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4 PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION. The Pub’ic School, The University of lhe Common People and Most Democratic of American Institutions. What Roue Offers in Way of Education. Io City In Georgia Affords Fecilities For Primary and Secondary Education Superior to This City. WELL ATTENDED; ABLY COnDUCTED . Rome Has One of the Finest Colleges For Girls In the South—Oth e/ Schools of the Hill City. The public school is the most demo cratic of American institutions. It is the university of the common people in which the boys and girls destined to become voters and mothers of the Republic receive their training for the grave duties and responsibilities of citizenship. Georgia is a sort of transplanted Massachusetts, preserv ing the virtues and rejecting the faults of the mother commonwealth. It was, therefore, natural and rea sonable that public education should have been a matter of deep concern to the early settlers of the state who came here during the colonial days and who took care to establish what were known as old field schools and which were really the root or foundation of the present system of schools enjoyed by the populace at large. Those 1 schools were sustained and strength ened and improved as they became the property of municipal govern ment with the result that no state in the South today enjoys a broader or more liberal system of public educa tion or efficient means for the educa tion of all the children. Certainly nothing is more indicative of the intelligence and advanced civili zation of a community that i - s interest in popular education, and the facilities which it has provided for communicat ing knowledge to the masses. Measured by this standard, Rome enjoys an enviable position among the leading municipalities of the state. Only those who have studied and watched closely the advancement made in educational affairs can fully appre ciate the grand and rapid progress that has been made within the past few few years. The progress has been real progress, not merely changed from some thing old and long established to some thing new. The progress consists first, in the increased efficiency of teachers second, in enlarged school accommoda tions, and greatly improved equipment; third, in the nominal cost of education, and fourth, in the grading of pupils and uniformity in school books. No city in Georgia affords facilities for primary and secondary education superior, and in few are they equaled. The course of instruction is thorough, and the teachers expt fenced and com petent, the expenditures liberal, and as a consequence the schools rank with the best. The best systems in the country have been carefully examined, and the course of study so arranged as to adopt the best thought of the new education to the solid requirements of the essential studies. The course of study has —1 . - '■ — J| 'Tj- - * PROF. J. 0. HARRIS. always been looked to by superintend ents and principals in other cities as a guide which could be safely conserva tive. Much care has beerj bestowed on the course of study, as its importance demands, with the result that the present system will compare favora- b’y with the best schoo's in America. It includes careful and thorough training in the essential branches of elementary education —reading, spell ing, writing, arithmetic, grammar, geography, history, etc. Music and drawing are taught in a systematic way in the various grades. The course of study in the high school is on the plan of the best schools in the South. Its course of study embraces, Latin scientific, English scientific and a gen eral course which broadens out into a fuller study of English literature, science, etc. Rome expends annually about $15,- 000 for the maintenance of its schools wbich sum is derived from a local school tax for school purposes, and from the school , fund of the state. The schools are in charge of a board of education of five members, viz: J. K. Williamson, president; Judge Max Meyerhart, N, H, Bass, Joel Branham, and W. H. Steele, secretary, all of whom have served for a number of years, and take a pronounced interest ia educati mal af fairs. They give much time and thought to the organization and man agement of the schools, selection of teachers and ths other manifold and perplexing duties incident to the con duct of so large and excellent a system of schools. The immediate management of the city school system is entrusted by the board to a superintendent, and Rome has been fortunate in having profited by the work of some of the best educa tors in the South in this office. But as valuable as has been the work of the board and of the several superintend ents, they must have failed without the intelligent co operation and invaluable services of the teachers who have been selected, and it has always been the policy of the board to retain good teach ers as long as they were willing to stay. This admirably and noteworthy method has been strictly adhered to since the establishment of the public schools in 1883 and through its means a highly efficient and capable corps of teachers have been employed. The public school system is divided into eight grades and euery one with the exception of the eigth grade sub divided into two or more grades. Graduates from the schools of Rome are prepared to enter business well equipped for the ordinary demands of a business life, or they can enter Freshman class at the State Univerl sity on graduation, and admitted to college on certificate without exami nation. The colored school is composed of six grades, and likewise subdivided. The schools of Rome are open to the children of every bona fide resident of the city, and to those living out side of the city, to whom a small tu ition fee is charg. d, viz: First and second grades, $1 00 per month; third and fourth grades, $1.50 per month; fifth and sixth grades, $2 00 per month; eighth grade, $3 50per month. The same rates apply in the colored school, except that the seventh grade is $2.00 per month. There are usually quite a number from the surrounding towns. There are employed in the white schools nineteen teachers, not includ ing the superintendent and in the colored schools eight teachers making a total of twenty-seven in all The teachers of the various grades in the school for whites are: Superintendent—J. C. Harris. Principal and Teacher of the Eighth Grade—E. M. Gammon. Seventh Grade A—Miss Helen Om berg. Seventh Grade B—Miss Laura Hume. Sixth Grade A—Miss Marry Wil liamson. Sixth Grade B—Miss Georgia Pep per. Fifth Grade A—Miss Minnie Byrd. Fifth Grade B—Miss Annie Perkins. Fourth Grade A—Mrs. Mary Shrop shire. Fourth Grade B—Miss Lutha Moss. Third Grade A—Miss B ittie Shrop shire. Third Grade B—Miss Mamie Jones. Third Grade C—Miss Minnie Rowell. Second Grade A—Miss Floy Bailey. Second Grade B—Miss Ada Jenkins. Second Grade C —Miss Hattie Bass. First Grade A—Miss Zoe Eastman. First G>ade B-Miss Ruth Norton. First Grade C—Miss Callie Spullook. Music and Drawing, Miss May Clarke, Those of the colored schools. THE ROME TRIBUNE, SOUVENIR AND TRADE EDITION, T. M. Dent. Piinc'pal. S x’h G a-’e—Lucille S unutds. Fifth Gr.de—Augusta Williams. F urth Gr.-de—Eula Ray. Third Grade—Estel'e Taylor. Second Grade A—Fannie L. Taylor. Second Grade B—Clara B. Barrett. First Grade A—Ell* C. Barnett. The people of R ime take great pride in their system of public schools and make most generous provisions for their maintenance, reoogn zing that the com mon schools are the hope of the repnt -Ic, and that the education of the chil dren of the masses is the surest safe guard against the dangers that threaten the stability of democratic government. It is, therefore not saying too ranch to claim that no city in the country of equal size has better schools. The buildings, apparatus, the teachers, all these fill the full measure of what it- takes to have excellent schools, and generations yet to come will these schools bless. And in con clusion The Tribune gives full and but just credit for the success of the public schools to the judicious man agement of the board of education, to I ' L J PROF. J. KING. the superintendent so wisely chosen by this board, and the hearty co oper ation of the teachers under him.- Other School. Besides this splendid system of pub lic instruction, Rome enjoys numer ous other educational advantages. Shorter College is the pride of North Georgia. The buildings are magnifi cent; the equipment is perfect 1 the location is the most picturesque and beautiful in all the South. This col lege is the pride and ornament of Rome and has been the means of draw ing to the city many desirable citizens THE KING BUILDING, who have come here that their daugh ters could have the advantage of this superb institution In addition there is a boy’s high grade school, two con servatories of music, one business col lege, and a number of kindergartens, and private schools. With all these advantages of an education is it then any wonder that Rome is a truly moral city! Prof, J, C, Harris, The success and progress of the pub lie schools of Rome are due largely to the untiring efforts of Superintendent J. C. Harris. Just five years ago be was called to that work. Under his admin, istration much natural advancement has been made, with the result that the schools today rank with the best in the South. Professor Harris was born in North Carolina in 1858, but was reared princi pally in Georgia. His whole life has been devoted to educational work in this state and many young men who have risen to prominence owe their early training to the professor. Tne University of Georgia honored him with Master of Art degree. He has been teaching for the past twenty-one years. Os these years a majority was spent at Cedartown. He founded the Boy’s high school at Marietta and has taught most successfully several nor mal institutes in Georgia. Professor Harris came to Rome from Cedartown, where he had for eleven years been employed as superintendent of the schools. Since assum ng charge of the schools at this point, he has devoted much time and thought to the advancement ofpub lic education with a result that must be gratifying to all lovers of public educa tion, public good, and public welfare. Prof, Palemon J. King Long experience, ripe and scholarly attainments, and strict disciplinary methods, have peculiarly fitted Prof. Palemon J. K ng for the work he is now doing. His high school for boys here is a model preparatory institution. Prof. King has prepared hundreds of boys for colleges, and his pupils almost in variably take a high stand. Many young men from Rome have received their col lege preparation under him, and his school is limited to thirty pupils. He was born in Taliaferro county, August 22nd, 1838, and received his early schooling in Green county. He then entered Mercer University and graduated with honors in 1860. He took a post-graduated course of one year at the University of Virginia, and then entered the army. Four years he fol lowed the fortunes of the Confederate flag bravely. Since then he has followed the avoca tion of an educator, and has been emi nently successful in preparing pupils for college. He has taught in Cave Spring and Summerville, and a few years since removed to Rome. This city stood sorely in need of just such a preparatory school, and Prof. King’s great ability at once won him many pupils. He is popu lar with bis pupils. His state of knowl edge is rich and inexh -ustible, and comes of many years of study and re search. All pupils entering the school are re quired to present satisfactory testimon ials of studious habitsand good deport ment. S. s. KING £ CO Imported and Domestic Groceries, Fruits, Delicacies etc, Unique and cosmopolitan is the superb line of goods handled by 8. 8 King & Co. From the inception the firm won its way to public favor and confidence until today it maintains a position second to none in its line in North Georgia. The line of goods carried embraces the very choicest domestic articles and imports that tickle the palate of the American and would remind the foreigner of his native home. Here displayed at the disposal of the public are the choicest delicacies of all climes including olives from Spain, sardines of American and foreign brands, imported and domestic cheese. j*ms, pickles, sauces, etc , in deed, not to weary the readers in enumerations, we may say that here may be found all sorts, kinds and descriptions of the finest domestic and imported groceries, table delicacies,, relishes, condiments etc., that could tempt a sated appetite, or astound an uncultivated one with gastronomic wonder. The ordinary lines of sta ple groceries are also handled, and a specialty is made of fine teas, coffees and fruits in season. In all depart of the business the facilities are of the best, obtaining i‘s supplies direct from importers and original sources, and the prices will be found eminent ly just and reasonable. Promptness and courtesy also constitute leading characteristics of the firm’s business policy. Ttie business of 8. 8. King & Co. is one of long standing and has been in successful operation for the past twenty years. The individual mem bers of the firm are Messrs. 8. 8. King and John M. Graham. The first named has had years of experience in the grocery business and is one of the best known men in North Georgia. Mr. John M. Graham is a young man well and favorably known in the community, and previous to entering the firm was engaged in merchandis ing and brokerage business with his father. A general wholesale business in fruits, produce and groceries is also conducted and a large trade done within the radius of one hundred miles of Rome. Every detail of the business is per sonally supervised by the members of the firm, who d-voted their entire time to the busines*. The liberal bus iness methods, prompt service in ad dition to the quality and magnitude of stock are features that have at tracted trade from all directions. SAMUEL L? GRAHAM, A, C One of the Best Chemists and As z sayers in the South, It is always a pleasure to the writer to chronicle the success of young men, especially when this success is obtained by their own labor and ingenuity, as is the case with the young man under no tice. True, he has had the advantage of an excellent education, but of what use would it have been to him unless put to some practical use. Mr. Graham, although but a young man, enjoys a reputation as a chemist and assayer that many strive a life time i S L. GRAHAM, A C. to obtain, but so often fail. His work has been highly commended, and his analysis of ores have compared with those of the best assayers, not only in the South, but in America. Mr. Samuel L. Graham was born, reared and partially educated at Pine wood, Tenn. Subsequently he attended the University of the South, at Sewanee, Tenn., where, in his senior years, he took the medal for oratory and the Ln high University, of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated, after a three years’ course in chemistry, etc., with distinction, aud was awarded first prize on bis essay on analysis of ores. Shortly after bis graduation, be re moved to Rome and for about one year was chemist for the Rome Iron company. He then removed to Bir mingham Ala , and accepted a like position with the Tennessee coal and iron company. Two years later, he again located in Rome and has since followed his profession in this city. His line consists of analyses of metal lurgical products, iron and manganese ores, beauxite, pyrites, phosphates and fertilizers, coals, mineral waters and industrial products generally, and the assaying of gold, silver and other ores. Firms, corporations or individuals desiring any work in this particular line could not employ-a better or more efficient man to do the work. A SAFE BANKING HOUSE, The First National Bank of Rome, Ga„ and Its History, The most important factor in the commercial supremacy of any city are its financial institutions which are the hinges upon which the business world hangs. Rome is fortunate in possessing one of the strongest and most liberal banking institutions in the state in the First National bank. The influ-' ence of a bank of this kind on a com munity cannot be over-estimated. JOHN H. REYNOLDS. Push and enterprise have always characterized its movements and operations. The bank is as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar, and a very sue cessful business is conducted. The First National bank was estab lished tn 1877 with J. H. Reynolds as president and B. I. Hughes as cash ier, both of whom still retain the same positions, and to whose nntiring ef forts and conservative methods the bank is due it wonderful prosperity. The first board of directors was com posed of P. H. Hardin, T. F. H< vtl. Alfred Shorter, Thomas Berry, W. B. Reynolds, J. W. Bonesand J. H. Rey nolds. The present board is as follows; P. H. Hardin, J. L. Camp, John Mont gomery, Thompson Hiles, Alfred S. Hamilton, B. 1. Hughes, and John H. Reynolds. Os the original board of direction four are now dead, viz: Col. Alfred Shorter, Mr. Thomas Berry, Mr. T F. Howel and Mr. W. B. Reynolds leaving only three members of that board who are living. Those who constitute the present board are among the most successful business men of Rome, and are far and widely known tor their good citi zenship and business qualification. In the nature of its operations the bank is metropolitan, transacting every description of legitimate busi ness, accounts and collections are solicited, and any business connected with lawful banking receives prompt attention. The bank has every facility for handling collections, and makes prompt returns of business left in its care. The volume of business has kept pace with the onward march of the city. The bank has steadily increased its business and extended its sphere of usefulness, and in the relat’ons common between banking houses of the community, it has fully merited the complete confi dence of mercantile circles. Safe bank ing methods will only permit of the most conservative methods yet in the exercise of due prudence, a progressive policy has been pursued with the result of establishing a name synonymous with enterprise and integrity. Capt, W, A, Patton, The end of the nineteenth century finds the young man occupying the center of the stage in the business and political activity of the world. Capt. William A. Patton is a strik ing example of this truth. Full of quick and nervous energy, and with immense reserve forces, his success has been strictly upon merit. Personally he is a genial and polished gentleman, and to know him is to be his friend. His military career has been one of constant successes,and no young man in the volunteer service of Georgia stands higher or is more popular than 1 he | In 1882 he joined the Hill City Ca ! Bk CAPT. W. A. PATTON. dets, which was then captained by John C Printup. Foi six years he was a faithful 'member of the organ ization, and a natural aptitude for the calling and quick perception marked him as a man of unusual ability. About six years ago the Rome Light . Guards were reorganized, and Mr. Pat ton was elected second lieutenant with H. A. Daniels as captain In 1893 he was elected captain, and in November of that year the Light Guards were ad mitted to the state organization. Capt. Patton still commands the Light Guards. Last April be had a very distinguished honor conferred on him by being ap pointed a member of the court martial in the trial of Capt. Kempton. He was the youngest mem her of the board and his appointment was a splendid tribute to his judgement and ability. William A. Patton was born in Nash ville in April 1868. He went to the pub lic schools of that city for seven years, and received a splendid foundation for future achievements. In 1880 he moved to Rome and for three years went to school to Prof. Bothwell Grahame. He was in the First National bank Jor five years, and the Merchants Na tional two years. Here he received the tra'n’ng that has made him a sound and conservative business man. Four years ago he associated himself with J. J. and J. H. O’Neill in the lum ber business under the firm name of the O’Neil Manufacturing Company. To this business he gave all his splendid capacities, and has been a great factor in making it one of the most prosperous concerns in this section. He is secretary and treasurer of the firm. Rome and North Georgia is proud to claim such men as Capt. William A. Paton.