BOHEMIAN
r
I. ATTITUDES
A. Education
1. Secular
a. Slementary, Higher (High
School and College)
I A 1 a BCEBflAN
Denni Hlasatel , Apr. 21, 1922.
m. mm J. pmr sisoted fcb ths third ma |
AS PHESIEEI^ CF THE CICERO SCHOOL BOARD -^
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IXirlng the regular meeting of the school board of Cicero, Illinois, our country- ^
man, Ur« Frank J. Petru, was installed for the third time to serve as a presi- ^
dent of the School Board, He received many gifts of flowers on that occasion* ^~
• • • • . ^1
I A 1 a BCEEMIAN «
I F 1 >•
Denni Hlasatel , Apr. 5, 1922. "^
POLITICAL MATTERS ;g
o
All Czechoslovak voters of both sexes who are citizens of Cicero, Illinois ^
and who are interested in the progress of the public schools should go to the ;t5
polls next Saturday. Ihe voters should above all see to it that Mr. Frank J. '*^
Petru is re-elected president of the school bosu:^, Mr. Petru has served in
this capacity for two one-year terms and has proved himself to be the right
man for the right Job. Although the office of president of the school board
does not involve any salary, Mr. Petru, during the two years he served, de-
voted his time and energy to this office, ever mindful of the possibilities
to improve our school system. The results of his efforts are well known to all
our citizens and«,,.lt is desirable that Mr. Petru be re-elected.
I A 1 a BOHMIAN
I F 2
Dennl Hlasatel. Feb. 26, 1922.
A CALL TO THE CZECHOSLOVAK TAXPAYERS OF
CICERO AND VICINITY!
In view of the fact that the proposed pleui for the erection of four supple- 5
mentary high schools for Cicero, Illinois and vicinity was defeated at the -c:^
polls on February 4 by an ovenrtielming majority of votes, and further, be- F
cause we realize that the present J. Sterling Morton High School located on ^
Austin Boulevard needs an annex, we issue this call to all the voters of o
school district number 201, which includes the communities of Cicero, Berwyn, ^^
Stickney, and Lyons, to come to the polls on March 4 to cast their ballots ^
for the proposition that a bond issue of ^25,000 be permitted for the erection*^
of the necessary buildings which are to become an annex of the present
J. Sterling Morton High School.
The Executive Conmittee of the Cesko-Slovansky Poplatnicky Spolek v Cicero
(Czecho-Slavonic Taxpayers* Association of Cicero, Illinois).
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II A 1
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17
BOHELlLill
Dennf Hlasatel. Feb. 13, 1920.
R3P0HT OF C2L3CH MH^IBiR 07 SCHOOL BOARD
'Mr. James B. Rezny, a ^vell-knc3fwn Bohemian architect, at present a
member of the Chicago Board of Education, anno\inced that at the last
meeting of the Board of Education held '.';edne3day afternoon, it was
decided to make some improvements on the buildings of the Robert Bums
School, 2524 South Central Park .ivenue. The school is attended mostly
by children of Bohemian parentage. The expense shall not exceed the
sum of ^14,000,
I A 1 a BOHSMIAN
II D 1
III H Denni Hlasate l. Sept. 9, 1918.
Ill G
I C APPEAL TO CZECH AMERICA
/From the Cesko-^tniericka Mat ice
Skolska (Czech-American Central School Assoc iationjT"
I,
We all agree that the present tine is ominous and that, unless energetic
steps are taken at once, before long there will not be a trace of Czech
nationality remaining in America.
Czech associations feel most poignantly that this is slowly coniing to pass.
Members were easily ^ined in fonaer times, and several new ones were
inducted at almost every meeting. It takes several months, today, before
one single person can be induced to join. At closer observation it becomes
evident that more members withdravy than there are won.
Our aid societies and brotherhoods are, perhaps, the ivorst sufferers frr>^
II D 1
III
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I A 1 a - 2 - 3 0IIEMIA:T
Demii :ila3a tel, Sept. 9, 1910.
I G these conditions, '^ore than our Sokol and other organizations. This
cannot be denied, and there is no use vvithholdini^ the truth about it.
It is tine for action on our part to remedy these conditions.
One of the first steps necessary'' for the rescue t;ill, v/ithout question, be
the unification of all brotJieriioods. This rrier^-in;; of our aid societies is now
in prot.-ress and v;ill soon be accoiipllshel — 'hecause it must be accomplished.
The- creation of one mighty bodj' of aid societies is one of our first aims, for
it v/ill mean a finTi foundation for the Czech eleiient in ^unerica, and a pillar
of strenrjth for its perpetuation. Brotherhoodc , united, ■,«ri.ll be better able
to resist any onslaU;:jht of adverse circur.ist'-inces than sini^le, isolated units
ever could.
To attach independent brotherhoods to ths body — that is the second step toi/ard
a cure. If we ner/^, we have to do the ncr/.ln^ tliorouijlily. .je are the
American branch of the Czech nation, but divide! into parties, the Free Thought,
I A 1 a - 3 - BOHKMTAN
II D 1
III H Dennl laagatel . Sept. 9, 1918.
Ill G
I C the Catholic, and the Protestant. We should, at least in one point,
form one powerful whole. We should not attoznpt to unite Freethinkers,
Catholics, and Protestants while their camps are at variance with each other#
Such a union itould not be of any permanent value. It would fall apart at
the slightest impact •
A third remedy to prevent the disintegration of the Czech branch in America
will be found v/hen every Czech man and woman becomes a meiiiber of some aid
society, unless he or she is a member already. Any felloiv countryman of ours,
who chances to meet another, whom he does not knov/ to be a member of some
brotherhood, should askt
"Pardon me, my fellow countryman, for asking to what society you belong."
If the ansiver be "To none," then all power of persuasion should be used to
win a new member for one of the various groups. It is easy. Everybody
I A 1 a - 4 - B0H5MIi\N
II D 1
III H Dennl Hlaaatel . Sept. 9, 1918.
Ill G
I C should acloiowlod-je that our aid societies are laainstays of our Czech
schools hQrSf and of the perpetuation of Free Thour^t principles;
that they have raonif icaiitly supported oTory Czech national enterprise here,
and across the ocean; that they have laid one of the cornerstones for our
foremost national institution, the Czech National iUliance, If these
institutions become vjeak, if they totter and finally cruraple, it would mean
not only the downfall of Czech schools, in America, and of the Czech National
Alliance, hut of the Czech element altosether. Svery sincere Czech man and
■woman should, therefore, consider it a duty to become a member of some of our
Czech brotherhoods.
v/e should perform this national work for the sake of our forebears; this is the
kind of task which the Czech-^^merioan Central School Association urges us to
take upon our shoulders.
■o'-
In tines past, when new imriiisrants came to America in throngs, Czech schools
I A 1 a - 5 - BOESIvIIAIT
II D 1
III K Denni la asatel, 3ept. 9, 1913.
Ill G
I C vjere not in.-=?titii{iion3 of such tov/orin,; inportunce. In recent times,
lio'.vovor, no one frori the country districts in iJurope jpes to x^raerica,
Uuropean countries are even preparinj^ laws to restrict enicration. The Czech
schojls have remained the only fountain from which Czech-xjnerican public life
can draw its strength, its nev; v;orkers.
3*
This \mdeniable fact stands out as a v/aming to all Czech settls.ients that a
have no Gzecli schools. ^
./hat does it avail if Jzecli life surges in your settlement in iiiGhty streams j}?
and whirls today, if one of its two sources is dried up and the other is
damraed in by stones and clocijud by brushvjood and diist? How long viill it be
before tlie acciij.iulatad v/ater has rmi out, and both sources fail?
That first source is tiie iinraicration from 3ohemia. We are throu£^i as far
as its supply is concerned. That second source, choked and plutj^^ed up, consists
I .1 1 a - 6 - BOHEia.-iN
II D 1
III H Denni Ilia s at el , oept. 9, 1918.
Ill G
I C of o\ir children, born here, vrho have seen no Czech schools!
Does every one of you grasp now that, to Maintain the Czech branch in
.rjnerica, to preserve the results of Czecli activity in /jnerics;, it is y
absolutely ne-.'essary for every Czech settle.aent here to possess Czech li^
schools? Does every one understand that he is grossly at fault, -mo does p
not try everything in his power to support a v/ell-established and conducted ^.
Czech school in his settleinent? Do our associations coitiprehend, do our ^
Czech patriots know nov/? ?~,
%
"We hope that they understand, for we hear echoes in this direction fron 7
everywhere, and we are receiving dejnands for infonoation on how to found
Czech schools.
y/e hope that every one of our settlements v/ithout Czech schools will contact
the Czech-j-Lmerican Central L)Chool .i.ssociatio.i, Box 46, Little i'erry, New
Jersey. It will supply inforriation, and send an ore-anizer who will approach
la - 7 - BOHaMiaJ
II D 1
III H Denni lilasatel . Sept. 9, 1918.
Ill G
I C the public, speak on the mission of the Czech school, and put it on
a fiRi basis. Gur Associution vdll watch over the school, and see
that it perioriiis its duties properly.
It may becono a i.atter of expediency for the organizer to introduce improve-
ments in schools already existing.
Je recor.iienl that, before schools are opened ne::t school year, each settlement
call a public ^Meeting, by v;hich the hi^-hest possible attendance of the school
may be guaranteed.
"'/7e also advise that each settlement v/ith a Czech school form a committee,
which should speak to parents who do not send their children to the Czech
school. 'J?hose fathers and mothers should be admonished at least not to
detain their children from attending, for what sort of a Czech is it who
would not let his child frequent the Czech school already existing in his
la' - 8 - BOIISa^J
II D 1
III H Denni Hlasatel , oept, 9, 1913.
Ill G
I C settleriont?
I'Je reco inend to arrance for at least three public appearances per year, for
the;; are the best af-itators for parents and for pupils. They induce the
former to send their children to school, and stir the pride and incite the
arabition of the pupils. ..e enphasize the fact, that all pupils, even the
smallest, should be -:iven an opportuuity.
Je further counsel our schools to send us samples of work performed, and show
the inethods they use. This should be done at least every quarter of the
school yenr. It is obvious that vath the present state of affairs it is
impossible for certain coiuiunitioj to employ trained teachers. The Csech-
iOQericun Central School i^ssocintion has expert teucjiers available, v4io will
give advice and show the way to attain the best results.
Our school tends to prepare our youngsters for ineiabership in our brotherhoods
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I ik 1 a - 9 - • BOI^mUT
II D 1
III II Denni Hlasatel , oept. 9, 1918.
Ill G
I C and other or^'anisations, ,ihen they cxovj up, they will have a
founda^:ion in the history of the Ci:ech people. They v;ill love
that nation, adhere to its v/ays, and proudlj' proclain allegiance to it, v-
Ovr pufpoge is to educate our adolescents so that they associate with f
/uaericans, and spread inforination ainons then re;:ardin,-^ the Czech nation and
its national aims. Cur youth will in this •■irscj be doin^^ more for the cause
of the Czechs than v;e ourselves could acconplish. This aim is sublime, and ^
difficult to attain, yot the possibility is here, if we do not economize ^
unduly, . .
Ila Zdar! (Success)
■-J
I A 1 a BOHEMIAN
II F
17 Dennl Hlasatel . Jxine 27, 1918.
THE MSKIGOLD C22:CH SETTLEMENT
The settlers in Novy Tabor (The New Camp), knovm as the Marigold settlement,
have long been trying to obtain a schoolhouse. One site was foiind, on 18th
Street and Kildare Avenue, and was suitable for the purpose. Although it ;.'
had previously been used only as a brickyard, Burke, the owner, demanded an r^
exhorbitant price; and as a result the School Board was obliged to start 4
expropriation proceedings. The lower court not only ruled against Burke, but '^,
even set the price of the lot at fully six thousand dollars less than that ^
offered by the School Board, -^
John Toman, Alderman of the Thirty-fourth Ward, later appeared before the .^
School Board, where he was assured that, as Burke's appeal is likely to prove ^
futile, teaching will be begun next year.
School children will be enrolled in the lower grades; and the plan is to be
extended gradually until all classes are established.
I A 1 a BOHEMIAN
III S
Denni Hlasatel . May 17, 1913.
CZECH CLUB AT IJNIV2S3ITy OF CHICAGO
There is only a small handful of Czech students at the University of Chicago, %
but they are all yoxing men who show p2x>per regard for the nationality of their ^
origin and are conscientiously doing their patriotic duty. They founded a F
club recently to establish contact with the American intelligentsia and make ^
them acquainted with our Czech ideals. so
"Czech Club" is the name of that body; R. A. Ginsburg is chainiian of its execu-
tive committee* He presents an interesting acooimt of its activities:
"Times change, says the proverb, and of this the best evidence is the growth of
our lately founded Club. Its full name is "Czech Club of the University of
Chicago", It is the center of Czech activities at the highest seat of learning
in Chicago*
The organization of the Club was initiated at the beginning of the last winter
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I A 1 a - 2 - BOFffMTA]
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I A 1 a BOHSMIAN
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I G Denni Hlasatel. Apr. 20, 1918.
^^ITI-GEEMAN REACTION^
(Editorial)
The xiotorious "Six" of the Chicago School Board have not heeded the demands of
public opinion to remove the bust of the '•Iron Chancellor,** Bismarck, which :S:
has been disfiguring a public schoolhouse in the very heart of the Polish dis- 5
trict* In spite of the obstinacy of the Boeird, the springtime cleaning" is 3
making some progress in another direction. This is certainly highly gratify- ■"
ing: The executive committee of the Board vas compelled to dismiss a teacher ^
who has been setting a bad example with his disloyal remarks. This teacher o
flaunts his pro-Germanism. His name should have been stricken from the pay ^
roll long ago as an example and warning to other individuals of his ilk. ^
A steadily rising protest by citizens living on the North Side is becoming
more and more conspicuous. It is directed against German street names, of
which there are more than an abundance, indeed. The statue in Lincoln Park of
I
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I A 1 a - 2 - BOHEMIAN
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I G Demii HLasatel. Apr. 20, 1918.
the great German poet also has not escaped outbursts of patriotic indigna-
tion. In brief, Chicago, as well as other American cities, has arrived at
the conclusion that German influence will have to be broken radically, at
last, and that everything tainted with the provocative Hun hue must uncondi-
tionally give way to Americanism.
German lust for expansion has been blowing air for years and is naturally reap-
ing the storm now. It is aost desirable that the "spring cleaning" be carried -^
out as thoroughly as possible—in fact, to the very foundations. ^
If the people of almost all the world are now taking the Teutons to account,
America must not dilly-dally. The three hairs on Bismarck's head may find
some enthusiastic admirers and defenders among the members of the Chicago S
School Board, but the latter will have to capitulate in the long run. The co
loyal populace of Chicago will see to that. C::
I A 1 a BOHailAN
I A 1 b
I A 3 Dennl Hlasatel , Feb. 28, 1918.
CZ3CE NI'3HT CIuiSSES AT H/J?RI30N HIGH
Nisbt classes at Harrison Technical High School will be resumed next Monday.
All classes that were held in the first wesk of January will again be held,
and students who have already enrolled in them will not be required to pay :s
any registration fee. New classes will be offered upon demand, provided a 2
certain minLiium number of students enroll. 3
There will be instruction in shorthand, tsrpev/riting, bookkeeping, technical
sciences, and women's handwork. V/e wish to call particular attention to the o
classes in the Czech language to be held at Harrison High School, and we hope ro
that the number of students in these classes will be as large as possible. ro
I ^ 1 a BQH5MJUI\T
II B 1 C (1)
II B 1 a Denni Hlasatel , Dec. 9, 1917.
Ill S
C3:i:CII CIRCLS at E-JLRISON HIG-H 3C?i00L
Our Czech corrnnunity probably does not knovj that Carter Harrison High School
is attended yearly by more than one thousand girls and boys enrolled as
regular students, ^noni^ these there are many who are gifted v;ith various
talents. This was evident at the concert vrhich was fdven by the Czech
students* club Beseda (Circle) on December 5 of this year. The event
created a sensation and made many friends for the Czechs. The youn^^ amateur
artists feel gratified and encourap;ed to such a degree that they even speak o
of appearing before larger public audiences.
5D
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Therefore, it v;ill not be out-of-place if we attach a picture in vjhich some "^
of the foremost adepts of dancing, singing, and instrumental music can be
seen. Iliss Helen i^'rish, one of the best knovm students of the schoo], is of
Czech descent. She is the enthusiastic director of the si'.ging branch of
the Beseda. She renders the piano accompaniment for all musical events of
I K 1 a - 2 - EOHStlli^^
II B 1 c (1)
II B 1 a Denni Hlasatel . Dec. 9, 1917.
III 3 . *
the school. She r-ives piano lessons, but she is also a gifted actress.
The Harrison Pligh School Dramatic Glut selected her for the main role in the
li£:ht play "Getting; Sngaged," v/hich is to be ti^iven as the students' annual
theater performance on December 12 and 13. Other pupils of Czech descent
v;ho will take part in the performance are Messrs. Li. Ostcsna, 3. Jelinek,
F. Jindra, T, Besta, and Jan Klaus.
•X'
Miss ilorence Pola}r is undoubtedly the best singer of v;hom the Harrison High ^
School can boast. Her voice was magnificent in several Dvorak sonps at the 2
last concert. ^
Hiss Ivlilada Kraraetbauer is the third young lady seen in the picture. She "^
is a leader in the dancin™ group.
I A 1 a BOHSIvIIaIJ
II D 10
\ III D Dennl Hlasatel , Dec. 2, 1917,
iiNNUAL REPORT
(Published by the Center of Hi^er Education)
The executive committee of the Matice Vyssiho Vzdelani (Center of Higher 2
2ducation) makes the following fourteenth annual report: ....The Center .^
was able to extend loans totaling 31,900 to thirteen students. Originally ;z
|2,725 was appropriated for eighteen students. In these serious times, -^
however, some of the young, ambitious men decided to give their services ^
to Uncle Sam and therefore relinquished the money offered to them, '^
The students were placed in schools in the following states: Nev/ York, 3;
Nebraska, 3; Iowa, 2; Missouri, 2; Illinois, Ohio, and Texas, 1 each.
The students are paying back their loans very conscientiously and are
highly satisfied with the system
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la - 2 - B0H3f.il IAN
II D 10
III D Denni Hlasatel . Dec. 2, 1917,
Our people should be more eager to buy national postal stamps, because by
doing so they fulfill a patriotic duty.
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I A 1 a BOISf/.rU^^
II R 1 b
Denni Hlasatel , June 19, 1917.
/CZECH IUGH SCliOOL STLDEKTSZ
(Sunimary)
The Hsrrison Technical High School Annual issued this year contains an
abundance of beautiful drav/ings, illustrations, and cartoons, the greater
part of vjhich v;ere done by students of Czech descent enrolled there
'iuj
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I A 1 a BOHEMIAN
III A
IV Denni Hlasatel . June 15, 1917.
A GLARING DISPROPORTION
(Summary)
••••The majority of the residents of Cicero are Czechs, This was the keynote
of the speech ivhich Mr. Frank J. Fetru, newly elected member of the Cicero
school board, delivered at the last meeting of that body presided over by
Mr. Jan Slapak.
Mr. Petru said: "There are eleven schools in the town of Cicero with 123
school teachers. And now I should like to know why there is not one single school
teacher of Ozech descent. There are only two teachers of Polish descent.
Seventy- five per cent of Cicero voters are Czech*. ••"
The school board members knew no better answer than the excuse that Czech
teachers did not care for positions in Cicero. This iras refuted by lEr, Petru
who pointed out that a Czech teacher, Miss Marcella Cervenka, applied for one
of three positions open in Cicero but was not considered. ISr, Petru demanded
la - 2 - BOHiiltllAK
III A
IV Denni Hlasatel . June 15, 1917.
that soi.'iethinf; be done about these conditions v/hich have been the "stormy
petrel" of riany discussions. "There should be at least fifty school teachers
of Czech descent in this tovm...." he shouted v^ith resounding emphasis.
The other members of the board sat starinr; and v/ere evidently baffled. The
attending; citizens, hov/evor, rewarded I.ir. Petru v/ith roaring; applause.
m.
I A 1 a BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel. June 11, 1917.
^^RADS SCHOOL GltiDUATIO^
Mr, Jan F. Slapak, president of the school board of Cicero, informs us
that 237 pupils graduated from the grammar schools this year. A large
percentage of them are of Czech descent*
I .i 1 a W V BGHSrvlLJT
III B 2
jenni lllasatel , i^^ay 15, 1917,
HOl^i^T .^a^IKST LIS,a:-5.J. OJ" SCHOCL T".^G;:Zf
An excited crov.d, conaioting jfiainly of Czech fathers and iiotlierb, protested
af-ainst tne disiaisbal of one of the touciiers in t::e General Custer School,
14th Street and Ca;: Park Avenue, Berv.yn, 111. The teacher in .;ueotion is
Liiss veisner, v.lio is of C2,ech descent. She has served in the Custer school
for over einht years, and is v,ell liked in the coirurranity. ^he has not been
reappointed for next year; to date the school board hc.s ..ot advanced a sin.jle
valid reason for her dis-.-iisiial. The ineetinf: resolved to do everything
possible to secure the reappointi.ient of i..iss „eisner.
I A 1 a BOHEMIAN
I F 4
I F 5 Denni Hlasatel . Mar. 6, 1917.
EXPAND SCHOOLS IN CZECH SETTLEMENT
A new school is going to be built near Crawford Avenue between 17th and
19th Streets to relieve the congestion in Penn School on West 16th Street
and South Harding Avenue. The cost of the building is estimated at
$320, 000* The need of a new school in that district has long been
recognized, but nothing wa's done until Alderman John Toman took energetic
action to help the neighborhood which is strongly populated with Czechs.
The John Sprye School on West 24th Street and South Marshall Boulevard,
shall also be relieved of supemuraerous pupils by an appropriate addition.
Respective resolutions have been passed by the school board.
I A 1 a
II B 1 c
II B 1 b
(3)
Dennl Hlasrtel, Jan. 9, 1917,
BOHSIiiliU^
CZECHS -AMONG THE FIRST
The YI1C\ held a fair in its building, 3210 Arthington Street, a gift by
Rosenwald, during the days frora Dec, 29, 1916 to Jan, 1, 1917, T:^e
exhibition which stood imder the sign of "Crafts and Arts," brought many
samples of skill and talent before the eyes of the visitors, v;ho had come
in gr .at numbers, to ;vhich men prominent in their vocations contributed a
large contingent. The arrangement committee consisted of some members
most influential in the association, v;hich may be called the biggest of its
kind in the United States, Only objects of merit were placed on exhibition.
There were tv/o divisions: one for grammar and one for high schools. In the
former we did not encounter the v/ork of a single pupil of Czech descent by
either close or distant relationship. In the high school division, on the
1 a
II B 1 c
II B 1 b
(3)
- 2 -
Denni Hlasatjl, Jan. 9, 1917,
B0IIi21-.IrtlT
contrary, there were long rows of work done by Czech pupils and they were
being discussed with utmost interest. There was a printer's roller made
by Julius Bizik, of Crane High School which was awarded the second prize.
The first prize in the Carpenter's Section was won jointly by Josef
Prochazka, and Karel Luire. In the Patterns* Section it was Jan Stastny
who received the first prize.
Pupils of the C, H, Harrison High School, however, won the highest honors
iVmong these, Anton Coufal, of 3614 u, 26th Street, son of the well-knovm
choir director and light-opera conductor, distinguished himself by v/inning
tv/o prizes in the /irt Section, in viiich another Czech-/jnerican, J. Vopat,
came into prominence. We are giving these names to the public because by
doing 30 v;e are giving well-deserved publicity to the young men and a
stimulus for the further pursuit of their ambitious aims.
IV
I A 1 a BOHSaaAIT
Dennl HI as at el , Feb, 20, 1916,
imaS FROLI TI-E CHICAGO CCIIOOI, EO/PX)
J, A, Holpuch, T.lember of the School "Board Informs
Us That our tfork is not v:ithout Compensation —
Czech Folk Songs Are a Source for Good
in our Public School — Military
'• Drills in our Schools-
-^
Our School Census
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JUT* Josef A, Holpuch, a member of the school board, yesterday told us that our
work in the interest of public schools and their teachers is nearing fruition, oi
Formerly, when we looked over the records of our schools devoted to the prepa-
ration of our youth for the teachers'prof ession, we v;ould find one or two
students with Czech names; now you will be confronted with a v:hole colui^n of
names of Czech parentage. These young women and men are devoting their full
school time to the proper preparation for a most honored profession — teaching.
I A 1 a "
IV
Denni Hlasatel, Feb. 20, 1916,
In the last half year records of our preparatory schools, we find to our great
joy these Czech namep listed as future teachers: Helen C, TXisek, I,!arie A. Kajek,
IZagdalena Marie Hitzler, Ap.na Teresie Kessler, Alice Antoinette Kopal, Jessie •£
J» Plhak, Anezka M. Polka, Helena M. Rezek, and Emilie A. Slama, ^
VJhen we consider the number of Czech candidates for teachers positions for only ^
a half-year, we must come to the conclusion that next year the registration of -o
students for the teaching profession will be much greater, and that circumstances o
will revert to our credit, i^
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We wish that our young men v;ould take a greater interest in the teaching pro- *'
fession, so that our men would have a larger representation among school teachers.
According to the records of the school board, entrance examinations to NorrnaJ.
College will be held on June S6 and 27,
Czech parents should make a note of this announcement, and should see to It that
I A 1 a - 3 _ BCimgiV?!
Derini Klasatel , Feb, 20, 1916, 5
children with a living: for the teachers* profession prepare themselves for those P
examinations, ^
O
At the same time, examinations for school princijals will be held. Examinations ^
for high school teachers will take place for the following subjects: Gorman, ^
Spanish, Latin, French, English, Social Fconomy, Physiology, and Health, Botany, e^
Zoology, ^hJ^sics, Chemistry, !vCathenatlcs, Bookkeeping, Photography, Iron moulding,
Black smithing, '..agon makin?, Machine making. Cabinet making and many other trades.
Teachers of all these subjects will be needed in both the high and grammar grades.
Teachers of German will be needed in the hir-h schools, and there also will be
needed teachers of Gymnastics in both high school and grammar grades, and parental
school teachers v;ill be sought.
Singing is taught in our piblic schools and special stress is laid upon folk songs;
not only American songs are taught, but attention directed to songs of other nations.
I A 1 a - 4 - E0H5?!IA2:
IV
Deiml HLasatel. Feb, 20, 1916.
^
3D
The Czech songs were poorly represerted, because we had vety few translations,
of which our Czech member of the Chicago school board, Josef A, Holpuch, was
we]l aware, and for that reason, a short time ago, v/hen he visited ITeiv York,
he bought a large number of copies of Czech national and folk songs, arranged ^
by the Reverend Vincence Pisek and published by the Schirmer Publishing ^
Company. These copies Ilr. Holpuch distributed among singing teachers, who
appreciate very much the helping hand these song books provide in the teaching
of the Czech songs.
Reverend Pisek* s compilation of Czech national and folk songs in an extraordinary
work from a musical standpoint; it is remarkable for its fine translation, which
we can describe as masterly.
For a very long time the Chicago school board busied itself trying to solve
the much debated question of boundaries between the schools at South Center
Park Avenue and 'Vest 25th Street (Burns), and that situated at South Ridgeway
Avenue and 31st Street (Oorkery).
I A 1 a - 5 - BOHSTilAIT
TJ
Dennl Hlasatel , Feb, 20, 1916.
These schools are built far from one another and there were instances where t^
large numbers of children who attended the last named school, had to waJ.k "^
eight or nire blocks. The long walks to school were very \inpleasant especially r^
In inclement weather, and therefore many complaints, v;hich of course were vjell ■«
founded, were registered with the school board, g
Co
At the last meeting of the Chicago school board, the much needed change was S
finally effected with the proper demarcation of boundary districts of the two ^
schools. The boundary line is the alley east of South Avers Avenue,
The Chicago Board of Education also decided to set up a playground bordering
the school at '.'.'est 21st Street and South California Avenue, by removing the last
obstacle: a tv;o-story brick house with a stone foundation at 2837 7,'est 21st Place,
This building v/as finally bought for *860, and will be m.oved in the shortest
possible time, so that work on the play-ground majr be started, which is to be
one of the best equipped and largest playgrounds v;here Czech children congregate.
I A 1 a - 6 - BOHEiaAN
IV
Denni EL a sat el , Feb, 20, 1916.
Referring to the question of play-grounds, another play-ground question was >•
settled at this board meeting. The Gary Public "^.chool has no play-ground, and "^
naturally the school board received many complaints from citizens Ijving in -^
the vicinity of the school which is at South Hidgeway Avenue and 'Jest 21st ^
Street, Because the school board has no vacant groimd in this locality, it 2
opened the rooms of the gymnasium to the citizens arid to the students during lo
the winter months for the fostering of games and sports which can be played C:^
in-doors; vdth the stipulation that if any damage to the building or apparatus '"
be incurred, those responsible would be held accountable.
Four hundred dollars v;as allowed by the Board to the managonent of the Carter
Harrison High School for a projector of colored pictures, and ^IIS for the
equipment of rooms which wjll house a branch of the pxiblic library. This
branch library will be the largest and best equipped of any in Chicago.
The Chicago Board of Education acted on the question of the teaching of mili-
tary tactics to the students of high schools. On this question, which has not
•
I A 1 a - 7 - B0H5I.!i;^T
r/
Denni Hlasatel , Feb, 20, 1916.
yet reached a deciding point school board members I.!r. Holpuch took the nepiative ,j^
stand. He believes that the training of the body is as essential to the well- p
being of students, as is the training of the mind; but he does not rf^comnend
military training now when the students are burdened with so many studies.
s
Compulsory militaiy training' proved itself very unpopular with the people of g
Bohemia, That unpopularity v;ould surely be manifested should we be forced l}i
to accept military training in onv public schools — especially so among the Czechs,
This stand taken by !.Cr. Holpuch seems to us to be the correct one, and we vdll
dismiss the question v;ithout further discussion.
The Chica/^o Board of ''ducatlon will begin taking the school census !.!arch 27, the
purpose of which is to ascertain the number of children living in Chicago of
school age. For this v;ork :;;38,000 has been appropriated.
I A 1 a BOHEl^IAN
Denni Hlasatel . Feb. 9, 1916.
IffiWS FROM OUR SCHOOL BOARD
Our Public Schools — Their Division into Districts
A very small Percentage of the Teachers are Czechs
Through the kindness of our Czech member of the school board, Mr, Josef A. ^
Eolpuch, we have received a very interesting booklet, which simply is an ^
address book of all of our public schools. F
We have often referred to the work of our school board in these columns r^?
with the greatest interest because, when calling attention to the work -
performed by the school board, we have also pointed out how the citizens'
taxes are paid. The Czechs are no small unit when it comes to the tax
problem.
The interest from these taxes should be reflected in the teaching of children '
sent to our public schools.
I A 1 a - 2 - BOmUlAN
Dennl Hlasatel , Feb. 9, 1916.
Our greatest interest in the activities of our school board are centered
about the iMelfare of our Czech schools, or at least in schools attended by
pupils of Czech parentage.
V»e have brought forth these reports to acquaint the Czech public with the
work of the school board for our free schools, and also to keep our country-
men informed concerning the teachers to whom we have entrusted our children.
5
Mr. Josef a. Holpuch, our member of the Chicago school board, has always £J
been helpful to us, and it pleased hijn when the Czechs showed an interest ^
in the affairs of our schools, which Interest should not lag among us. 2
Lately, we published an account of the number of public schools in Chicago, ^
to which report we now refer because of the interest we Czechs should have '""
in matters concerning our public school system.
As we have previously announced, there are twenty4>three high schools and
I A 1 a - 3 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 9, 1916.
277 grammar schools in Chicago. These schools are divided into tv^o separate
districts.
The first district is controlled by committees of the school board. The
second district is controlled by school superintendents.
In both instances we will take notice only of those districts where children
of Czech parentage predominate. According to a report of the school board
coLiraittee, there are twenty- four such districts. To us Czechs, the sixth
and eighth are of the greatest concern.
In both of these districts, our self-sacrificing Czech worker, Mr. Josef A.
Holpuch, holds a committee membership.
The sixth district comprises these schools: Beidler, Bryant, Byford, Calhoun,
Chalmers, Emerson, Emmet, Ericson, Hayes, Howe, Key, Lawson, Marshall, May,
Morse, Nash, Ryerson, Shepard, Spencer, Sumner, Tennyson, and Tilton,
I A 1 a - 4 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 9, 1916.
These schools are in the eighth district: Albany Avenue, Burns, Chicago and
Cook County School for Boys, Clarice, Cooper, Corkery, Farregut, Froebel,
Gary, Haiiuaond, Herzl, Howland, Jirka, McCornick, Medill, Nineteenth Street,
Penn, Pickard, Plaraondon, Rogers, Smyth, Spry, V.liitney, and Vliittier.
For us, the most notable district is the sixth, under Or, Lav.Ty's direction;
he is the superintendent and inspector of the follov^ing schools: Albany
Avenue, Bryant, Burns, Chicago and Cook County School for Boys, Cooper,
Corkery, Farragut, Froebel, Hanaond, Herzl, Howland, Jirka, Jungman, Komen-
sky, Lawson, Nineteenth Street, Penn, Pickard, Plamondon, Spry, Sumner,
Troop, and Whittier. The high schools under lir. Lawrey's direction are
Crane Technical and Harrison Technical.
IVhen looking over the reports relative to individual schools , we find that
our countrymen in the positions as principals are poorly represented, and
the small number of them does not reflect much credit on Czechs.
5
se-
es
CO
I A 1 a - 5 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 9, 1916.
The principal of the Goodrich School is our countryman, Mr. Karel J. Lunak;
at the Herzl School is Mr. Jaroslav J. Zmrhal; at the Riis School, Miss
Cecilie B. Schimek, and in the West Pullman School, Miss A. Pest is superin-
tendent. All these principals preside in grammar schools.
The assistant principals are: l^iss Clara Bednar, at Parker High School;
Mr. Frantisek A. Fucik, at the Harrison Technical High School; Kiss Anna
L. Jilek, at the Herzl High School, and Miss Z. Anna Kovotny, at the McCor-
mick High School in Oak Park, Illinois.
The following young men and women are teachers at Chicago schools during
the 1915 and 1916 semesters: 'William Baumrucker, Crane Technical; Lucy A.
Blaha, Dante; Jaroslav Bohac, Goodrich; Josef Cermak, Medill; Marie S.
Oizcovska, Farragut; Alzbeta Dirschmidt, Parental; Minnie Doubek, Carpenter;
August R. Fischer, Phillips; Josef V. Fucik, Manual Training; Berta Hynek-
Waska, Penn; Pavla A. Kacin, Hancock; Anna Kalin-Dvorak, Jirka; Berta Karelia,
Farragut; Karolina A. Kerner, Whitney, in Cicero, Illinois; Josef ina Kleisner,
I A 1 a - 6 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 9, 1916.
Plamondon; Florence J. Klepac, Spry; Ruzena B. Klicka, Herzl; Virglnle J,
Kohout, Shepard; M. V. Kotalova, Raster; Ruzena Kudrna, Herzl; Karel E.
Lang, Manual Training; Libbie K, Lang, Nobel; Josef ina K. Liska, Herzl;
Ruzena Loeffler, Herzl; Augustina T. Lonek, Haugan; A. N. Lurie, Tilden;
Grace C. Machacek, Otis; Marie A. Nechvatal, Agassiz; J. V. Nigrin, Harri-
son Technical High; Katerina Kovotny, Manual Training; J. G. Palka, Farra- —
gut; Josef ina Pecha, Jungmann; Frantisek Pecival, Englewood High; H. S. ^
Pisacka, McCormick; Enima S. Pribyl, Shepard; Karel J. Prochaska and Ifarie ^,
I. Purer, La Fayette; Rudolf C. Rada, Lane; Helena C. Reindl, Spry; Melissa p
3. Shabeck, Bryant; M. M. Skobisova, R. C. Sladkova, Hammond; F. B. Slepicka, ^
iJlanual Training; Marie Soukup, Herzl; Anna K. Stoch, Harrison; F. H, Stodola, g
Prescott; J. Stritesky, Harrison Technical High; Karolina Turek and May
Louisa A. Turek, Penn; Josefina Urban, Stowe; Ruzena M. Vanicek, Lawson; Anna
J. Vavrinek, Marshall; and Robert Zika, Englewood High. ^
If we consider the large number of pupils in our schools and the number of
teachers, we must come to the conclusion that the number of Czech teachers
CO
cr
I A 1 a - 7 - BOHTSTtfTAl^^
Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 9, 1916.
in the Chicago schools is indeed small, IVhy it is so is an enigma. And
we are surprised that our younp; people, especially our young girls, do not
take up teaching as a profession, which is a calling reflecting honor upon
those who take it up~ana further it pays well.
There are many positions open for good, conscientious teachers. There are *
schools where Czech teachers \.ould be welcomed. When we speak of this 5
matter, we do not speak of it without due consideration for the effect which '^
it may have upon our young students, and we call attention to this phase of rj
our Czech life because of actual experience, -r>
CD
For this reason, we have written this report, vjhich is primarily designed as oo
an encouragement to our Czech -American youth, who should comprehend and ad- ^
mit that our Chicago public schools need a reorganization of the teaching *^
force. Our schools should be released from the grip of elements which try
to hold control over them.
t
I A 1 a - 8 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Feb. 9, 1916.
The Chicago Czech youth should take it upon itself to prove that what the
children can do whose parents proudly proclaim their origin from Saint
Patrick j/lrish7 they too can do, and with even greater success.
The larger the number of teachers which we will be able to place into our
public schools, the more intellie^ence we will be able to reflect as a nation- ^
al group; this will have its repercussions upon the opinions of our foreign *-
elements, and also upon our American public, whose opinions we value most. p
t —
:c
c:
k_
I A 1 a BOHEMIAN
I A 1 b
III H Dennl Hlasatel , Jan, 16, 1916.
NEWS FROM OHE "CESKA GALIFOKNIA"
The Bohemian Section of the Harrison Technical High School ^
/••Ceska California" (Bohemian California) is the name which the Czechs have ^
given to the Lawndale district of Chicago^ r^
-o
On Monday, January 10, Mr. E. S. Vraz, a friend of our School, a renowned 3
traveler and president of the Americka Narodni Rada (i^merican National -^
Council), visited us for the purpose of delivering a lecture to the pupils of ^
the Czech section of the Harrison Technical High School on the natural beauties *^
and the architectural monuments of Bohemia. In order that all the two hundred
Czech students of the seven grades might attend the lecture in the small hall
assigned to us, in which a color-reproducing machine throws the pictures on a
screen In colors, it was necessary for Mr. Vraz to repeat the lecture four times.
It was no doubt a difficult task for the lecturer; but without doubt it brought
its rich reward, as might have been expected.
2
I A 1 a - 2 - BQETTOTAN
I A 1 b
III H Denni Hlasatel , Jan. 16, 1916.
The ardent words of the speaker, reinforced by sixty brightly lighted color
photos showing the beauties of Bohemia and the monuments of our splendor and
our great past, imbued our students with a pride that could not be disguised. ^
These word-pictures of the speaker, along with the color pictures, showed the p
students that they are descendants of a nation of great renown, for which GiOd ^
willing, even now a great future is in store. si
The lecture was attended by many Bohemian students who do not study the Bohemian ^
language, and therefore we may say that the lecture strenghtened the race-con- ^
sciousness of the Bohemian students and awakened in those uriio are not studying
Bohemian a livelier interest in the work of the Bohemian section.
The interest in this lecture was so intense that I will try to have an illustrated
lecture every semester. One will be about the natural beauty of Bohemia; another
will give an account of the nation* s music; and a third describe its art. Surely,
in that way, understanding of Bohemian culture and love for it will be aroused.
J. V. Nlgrln, teacher of Bohemian
1 a BOl£i.-l/iN
I A 1 C
Dennl laasatel , Oct. 28, 1915.
C'EC^GO dC'IOOL SYSTii.l
Chicago school affairs have been given greater attention by the general
public in recaat times than ev ? before. This attention has been fnlly
justified. No other department of city or state adinini strati on is of greater %
importance than tne schools. But the majority of citizens pay no attention '^
to sucii matters except when something extraordinary is happening, vmen there p
is a disagreeraent between the School Board members, or soae more serious -^
difference betv;een the Board and the school superintendent. S
Recent cases in point are tne decision of the Chicago Board of Education
to destroy tue Teachers' Feder-ition, and the news about the resign-^tion of
the present school superintendent, i-irs. lillla Flagg Young.
The first affair has caused a great deal of excitement because the Board
was accused of trying to destroy an important organisation which the
teachers had founded for tneir own protection, and in the defense of which
t>0
I A 1 a - S - BOiijIi»ii^)N
i A 1 C
Dennl Jlasatel . Oct. 28, 1915.
they have received strong support from the Chicago Federation of Labor. This
dispute will have to be decided by tne courts. It involves tho principle as
to whether or not the Chicago Board of Iducition has the right to tell the
teachers to which organ ir^at ions they may or nay not belong.
•o
The question of Lirs. Toung's position has been a sore spot in the Chicago
school situation for years, a year ego the School Board elected another
superintendent to replace i.irs. Young, but she stayed in office because of
the Layor's intervention, and the strong pressure of women's organizations ^
and the Snclish-languaje press. IText December, when another election will '
be held by the School Board, Mrs. illla Flagg Young, as she has stated, will
not be a candidate. The School Board accuses her of assuming rights belong-
ing exclusively to then, and, in general, of tryinc to run the scnools and
everytaing in connection with them, herself, ^.s it is, nobody can deny
ilrs. Young*." great ability, and her reputation among educators is well
known and fully recognized. But the Chicago schools have suffered be-
cause she could not get along with the Board. Therefore, her resignation
I A 1 a - 3 - BOHEMIAN
I A 1 o
Dennl Hlasatel. Oct. 28, 1915.
will be an advantage, but the Board will put the lAiole school system in a
worse condition than it has been during Mrs. Young's superintendency if
it fails to elect a man of real abilities, both as educator and as executire.
The superintendent of schools in Chicago receives, out of the ta3cpayer»8 f,
money, ten thousand dollars a year as salary, a very decent sum and more than
is being paid to many a man whose office is considered, although often wrongly,
of much greater importance. However, it is not the highest salary paid to
school experts in the ttoited States. Our large cities are always trying to
engage the services of the very best educators, as is evident In New York,
irtiere, in addition to a full-time superintendent, Mr. Wirt of Gary, Indiana
has been engaged. He devotes to the New York schools hardly one third of
the time spent on Chicago schools by our superintendent, although he, too,
receives ten thousand dollars for his services. iUid New York has yet another
expert who gets ten thousand a year. It is New York's endeavor to develop
as perfect a school system as possible no matter what it costs.
j»-
f>6
^ 1 a - 4 - B0Hii..I.v['4
I A 1 c
I/9cnl H.lasatel , Oct. E8, iyi5.
But the superintendent is not the only person on v/hoir tne succes'? of the
school syster depends. There is also the school bonrd, which in reality
is never what it should be. ^Jid this applies to Chicago as well as to any
other large city, and, for thet matter, to the small ones, also, v;here the
members are elected directly by the citizens. The appointment of scnool ^
board members in Chicago, is a matter of politics, and the office is con- »
sidered c p-irt of politicaJ spoils. Small wonder, tnen, th-it these im- "^
portant offices are not always filled by men of real ability and sincere JJ
interest in schools and educational matters in generalo tj
o
Iviany proposals have been made lately to remedy this situation. One of co
them calls for a board of a smaller number of members, v/ho would be full- ^
time officials with a fixed salary, ijiother ides frequently propounded is
to take SiViay from the mayor the opportunity to barter witn such offices.
But it is not to be expected t.iat either of these proposals will be adopted,
even though the idea of a smaller boara has been very v;ide]y recomr,;3nded«
Lany cities v;.iich formerly had large sc.iool boards have come to the con-
cr
I A 1 a - 5 - BCHEtOAN
I A 1 C
Dennl Hlasatel . Oct. 28, 1915,
elusion that large boax>ds are impractical and have changed their inert, slow-
moving boards to a small board of a few members, and in that way have improved
their efficiency. The Chicago Board of Education consists of twenty-one
members; this, in the opinion of many people, is too large a body, and cannot
work as well as a smaller one. Whether such a change would be for the better
would depend entirely upon the quality of men who held these important offices.
Nor is it certain that more able men would get on the Board if they were to
receive regular salaries. Of course, it is true that in that case many really
able men could afford to take the office who cannot do so now when it is an
honorary function. But it does not follow that such men would be appointed;
in fact, it is even more likely that these offices would be considered a most
desirable bartering subject for politicieuis.
However, this is neither here nor there. The fact remains that the Chicago
school system is in bad need of reform, and that Chicago citizens could
bring it about if they would show at least as much interest in school
la - 6 — IjoKiiilrtlJ
I A 1 c
Denni iilHS^tel , Get, 28, 1915.
r.-atters as they show in other public affairs. Tney should not forget that
the education of sore three h"nrired and fifty tuous-j.nd children is in the
hands of the i3uperinter)dort and the BCird, that over sixty-five million
dollars is invested in Ghica^j;o sc'\ool proper+les, rxr.d that the r'mi'ing of
Chicaso sciooln costs trirteen million dollars a y3ar. If all this were
receiving the proj.er consideration, and if Chio^GO citi?;ens would pay more
attention to their school r.atters, the desirable refonri v/ould certainly be
brou.^ht abort.
so
k
ro
cr
I A 1 a BOITililAN
I D 2 c
I B 5 b Denni Hlasatel , Sept. 11, 1915.
LEATE YOUR GHILDR"5T: IN SCHOOL!
(3ditorial)
A v.eeic ago today v.e devoted an editorial to the betTinninj^ of the school year ;
and to the children attending: elementary public schools. In addition we
dealt also v.ith the children's parents. Today v;e turn to the schools acain, J
but this time it is not public schools, but colleges and other institutions
of learning v.hose school year has yet to begin. By doing so v-e should like c
to remind the Boheraan parents v.hose children ^rraduated froiu public schools oj.
last year, thut their duty is not limited to sending their children to school ^
for those fev. ye; rs required by the law, but that it extends further. They *^
should, if possible, give their children an opportunity to acnuire the best
and the Liost co.iiplete education v.ithin their reach.
VJe are living in a period v.hich itself is br.sed on educrition v.hich makes
requirements of a na^nitude v.hich none of us could have dreained of some
r
1..
I A 1 a - 2 - 30Ha.!IAN
I D 2 c
I B 3 b Dennl Hlasatel . 3ept. 11, 1915.
years af^o. This, however, is not surorising if we consider th^t there is
an abundance of hurian intellect for nny brancri of endeavor, and that the '
degree to v/hich one is qualified determines his or her ability to vie with
one*s competitiors. This applies p.lso in occupations where it is least
expected. Exoeriences not only in America but in the old country as well, :$■ |
support this stateraent. V/e Icnow that such vacancies as that of a vill^age 5 1
policemen or ni^ht watchman have been filled in various "Vystrkovy" /a name -_.
given to unimport'^-nt small places, comparable to "Podunk," or simila^/ .~
by men of real education and intelligence — even university men v.-ere being
preferred— and there were cases where the villas© policeman or night watch- '- ,
man v/as mentally far above the mayor and members of the village board. The ^
very lowest rank of a public ol'i'icial in the oln country is the one of a ^_
scribe, or "amanuensis," equivalent to that of a messenger, a flunkey, who
is frequently better off because there is no responsibility connected with
his job. And we know very well that such jobs as that of a scribe have been
given only to the most intelligent of applicants. At this time it may be
somewhat different, and probpbly will be still more different after the war.
>i
la - 5 - DOHELlIiiN
I D 2 c
I 3 5 b Denni Illasatel , Sept. 11, 1915.
v.hen, no doubt, a shortage of \.oricers will prevail. But such v.ere the
conciitions before the vvar, as very loany of our readers caa -..ell re..:e,7iber.
Now, are the conditions any better in this country? They are not and vlll ;5
not be. ir a ."uau \.:intb tc c.et soi,iev.h£-t decent eiaployiient — ana it may be 3>
far fron beine irofitable — he is required to prove that he is educated, y~
that he has had schooling:;; lacking it, es well sone "uncle" to L'ive him the ,i^T
necessary "pull," he has no chnnce v.h-tever. Labor is plentiful and, con- ."7
sequently, the e^iploytrs are "choosy". Even for manual, unskilled labor l2
they luaice their choice u.aon^; the most likely nen, and v.e tcnov; that in spite o
of the prevailing "prosperity" there is still an oversupply of labor and that j
unenployraent , instead of aiif.inichin(-i, is steadily increasing.
The parents certainly are or should ha concerned about the future of their
children. They should, alvvays try to assure a better econon:ic future for their
children. This applies p rticularly to our immi(-;rants v;hose past has been
anything but rosy. To say, "I am a laborer, unsl-ciiled ivorker, and the same
la - 4 - BOEiJiuIiJ'I
I D 2 G
I B 3 b Denni Klasat el, ijept. 11, 1^15.
lot should be ••ood enouf;h for my child," is not only c^ntirely v-rong but also
quite a confession oi' inferiority, iill of us should have et least some am-
bition, should ti*y to v-oi'k for the attainment of the better things in life.
These better things may not be attained and enjoyed by us, but v:e should be
happy to see our children enjoy them, and they \.ill in turn be appreciative ^
of v.hatever v.e have done to make their lives easier, more agreeable, and more >^
prosperous. p
.N3
Ari'ain, to say, "I have been v.orking hard, and there is no reason Vchy ny son
shouldn't," is to be devoia of logic, it is heartless and unlovinp,. This
our parents shoula realize. Ihey should not be so stupid as to send ele-
mentary school graduates to work because they have complied with the lavv. t?l
i:or should they be still more stupid, anci do it because the children's earn-
ini:,:s v.ould be helpint: their parents to pay off the mortgage, to buy better
things, to taKe it more eas.^' — something vje meet \,ith, unfortunately, quite
often among our countrymen. There are cases Vvhere the parents have several
children. One after the other they grow up past the school age, and the
I A 1 a - 5 - BOHEMLiN
I B 2 C
I B 3 b Deniii Hlasatel , Sept. 11, lyio.
father, feeling that he has slaved loni^;: eriour;h to iiieet all the bills, quits
v-orK ana sends his children to sv.eat in various shops v.ith the idea that they
all vill "f-et alont'" soiaehow, v.ith the children earning the laoney and the
mother tuKing care of the house. The nortgage on the "shanty" will be paid :
off, and he v.ill be just "hangin^-^ around" the house, taking it easy, as on -
the Vymenek /certain rights and a share of a farn's income reserved by the i
old peasant in the old country when he passes on the actu;il running of it ''.
to his son7> sipping his beer and sitting for hours, for uays, tainlcinr hovt _;
bad it v^as Vvhen he had to take care of everything hiir.self — v.ith "iuother"
only — forgetting that ".nother" still has to plug along, and ^■'Jill have to
pluf; along perhaps to her very end. <3i
But most important of all, he forgets that he robs his ov^n children, depriving
thei.i too early of their childhood , v.hich should be the laost beautiful period
of everybody's life, Hou long is childhood? One ansv.er is, as long as one
raF.nages to preserve it. ijut that ansv.er is not cuite correct, A nan is not
CO
CD
I A 1 a - 6 - BOHEUMT
I B 2 C
I B 3 b Denni Hlasatel , Sept. 11, 1915.
alv.ays a free agent. Gircomstsjices frequently ceciae for him, V.'e should
say, therefore, that childhood l^sts as long ls one rOes to school and as ^
loiiF, as he is free of all cares eiccept those easy ones connected k.ith one's ^
school v.oric. cnce r. child quits school ano conies in contact v;ith real life, rf
he is no aore a child. He ib on his vj-r,.: tu early maturity, v.hich will de- —^
prive hiiii of the beautiful chaiin of innocence, the i.iost precioub character- ^p
istic of child hooa, ?-
CO
cr»
Parents sIiouIg try to preserve that ch.-.rr.: in their children as long as pos- ^
sible; certainly they biiould not \.ili\illy taice it av;ay fron thei.i. They should
leave the children in school as Ion,'-: as they possibly can afford it. The
revvara for tneir unselfishness is a hundredfold — if in nothing; else, in the
Icnowledge that they have done well their inost inportant, aost sacred, i.iost
beautiful uuty. Co not deprive your children of schooll You v.ould be de-
priving theiii of their childhood and their opportunity for educ.--.ticn, the need
of v.hich is being increasingly felt.
la - 7 - BOIP-^iiili^N
I D 2 c
I B 5 b Denni Hlasatel , Sept. 11, 191b.
By keeping: your children in school you will do the;;i the most good, x'ou may
leave thei.i iaoney, but thct v.ill be spent. You inay-leuve them a Tine resi-
dence, it raay burn; it laay aeteriorate sooner or later. You roay leave then -^
a rar:n, but a cyclone, i-iay turn valuable property into a desert. But five -TI
thera an education, ana there is nothing in the v.hole v.orld that can take it oi
av^ay frc;:i theii. They till keep that all their lives, and ..ith that their --
grc-te fulness to you, their beautiful memories of their parents. Education "^
is a most valuable uov.ry. '. ithout it their life strUi:;rle vdll be hard; i'-ith ^1
it , comparatively easy.
Do not stop Vsith primary schools. Send your children to hi^Jier schools, send
them to colleges, and you v.ill never have to v.orry, never have to fear that
life ■-ill be unkina to your children. You will never have to reproach your-
selves that you have denied your children the educatioii v.hich you could have
.--iven them, even if it had meant sacrifices on your part; that you have de-
prived the:'; too eirly of their youth, their childliood, the memories v;hich
would remain v.ith them for life, just as they rei.iain v.ith you.
\
I A la BOH53CTAN
II B S f
I B 3 b Dennl HL as at el , Sept. 4, 1915,
III A
ON THE THRESHOLD OF THE SCHOOL YEAR
(Editorial)
Next Tuesday the doors of Chicago schools will open in order to admit small
armies of little pupils, some of them old friends, some again who will be
getting acquainted for the first time with those little steps toward tne serious
work of real life. By some of them the opening of the school doors will be wel-
comed with genuine joy and pleasure long and impatiently expected by their yoiing
hearts; by others with a feeling of discomfort, with a secret wish that the begin- §
ning of the school year might be indefinitely postponed. The first feeling will -^
probably prevail in the majority of pupils who go to school for the first time, ^S
because school is something entirely new for them, something about which they have <^
heard much at home, something they desire to learn about from their own experience.
They will take with them to school a good deal of curiosity, a desire to see and
listen, an ambition which will be noticeable on all their youthful faces.
5>
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I A 1 a - 2 - BOIFT.TIAIT
II B 2 f
I B 3 b Demii Hi as at el , Sept. 4, 1915,
III A
Quite different and much less pleasant will be the feelings of the older
pupils, boys and girls who, knowing sonething about school, dislike the idea
that school implies certain duties, and in wiiom the idea of duty gives rise to
a feeling of ennui and lassitude. These are the children who have alv;ays pre-
ferred fun and play to going to school, which, to them, is nothing but an
institution which robs thera of their free'time — time v;hich they would otherxvise
use to much better advantage at home or on the streets in the canpany of like-
minded chums. The progress, or lack of progress, such children make in school
is exactly in proportion to their distaste for studying.
In cases of that kind it is the duty of the parents, once they become av/are
of such feelings in their youngsters, to inspire in then if not love for school
vrark, at least interest in it, vri.thout vrfaich the children will reap only a
very questionable benefit, if any, from their school years. It will be up to
the parents to preserve and maintain love for school in children who have it,
-c
3»
I A 1 a - 3 - BOHSfJIAN
II B 2 f
I E 3 b Dennl Hlasatel , Sept, 4, 1915,
III A
and, in the case of children vdio hate school, to counteract the dislike
by something that would cause^ in them a healthier attitude toward study and
serious work. But this must be done right at the beginning, as soon as the
adverse attitude toward school is recognized. Otherwise all efforts in that
direction will be in vain.
Of course it is true that the interest in school is and should be engendered
by the teacher (by her ways of acting, her conduct, her methods of teaching,
etc), but it should be engendered at home in the first place, because the
interest engendered at home will always remain the most healthy, more productive
one.
2-
-c
•X-
c
Someone may ask what the best way is of arousing in children an interest in ^
school. This question we shall answer first of all in a negative way by saying, t?
anything but violent means, to say nothing of beating. Once we see that the
child does not like to go to school, that it reaches for the book ?rith aversion^
I A 1 a - 4 - BOHEMIAN
II B 2 f
I B 3 b Dennl HI as at el . Sept, 4, 1915,
III A
let us not use any violent methods to make it do its duty, such as
severe scolding, thrashing, or any other painful means. Nothing woxild be
gained by that, and in all probability the condition would be aggravated, be-
cause the child would consider school a source of punishment*
Hence, let us try something else. Let us point to the advantages school offers
to children who like it and who like to study. Let us tell them that life with-
out school education is quite impossible to imagine in these days, let us awaken
their ambition, let us lead them to a healthy competition with other children,
let them imagine how fine it would be if they would excel over the other kids
in school, and promise them, now and then, a little reward—which frequently
is quite sufficient to arouse a child's ambition. Should we learn that one or
another subject is difficult for the child, that the child lags in it behind
the other children, let us try to make the work easier. Let us not force that
subject on them. It would be useless. And most of all, let there be no beating,
no punishment. Let us help the child by explaining as much as we ourselves
know about that subject. Our showing good will and a helpful spirit may engender
3>
I A 1 a - 5 - BOHaiLAIT
II B 2 f
I B 3b Denni Hlasatel , Sept. 4, 1915.
III A
the same good will toward the subject in the child. Patience on
our part will teach the child patience, and good results will gradually follow.
Let us alviSiirs show a friendly attitude toward the children. That alone will
produce the desirable interest. And let us never put our own children to
shame before other children, because that would create and nourish stubborn con-
trariness, which would prove most dangerous to their further development and ^
would destroy any good results of our former efforts. If we want our children 5
to receive the proper benefit from their school yoars, it is necessary to be ^=i
most careful, as one faulty step may rssult in just the opposite of what we had F
wished to achieve.
Parents should keep all this well in mind. And they should also keep in mind
something else which we should like to impress upon them. There are many
Bohemian schools here in Chicago. Our public, Snglish-language schools are
most important for the children's future. But it would be not only wrong, but
also unjust to attribute a minor importance to our Bohemian schools. By doing
c
Co
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I A 1 a - 6 - BCTiaCL^N
II B 2 f
I B 3 b Dennl Hlasatel , Sept. 4, 1915.
III A
so we would prejudice oursslves, but first of all our children, /fliat
W3 want is that our children shall have a certain degree of respect, if not
love, for tha language of their fathers and mothers, or, at least, that they
should not despise it. ^ilven the Bohomian language will serve them in good
stead some day— if for nothing else, than for use in contacts with their nearest -^
kin, with the people in whom the same blood pulsates as in themselves. Let us, 5
therefore, send our children not only to public schools but also to our own -n^
Bohemian schools. Let us awaken their interest in both of them. Their interest p
in public schools is a matter of life*s necessity. Their interest in Bohemian ^
schools is a matter of our own pride, of our hopes, which should never be nourished §
by the substance of which dreams are made, but by stem reality, ^
C3
la BOHSMIAN
I D 2 a (2)
DeD.n£ Illaaatel , Aug. ^9, 1915,
liOV/ .vBCUT TILiT F5DSH..TI0N?
(Eaitorial) ^
The foes of the teachers* federation claiia that tne best interests of the p
Chicago schools are being harmed b3cnuse, they s*iy, the federation an- "I^
tagonizes tne teachers against the School Board. There may be soae trutn in §
this, provided it is justified to call "antagonizing" the federation's
attempts to protect the interests of the taxpayers by opposing the leasing
of school ground at ridiculously low prices. jSven if the federation nas tr
been against the Board in other matters, as well as fig.'iting for more money
for the teachers, we are luiable to see in it anything harmful to the
children. But it certainly v/as extremely harmful v.'hen, before the federation
came into existence, the teachers were without any protection and had to
depend on the influence and good graces of politicians.
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1 a
BCK2MIAN
I A 1 c
I F 6 Dennl Hlasatel . Aug. 12, 1915.
INVESTIGATING OUR SCHOOLS
(Editorial) a^
The Senate committee which has been looking into the affairs of the Chicago C
Board of Education in recent weeks has made a number of exposures which g
will hardly please Chicago taxpayers. All the men who have been called by £
that CCTmiittee agree that the business of the Board is not conducted in a ^
manner suitable for such a large and important public institution. The i^
committee does not care to find out what Chicago youth is receiving in
return for the millions of dollars spent yearly on the school system; but it
is concerned with the manner in which that money is spent, and in the way
in which the business of the School Board is conducted. Facts so far dis-
closed are not very gratifying. No instances of corruption have been proved
so far, and nobody has been accused of dishonesty, but all the witnesses who
have testified up to the present time agree that the City schools are so
poorly managed that no private enterprise could continue to exist under
*^
I A 1 a - 2 - BOfT?mAN
I A 1 c
I F 5 Denni Hlasatel . Aug. 12, 1915.
similar management. The first rule of any business enterprise, that is,
that expenditures should be limited by, and must be in prox>ortlon to, income,
is absolutely unknown on the School Board. Nobody is concerned with the 3
future income; the only question is how large should be the expenditure. -^
The yearly budget is always made on that principle with the result that ex- r=
penses exceed income by hundreds of thousands of dollars every year, and thus <^
the Board pays one year's debt with the following year's income and runs ^
into new, larger debts in its new budget. To keep within the income appears w
to be absolutely out of the question; it even seems that the majority of ^
the Board do not so much as try to manage its financial affairs in that sensi- ^
ble way, V/ell, it is not the only body that acts that way. The Municipal
Council and the County Board are doing exactly the same thing and with very
similar results, Sconomy and carefulness in expending money do not prevail
in either of these bodies; and if there are attempts to introduce them, it
is mostly in matters where such measures are the least necessary or the most
undesirable.
I A 1 a - 3 - BOHSMIAN
I A 1 c
I F 6 Dennl Hlasatel . Aug, 12, 1915.
The mismanagemdnt has put the School Board into a desperate situation, so
that it was finally obliged to ask the State Assembly to raise taxes and thus
provide for it a greater source of revenue. There never has been a question
of cutting dovm expenses, but always a question of how to procure more ,
money. There is hardly ever a thought of cutting expenditures in our public ^
bodies, for the simple reason that an obliging legislature can always be ^■
found wdiich sees to it that, by the raising of taxes, wastefulness may con- ■=—
tinue its rule. This, however, is not the only thing of which the Board, by a-
the evidence disclosed even by its own members, is being accused. For instance, ^^•
the Board seems to pay much more for the real estate it buys for its schools ***
than any private citizen pays; and evidence of many other irregularities and
of shameful mismanagement have been presented. The School Board is so full
of intrigues, political graft, criminal schemes, that every taxpayer must be
amazed by the conditions prevailing in a body that should be in the first
place among those which are absolutely freo from political and other influences
because it is charged with the education of our future citizens. The member-
ship of the Board is usually selected from among people of some prominence
I A 1 a - 4 - BOHEMIAN
I A 1 c
I F 6 Dennl Hlasatel . Aug. 12, 1915.
in business and public life, and such people would naturally be ezpected
to perform their duties honestly. But the investigation seems to prove
that Just the opposite is the case. The tazi)ayers, while continually
complaining about high taxes, are reluctant to protest where public schools
are concerned. They do not kiclc against spending eighteen million dollars
a year for schools, and. they would not mind spending even more, if it were
really necessary for the proper education of Chicago youth. But their
patience will soon be exhausted if the senseless management which had pre->
vailed in school affairs for so many years should continue.
The Senate committee is looking for the reasons for these sad conditions,
and it is to be confidently expected that proposals for a complete reorgani«
zation of the Chicago Board of Education will be made in the coming session
of the State Legislature. It is generally believed that the Board is too
large a body to make efficient work possible. It consists of twenty-one
members. Other American cities have their own boards of education, but the
r-
I A 1 a - 5 - BCffTFMTAM
I A 1 c
I F 6 Dennl Hlasatel . Aug. 12, 1915.
Qcmaon tendency is to keep the bosirds as small as possible. In Boston
they used to have a board consisting of 116 members. This was later reduced
to twenty- four, and now they find five members enough to take care of all
Boston school affairs. Baltimore has reduced the number of her school
board from twenty-nine to nine, 3t. Louis from twenty-one to twelve, Indi-
anapolis from eleven to five, Milwaukee from thirty-six to fifteen. New
Orleans from twenty to five, and other cities have small boards because it
has been found that too large bodies eire disadvantageous. Only three or
four large cities have boards larger than Chicago. New York is in the first
place in this respect; its board has forty-six members. Providence, Rhode
Islfiuad, has a board of thirty-three members; Worcester Massachusetts, one of
thirty; and Cincinnati, Ohio, one of twenty-seven members.
The question is what would be the right size for Chicago. Most people agree
that the Board should be smaller than it is now, and one of its members
maintained, during his testimony before the committee, that eleven members
would be all that are needed. He also maintained that they should be elected
I A 1 a • - c - BCILi:i.X\N
I A 1 c
IPS Jennl I'lns-tcl , ..u,-. Ifj, 1915.
directly by the people ■■■nd should be paid a rcnilar salary, At present,
the members of the board are appointed by the nayor, and v;ork free of
charre. L!ost ci" then have comparatively little free tine to j::^ive to the
affairs of "he Board. Paid officers './ould have to devote all their duties
and it should therefore be exnectod that this arrancerient v/ould r'-ise the
level of the Chicar-o schools, at least in an economic sense, much hi{T,her
than it is nov;. That particular rienber has said that this systei: v;ould
save for the 3c>iool Board ten tines the ariount of iv.oney that vrculd be the accre-
gate of the salaries of the eleven nen. 'Uiey v/ould save money "hen real
estate is beinf bought, and they v;ould prevent the overcrov/dinr of some
schools v/hile there is unnecessary space in others. By a proper redistricting
so Much spaco .culd be coined that much less f re luent buildinr of ne.v schools
would be required.
To sum up, it is certain that the mana/'craent of Chica;.-o schools is in bad
need of refcm, and if such rcfom is not fortiico.'ninf after the present investi-
gation, it should be exr)ected thr^t definite steps to.;ard it v;ill be r.ade in
the coming session of the ie^islaturo.
I A 1 a BOIIEi:iAIT
I F 4
I F 5 Dennl Hlasatel ," July 11, 1915.
III A
IV SCHOOL BOARD IffiVJS
Wien we talked with the Bohemian member of the Chicago Boaird of Education, ^
Mr» Josef A. Holpuch, he told us that we sho\ild not be surprised to see him >^
putting forth all possible efforts toward secxiring any necessary or desirable p
Improvements for the nev; Carter H. Harrison High School. He had made up his ^
mind,, he said, to make that school one of the nost perfect ones not only in g
Chicago but in the urtiole country. Evidently the school has "grown to his
heart," as the saying goes, and because he knows that it v/ill be receiving
consideration only as long as there is a Bohemian on the Board, he considers D^
it his duty to do for it all he can. Nobody knows whether he, or any other
Bohemian xvho would ^ake i)articular care of that school, will be sitting on the
Board during the next term. Theirefore, he wants to use the time until the end
of this current term to do for the school all he can, and all that would add
to the prestige of the Bohemian people in Chicago, whose children form over
I A 1 a - 2 - . 30II5I!IAIT
I F 4
I F 5 Dennl Hlasatel , July 11, 1915.
III A
IV seventy-five per cent of the pupils of that school. Ke does not do
this for his own sake but for the sake of the good name of Chicago
Bohemians, not only those living here now, but also those who will cone after
us. For them, he wants to leave the proof that he was not merely "sitting"
on the Board, but that he was doing some good vfork. there.
O
to
More recently he again succeeded in securing for the school a nvmber of ad-
vantages about which o\ir public will be glad and interested to learn. The ^
School Superintendent, Urs. Ella Flagg Young, becavise of the deficit which has D^
been threatening the Board for some time, declared the following principle:
as an economy measxire, to take on no new teachers. Board Member Holpuch dis-
agreed with this principle, and, maintaining that there must be as many teachers
as are necessary, he requested a number of additional teachers for the Harrison
High School. In doing this he pointed out tliat in that school is Chicago's
most beautiful and most expensive swimming pool — it cost :ipl50,000 to build —
which is being used only by the school janitor and his family because there
I A 1 a - 3 - BOTI'TA!'
I ? 4
I F 5 Dennl HIvsatel , Ju]v 11, 1915.
III A
IV are no teachers in the Harrison Ili.p-h School to teach the pur^ils how to
swim. Under such conditions the pool is uselesn, and for that reason
he requested the apjjointment of several swimrninr instructors. The finance
coninittee, upon his nost urgent demand, anpropriated enourh funds for two
instructors, one man and one woman, who will work there half the tine during'
eight months for the compensation of SllO a month. But the condition of their
appointment is that they will teach gymnastics also. In another Instance,
I'r. Ilolpuch referred to a number of additions built to the school about a year ^
and a half ap'O 'vhich were to orovide for instruction in various trades and arts, K
So far they have not served sc because the necessary machinery, etc., has not
been installed, and, also because there have not been any instructors. Because
of the pressure he exercised in this respect, three instructors have beer
approved, on.3 for printing, one for the tinsmith shop, and one for metal plating.
The appropriation for this purpose is *3'-,200, The subjects will be taught in
four-month courses, and the teacher will receive six dollars per teaching day.
In addition to this, the cabinetmakinp- course and the woodwarkinp course will
O
I A 1 a - 4 - BCIISLDIAN
I F 4
I F 5 Dennl Hlasatel , July 11, 1915.
Ill A
rv be continued v/ith the chernge that all pupils of the Harrison High School
who have been taking such courses elsewhere, vrf.ll receive their instruc-
tion in their ovm school. Vflien all the courses planned for the Harrison High
School are opened, the school will be attended by more than seven thousand
students, and hence it v/ill be the largest high school in the country as far
as the number of pupils is concerned.
Vftien the 1915 budget was made, lir. Holpuch succeeded in receiving the appropria-
tion of $352,000 for the Harrison High School, this money to be used for various ^
improvements, particularly the purchase of machinery for the established shops, o
He succeeded in getting this appropriation against the protest of Chaiiman ^
Collins himself, v;ho favors the schools in Austin and vicinity, because, as an
owner of much real estate in these parts, he is personally interested in their
reputation and advancement. Lr. Holpuch, who was determined to get the men-
tioned amount for his "Bohemian" school, agreed v.'ith IJr. Collins on a compromise.
3D
O
la - 5 - •ROIf^T'IAl^
I F 4
I F 5 Dennl Hlasatel , July 11, 1315.
TIT A
IV He promised to vote for I'r. Collins* requirements for Austin, and
!.fr. Collins apreed to his in the Harrison High School, The result was
that the Harrison Hif?h School, in spite cf the finance committee, which reduced
the requested amount to a mere r*'.40,000, will receive ?'35S,000, which is more
than all the other twenty-one liirh schools in Chica/?;o will receive altop'ether.
There is only one string attached to this appropriation: The purchase of the
necessary machinery will be postponed until the prices of iron, steel, and
other metals, now very hipii because of the war in "Europe, droT) down to normal
levels.
The schoo]*s irimediate vicinity will soon be cleaned up. That is, there vrill
be no buildinrs around it. The last of then vjill be expropriated at the end
of this month, so that the whole site will become Dronertv of the School Board,
which will hove it leveled by fillin<7 or renoving parts that need such treat-
ment, and fenced. The City Hall will no doubt give the title to the alleys
on the pround to the School 3oard, and then a huge playground will be made
there, the lari?est for miles around. There will be a lon.f^ track, tennis courts,
o
I A
1 n
I F
4
I F
5
III
A
IV
- 6 - BOTTC^fJ^TvT
Dennl Hlo satel, July 11, 1915,
football «^round, place for ball faTie^, etc. There will be peats for
spectators all arounf'l the rroun'l, erected by the pupils learning car-
pentry and cabinetmaking, VJe call the attention of our Sokol units and other
organizations to the fact that thej'' vjill be able to pet free use of the play-
j-iround upon application to the school Board, which application it would be
best to rut into the hands of its member, T'r, Ilolpuch.
— I
I A 1 a BOHBI^II^
Dennf lUasatal , June 26, 1915 •
BOHa-llATJ GRADUATSS
At Haugan School, two well-knoi^/n girls, Viktorka KaSpar and iiuzenie VejraSka,
both inmates of the Ceskd tJtulna a SirotSinec (Bohemian Old Peoples' Home
and Orphanage), graduated yesterday. These two have been heard cany times,
either singing or reciting at various national festivals and celebrations...,,
following are the nmaber of Bohemian graduates of Chicago public schools^^
Hyde Park High School, four-yeyr course, one girl; Lake xiigh School, two-year
course, two girls, one boy; l-uley High School, four-year course, three girls;
Bowen High School, four-year course, one boy; Crane High Scnool, four-year
course, eight boj^s; Parker High School, business course, one girl; Calumet ^
ALQh School, one girl, two boys; Lucy L. ilower High Scnool, four-year
course, one girl; two-year course, one girl; Pickard School, two boys.
I A 1 a BOF^^rmrTATJ
Dennl EL as at el « June 26, 1915,
BACK TO SCHOOL
(Editorial) 2
33
Children who leave the public schools these days should not be saying
good-by to schools forever, especially in cases v;here the parents have enough
means to support their children in further studies, 2
CO
The education which the parents are able to give their children is the only |:::5
permanent thing they can give them, no matter hoxv rich they are, and that ^
education will be of immense value to the children some day in the futtire,
iVhere the parents are in favor of having their children go back to school,
the children should be happy to take advantage of their parents* generosity
and be grateful to them, if for nothing else than for the chance of remaining
for a few more years—children, youths.
I A 1 a BOHEI^JIAN
Denni Hlasatel, June 25, 1915,
B0HE3£[Al^r GRiU}UATS
Graduation exercises are being held this week in Chicaco high schools and 5
many of their pupils will receive their diplomas. Among these are the —
following number of Bohemian students: ^
Carl Schurz High School: four girls, and four boys; Snglewood High School: ^ o
three girls; John Marshall High School: four-year course, one girl, two boys; i^
two-year course, four girls; Lake View High School: two-year course, one boy; S
Lane Technical High School: two-year course, one boy; four-year course, two boys;***
McKLnley High School: four-year course, two boys; two-year course, one boy, one
girl; '.Vendell Phillips High School: general course, one boy, one girl;
Harrison Technical. High School: four-year course, nine girls, twelve boys; two-
year course, thirty girls, seven boys; Medill High School: four-year course,
one girl, two boys; two-year course, nine girls; Throop School: eight girls,
nine boys.
I A l_a - 2 - BOEHAN
Denni Hlaaatel , Jxine 25, 1915,
A large eighth grade graduated in Bohemian Oak Park, and a large majority ^
of the graduates are of Bohemian descent. The number of graduates are thirty- ^
one girls, tvzenty boys. ^
O
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I A 1 a Bg^mM
s
Dennl Elasatel , Jtme 24, 1915, ^
SCHOOL BOARD FII.SS BOHEMIAN
RS30LUTI0N
Yesterday we told our readers that Uayor Thoripson had coraplied v;ith the
request of the Bohemian ccinnittoc v.hicL cckec him to intervene in the matter
of the resolution of the Straz Osvojenych (Guard of the Liberated) against
the "Kaiser" article in our textbooks, and that he has given the committee a
letter to the president of the School Board with the request that the repre-
sentatives of the Straz Osvojenych be given the proper hearing.
"Hie letter was delivered to the president of the School Board by the representa-
tive of the Straz Osvojenych, Dr. F. Iska, in a plenary meeting of the Board
yesterday afternoon.
The president voice;' objection to the l»iayor»s recommendation that the hearing
of the resolution be by the committee on school management, not the Board itself.
o
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I A 1 a - 2 - 30ESMIAIT
Dennl Ela satel, Jime 24, 1915,
But upon being infomed that the purpose of the coinniittee*s call on the Mayor
was to cause the resolution to be read without delay in today's meeting of the
whole Board, and eifter an energetic intercession by the Bohenian member of
the School Board ilr. A, Holpuch, the president promised that it would be done.
At four o'clock in the afternoon, when the meeting of the Board was opened,
the hall was filled to overflowing by teachers and ladies who had come to
learn the outcome of the objections filed against the installation of the assis-
tant to School ouperintendent, ELla Flagg Young. But before this matter was tak^=
up, the president handed the ilayor's letter concerning the request of the Straz
Osvojenych to the secretary. After the secretary had read the letter, the
president ordered the reading of the resolution deiaanding fche removal of the
"Kaiser" article from the textbooks and the definite and permanent exclusion of
articles dealing with the private life of members of any ruling dynasty or of
people known to be seeking special advantages because of their claim of higher
birth or riches.
5
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I A 1 a - 3 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel . June 24, 1915.
The full text of the resolution has been already published, and those i*ho
have read it can easily imagine the gravelike silence prevailing in the room
idien the irrefutable and pertinent reasons were being read proving that the
aurtide is definitely unsuitable and unprofitable for Aowriean youth, and
quite unfit from the general pedagogic point of view. Superintendent Ella 4
Flagg-Toung was present, the lady who in the previous meeting admitted the
authorship of the article and designated it as the acme of all pedagogic
perfection, and now, in the presence of a large number of teachers, statements
proving just the opposite were read with full emphasis.
Quite a peculiar impression was noticeable when the following part of the reso-
lution was read: "This age does not need any creed based on deceit or delu-
sion, but does need an ideal creed of Truth and Benevolence which would not
divide the people into rulers by the grace of Qod ana subjects destined to
submit patiently to the rulers* domination, exploitation, and enslavement."
i>
I A 1 a - 4 - BOHEMIAN
Dennl Hlasatel , June 24, 1915*
We are sure that such a radical irord. as "irreverent," used to describe
the classes and bodies who do or try to lord it over others, has never before
been uttered in a session in the opportunistic /Bio/ School Board of our
city, and that among the teachers and ladies there were many who heard such
daring language for the first time in their lives. We do not blame, a bit,
the president and speaker of the Straz Osvojenych, Dr. Frantisek Iska, for
being elated over the unexpectedly successful result of the action of the
Straz Osvojenych.
After the reading of the resolution, School Board member, Holpuch, made a
motion that the resolution be received and filed for use at the first
opportunity. The motion was supported emd the president announced shortly
that there were no objections and the motion was passed.
The success of the protest is complete, and all those who feel that £ui article
eulogizing the German Kaiser does not belong in American textbooks may be
I A 1 a - 5 - BOHSiaAI'T
Denni IHas atel, June 24, 1915.
fully satisfied. The article v;ill certainly be thrown out, and the "when" of it
is just a question of time. A proposal to revise the textbook may now be made in
any meeting, and the resolution of the Straz Osvojenych serve to have the flat-
tering article about the Ilaiser eliminated.
I A 1 a BCHEIJi^
I F 4
Denni HI as at 3l , J\me 23, 1915,
OUR I'AYOR ^
(Editorial) -^
r-
IJayor Thompson is an able nan, a nan of good and sane judgment, and, we 22
hope, also a clever politician. Therefore he should think twice before o
disregarding Bohaaiun deiiiands, v.hethor they co3icern the "Kaiser" article of "«*>
luTS, Young or any other iiiportant natter, lie may not alv/ays recoivo such j^
lar.:4e najorities as he did at the last elections in ^^pril, and it nay just so *''
happen, that it would be the Bohemian votes v/hich would save hiji — if he should
get then.
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IV
IV" (German)
I A 1 a BOHaiLAH
Denni Hiasat el, June 21, 1915,
SCHOOL BOI^BL ACTION ON "KAISER" ARTICLE {=Sr
TO LEAD TO A BCHSIIIAN COIIPIAINT TO KAYOR tS^
?•
The article about the German Kaiser, which is in readers now used ^i^
in our public schools is scheduled to be taken up by the School Board in its ^
meeting of June 17. ;-'
c
One of the queer things to which attention has been called by the war is the ^.
fact that in one of the readers used by Chicago public schools there is an '"^
article about the Kaiser, According to the article, the Kaiser, in his youth,
T.'as attending classes v/ith other young men and the teacher notified him secretly
in advance, of the subject of an important examination soon to take place. The
Kaiser, unwilling to take unfair advantage of his fellov; classmates, wrote the
subject on the blackboard, so that the other pupils also would have the chance
to study the subject more thoroughly. A eulogy is added to this little story
to the effect that very few boys would have acted so noblj'^, a proof of the
Kaiser *s sterling character, because of which he is unwilling to commit any
Ill B 2
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IV
IV (Geman)
I A 1 a ' 2 - BOEaiv'IAIT
Denni HLasatel, June 21, 1915.
misdeed. When attention was called to this article some time ago, '^S
principally by the Bohemians of Chicago, Jos. A, Holpuch, a 'Ti
member of the School Board, insisted tls.t the article be removed r-
from the reader. School Superintendent Ella Flaeg Young stated
that she had vrritten the article, and had it put into the reader because the
article is of hi^ pedagogical value and the deed described constitutes an
excellent example for all youth. After her statement, all the protests against
the article which had reached the Board v/ere passed on to the Committee on
School Management for action.
V/ith particular regard to the statement made by the author of the article, the
"Straz Osvojenych" (Guard of the Liberated) adopted unanimously a resoliition
which ^n Bohemian translatio^ reads as follows:
"Vi/hereas, One of the readers used in Chicago public schools contains an article
dealing with a story from the school age of the present German Kaiser, a story
3r
I A 1 a - 3 - BOHEMIi\N
Denni Hlaeatel. June 21, 1915.
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rV (Gerinan)
which may have a detrimental influence upon the healthy develop-
ment of our youth because similar stories from the private lives of
members of any reignine dynasty are, as a rule, fictitious and
circulated only vdth the purpose of maintaining and spreading the
idea that such persons are beings of a higher order who should be looked upon ^
xvith infinite admiration, servile obedience, and slavish devotion; and ^
"Vftiereas, The inclusion of such an article in a school reader is a violation of -C
one of the foremost educational principles, according to which children should I^
be given nothing that could arouse in them a suspicion of the absolute purity S.
of the character of their o;m teacher and teachers in general; and o
"Vfliereas, The story brings out the fact that a teacher, desiring to ingratiate
himself with one of his pupils because the pupil was a member of a royal family,
divulged to him, in advance, the subject which was to be used for a coming
examination; and
I A 1 a - 4 - BOHanAII
Denni Hlasatel . Jtme 21, 1915.
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IV (German)
5
"Whereas, The confidence of the pupils in their teachers*
justice, inrpartialitj'-, and honesty should not be subjected to
a possible doubt, and the minds of the pupils should not be
exposed to the possibility of such a deceitful and dishonest
action on the part of a teacher; and 'p
"Whereas, A child usually thinks more loglcallj'' than the person who put the S
article into the reader, and the children could easily come to the conclusion p
that what a princess teacher had done in the past is perhaps being done now ^.
by their own teacher for children of rich and prorainent families; and -'^•
"Whereas, There was added to the story an explanation based on completely
perverted principles of moralitj'-, eulogizing the prince's act as manly, clean,
and honest— although it is an act quite common and usual among comrades, and
although, by it, the prince merely showed that he wanted to give the other pupils
an opportunity to prepare themselves more thoroughly for the examination; and
I A 1 a - 5 - BOHBI>IIAN
Denni Elaaatel. June 21, 1915.
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IV
IV (Gerinan)
"Whereas, The story eulogizes the action of a boy who has given
his comrades an opportunity to profit by a deceitful deed, and
alleges that it proves good character and a noble conception of
impartiality, vrtiich may lead the children to the belief that it is (^
something honorable to impart dishonestly acquired information to one*s comrades ^^'
and ,fz:
<-
"V/hereas, The article mentions religion to which attention should be paid in
this age; and
"Whereas, This age does not need any religion based on deceit or delusion, but
does need an ideal religion of Truth and Humaneness which would not , by the
grace of Ctod, divide the people into rulers and subjects who are destined to
submit patiently to the rulers' domination, exploitation and enslavement; and
finally
"IVhereas, ?/e would also protest against the inclusion of such a story in the
I A 1 a
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IV
IV (German)
- 6 - BOHJailAN
Deimi Elasa tel. June 21, 1915,
reader if its hero were not the German Kaiser, because being
freethinkin^ people we have no national bias but have the most
ardent desire to see the people of all nations and countries
w/orking in harmony tovreird the hi^est aims cf humanity;
•'We therefore demand that the said reader be discontinued in our schools and
that the principle be adopted that no such flattering stories taken from the
private life of any member of a ruling dynasty, or from the lives of people e
seeking special advantages because of their claim of higher birth or riches, be Lo
ever included in the readers of our public schools." ^
15
•t_-.
This resolution was not only officially submitted to the secretary of the School
Board, but was also, in special reprints, distributed to the members of the
School Board, newspaper reporters and other persons present in the meeting room
prior to the opening of the meeting. Tlie Germans had everything well prepared
in advance. They submitted petitions of their own national council and also on
I A 1 a - 7 - . BOHaiJIAIT
Denni Elasatel, June 21, 1915,
III B 2
I F 4
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IV
IV (German)
behalf of other German organizations to keep the article in the
readers, and a member of the School Board, Mr. ^^nest Jj/ Kruetgen,
who is also the president of a German organization, delivered a
speech which was climaxed by these sentences: "Our only duty is to ^
consider whether or not the article is of pedagogic value. Since its pedagogic ^3
value cannot be questioned I move that the article remain in the reader." ci
I —
The quoted resolution has proved the fallacy of this argument. After the ^
petitions of the Germans had been read, another German member of the School Board^
offered an amendment to Mr. Kruet^^en's motion to the effect that "because the •^~
whole affair is distasteful and because it is not in agreement v;ith President ^^
Vifilson's desire that we maintain an absolute neutrality, no more protests should i
be read and no protests accepted in the future, and the whole matter considered
as disposed of and closed".
The motion, including this amendment, was unanimously passed.
It should be mentioned that the whole couaaittee is \inder the absolute control of
I ..
I A 1 a - 8 - BOHEMIAN
Deimi HLasatel, June 21, 1915 •
III B E
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17
IV (Germn)
the School Superintendent icho wrote the article. Some of the
English-lancoiace newspapers reported rather ironically about
this meetins, and one of them ( Journal ) published the deduction
of the Straz Osvojenych in its Saturday issue and declared itself t^^
in absolute agreement v:ith their views. ^-^
It should be mentioned also that Mrs Flagg-Younei the author of the article,
gave a sigh of relief when the meetinc voted th^t no more protests should be
read, and thanked all members "of the cordnittee profusely and movingly: They
had saved her reputation for writing and putting into readers nothing else but
articles of high pedagogic value. Therefore she was satisfied, as were the
Germans who irailked away proud of having kept the story of their Kaiser in
American readers.
Less satisfied, however, were the "protest ants" who, on their vjay out, could
not suppress various remarks, and one of them (Mr.Tladimir A. Geringer} told
5
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IV
IV (German)
I A la - 9 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel . J\me 21, 1915,
the Committee openly that they had acted faithfully and exactly
as their Kaiser woiild — in the manner of an autocrat and an abso-
lutistic oppressor 1
"^
After a report on this matter had been presented at the Friday meeting of the C
Straz Osvojenych, a lively debate started in which mention was made of the fact p
that the right of petition by citizens is being respected even in monarch! st ic , "^
reactionary countries of Europe, and that it is scandalotis that a serious and ^
well-founded protest submitted on behalf of at least ten thousand residents of ^
the city should be dealt with in such a shameful manner in America, Upon a cl
motion offered by Dr. Frantisek Iska the meeting unaniiaously agreed to ask the
llayor, who appoints the members of the School Board, whether he approves of
such metliods and whether he accepts personal responsibility for the offensive
lack of seriousness and consideration shovm by such methods. This question
v/ill be asked the Mayor both in writing and orally by a special deputation.
fVJ
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17
17 (German)
I A 1 a - 10 - BOHaOAN
Dennl THagatel . Juna 21, 1915,
The deputation will be headed by one or raore Bohemian aldermen
and xvill appear before the Ifeyor next Tuesday. They will demand
satisfaction which could be given by the Iiayor*a ordering the ,
School Board to read the full text of the resolution submitted ;^
by the 3traz Osvojenych at the Board* s next meeting on V/ednesday and to act ^^
on it hy at least puttin^: it "on file," that is by keeping it for future p
reference when the general revision of the contents of the reader will come up t^
for consideration. g
c:
I A 1 a BOirayiT^^
Denni laasatel . LOar. 25, 1915,
TH3 PH0P03:2)D SCHOOL LaGISLaTICN
(Editorial)
5>
A number of legislative proposals have been subnltted in opringf ield, the "^
pui'pose of which is the introduction of far-reaching refoms in the school ^
system in our State, Some of these are of special importance only to parents -t
of children of school age, but others are of interest to both such parents .^^
and all other citizens, o
One bill provides for a higher school-age limit, and two bills deal with the . ''
teaching of crafts in schools of Chicago and of other cities in our State in
general.
It is expected that all these bills will be strongly contested, particularly
the latter ones, which have a large number of determined opponents who
I A 1 a - 2 - BOHEMIAN
Denni Hlasatel . MJsir, 25, 1915. .,
maintain that the bill, if passed, will do more harm than good. Especially ^
undesirable is the bill providing for the so-called double school system ~
which is considered undemocratic, against all principles of American schools, :^
and, in addition to all this, a very expensive innovation, i,'
The Chicaaro Federation of Labor has refused to support this bill because it '-'
considers that it is directed against workingmen, and would give the control •■
of the schools into the hands of rich manufacturers. It would mean the creation
of an entirely new school system, and lead to a class distinction between pupils
of more wealthy parents who can send their children to college and university, and
less privileged children who start v/orking after having acquired the prescribed
minimum of school education. One speaker in the meeting of the Chicago Federa-
tion of Labor in which these bills v^ere discussed, declared that the children
of poor parents would be made to work while yet in school, and that a sharp
distinction would be made between them and the children of well-to-do parents.
I A 1 a - 3 - BOHEI^LAIT
Denni Hlasatel , liar. 25, 1915,
No doubt it is necessary to start trade education in our schools, but the
way the legislat\ire v/ould do it, by adopting Cooley»s proposal, is wrong
and should be opposed by all citizens.
I ;. 1 a B0ia2vII--aT
III B 2
pemii H lanatel, Ji:n. V, 1915,
.ilElU-JL I-t'JPOHT OF 'ITS Il.TICIi
7133X110 7!!DELA1TI
To all friends of the I.latice Vyssiho Vzdelani (Council on Ilipdier .iJducation) I
Tliis year the liatice has completed the eleventh year of its activities, and
its executive coniriittee presents the foliowins brief report:
Tlie i^atice Vyssiho 7zdel.j.ni rnale loans ainDuntin:^ to alnost vl»600 to ten
students aurin^; the year 1913-1914, and at the berjinaiujof the year it v;as
ready to loan then v2,400. However, no iicre than vl|600 was applied for by
the students. The money v;as loaned to two students fron lovrci, two from
Nebraska, and one student each frou Illinois, l.ichinan, ilinnesota, iJev/ York,
North Dakota, and Texas.
In the year 1914-1915, ^^2,500 v;as apportioned to the students. This was nece^
sary because living expenses are considerably hi.^^er this ye^ir than last, and
the students seen unable to {^et alon^ on less than ,;250 a year. Therefore,
-c
O."
la - 2 - D0H3.iI.ai
-o
III B 2
Deim l rilo.sat 3l, Jan. 7, 1915.
should the Ix,tice be in a position to conply v;ith requests for loans next
year, it v;ill a^ain be necessary to turn to our friends for the support of ^
this inost aesorvinj: institution. ..e kno\; that the attention of all of us is '^
now concentrated on the tragic conditio is in the old country, but v;e knoxv also r^
that there are nan;,'' of us \,']io are in a position to do our national duty overseas -o
and at ho;ne as v^-ell. /jid also, 'vve hope that all o^ar present raenber^ v;ill renev; o
their nenberships during the coninj 3'ear. '<^
to
■./e v/ish to use this opport^jnii;:' to stress the fact tiiat \7e riana;ie the money put
at our disposal r.Tost euro fully, that v;e are doing all our v;oi^^ vriLthout any
reinuneration whatsoever, even trying our ovm traveliuG expenses, ..e do not r;ive
av;ay the rioncy, but rather loan it out. Cnce repaid, tiie riioney is loaned out
again, and thus every contribution does perpetual service. ,
Our new supervisory coimnittee is composed of the follov/ing members: Mr. Robert .^
L. Pitte, Chicago; Mrs. Llilostiiia Bures, Omaha; and Mr, Frantisek Hrubeclcy, p
Cleveland . '^
o
For the executive coiomittee of the Miatice Vyssiho Vzdelani, F. A. Korab, ^
secretary. o
I A 1 a BOHEMIAN
II B 3
I C Dennl ELasatel. May 21, 1914*
IV
THE PRESSHT STSTHII OF GYMNASTICS THRSATENSD
Certain members of our Board of Education are trying to change the system of
gymnastics used in our schools* For the present system, which is also taught
in our Bohemian Sokol and German Turner gymnasiums, and in which the use of
many different kinds of apparatus is stressed, they wish to substitute the ^
Swedish system of g3^mnastics* This system has edready been introduced in .^
about four Chicago public schools "on trial," we are told» p
This happened after the Board members James B* Dilbelka, Turner, E« W* Huttman, g
John C. Harding, and C. 0. Sethness had been unjustly ousted by our mayor, and ^
after Chairman Reinberg had refused to recognize them as members of the Board ^
in spite of a court decision in their favor* ^
Charles S* Peterson, a Swede by birth and a member of the Board of Education,
now chairman of the finance committee, is stressing the fact that no apparatus
is needed under the Swedish system, and therefore under that system the cost
I A 1 a - 2 - B0E5I.!IAy
II B 3
I C Dennf Hlasatel , May 21, iyi4.
IV
of outfitting and the upkeep of gymnasiums could be considerably reduced.
Deacon V/. T. Sumner is supporting I'-r* Peterson. He is also one of the staunch ^
supporters of the School Superintendent, llrs. Slla Flag Young. 'p
r—
It is up to Boheinian Sokols and German Turners and all others v;ho believe ^^
in the value of our system of gymnastics to register their protests at the £
right time and place. ^
r J
I A 1 a BQiia:i ui
IV
Denni Hlasatel , May 6, 1914.
DIBiilLK/l :n.-LL I'lO DOUBT HSSIffiT JUS !;n:i3:3:SIiIP >
ON ThU CHICAGO 3CII0CL BO/ulD ^
!.'!r. Janes B. Dibelka, along with three otlier numbers of the Chicago ochool ;^
Board v/ho .vere unjustly ousted from menbership, ixave v;on their rights as S
members and have received satioTaction through the due process of lav/. It iLo
was announced yesterday, havaver, that Mr. Diballca vrauld resign, because he fi3
considers it not an honor, but a disgrace to sit in a mseting v/ith such ruf- ''^**
ficjis as some of the Chicago School Board ■lembers have shovm themselves to
bo.
I A 1 a BOHSMIAN
Denni Hlasatel , Apr, 24, 1914,
THE HARRISON TEGHJMICAL HIGK SCHOOL IS MOVE^G INTO
A IffiW HJIIDIKG «
:^
The students of the Harrison High School, of which a considerable percentage '^
are of Bohemian descent, are happy, because a fond wish of theirs has come -^
to a happy culmination — they are moving today from an addition to the Farragut 5
School into the new and beautiful edifice at E4th Street and Marshall Boule- 2
vard. ^
ro
The new school is indeed a palace which any university would be proud to *^
occupy. Inside and out the building is perfect, and it contains everything
that is necessary to induce a student to perform better work.
Our Bohemian children attending the Harrison Technical High School will take
advantage of the new facilities for education and character development which
the school will offer.
I A 1 a - 2- - BOHEMIAN
Demif Hlasatel , Apr. 24, 1914.
These students will strive for higher attainments and self -betterment, and
they will endeavor to make themselves adherents of this great Anerican
nation, and still conduct themselves in a manner v.'hich will carry credit to
the nation from which they are descendedo
o
I A 1 a BOHEMIAN
III B 2
Denni Hlaaatel , Apr, 18, 1914.
IMPORTANT LBCTDRES AT THE CHICAGO TEACHBRS' COLLEGE
A good deal has already been done for the Bohemian cause in this country by
our pioneers, by our many institutions, and by individuals, who laid the
foundations for further successes. But there is still much more for which
we must strive and work, especially in the scientific and cultural fields.
Therefore we should be delighted at the prospect that in the proposed series
of lectures for students of the Chicago Teachers* College, vdiich in some
respects is the largest of its kind in the United States and perhaps in the
world, topics which refer to the people and country of Bohemia will be ^
included. ^
The Ceska-Americka Narodni Rada (Bohemian-American National Council) accepted
the invitation of this institution (The Chicago Teachers* College) gratefully,
because the Bohemians will be given a chance to represent themselves in an
Important position. This series will be a center from which the light of
CO
CD
I A 1 a - 2 - BOHEMIAN
III B 2
Dennl Hlasatel . Apr, 18, 1914.
understanding for young America and a source of public appreciation in the
future is to be disseminated*
The credit for the recognition tendered us by this invitation belongs to the
Narodni Rada, vHiioh throu^ all the years of its existence has tried consist-
ently to place us among the important nations in this country in order that
we may gain due recognition and not be slighted continually with silence,
smirks, and insults.
o
Therefore, this matter is of great importance to us, and we hope that the
Narodni Rada, feeling the great significance of the goal which is to be
attained, will carry the plan through to a successful conclusion, and thereby D^
render a service to our Bohemian- American branch and to our nation. This is
another success from which we can all draw a feeling of Joyous satisfaction.
I .. 1 a BC::j.'I.JT
T
TT Donni Hl-y3:it3l, Dec. '^9, 191o,
... meeting: callod by a citizens' coriraittoe Tor the rrui'poce of accuaint in.-: the
general public v/ith the rmddled situation prevaiiinr nor; in. the Chic.. go Board
of -iaucation v;as held yesterday aft rnoon, ?lie affairs of the Board have be- :s
cor'.e iO cor.iplicated that a true picture of then, ;iver; by ::on vf:io :-::iov;, v.-as >
also ercpoct d to be of imu.iut'l intsr3st to the Eoheni;:m P'lblic, "~
Tlie rr.oatir.-' had a fair att ::nia.r.ce, -.o tly men. ?l:e o v.aro juc.t a tov: ladio.3, :;;-
It -as opened by !.r. John .\., Sohol, v/Iio -..-as elected chairnan, BarJcer Jan3S ?, i
Sterir.a, and itj secr-t.ry ijr. C. 2a-.viruckor.
r.r, 'ote-'ina briefly addressed the neetinr- a.ad re-r.vefjtod Kr, J, ji. Dibelka
to inforr;! thoae present about the recent dci.i s in the Board of ;Jducation,
;..r. Jibelka*s sp ech v.-as i.o.-.t int irostin,";. !Ie e::plained tiiat he nevar cared
to bocoj.ie a ner.bcr of the Jchool .Board, and accepted the :-. ember ship only after
ha*;ii-£ been txvice requoGtod to do so. He accepted it ;-cr.ov:in3 tl:at his ••;ide
I -.1 g - r - g;":: ~.::
I .:
TI DQnr.i l lla^va-el , Jec. "9, 19V6,
experience in school rattors v;ould "Ut liir.: in a ;'~'03iti:'n to be of con3id,-;r.i-
blo service to c;ur ::chools cuid tho v;holo scbool jvcten* T;:^on his nO''iin:',tion
he '..'US rs^^uoited to si -n o. r3.:i:":naticn. Z'e v.* .s told* t.h :t the .-■i;;-nin7 of
this rssi nation '..-iS jv:st . .:.-tt. r of for:!; t:i:at the rosi:'::v..tion '.;citld bo
used o::ly in C-.;g of c^ trovrrsies r:.r.:.itiir- fro:. ;o.litical c". fforarice ;, .;ith 3E
this under3t.-Lnclinc; ho at-DL;ch3d his si::.uturv3, :.o-. ev?.r, h3 v/ou^d nev.r h:ivo ^
sii:;iicd it had ha siispocted th-.it ho ■.■.s. ilvinf- his si -rv/.turo not to a ;:-in, "^
but to an ol-. v.'o:nun. <^
•Dien ho discusoou vor • t:;orou::hly tho v.'iiole .;c ool jystcr. and his :':~'-ny sad Li
oicporieicoc -.."ith tlio school supc-ri:it3nuo:;t, irs, .illly ?lagc Yoijui^:. Ho pointed ^
out T.any f-^^.ults and mistaices of t];c syste:;., faults v.hich call loudly for in-
prcver.r^nt, '..hensvor he t.l>:cd about then -..Itii l.rs, Yox;inc ho v;as cut short,
.J.1 his efforts for ir.prove.v.ont shn'.tered on hor stubbornoss and Gl:;.:tinacy.
lie call.d her ettonticn to the- troiici dous lossss of ti:ie in the schools b:'
useloGs, iri.ractical tiiir.i s....'-e insisted or . r forr. in t ■iCi-ia.T deaf ;.,''.d
riute chil;'.rer!. . , .but tlie "j.iost porfoct oducj.-'tor o'' yr\m'j people," l.rs. !!lln
to
I ■ 1 - .:: - 3
T
17 Dgnni i:iusatel. ])ec. ^9, 191o.
Fla:;-; Youn--, vroiilfl not hear v;t "ill. . , .-jnd )\o rof or; :c v;oro ::ade vmtil tho
v.1iole :r.ut . ■■•r h.d bocc-i2 a topic of iijcuosion i:: tho ;Ic:ily jrosn,,,,
^Isrg follo/o a_j30lr::ii of t;l-c about '. r:» Tour.:'.';; G}:.;rt..Oi;i:' •.:, etc., •i.ich ^
ars irT-elev-.jit_jy' ^^
I —
f—
Bv Gloctinf; l.r. whoop to her orrico, ti..j fir-it jte^ ir- ^ne rii'ht direction ;i"^
v;as r.ale. rhe fact that he risi^riOu that office do:-s not ■'~ut an ond to ti.c ^^
v;ho3.o tuTfai:*, becaViSO tho jocor.d election ofl.v.z, 'louv- is ille -.1, ii- is a f-
si2:n of :;ui:-rcliy rhich './ill nevor '-ot tli-3 sa-iCtion of the lav;.,.. c
•• •• • cr»
i
I .-^ 1 a Bciis::!.^:
I F 5
IV Denni ::iar;atel . Doc. 16, 1913.
AFFAII? DIBtiFla
r.'r, J. 3. Dibelka, the Boher.ian member of the Chicago Board of /Education
and one of the five menbern of the Board vrhose ouster v.-as effected by ^
^'avor Farrinon after the election of the ne:; chairman of th.e Board, sent ^
a letter to I.'ayor Harrison yesterday. In it he said that he (Mr. Dibelka) >-^
v;ould consider hin.nelf a member of the Board until his case -.vas .-^ibnitted p
to the jud-^ent of irnrjartial norsons. :.:r. Dibelka v/as in l-eoria Saturday ^
and Sunday on business, and therefore could not join the other ousted r,e!n- g
bers in their re^ly to the Tayor. For th^at reason, he made an individual
reply yesterday, !:r. Dibelka, vfhorci the layor calls his political and
personal friend, kids the I.'ayor ironically in his letter, :ind says that the S
expressions used in the I'ayor's letter can be explained only by th^ fact
that the nev: rems of the "petticorit craze" have already found their victims
in the City Council^n allusion to the ex- superintendent of r)ublic schools
in Chicarro, !.:rs. 311a Fla,':'^ Younrr, v.'ho vas defeated in the election^T".
CAi
o
r\3
I A 1 g - 2 - 3CII2r-:i.J!
I F 5
IV Denni I'lasatel . Dec. 16, 1913.
T'r, Dibelka v/rites in his letter to the Tayor: "I huve knovm r^ou as a caln
iMividual, and I cannot understand your thou';-htless action, ,]ven a
Southern ^'e-ro ^-ets a chance to conies'^ his "uilt before he is lynched.
But in this enlightened, effeminate, and sissified city, a man's ~ood nana
can be destroyed in a '.-.'ay that ivould 'nake the I exican [guerrilla '.varfare
aT)-r>ear to be like a Sunday school "icnic."
' 5
.!r, Dibelka states that he i.'^ rearjv to resi-^n fron the ^oard if an un'-reiudiced -^
jurj' finds that his accusations af-ain.'-.t !rs, Youn-: are unfounded "T^iis ^-
jury is to be co'vposed of nine laenbers, three to be nominated by re, three c?
by I.rs. Youn'", and three to he agreed xv^on by th.^ first six. If \ rs, Younc ^
succeeds in refuting ^y accusations, I sh^ll be ready to re.si.^-n r.y member-
ship on the Tloard in shaTie and huniliation, '' he says in his letter.
!.r, y)ibelka''^ accurations revolve around the follo-.-.dn'^ noints: Our ."rainnar
schools are not -vhat they should be, ''rs. Youn-^'s adiiinistration is reaction-
ary; it der'oralizes our teachers, and costs too nuch ''oney. Cur hi^lh schools
I :. 1 a - 3 - BCi^:.i:.cT
I F 5
17 Denni in-isatel . Dec. 16, 1913.
are the nost expensive delurions our taxnayers h-ive h?/l to face. '.'rf?.
Youn:^ has been ^dilt-j of nolitical intri-nie, conducted for the purpose of
tyin,'2; the City Council »3 hands. Che lackr the nualification;? of an
executive officer.
"r. Dibol?-a is ready to --rove tiiese accuoation'~ and to r.ialce then oi'i^-cific.
^Te states that he is not tr^'in,~ to nuVe his fi-rht personal, but that lie is
fi^htinr the reactionary syste"! maintained by '!rs. ".''oun,^.
o
o
I A 1 a BCHEIJIAII
I F 4
III A Denni Illasatel . Sept. 5, 1913.
II C
TIE BEHira-I \IIC£
(iilditorial)
The nev/ public school in Berv/yn v/ill bear the nai.ie of iCarel Havlicek /a ^
proninent Bohemian patriot of the early nineteenth centur^. This v/ill be the p
first recognition of this kind our nation has received in Chicago suburbs. -^
It has been accomplished without the necessity of calling meetings, without to
interventions, and v/ithout any noise v;hatever. They know hoiv to do it in ^-
Berv-iyn. They elected a school board with a Bohemian majority and nov; they have o
things their ovm v/ay. jjj
I A 1 a . BOHEMIAN
IV
Denni HIasatel . May 10, 1913.
BEAUTIFICATION OF SCHOOL Yi^DS
Mr. J. B, Dibelka, a Bohemian member of the Chicago Board of Education, sub-
mitted in yesterday's meeting of the Board committee on buildings and grounds
a resolution aiming at the beautification of yards adjacent to public schools.
The resolution was passed on to a specially appointed committee. Mr. Dibelka ^
stated that there is not a single decent-looking school yard in Chicago, and £7
he proposed that the services of an expert, whose sole duty would be to keep ^
school yards in a fittii^, pleasant condition, should be secured. 2
tjj
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2
I A
1
b
III
B
III
A
III
H
IV
I A 1 a BOIELIAK
D enni Hlasjte l. Jan. 19, 1913,
FRUl. 11T2 PUBLIC SCHLCLS
Professor Veleminsky Studies Air.erican Schools
Our distinguished guest, Professor Karel Veleminsk:/ ^f the University of
Prap:n_e7, recently began a thorou£'^i study of the Anerican public school system,
in v;hich study he enjoys the v.'illing co-operation of local school authorities.
School Superintendent Lrs, Ella Flagc Young brought the visit of the v;ell-knovm
educator to the attention of school principals, and directed then to provide
Dr. Veleninsl-Q.' v/ith all the inf ortiiation he desired and to facilitate his stud-
ies in every res-nect, He is being accompanied on his visits by our school
board members, ^^aroslav/ Zmrhal and /j, B_^ Dibelica, V/e do not doubt,
therefore, that he is being v;ell taken care of 
