"We deem it to be not only unwise but positively injurious to the proper prosecution of the studies of our pupils that they should give repeated entertainments for the purpose of raising a fund to defray the expenses of some of their number to visit Eastern cities to engage in competing athletic games. As we are informed, at least two entertainments have been given already, and others are in contemplation. All this requires considerable time and thought, and if an argument were necessary to convince you that this means a serious interference with the school duties of all who engage in these entertainments, either in taking an active part in their public performances or in selling tickets for them, we have in evidence the statement of some of our number that already several of the pupils thus actively engaged have materially deteriorated within the last three weeks. "We fully realize that the relation we sustain toward the citizens of Oakland who so generously support the High-School, and toward the pupils we are required to instruct, demands that we zealously guard the interests of those placed under our care. Deeply impressed with this fact, we cannot see anything, however important it may be in itself, precede that for which the High-School is organized and supported. "The High-School is part of the educational department of our city, and is under the supervision of the Board of Education. We believe it should be fully recognized that neither the name of the High-School nor any of its interests should be used for any purpose whatever without the sanction of the supervising board. "We furthermore wish to express our entire disapproval of having any one visit the East, for the purpose contemplated, in the name of the Oakland High-School. "We do not wish it to be understood that we are in any degree opposed to athletic sports when kept within reasonable bounds; on the contrary, we encourage them, and are pleased to see our pupils interested in them. We believe, however, that their place in our school should be secondary. When they aspire to a first place and seriously interfere with the proper work of the school, we consider it to be our duty to enter an earnest protest."