Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1856-12-11


On meeting in the evening, the discussion,
which had been suspended in the afternoon
was resumed and continued by Messrs. Vos
burg, Coburn, Rev d. Cook, and Mr. Davies,
when on motion the subject was postponed in
definitely.
1t was observed in the remarks made on this
resolution, that according to the School Law
in Pennsylvania and New York, school is re-
quired to be taught FIVE days and half in
the week, and according to general usage, six
hours day. In favor of the resolution it was
urged that such weekly recess was needed in
order TO secure the interest of pupils in study,
and to prevent school exercises from becoming
irksome and distasteful that it was demand
ed by a due regard to physical development
and general health and especially in the case
of many teachers who have been accustomed
10 hard labor in the field, in view of the pecu-
liary exhauStng nature of school duties they
need such periodical recess to repair the waste
of health and secure that clearnesS of mind
and vigor of bodily health which were needed
in conducting with ability the work of educa-
tion. On the other side of the question it was
argued that much of such reasoning was inap-
plicabe to the circumstances of schools in ru-
raj districts, although it might perhaps have
some force in the case of schools kept on con-
I tinuously for 9 or 10 months iu the year but
as appeared from authentic statistics the schools
in this county were in opel alton on an average
only l-2 months, and throughout the State,
excepting Philadelphia and few special To-
calities, only Is months 1t was argued
that physical exercise was amply provided for
from the distances most scholars had to walk
in going to and returning from school that
there was no harm arising from the present
system teachers had equal opportunities for
recreation and Self-improvement with those en-
gagged in other avocations and occupations of
life while some testified that the weeks on
which they taught on Saturday, had been
weeks Of greatest profit while on the other
hand, after an interval of two DAYS. schools
were often in condition of confusion, and
teachers had frequently trouble in restoring
order aud studiousness in their pupils.
An essay was read BY Miss Laura VI Cook.
on the Teachers influence on Society" The
subject was clearly stated and forcibly and
happily illustrated The thanks Of the ASSo-
citation were rendered to Miss Cook for her
essay.
The following resolution was then taken up /:
Resolr,d That prizes should be given to pupil, in our
common schools for excellence in scholarship.
Messrs. Colt. Ludwig. Barnes and Coburn
spoke ON the subject, and pending the depate,
the association adjourned till Friday morning,
at O'Clock
Friday morning met pursuant to adjourn
mcnt-opened with PRAYER and singing
The committee on nominations reported and
their report was accepted.
The following were offered and unanimously
adopted -
Rtore l. That irregular attendance Of pupils in any
school evil Of great magnitude, ina>much pre-
vents their own prgress aud seriously ncommodes the
,. That it duty which parents owe 10 themselves
their children, their country and their Con. 10 allow
their children sufficient time attend scoo and to en-
I force their constant and punctual attendance
3d. ThAt teachers should strive 10 awaken desire for
knowledge in their pupils make study pleasure and
thus secure prompt attendance
/ Prof Colt addressed the association on the
subject of Reading, accompanying ana illustra
ting the principles laid down on the subject by
selected aud appropriate exercises of Read
ing class.
/ An election officers for the ensuing year was
hei which resulted in the choice of
/ Oscar F. Young. of Rome President
II. Barnes, of Warren, lSt Vice President.
/ c. III. Phelps. of Smithfeld I'd
! CT. Nichols of Burlington Sd
James M'William, Treasurer and Recording
Secretary
I c. r. Coburn Corresponding Secretary.
Mr.. Young then took the Chair, and the
association resumed the discussion Of the sub
jeet of PRICES. aud after the discussion had been
continued at some length by p. ID. Morrow,
Esq, Colt, Ludwig. Barnes, Coburu, NoSburg,
and Cook, the subject was laid over till next
meeting.
The subject was first discussed under mo-
ton approving of giving prizes, abd subsequent
( lv under resolution That the recognition Of
excellence in study and department is adrisa-
I l,le, while the holding ont of rewards for sue
I cess in study is evil and deleterious, the great
motive being that virtue is its own reward. -
+ The natural principle of emulation was appeal
( ed to, ms foundation for the practice Of offer
I ing prizes Ii was maintained that this prin-
ciple might be 50 controlled and directed as 20
! be made subservient TO the great purposes OF