Besides the schools just enumerated, there are over 320 independent ones, large and small, of a sectarian and miscellaneous character, with more than 1,500 teachers. It is to be regretted that so many parish and other schools, not controlled by the Board of Education, have come into existence for the perpetuation of antagonistic creeds and nationalities. The school property of the Board of Education has cost over five millions, and is now worth twice that amount. A careful examination has proved that 40,000 more scholars than ordinarily attend could be seated in the present buildings; this is probably as many or more than are taught elsewhere. We need but one system, and one organization, to control the ordinary branches of education. Our "Free," "Public," and "Common" schools, notwithstanding all these diversions, have been the chief glory of our city for sixty years, and are eminently so to-day. Every movement toward the division of the School Fund, for the promotion of sectarian interest, should be zealously resisted by every thoughtful American. Sectarian schools of a high order supported by private corporations, for a few advanced students, are eminently proper; but the State should always control the secular education of all the children, compelling their attendance. Our children, representing, as they do, nearly every nationality, should study the same books, in the same buildings, and play in the same yards. Thus only can that homogeneity be secured that shall give security and permanency to the Republic. The State also should ever, as now, encourage the reading of the Bible in the schools, that great and only true educator of the conscience; not, indeed, in any sectarian spirit, but from great and manifest civil considerations.