Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1856-01-12

e good scholars, and good citizens.
e Whilst individual liberaty and energy have
: done much and will do more for this institution
7 an appropriation by the State il such sum as
the legislature may deem proper, would not
t only aid and encourage this laudable enterprise,
but would be an honorable and just recognition
of the important interests involved
The laws now in operation, regulating manu-
: featuring and other Improvement companies,
; are in some of their provisions too severely
restrictive, and should be modified LegisIa-
, tion on these subjects has heretofore tended to
restrain the investment of capital-check in
dustry and curb the energy of the people in
the prosecution of those enterprises that aid
the Development OF our immense resources, and
contribute so largely to the wealth and pros
perity of the State. Liberal and judicious
legislation individual enterprise
| inviting the investment of capital and stimu-
lating the various departments of manufactur-
ing and mechanical industry, would greatly
promote the interests of the people-increase
our revenues, and give to the Commonwealth
that prominence and position, in the sisterhood
of States, to which the character of her citi
Zens and her illimitable natural resources lust.
ly enttlc her. To this subject your attention
is invited
The report of the Superintendent Of Com
mon Schools will exhibit to you their condition
! and the general operation of the system
! throughout the Commonwealth, during the
past year. To the valuable and useful snggcs-
tions of the report, would earnestly ask the
attention Of the Legislature.
The operation and results of the system as
detailed are highly interesting. Our educa-
tionaI system is slowly, but surely, conquerng
the prejudiccs and gaining the confidence Of
the people Under the fostering care of libe-
raj and enlightened legislation its Ultimate tr-
nmph is certain When the system was first
introduced it was supposed that it conld be
perfected and forced into general and vigorous
operation by the mere will of the Legislature
! Experience has proven, that in this, as in every
other great social and moral reform, time and
that consent which arises from radical change
in the popular mind, were required This slow
process Of the acclimation of the new system
to our social and moral atmosphere, has been
in operation for nearly twenty years and it
is now evident that the period for another eff
fective nterposition of legislative aid and au-
thority in favor of our noble system of Com
mon schools, has arrived. In whatever form
this obviously proper and necessary interpos-
ton may present ITSELF if calculated to pro
mote the great purpose in view, it shall receive
my cheerful support.
| After a careful examination of the subject
it is my clear conviction that the system is now
prepared for and requires increased efficiency
! in its general upcrvision-increased qualifica-
ton in its teachers, and increased means O:
| support.
The experiment of the County Supernten-
dcncy wherever faithfully carried out, has not
disappointed the expectations Of the advocates
of that measure. The improved condition of
| the schools. and the greater efficiency Of the
system, clearly establish the propriety and util-
ty of such supervision. The official visits of
an officer of the school department to some of
the counties of the State, in connection with
the County Supcrntendency, have demonstra-
! ted that the voice Of public authority to sus-
| tain, and the presence of an official agent to
encourage have largely contributed to excite
and maintain the deep interest now felt by the
| public in our educational progress and improve
| ment
The most marked improvement recently eff
| fected in the system, has been in its corps of
| teachers. With almost unparalleled disinte-
RESIDENCES and devotion to the noble cause in
which they are engaged, the common school
| teachers of the State, have in almost every
county been using all the means and appliances
in their power, for self-improvcment These
efforts, so crcditable to them, have been high
| ly beneficial in their results ; and clearly prove
the necessity, and point with uncrring certainty
to the establishment of State Normal Schools
| Teachers meetings for day have given place
| to Institutes for week and these again to
| numerous Normal meetings continuing from one
to three months At every step in this pro
| gresSion, it has become more apparent that per
| manent institutions with their proper profes-
sors and appliances which nothing but the
| power of the State can provide, are demanded
| by and would meet the wants of the system
and the occasion
In conceding this boon to our children,
| through their teachers, we are encouraged hy
! the example of other countries, and the expo
ricnce Of the past. 1t is remarkable fact
| that no State of our Union, nor nation of the
old world, has perfected its system of public
instruction, without schools for the professional
training of teachers, established and support
ed by the public authority and means; and it
is no less remarkable, and still more encourag-
| ing, that no such Institution has ever vet been
abandoned. From Prussia, whose experience
in this regard is that of a century and quar-
ter, to that of our young sister Michigan, whose
existence is as of yesterday the Normal school
has been tried throughout Chrstendom with
unyarying success
The result is in full harmony with the laws
Of mind and of human society Teaching is a
| high and honorable profession; and no profes-
sion has more arduops and complex duties to
perform-no one greater responsibilities to
mect--andno one operates on, or with such
valuable aud interesting material The most
thorough preparation is, therefore, requisite
and as the duties to be performed are not only
responsible, but delicate, and may effect the
social, political moral or religious feelings amt
rlnhts of tho nitiunn M rLnL.An l. co Saca n n