Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1855-10-31

resolution was then adopted that when the
Institute adjourns, it adjourn till o'clock. p N.
After some further deliberation, the Institute
till O'Clock in the evening.
EVENING SESSION.
Institute net as per adjournment.
The Committee on officers was called on, and
reported the following:
President, S. B. Mccormick, County Supt.
Vice President, Thos. Fl. Darrah.
Secretaries, John NJ. Bowman, Henry Ely.
Treasurer, Richard Jones, Jr.
Executive Committee, j. w. Barclay, A. Kope-
lin, in connection with the Vice President.
Mr. Mccormick, the President elect, before
taking his seat made some appropriate remarks.
in relation to the object which brought the au-
dience together.
R. L. Johnston, Esq, late Superintendent,
then took the stand, and addressed the audience
in speech of some length on " The Past, the
Present, and the Future Of Common Schools" In
speaking of the past it not necessary to 60 far
beyond the recollections of many now present
In fact there were many present who remembered
when it was the peculiar prerogative of the rich
To read and write, while the humble were forced
to be content to avail themselves of the learning
of their more fortunate neighbors and make their
mark as others directed. He traced the history
Of the common school law, and its effects upon
the people, passing glowing eulogiun upon the
name of Thaddeus Stevens, for hisuntiring efforts
in the cause of common or universal education.-
In speaking OF the course of instruction in the
early days of the law, he drew to mind the old
log school house, the grim master who held the
rod IN teyrortm the motley collection of stu
dents in Dilworth and Barley,-whcn six months
were spent in learning the alphabet, and but few
aspircd to more than limited knowledge of read
ing, writing and arithmetic, and the greatest am
bition was to puzzle the master in the latter. OF
the Present he had something brighter to show.
Education was now reduced TO science. and it
required scientific men and women to meet the
wants of the public. The Superintendent system
was commended, and thought to be necessary
advance. The new books, new systems, &C.,
eclipsed anticipations, and now everything was
so perfect that the scholar must learn. OF the
Future we must judge from the past and the
present. What the Future might be was beyond
human ken. There We're many giant minds she'd
ding the light Of their experience upon the sub
ject, in which he included the present Governor
of Pennsylvania and his subordinate officers Mr..
j. closed his remarks by reverting to his duties as
County Superintendent, which he now handed
over to Mr.. Mccormick. his successor. who, he
hoped, would prove more efficient officer than
he had been or could be.
Mr.. Mccormick then proceeded to make some
genera! remarks on the subject discusscdsrby his
predecessor, in which he took occasion to compli-
ment Mr.. j. for his address, and thank his friends
for the favor they had shown him.
Mr.. Kerr was then introduced to the large au-
dience assembled, and proceeded to address them
ina familiar and fslicitous style. His remarks
were of general and comprehensive character,
embracing many incidents connected with the
subject of education. He made many suggestions
in regard tonew modes of instruction. as compared
with the old methods, and closed by exhortins
the people to be energetic in the matter Of Com
mon School Education.
Mr.. Mccormick again arose and made few.
gratuiatory remarks.
After which Mr.. Johnston took formal leave of
the Superintendent's Office, also of the Presidency
of the Institute.
formation Of the audience.
On motion tho Institute adjourned till O'Clock
next day.
wEDSEsDAy, Oct. II.
Institute met at o'clock, and was called to
order by the President.
Minutes of the preceding day were read. Ex-
,.rt;ora mora taken Il, a rorx;on If fyer, ra A