Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1857-10-08
tReported for the Reporter.)
TEACHERS INSTITUTE AT EAST sMrTHFIELD

ing the proper officers, and Prof CoBURN as
principal Teacher. There were about ssrsy
teachers present at the commencement, and
the number continued to increase during the
week At the commencement of the second
week, ninety names were registered, and this
members with but few exceptions, continued
in attendance until the close. 1t was the
general remark among those present, that no
ten days were ever spent more proftaby, than
were those spent in attendance at this Insti-
tute.
Much valuable instruction was commune at
ed by lectures, in the art of teaching, and the
duties and responsibilities of teachers !; and
the members were thoroughly drilled by the
Principal and competent assistants, upon those
branches required by law to be taught in our
Common Schools.
The exercises were interspersed throughout
with music from the choir, and occasional ex-
ercises in Calisthenics. During the evening
sessions, various subjects relating to school
government, were introduced and discussed
On Wednesday, the 30th, e lecture was de-
liyered by the Superintendent Of Chcmung
County, in which he enumerated the various
essentials of GoOd Sch0ot. u.
The afternoon was mostly devoted to social
enjoyment. The members of the Institute and
the citizens in attendance, under the direction
of Sergeant" Bullock and Corporal
FARNswoRrH were marched, with martial music
and colors flying, to Bullock's grove, and while
performing certain military evolutions, a show
er suddenly dispersed them and they retreated
in confusion to the grove, where they devoted
themselves to singing and swinging and fun.
The last day of the session was occupied in
the examination of Teachers by the Superin-
tcndent During the evening session the vale
dictory was read, and copy of Goodrichs
Universal History was formally presented to
Prof Coburn, in behalf of the members of the
Institute, as a testimonial Of their appreciation
Of his services ..
1t is to be most earnestly hoped and we
think. it may be confidently expected, that the
effect Of this Institute will be widely felt in
the elevation of the system of the Common
School education, in increasing the teachers
estimate of their own profession, in leading to
higher views of their relations and responsi-
bilities, and to far better methods of commu-
nicating instruction and dscharging their va
rious duties. Said the Superintendent of Che
muug, 9 | never knew a person TO remain
poor teacher who was in the habit of attend
ing Teachers Institutes" May this this say
ing not be proved false one, by the effect
that shall follow the Teachers Institute in
Smithfeld. The effect upon the popular mind
cannot be better expressed than to state two
simple facts, namely VI. Had the question OF
the County Superintendency been brought be-
fore the people of this vicinity one year ago,
for their approval or rejection, it would have
been voted down unanimously, as an onerous
burden, for which no equivalent was realized,
and which, instead of being regarded as bene-
fit, was looked upon as operating altogether
uufavorably to the cause of Common School
education
2. On Thursday evening, Oct. lst, the fol-
lowing resolutions were passed by the citizens
of Smithfeld, without one dissenting voice =
WHEREAS, popular education is essential to
the preservation of Republican institutions,
and intimately connected with the good order
and prosperity OF human society, as well as
the interests of true religion, and is to be pro
NOTED by the cooperation of all good citizens
in such lawful and proper measures as may
be adopted. Therefore
Resolrcd, That we approve of Teachers
Institutes, as highly calculated to promote the
cause of common schools and to diffuse the
light of science. They bring teachers and
people together for instruction and conference
on matters pertaining TO the business of teach
ing, and in this way they are advantageous to
this cause, as much as other associations are
beneficial to the objects for which they are
held they bring teachers together to become
acquainted with each other and thus afford
many social advantages and they serve the
important purpose Of awakening the public
mind on subject on which there is yet a la
mentable amount of Indifference a..-.
ResOlred, That the County Superinteudency
is doing good work for common schools and
is deserving of that encouragement which. if
granted TO it, will make it more and more eff,
fcent for good. .....
Resotred, That we tender our thanks to Mr..
CHARLES r.. CoBuRN, our County Superinten-
dent, for his faithful labors in the Teachers
Institute, during the ten days in which it has
been held in this place ; that we regard him
as eminently qualified for the station he occu-
pies and that we invite him to hold another
Institute among us as soon as he may think it
consistent so to do
BD~ The Old Hunkers had grand convo-
cation of post-masters leaders, &c. in this