Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-09-07
From The Christian Messenger.
Educational Convention,

Mn. ScoTT Il avail nr51fdTlhe first few leisure
moments get to write ont for your paper brief
sketch of the State Educational Convention, which met
this week at Chelsea Your readers have, of course,
seen the circular issued by the Provisional Committee
containing the call and the Order of Exercises.
The Convention met at O'Clock, P, NJ, on Tuesday,
in tile Methodist Chapel, and continued its sessions
during the Wednesday and Thursday following. did
not in to be present at the opening OF the
meeting. The organization formed, believe, by
choosing Gov. Eaton President; j. P Fairbanks, and ].
Steel, Vice Presidents and onI or two Secretaries.
Addresses were delivered by the following gentle
men, WIS
By Rev. Addison Brown, on "Education-what is
it?" By VIM D. Swan, Esq, of Boston, on "1'he
Ways and Means of improving common Schools" By
Charles Norlhend Esq. of Saem on 1.-THE duties of
parents in regard to Schools" By Rev. Mr., Ranney,
OF Dover, on physical Education" By Gov. Eaton,
Education Public and Common Interest, rather than
a Personal and Private one" BY VIM A. Burnham,
on "The Government Of Schools" BY Roger s. How
ard, ION the Claims of Common Schools" BY Pres
ident Wheeler, "On the Mutual Connection and De-
pendence of Common Schools, Academies and Cole
gate Institutions"
These Addresses, in general, were of high order,
and presented the SUBJECTS discussed strong and
convincing light | have not time to speak of them
particularly. Exceedingly interesting and animated
discussions followed the addresses. Among the sub
jects discussed, WERE "The Studies proper for Com
mon Schools, and their proper order" "The best
method of teaching Spelling Reading, Mental Arith-
metlc &C." "School Houses their location, construc-
ton, Ventilation &c: "The best method of secul
ing the attention of Class" THE best means of Sc
curing good order in School, "Modes Of governing.
II rals and Manners" Besides these, many other
tuP.., discussed, and many valuable practical
suggestions thrown out which think would greatly
and the teacher, and instruct the friends of Common
Schools cannot specify the individuals who took
part In these discussions. 1t is enough to say that
there was no holding back, waiting the only want
that to be felt, was tCdt Of time. The remarks,
for the most part, PRACTICAL and to the point 1t
has been my good fortune to attend many Educational
meetings; and can truly say, that have rarely seen
one where more interest manifested, or better
feeling prevailed. Many friends of Education from
others States, who present, expressed TO me
much qualification at the spirit and enthusiasm shown
in all the exercises of the Convention. Tho attend
ance quite large and the interest fully sustained
to the close Ex Gov. Slade addressed the Conven
ton Just before its final adjournment, IN very elo
quent manner on the use of the Bible in our schools
and also explained the designs and operations Of the
Board of Education, with which be is connected. A
good beginning has been made, and an impulse giveI
to the cause of common schools, which | trust will
long be felt. 1t is proposed to hold similar meeting
another year, and committee was appointed to make
the necessary arrangements.
1t is hoped, also, that the American Institute of In
structon will hold its next annual meeting in Vermont
Should this be the case, and our meeting be helt
In connection with it, at the same time and place, the
occasion would doubtless be Of deep interest to thu
friends Of education H.
Thetford, Aug. 26, 1848