pute should arise, touching the qualification of any child or children, the same shall be determined by the school committee.

That not exceeding two hours in each day, shall be taken up in the large school, in perfecting the scholars in reading, accenting, pronouncing and properly understanding the English tongue. That the remaining school hours shall be employed in teaching the children and youth in writing, arithmetic, the various branches of mathematics, and the learned languages. The whole to be taught in one or separate apartments in said house, under the direction of said committee, as the circumstances of said school, from time to time shall require, and as will have the best tendency to increase and spread knowledge and learning.

That children under the care of non-resident freeholders, shall be admitted into said school. provided said freeholder shall pay the sum of twelve shillings, lawful money, in the school tax annually; and also those inhabitants of the town who pay twelve shillings, lawful money, annually, to the support of the school, if they have no children nor apprentices of their own, shall have liberty to send the children of any friend or relation of theirs living out of this town.

That the masters in each school, during the common school hours, shall be obliged to give a constant attention to the duties of their offices, and not engage in any employ, that might impede the due instruction of the youth under their care, and also that they keep up in their several departments, a strict, but not passionate and severe, discipline. And for the raising a laudable emulation to excel in the various branches of learning, said masters shall, from time to time, range the scholars in proper classes, according to their several attainments, annually or quarterly, and those that excel in learning in each class, shall have some honorary marks of favor or distinction, conferred on them by the master.

The committee for the time being, shall be the visitors to the said schools, to inspect the conduct of the several masters, and the proficiency of those under their charge; their visitation to be made quarterly at least.

That none shall be received into the schools from other towns, when the numbers are so large in the schools, as that the proficiency of those that belong to this town may be obstructed; but when there is sufficient room in any of the houses, children may be received in from any other towns, on the approbation of the committee, they settling what sums of money shall be paid by the parents or guardians of such children, for the supporting of the schools, receiving the same and passing of it to the town treasury."

"1768. Laid before the town by the committee, but a number of the inhabitants (and what is most surprising and remarkable, the plan of a free school, supported by a tax, was rejected by the POORER sort of the people) being strangely led away not to see their own as well as the public interest therein, (by a few objectors at first) either because they were not the projectors, or had not public spirit to execute so laudable a design, and which was first vo:ed by the town with great freedom. M. B."

The strange and surprising result has been seen in almost every community which has refused to establish free schools. Another committee reported at the same time that there were then 102 houses, 911 inhabitants (including 189 between the ages of 5 and 14) fit for schooling, on the west side of the river.

The votes of the meeting holden December 2d, were in effect repealed, by the rejection of the reports of the committees, and the town at this meeting resolved to build one brick school-house, thirty feet by forty, and two stories high, near the court-house, out of the proceeds of the old school-house lot sold in 1765, and a tax of £100, provided the sum of £182,17 should be raised by private subscriptions for the same object. The probability is, that this was equal to the proceeds of the old schoolhouse lot and the tax of £100. In the house so built, the town agreed to support a free school, to be under the direction of a committee of nine, of which the town council were to be ex officio members. The attempts to raise the sum required by subscription failed, and the town met again on the subject, on the first day of February. It was then voted, to apply the proceeds of the old school-house lot to the erection of the school-house on the old court-house lot, so far as they would go, if individual proprietors would contribute what would be sufficient with that to complete the house; the house so built to be kept in repair by the proprietors, and the town to have the use of the lower story. In case this arrangement could not be completed within thirty days, the town's committee were instructed to erect so large a house as they could, with the proceeds of the old lot and house. The subscription was not filled within the limited time, but by the middle of July it was, and John Smith was appointed to build the house which now stands on the lot. The town had the ownership of the lower story, and the proprietors, of the upper. Subsequent to this, the town frequently appointed masters to keep school in their part of the house, and passed rules

and regulations, for the good government of both the schools kept in it. A school committee were also frequently appointed, which visited these schools occasionally, and also the other private schools kept in the town. Things continued in this inauspicious state until 1785. It would seem that the town had then become more sensible of the disadvantages of being joint owners of a school-house with individual citizens and of being copartners in the business of education, with any one. At any rate, they found a deficiency in benefits received. In April, they appointed a committee to draw up a plan of education for the government of the several schools in the town. This committee soon discovered, and in July reported, the cause of ill success. They say:

"They have endeavored to suggest some general outlines for the regulation of schools, as they are now supported by individuals, but are of opinion, that no effectual method can be devised for the encouragement of learning and the general diffusion of knowledge and virtue, among all classes of children and youth, until the town shall think proper to take a matter of so much importance into their own hands, and provide and support a sufficient number of judicious persons for that purpose."

The town were not, however, willing to adopt the measure proposed. They still pursued the half-way, vacillating course, worse in fact, than no municipal action on the subject. They appointed a school committee, to have the government of the town school-houses, to appoint masters and give directions for the government of schools kept in them, and to take charge of such other school-houses in town as the proprietors should resign to them. The proprietors of the school-houses had become convinced of the inexpediency of individuals being interested in school-houses, for the accommodation of common schools. Those interested in " the brick schoolhouse," agreed, at once, that if the town would put and keep that building in repair, they should have the use of it for two years, provided they would keep up a school in it for one year. Previous to this time, another set of proprietors erected another school-house near the north end of Benefit street, the wooden building which stood there in 1828, and then known as the first district school-house. Its original name was Whipple Hall." They also offered the use of their house to the town, for a public school, for a reasonable rent, the town keeping it in repair. The town accepted the charge of these houses on these terms. They also set apart all moneys which should be received of the State, or the United States, for damage done" the brick school-house," during the revolutionary war; all rents to be received for market-house cellar, chambers and stalls, and all wharfage to be received on the market-house lot, as a fund for the support of public schools. It is not probable that this arrangement lasted long, or that much good grew out of it. The funds set apart for the purpose were quite too small. They might have been, and probably were, mostly consumed in keeping the houses in repair, and paying the rents demanded. The result of the arrangement then, would simply have been, the establishment of public schools, which all might attend who would pay the tuition demanded by the instructors. This seems probable from the fact that afterwards, in 1791, some of the citizens petitioned the town to establish free schools. The petition was referred to the school committee. They reported in August, that it is expedient to purchase the proprietors' interest in the brick school-house," and also in "Whipple Hall," and build two new houses, one at the south end of the town, and the other on the west side of the river. They recommended that the schools so established should be under the care and supervision of the school committee, who should appoint the necessary instructors. There was one very singular provision in the report, which almost reconciles us to the fate which it met with. It is stated that the Friends then had a school of their own, in which their children were instructed, and would continue to be instructed, without expense to the town. The report recommended that they should be permitted to draw from the town treasury, money to support their school, in proportion to the number of children attending it. It would have been indeed humiliating, if public education had been subjected to evident sectarian influence, by the descendants of those who had first severed all connexion between religion and civil government. The town directed the

interests of the proprietors in the two school-houses to be purchased. This was not then effected, and the matter was permitted to slumber from August 1791, to September 1792, when the town again resolved to establish free schools, and directed the town council to carry into effect the report of the committee of August 1791. How fully do these proceedings abound in good resolutions! The town council did nothing more than the school committee the year before. toward the establishment of free schools. The next year, the town authorized the school committee to make some arrangements with the proprietors of the "brick school-house," so that the interior of the building might be altered. In 1794, and after that, frequent directions are given for the repair of this house, and for the drawing up of regulations for the schools, but nothing more about free schools. In September 1795, the town again resolve to establish "schools for the free education of the children of the inhabitants of the town, and that the expense of supporting the same be defrayed out of the town treasury." The report of the school committee made in August 1791, was revived, and the town council were again directed to carry the same into effect. Like all previous movements on this subject, the passage of these resolutions ended the matter."*

On the 16th of November 1785, Rev. Enos Hitchcock, pastor of the Benevolent Congregational Church, delivered a discourse on education "at the request of the proprietors of the school-house on the west side of the River." This able discourse was very well received by the audience, and was published by the gentlemen, at whose request it was prepared. As a document full of sound views, and as having a historical value, we should be glad to give it entire.

In October 1798, the "Providence Association of Mechanics and Manufactures," an Association, which by its public spirit and far-sighted liberality has identified itself with the organization and support of almost every instition and measure whose aim is to advance, purify, and bless the city or the State-appointed a committee to "enquire into the most desirable method for the establishment of Free Schools." This committee, in January 1799, recommended "immediate application to the General Assembly, to provide for the establishment of Free Schools throughout the State." The recommendation was approved by the Association, and the committee were authorized to draft a memorial to be presented at the next session of the General Assembly. This was ably done as follows:

"To the Hon. General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island, &c., to be holden at East Greenwich on the last Monday in February, A. D. 1799. The memorial and petition of the Providence Association of Mechanics and Manufacturers, respectfully represents:

That the means of education which are enjoyed in this State, are very inadequate to a purpose so highly important:

That numbers of the rising generation, whom nature has liberally endowed, are suffered to grow up in ignorance, when a common education would qualify them to act their parts in life with advantage to the public, and reputation to themselves:

That in consequence of there being no legal provision for the establishment of schools, and for want of public attention and encouragement, this so essential a part of our social duty is left to the partial patronage of individuals, whose cares cannot extend beyond the limits of their own families, while numbers in every part of the State are deprived of a privilege which it is the common right of every child to enjoy :

That when to that respect, which, as individuals we feel ourselves bound to render to the representatives of the people, we add our public declaration of gratitude for the privileges we enjoy as a corporate body, we at the same time solicit this Honorable Assembly to make legal provision for the establishment of Free Schools, sufficient to educate all the children in the several towns throughout the State. With great confidence, we bring this our earnest solicitation before this Honorable Assembly, from the interest we feel in the public welfare, and from the

* Staples' Annals of Providence, pp. 492-505. The remaining portion of this sketch is compiled from Mr. Bishop's Reports, and from documents in his possession.

consideration that our society is composed of members, not orginally of any one particular town, but assembled mostly in our early years from almost every town in the State:

That we feel as individuals, the want of that education which we now ask to be bestowed on those who are to succeed us in life, and which is so essential, in transacting its common concerns. That we feel a still greater degree of confidence, from the consideration that while we pray this Honorable Assembly to establish Free Schools, we are at the same time, advocating the cause of the great majority of children throughout the State, and in particular, of those who are poor and destitute-the son of the widow, and the child of distress.

Trusting that our occupation as mechanics and manufacturers ought not to prevent us from adding to these reasons an argument which cannot fail to operate with those to whom is com mitted the guardianship of the public welfare, and that is, that liberty and security, under a republican form of government, depend on a general diffusion of knowledge among the people. In confiding this petition and the reasons which have dictated it, to the wisdom of the Legislature, we assure ourselves that their decision will be such, as will reflect on this Honorable Assembly the praise and the gratitude, not only of the youth of the present generation, but of thousands, the date of whose existence has not commenced.

Respectfully submitted by John Howland, Joel Metcalf, William Richmond, Peter Grinnell, Richard Anthony, Grindall Reynolds, Samuel Thurber, Jr., Nathan Fisher, committee."

The memorial was presented by the Representative of Providence at the February session in 1799, and the whole subject was referred to a committee, who reported at the June session by bill. The bill was printed and referred to the freemen for instruction. The instructions given by Providence, were as follows:

"To John Smith, William Rhodes, Thomas P. Ives, and David L. Barnes, Esqrs.: Gentlemen:-Placing in you the fullest confidence, we have selected you to assist in the public councils of the State, not doubting your readiness to promote such measures as may tend to advance the general interest as combined with the private happiness of the people. It never being our intention to bind our Representatives by instructions, in the ordinary business of legislation, we should not have addressed you at this time, but from the deep interest we feel in the question submitted by the General Assembly to their constituents. On the question of free schools, gentlemen, all party distinctions are broken down; here there can be no clashing interests. On this subject one section or the State cannot be opposed to another. Before this benevolent idea, every partial, narrow motive of local policy must disappear. As we are confident, that the general object of the bill can meet with no opposition, the only question which can arise, will be on some of its particular provisions, as to the best mode of carrying its general principles into effect. On this point of the subject, we would recommend to you to support the adoption of the bill in its present form, as any inconvenience which may arise in particular districts, can, at any time, be removed after the law is in operation, when experience can point out to the legislature, the expediency of a different arrangement; but this we confide to your discretion, on the positive injunction, that the general system is not affected.

Fully confident of the patriotism of our fellow citizens throughout the State, that they are actuated by the same anxious solicitude for the public good, we doubt not but their Representatives and ours will meet at the next session, bringing with them, the rich deposit of the public sentiment, and, by a unanimous voice, establish Free Schools throughout the State; then will that glory which attaches itself to the purest benevolence, and to the highest acts of public virtue, rest on their heads, and the members of the Rhode Island Legislature, having thus before the close of the eighteenth century, provided for the full enjoyment of a right which forms so essential an article in the great system of social order, will be mentioned with high expressions of gratitude and honor, through the ages and generations which are yet to succeed. It is, nevertheless, the sense of the town, that, in case any particular alteration of the bill, to extend it to native Indians, or other people of color, or as it may respect any particular society, shall appear eligible, to the Representatives on hearing before the General Assembly, these instructions are not to be construed to militate against any such amendment."

In October following, the House of Representatives passed the bill into a law. The Senate postponed the matter until the next February session, (1800) when they concurred with the House. It met with great opposition in the General Assembly, and measures were soon put in motion to ensure its repeal, by which its fair operation was never felt The end designed was accomplished, the act became unpopular, and was repealed in February 1803.

Ten days subsequent, the committee to whom was referred the subject of Free Schools, as established by the late act of the General Assembly, reported:

"1. That it will be expedient to open and establish through the year four Free Schools; one to be kept in Whipple Hall; one in the brick school-house; one in a new school-house, to be

built at the south end of the town; and one in a new school-houses, to be built on the west side of the river.

2. That a committee or committees be appointed to build the new school-house, and that these houses ought to be of brick, and be built immediately, and that Whipple Hall ought to be repaired.

3. That until these houses can be built, the town council be requested to provide proper places for the schools, at the south end, and on the west side of the river.

4. That there ought to be four principal Masters appointed at a salary of five hundred dollars per annum each, and to be paid quarterly, and so many Ushers or Assistants as the town council shall find necessary, at such salaries as the council shall allow.

5. That so far as relates to expense, the town ought to be one school district, and that the town council be requested to decide accordingly.

6. That the town council ought to be empowered to appoint, and need require, to suspend or remove the Masters and Ushers, and that the council be requested immediately to make the necessary arrangements for carrying the system of Free Schools into complete execution and effect.

7. That a tax of four thousand dollars ought to be now ordered and assessed, and that the same and all other taxes hereafter imposed for like purposes, ought to be paid in money into the town treasury, and be exclusively appropriated to the erection of school-houses and the support of Free Schools."

The above report was received at the next meeting of the freemen, and they resolved to recommend to the town council all the main features of the report; leaving, however, the salaries of the Masters and Ushers to be fixed by the council. They fixed the salary of a Master at five hundred dollars per annum; that of an Usher at two hundred dollars per annum. The freemen voted to assess and collect a tax of six thousand dollars, and the town council ordered the town treasurer to collect certain moneys due on the sale of certain lands called the "Walker Lots ;" and also to collect, by prosecution if necessary, certain moneys due the town from the Managers of the "Great Bridge Lottery," so called. All the above moneys were to be set apart and used exclusively for the purpose of carrying the system of free schools into successful operation.

The council also voted to proceed immediately to the preparation and erection of the school-houses. The freemen bought the "Whipple Hall," standing on the site now occuped by the Benefit Street Grammar School, and at an expense of some five hundred dollars fitted it up for a public school-house. They also bought the brick school-house still standing in Meeting street, and made the alterations and repairs necessary to fit it for a public school.

A new house was built in Transit street, on the lot to be occupied by the Transit street primary school-house; and another new house was built on the west side of the river, on a high hill near the present corner of Friendship and Claverick streets.

On the 26th of August, the freemen of the town appointed a school committee, who were invested with no powers, but were made merely advisory assistants of the council in all matters pertaining to the public schools.

The following gentlemen constituted the first school committee ever appointed in this town, viz: Jonathan Maxy, Enos Hitchcock, Stephen Gano, William Jones, James Burrill, John Howland, Jabez Bowen, David L. Barnes, Amos M. Atwell, John Carlisle.

On the 13th of October 1800, the town council and the school committee appointed President Maxy, Dr. Hitchcock, Joseph Jencks, and John Howland, a committee to frame rules and regulations for the government of the public schools, about to be opened in this town. It appears from a subsequent record, that some time previous to this. Dr. Enos Hitchcock and Tristam Burges, Esq., being about to visit Boston, were requested by the town council to visit the public schools of that city, and obtain, if possible, a copy of the rules and regulations of its public schools. Mr. Burges procured a copy of the rules and regulations of the Boston public schools, for which the town council voted to pay him one dollar, and gave him a vote of thanks.

On the 16th of October, the above committee presented the following report to the town council: