Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1856-11-01
co,El1u1zcAFroHs.
For the Standard.

= 4 O'.'~--~'
sALiassu3Y, Oct "a, 1856.
MEssRs EDIroRs OF THE SrANDARD: The first
successful Edcational Convention ever held in North
Carolina adjourned here to-day after protracted
session Of three days length say successful, and
indeed it has been SO beyond the anticipations OF
It's most sanguine friends. A large delegation have
been in attendance, representing every portion OF
the State, from the seashore to the mountain-tops.
Their deliberations will mark era in the progress
of education in North Carolina; and the results will
be and felt in educational system for time
to come. is peculiarly gratifying just at this pc
Rod when the whole country is racked with politi
cal excitement and sectional disaffection, to sec
cal! Of this kind SO generally responded to; and
that, too, by SO many of the best educated gentle
men in the State. 1t proves one thing-that what
ever may be the danger in our political condition,
the people possess the elements Of safety and self
preservation. write you hurriedly and without
notes; and cannot therefore, give even full out
line Of the proceedings of this busy body for three
days
The Convention was organized Tuesday evening,
21st, by electing Professor Wheat of the Universe
ty, President; E. w. Ogburn, of Greensboro, Vice
President; Messrs. Cole ofthe same place and Brown
of Randolph county, Secretaries; Prof. Kerr, of
Murfreesboro, Treasurer.
The Committee to report business for the Con-
vention, reported among other things, number of
Essays prepared by different gentlemen impor-
tant subjects connected with schools and education,
WuCu WeIt Teau Intervals inc session, anu
out OF which grew most of the business transacted
The first essay was read by Pres. jones' Of G. F.
College, from the pen of DIR. Waddel, of the N. C.
Institution for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind-Suhject
The Uniting of Teachers in Common Schools, Acad-
cmics and Colleges, in one cause of Education; C.
H. Wiley. General Superintendent an address on
the same subject E. w. Carruthers, D. D., an Es-
say on School Architecture; Pres. Craven of Nor
NAL College, on the best method Of impartng in
structo on Mr.. Wiley, Principal of the Male Acade
my at Washington, on the same subject; Mr.. Rich
ardson, of the Male and Female Academy at Frank
linton, on school government; Rev. Mr.. VanEaton,
of the Male and Female High School at Jonesville,
same subject
These Essays contained many useful suggestions;
and while they differed in the degree of their mer-
its, must say, as all agree, that the productions
evnced much thought experience, and ability. In
compliance with the suggestions of the two first
Estate Educational Association " will be formed to
meet annually.
Among the topics discussed that of our Common
Schools elected the most absorbin interest. tell
you these free schools are becoming very dear to
our people, if their representatives in this Conven
ton are to be regarded as the opponents of their
feelings. They regard the system no longer as an
experiment; but the very thing for the education of
the masses. believe you, sir, (the Senior) are a
member of the Literary Board, to whom the direc-
top of the Fund for these schools, has been COM
mitted. The public expect you to employ all your
uuanclal aOuly 10 increase tHlS Iun0 every OOliar
possible. More money is now, as it has been, a
great desideratunl, in order that comfortable
| school houses may be built, teachers better paid,
and in many instances the schools continued for a
longer term during the year. Coordinate with the
subject of common schools, the convention has
solved to bring before the next Legislature the pro-
priety of establishing eight or ten district normal
schools at which meritorious young men may be ed
ucated gratis provided they promise to teach with
in the State three years afterwards. Let not the
public be alarmed the idea of the cost to support
these gratutous schools. 1t is not expected to ask
for another dollar from the Treasury, contribu-
tons from the people either voluntary otherwise.
The great object to be attained by this plan is to
make more efficient teachers for the common schools.
Resolutions have been also adopted to convert the
Common School Journal into an organ for the Edu-
cational Association; to establish Military Acade
my for North Carolina; and sundry others which
time will not allow me to mention. Exciting de-
bates have arisen on various propositions, which
were conducted, however, in spirit of liberality
and parliamentary courtesy. Among the promnen:
debaters may be mentioned c. H. Wiley, General
Superintendent, Prof. Sterling, Pres Craven, Or.
Hutchinson, Revs. Clegg and Smith, Ham. c. Jones,
Geo. W. Brooks f. W. Ogburn and D.. A. Davis,
Esqs The best social feeling prevailed and strong
ties of friendship have been formed. The recolec-
ton of the Inequalities Of the gallant citizens OF
Salisbury will ever be bright link in memory's
chain. But must refer you and the public to the
official publications of the proceedings for further
particulars. Respectfully yours, &c.
PERSON.