxable property: $1,979,487

State fund received: $9,713

Total expense for schools: $27,092

Excerpt...

[REPORT FROM DEXTER TOWNSHIP.]

Winfield Courier July 17, 1879.

Preaching every two weeks in the schoolhouse by the Rev. W. H. Rose, pastor of the M. E. church. Congregations large.

Winfield Courier, July 24, 1879.

The foolish business of cutting and slashing up townships, which commenced in this place by making it a city of the second class, has been continued. While we were absent, the new township of Walnut was made and Winfield township was whittled to pieces. We are disgusted with the whole business. Nothing but harm will be the result. Winfield has lost much of the value of its schools by weakening them, has assumed a much more expensive city government, and cut itself off from its best helpers and supporters. The change of township lines has done no one any good, while it has complicated everything and will doubtless lead to much litigation and bad blood. If anyone expects that these changes will in any way release him from taxes on the bridge bonds, he will find himself mistaken.

Excerpt...

[REFLEX - MAPLE MATTERS.]

Winfield Courier, July 31, 1879.

Lightning struck the Olive schoolhouse in a recent thunderstorm, entering at, and tearing away one-half the brick flue above the roof, passing down the stove pipe to the stove, thence through the floor, leaving a little round hole and a splintered place to show its place of exit.

[PLEASANT VALLEY.]

Winfield Courier, July 31, 1879.

According to previous arrangement the citizens of Pleasant Valley township and vicinity met at Odessa schoolhouse for the purpose of organizing a stock protective union. The following officers of Bolton Stock Protective Union were elected: Captain, C. C. Pierce; 1st Lieut., R. C. Devore; 2nd Lieut., Wm. P. Hostetler; Orderly Sergeant, E. T. Green; General Messengers, S. B. Hunt and A. DeTurk.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 13, 1879.

C. H. Sylvester, principal of the school at this place, who has been visiting his "parents on the farm," at Boscobel, Wisconsin, starts on his return trip today, and expects to arrive in Winfield next Saturday. As soon as the Normal Institute adjourns, Herbert will be ready for business at his old post.

Winfield Courier, August 21, 1879.

The school fund, amounting to $4,033, is now deposited with the County Treasurer. It will be ready for distribution by the last of this week.

Winfield Courier, August 21, 1879.

The semi-annual apportionment of the State school fund to the counties was made on the 15th. The amount apportioned was $189,232.75. Cowley County gets $4,033.51. Nine counties get more each.

[SCHOOLS OR NO SCHOOLS.]

Winfield Courier, August 21, 1879.

ED. COURIER: On the 8th of September, the city schools will open. Under the law controlling such cases the Board of Education has determined to exclude all children under the age of 7. Will this relieve us of the difficulties which now face us? Last year the rooms were crowded though the primary grade was put in two divisions. The enrollment of children of school age is now over six hundred. Of this number, not more than one hundred and fifty will fall under the order; and of the others not more than fifty will remain out of school. This will leave at least four hundred children to be accommodated in six rooms and instructed by only six teachers; an average of more than sixty-four to a teacher.

By cutting off those under seven years of age, the bulk of the first primary department is thrown out of school. Can our city afford to compress schools and departments in this manner, and to this extent? If the rule of seclusion were to become a fixed one in school matters, the Board of Education could reorganize the schools on the new basis. This regulation will be enforced only so long as the lack of room is so great that all cannot be accommodated. But when the Board may wish to restore the privilege to children under seven years, a second reorganization of the primary schools will be necessitated.

By using the basement of the Presbyterian church, the city is taxed at the rate of $300 a year, an amount equivalent to the interest on $3,000 in bonds. For $4,000 two good, brick Ward schoolhouses can be erected, furnished, and finished, ready in every particular for use. By moving in this matter at once the Board could put up these buildings in time for use this fall, and so accommodate all children of school age, and thus keep our system on the basis it now occupies. Would it not be well to call a public meeting to consider this question, and to give the Board that aid which comes from a public expression of opinion on this subject?

P. S.: The question of the unfitness of the basement for school purposes--a grave one--should also be looked at.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 27, 1879.

Notice. There will be a regular meeting of the Pleasant Valley S. P. U. on Thursday night, September 4th, at the Odessa schoolhouse. A full attendance is requested.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 27, 1879.

C. H. Sylvester, principal of our schools, arrived Sunday night. He will spend this week at the Institute in Winfield, and be ready for business on the 8th of September. Mr. Cal. Swarts has been employed as teacher in the intermediate department, which meets the approval of all parties.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 27, 1879.

Billy Arlington, the champion humorous lecturer in the country, will lecture at the schoolhouse in our city next Tuesday evening. This gentleman has been before the public for more than twenty-five years, first as a minstrel, but of late years as a lecturer, and has given such entire satisfaction that his name is a household word in Eastern circles. While in the Arlington, Cotton & Kemble troupe he built the Meyer's opera house at Chicago, playing there until 1874. Mr. Arlington's lecture is without exception the best thing of its kind before the public. In order to start a library for the school in our city, this lecture is given under the auspices of the literary society, and the proceeds will be devoted to purchasing books. Such a worthy object should not fail in drawing a large audience, and Mr. Sylvester promises to keep the ball rolling until we can boast of a good library. The Baptist church handles Arlington at Winfield, the proceeds to aid their society in building, and the library associations of Wichita and El Dorado take him in those cities. Reserved seat tickets are for sale at Eddy's drug store; price fifty cents; regular admission thirty-five cents. For the sake of our school and library, let there be a good turn-out.

[SCHOOL BOOKS ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION--FIVE YEARS]

Winfield Courier, August 28, 1879.

The school board met on Monday evening, and adopted the following series of school books for the next five years.

Monteith's Geographics.

White's Practical, Robinson's Mental Arithmetic.

Wilson's Algebras.

Harvey's Grammars and Spellers.

Barnes' Brief History of the United States.

Loomis' Physiology.

Steele's Philosophy.

Spencerian System of Writing.

Youman's First Book, and Wood's Class Book in Botany.

Morse's Zoology.

Andrew's Manual of the Constitution.

Cornell's Physical Geography.

Wentworth's Geometry.

Swinton's Language Lessons and Word Analysis.

Hepburn's Rhetoric.

McGuffy's Revised Readers.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 3, 1879

School commences next Monday.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 3, 1879.

The schoolhouse grounds are covered with weeds. They should be cut down without delay.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 3, 1879.

The belfry of the schoolhouse is now the roosting place of a colony of pigeons. The entire schoolhouse needs a thorough cleaning before next Monday.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 3, 1879.

School district No. 89, Bolton Township, has flourished to such an extent as to necessitate the building of a larger schoolhouse. The school interests rank first with our farmers, and every facility is given to the children that they may become useful citizens and ornaments to society.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 3, 1879.

The city schools begin Monday next. As they are to be graded, it is requested that all the pupils be present at the opening. Let them bring the books used last year and not buy until they have ascertained exactly what they need. C. H. SYLVESTER, Prin.

Winfield Courier, September 4, 1879.

Miss C. F. C. Meech will open a school for children Monday, September 8th, on 11th Avenue. Patronage solicited.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 10, 1879.

There were 128 pupils enrolled at the opening of school last Monday--just double the number of last year.

Winfield Courier, September 11, 1879.

School district 121, comprising eight sections and a half, has not a single acre of taxable property within its boundaries, none of the land being entered.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 17, 1879.

PREACHING. There will be preaching at the Coburn schoolhouse, Silverdale township, next Sunday evening, by Rev. Rose.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 17, 1879.

There will be a meeting of the Stock Protective Union, next Friday night, at the Bland schoolhouse, Bolton township. Every member is requested to be present as business of great importance is to be transacted. Don't fail to come out, men. We have work to do.

[COURSE OF STUDY: ARKANSAS CITY.]

Arkansas City Traveler, September 17, 1879.

The School Board has, at our suggestion, adopted the following course of study for the schools of the city.

Primary Department.

1st year: Reader--First. Writing. Drawing. Numbers.

2nd year: Reader--Second. Spelling. Writing. Drawing.

Numbers, Addition, Subtraction.

3rd year: Reader--Third. Spelling. Writing. Drawing.

Arithmetic--Primary. Geography. Oral.

Intermediate Department.

1st year: Reader--Third (completed). Spelling. Writing.

Drawing. Arithmetic--Primary (completed).

Geography--Elementary.

2nd year: Reader--Fourth. Spelling. Writing. Drawing.

Drawing. Arithmetic--Intermediate.

Geography--Elementary (continued).

Language.

3rd year: Reader--Fourth (completed). Spelling. Writing.

Drawing. Arithmetic--Intermediate (com.).

Geography--Comprehensive. Language Lessons.

Grammar Department.

1st year: Reader--Fifth. Spelling. Writing. Drawing.

Arithmetic--Complete. Geography--Comprehensive,

(com.). Grammar.

2nd year: Reader--Fifth (completed). Spelling. Writing.

Drawing. Arithmetic--Complete, (completed.)

U. S. History. Grammar (completed).

1st year: Reading--Miscellaneous. Drawing. Algebra.

Book-keeping. Physical Geography. Rhetoric.

Physiology.

The course has been made as comprehensive as circumstances will permit. A diploma will be given to pupils who have completed, in a satisfactory manner, the course prescribed.

The schools do not at present conform exactly to the standard. This difficulty, however, will soon be remedied. In closing we ask the cooperation of the parents in this work. Changes will be made in the grade of a scholar only when his best interests demand it.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 24, 1879.

The district school at Stony Point, Bolton Township, commenced Monday morning.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 24, 1879.

Teacher wanted in district sixty-nine. Male teacher that has had several years experience in teaching, and that is capable of teaching music. Young teachers need not apply.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 1, 1879.

NOTICE: There will be a meeting of the members of the Prairie View Cemetery Company, at Parker schoolhouse, on Thursday, October 9th, for the purpose of cutting the grass. By order of the COMMITTEE.

COWLEY COUNTY TEACHER, PUBLISHED MONTHLY, OCT. 8, 1879.

For three years my labors have been earnestly put forth to advance the cause of education in Cowley County. Thro' the columns of the county papers, in visits made to a large part of the schools and districts of the county, and in addresses in many neighborhoods this work has been untiringly pushed. The territory is so large, the district so numerous, the interests so vast and so varied that the question of meeting the demands made upon me compels me to seek new and additional forces with which to carry on successfully the duties of my office. In the hope of meeting these demands and duties, and in the broader hope of reaching more widely and more deeply all who are concerned in the welfare of our common schools, this new venture is undertaken. There will be much labor and little money in it. The means to meet the expenses of publishing and editing this paper come from the generous businessmen who advertise in its columns. The full tax however may not be met this way, but the balance will be gladly met should the paper prove to be serviceable in promoting the cause for which it appears.

Its constant aim will be to reach and benefit the pupils and teachers in the public schools, the families from which come teachers and pupils, and the district officers, who are the educational guardians of their people. R. C. STORY, Co. Supt.

Cowley County Teacher, October 8, 1879.

The attendance at the late Normal Institute was all that could be wished by anyone. For the first time the number of teachers enrolled exceeded the number of districts in the county. . . .

Cowley County Teacher, October 8, 1879.

The question is often asked by parties living in the east, what wages do you pay teachers in Kansas? In this county wages for female teachers, in 1877 and 1878 averaged $25.99; for male teachers, $31.52 per month. The average number of weeks of school was 18.08. The returns for last year are not all in, and no exact estimate can be given. Probably the wages will range about as they were the year before.

The length of terms and the quality of teaching are increasing, while districts are growing stronger in value of property and in the number of children. These are the causes that determine the wages of teaching. As districts get out of debt; and grown in school population and in resources, it is natural to infer that better wages will be paid.

Occasionally one hears that teachers have formed a combination to put up wages; or that the examining board advises teachers to demand higher wages; or that the county superintendent is seeking to raise the pay of teachers. How or why these silly rumors begin no one can tell. The pay of teachers, like the wages of all working classes, depends on laws which are above the control of superintendents, examining boards, and teachers. The factors that make the wages given teachers are three: the financial resources of the districts, their freedom from indebtedness, and the quality of teaching. Only one of these factors can be affected by any influence from teachers or school officials, and that is the quality of the teaching. Who can exert the greatest influence on this factor? Who would be benefitted most, financially, by its increase in worth? Those who labor in the school-room in the position of teachers. In this county, as elsewhere, good teachers are sought for, and are paid good wages for their labors. When teachers cry out for better wages, they should be told to increase the worth of their wares, and their pay will increase proportionally.

Cowley County Teacher, October 8, 1879.

First paragraph partially torn...ends up with the following words: "and organized a permanent association." Article then goes on with resolutions...

The work of the general institute was practical and successful, and was summed up in the following resolutions.

Resolved, That monthly reports should be made by teachers strictly in accordance with the blank reports sent out by the county superintendent, and that such reports should be made promptly at the close of each calendar month.

Resolved, That both written and oral class examinations should be held as often as once a month, and that oral reviews should be had at least once a week.

Resolved, That county schools should be divided into primary, intermediate, and grammar grades, and that the teacher should grade his school according to its needs and advancement.

Resolved, That written work in schools should consist (1) of written preparation for recitations; (2) of written work at recitation; and (3) of written work at monthly examinations.

Resolved, That this work should be prepared freq