_To the Editor of the_ DAILY POST.
SIR,--The omission at this Midsummer vacation of the usual
distribution of prizes to the boys, and the circular issued
by the head master (the Rev. R. Harper,) announcing a very
important alteration from the hitherto practised mode of
rewarding the industry and stimulating the energy of the lads
in this public school, cannot fail to have awakened the minds
of the parents and public in this town and neighbourhood, as to
the reasons which have induced the trustees of the Prize Fund
to alter their mode of action in this particular department of
the school scheme.
It is stated, Sir, and generally understood, that a certain
sum of money was left by the founder of this excellent school,
to be appropriated periodically for the reward of deserving
scholars; and that from time immemorial these rewards have
been represented by suitable historical and scientific books,
adapted to the attainments of the fortunate recipients. But at
the present time we find that one gold medal and two silver
medals are for the future to be substituted for the former
valuable book prizes, thus at once narrowing the chances of
the deserving junior boys from ever obtaining a prize, and
fixing the amount of scholastic knowledge at such a classical
elevation as is not reasonable to expect that boys who usually
attend country Grammar Schools are ever likely to remain long
enough to obtain.
It may suit, Mr. Editor, the unadorned ambition of plebeian
thought to fancy its creative genius can raise up a Moloch
of tinselled gold and burnished silver to be the absorbing
deity of juvenile innocency, and the great object henceforth
striven for; but while the eye is fascinated with this new-born
idea, knowledge--that incalculable element of the present
day, intended to be conveyed in all schools--is thus kept
back from the enquiring mind, and the immortal writings of
such authors as Milton, Mills, Bickersteth, Macaulay, Alison,
Hume, Davy, Strickland, and Longfellow, are henceforth to be
shelved in the bookseller's store-room, to gratify the maudlin
fancy of some ill-digested mental conception, or afford us an
opportunity of witnessing another concession to neighbouring
exploded theories. The "breaking-up day" of the schoolboy
frequently operates upon the action of the after-man; for the
modest consciousness of carrying off the prize in his own class
before the eager eyes of his aspiring competitors, creates
a most beneficial effect upon the younger branches of the
school, for whilst it recognises the Reward of Merit at all
ages to the good, it stimulates the ambition and energy of the
aspiring, and publicly condemns the conduct of the indolent
and disobedient boy. The dissatisfaction already produced
amongst the lads, by keeping from them, this Midsummer, their
dearly cherished prizes, and the evil to be anticipated from
the intended practice of giving only three prizes, (and that
to senior boys), when hitherto at least a dozen junior boys
have been the grateful recipients of useful books, are reasons
calculated to produce much mischief amongst the minds of the
industrious boys, besides arousing a feeling of distrust and
suspicion amongst the parents and the public, as to the objects
intended to be gained by such a movement. If it is good and
advisable to reward the senior classes, surely it is just and
right to encourage the junior classes also. This intrusion
amongst your correspondence will oblige your obedient servant.
"INVESTIGATOR."
_Dudley, June 22nd, 1858._
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_To the Editor of the_ DAILY POST.
SIR,--I should not under any circumstances reply to an
anonymous correspondent, but for the sake of the inhabitants
of Dudley, and of the parents of pupils in my school, I am
anxious to state what I know in respect of this prize fund.
This fund was collected chiefly through the instrumentality of
my predecessor, Dr. Thompson, about seven years ago. It has for
some years been suggested that a gold or silver medal would be
a better mode of giving these prizes than any other, and more
in accordance with the wishes of the original subscribers of
the fund. The chief reason that the present time was decided
upon for the change was a hope that a gold medal given under
the conditions imposed, would furnish the school with at least
one pupil yearly, who might be able successfully to pass the
examinations which are now instituted by the two Universities
of Oxford and Cambridge for the benefit of the middle classes.
It is not intended to award all the medals to the higher
forms, and there is nothing in my circular which could lead
to such a conclusion. The gold medal will be the only one so
appropriated, whilst it is intended to give the other medals
to the best boys of the lower forms of the school. You will
also observe, from the circular which I enclose, that only in
the case of the gold medal are the subjects for examination
strictly defined; and I cannot conceive that the amount of
scholarship required for such a prize is too extensive, or
more than might fairly be expected from a well educated lad
of 16 years of age in any Grammar School. In fact there was a
desire rather to limit the subjects than to extend them, as it
was thought that a few subjects well taught would be a better
training for the middle class examinations than a superficial
knowledge of a larger number. It ought to be recollected that
the prizes of books awarded in this school at Christmas will
not be affected in any degree by the new arrangements with
respect to the prize fund.
No one can regret more than I do the circumstance that the boys
are deprived this Midsummer of their usual prizes; but, owing
to the expense of the dies for the medals, this was unavoidable.
I am, Sir, yours, &c.,
ROBERT HARPER,
Head Master of the Dudley Grammar School.
_Grammar School, Dudley, June 23rd, 1858._
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