Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1857-01-15


" corrected But until the necessity for change
is established, the system, in its unity and in
tegrty should he maintained and if changed
changed only to render more certain the ac-
compIishment of its noble purposes and OBJ.
jects.
\ sufficient number of competent and we'll
trained teachers is the great want of the sys-
TEN. In its structure and organization it is as
perfect, if not more so, than any of the systems
of our sister States. But the teacher is want
cd to give it proper vitality aud efficiency-to
develope its true force and value-to secure
the great object of its creation, the thorough
education of the youth of the Commonwealth.
How can this want be supplied How are
teachers to be trained and provided to meet
this educational demand Must we be depen-
dent upon the training schools of other Sta, esq
Must our system be jcoparded, and its success
perilled, by waiting the slow and unaded ef-
forts of voluntary associations to furnish the
much needed teacher? Voluntary association
of common school teachers have accomplished
much in their disinterested and noble efforts to
remedy this defect. They are worthy the high
est commendation-the deserve every encour-
agement They can and will do more but
unaded they cannot accomplish the object de-
medy-thev can supply the deficiency. 1t
should be done promptly and effectually. No
subject of greater interest can occupy your at
tcntien as legislators-no one appeals more
earnestly to duty and patriotism
In former communication to the Lepisla-
ture the establishment of a State Normal
school, for the education of teachers was urg-
ed as indspensably necessary to the perfection
of the system With full confidence. in their
utility and necessity, / again recommend them.
These institutions, with their proper professors,
and appliances, supported by the State, would
meet the wants and elevate the character of
our common schools
Teachers Institutes, as auxiliary to Normal
Schools, when in operation, and supplying their
place till established, should be aided by the
State. One such institute in each county, meet
ing annually, under the fostering care of the
government would be productive of most bene-
fcial results. Whilst it would improve teach
ers and prepare them for their important and
responsible duties, it would elevate and dignity
a profession too long neglected and undervalu-
ed by those most deeply interested in their
honorable labors These measures as alsoan
addition to the annual State appropriation for
common schools, in an amount only limited bv
the necessities of the Treasury, would give en-
ergy to the system, increase its efficiency, and
thus promote the true interests of the people
and the Commonwealth
| Our educational, charitable and reformatory
institutions have strong claims upon the boun-
ty of the people, and | cordially commend them
| to your care and liberality.
The State Lunatic Asylum at Harrisburg,
and the Western Pennsylvania Hospital for
the Insane, and other kindred purposes at
| Pittsburg, are noble charities, and deserve the
aid and encouragement of the State The an
nual reports Of these institutions will be laid
before you, and will exhibit in detail their ope-
rations during the past year.
The House of Refuge in Philadelphia, and
the Western House of Refuge near Pittsburg,
are institutions of great excellence, and their
results clearly establish the wisdom of the poll
cy that founded and sustains them. They
ought not to be neglected ; nor should the
aid the Commonwealth be withheld from them.
The Blind" and the Deaf and Dumb Asy-
lums" at Philadelphia, and "The Pennsylva-
mia Training School for Idiotic and Feeble
Minded Children" are instituti tions that appeal
in silence and sorrow, to the best and pul est
feelings of the heart, and ask your sympathy
and aid. They should receive generous share
of the benefactiOns of the State.
Agriculture, in its varied departments is the
great interest of the commonwealth. Itis the
basis alike of financial and commercial success
and of State and national prosperity. An in
terest so important should he fostered by the
State, and honored by all classes of society,"
10 It's promotion and success all should cheer
fully contribute. In former communication
L recommended the establishment of an Agri
cultural bureau, in connection with some one
OF the State Departments, to give efficiency to
the collection and diffusion of useful knowledge
on this subject, and to encourage scientific and
practical agriculture. Science, with wopderous
energy, has aided the husbandman in his hon.
orable vocation, and proffers still more help
The State should nerve his arm and cheer him
onward in this, the first and nobest pursuit of
man. This subject, in connection with an ap-
preparation to the Farmers High School of
Pennsylvania institution destined to be
an honor to the CommOnweath-is recommend
ed to your favorable consideration.
The Polytechnic College of Pennsylvania, I"
established by the enterprise and liberality of
some OF the patriotic citizens of Philadelphia
as school of the applied sciences, deserves
honorable mention, ard should receive the con-
fdence and patronage of the public. In the
teachings of this institution, literature. science
and art, in happy union, meet to prepare our
young men for the practical business of life for
mining, mechanical and civil engineering, and
for promoting inte!ligeuty and efficiently the
great interests of manufacturing and agricultu-
raj industry.
The laws on the statute book regulating
manufacturing and Improvement companies, re.
quire revision. They are unnecessarily strin-
gent in many of their provisions, and thus de-
feat the object of their enactment They drive
capital from the State, instead of inviting its
Investment here and instead of encouraging
individual and associated enterprise and ener-