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contributions from societies and individuals. In the white schools, immediately under the fostering care of this Council, there are on the rolls 376 white children, and an average attendance of 253, at a total expense of about $6,885.18. This money is received in part from the Anderson fund, and direct appropriations from the Council. It will thus be seen that the amount expended in this city for the past fiscal year amounts to the sum of nearly $17,000. If the system of free schools, now somewhat imperfect, be perfected, the amount necessary to accomplish that perfection will range in cost from $20,000 to $25,000. Indicated as necessary, bears most magnificent proportions, and is calculated to deter from the calm consideration of the subject of education. This committee, however, feeling deeply impressed with the transcendent importance of educating the rising youth of the country, think every effort should be put forth to accomplish this great and grand object. By effort on the part of the committee on Free schools, your committee believes money may be raised outside of the coffers of our city. We would suggest the following sources, which may be made responsive: 1st. The Peabody Fund-possibly from this source $3,000 might be contributed: from the Literary Fund of the State of Virginia, $1000; the U.S. Government acting through the Freedmen's Bureau, and as the almoner of individual contribution, now expending nearly $12,000, would contribute possibly the same amount. When the matter is earnestly taken hold of by ourselves Gen. Howard, the central head at Washington, and Gen. Brown, the head in Virginia of the Freedmen's Bureau, from their known liberality and earnest interest manifested in the elevation of the poor, ignorant and degraded, of all classes, this committee feel assured, will most cheerfully co-operate to the extent of their ability morally and pecuniarily in advancing our efforts. Thus if our expectations should be realized, $16,000 will be secured, leaving only from $1,000 to 9,000 to be raised by ourselves, the minimum amount being less, and the maximum only a little more, than the amounts already heretofore annually expended by the Council, to-wit $5,386.18. By this policy, we achieve that great good to our whole people, that all children, whether rich or poor, high or low, white or black, have within their reach an education. The investigation of this subject presents a wide and interesting field of enquiry, and this committee will feel more than compensated if this meagre report shall awaken a lively interest in the mind of the Council and the people.
    The committee unanimously recommends,
1st. That a standing committee of the Council be appointed to be called 
The Committee on Free Schools" to consist of five members, to whom all appropriations of money and all matters touching free schools and the educational interest of this people shall be refereed and reported on.
2d. That this report be referred to said committee with instructions to enquire into the expediency and practicability of the suggestions therein contained.
3d. That said committee make report of their views in some systematized plan of education for the action of the Council at the regular meeting in the month of September, or such earlier time as said committee may deem expedient.
4th. That the special committee, composed of the undersigned, be discharged from the further consideration of the resolution referred to as the basis of this report.
     Respectfully submitted,
                   CHAS. F. COLLIER, MAYOR,
                   SAM'L LECTURE
                   ALEXANDER DONNAN,
                   J.P. WILLIAMSON,
                   DAVID F. MAY.