Smyrna times., 1858-04-15

!
mittee of tae New Castle County Teachers
Association, appointed to. confer with a similar
, committee of this body, with regard to the pre-
t llmlnary arrangements tor the permanent or
, ganzatjOn of a State Teachers Association
; The President then stated, that owing to the
absence OF the Secretary Of the Association,
the constitution adopted at the last meeting
was not at hand, consequently no opportunity
could be given for persons to become members
this afternoon.
Prest Newlin, the lecturer for the evening,
not being present, it was moved that the address
Of Mr.. 0. N. Bass, A. b., be deferred until
cvcnlng,-carried. The President proposed
III the absence of the speakers for the afternoon
; that the Association should proceed to the DIS
: cusslon OF some subject Of interest. Mr.. Mar
TIN suggested that " the best manner Of fur
nlshlng text books to our common schools " be
taken up and discussed. Great difficulty was
experienced in forming classes, owing to the
variety Of authors ased,-that parents object
to tie purchasing of new books, und he thought
1t necessary TO the interests of education that
unltCrm series Of text books should be adop-
ted.
Mr.. Roberts asked if the law allowed the
common funds OF the school to be applied to the
purchasing Of books. Mr.. Putnam did nc,
think the law was definite in regard 10 the ap-
plication Of the money.
Mr. Bass spoke ct some length Stated that
a uniformity of books was essential to the best
Interests of the school, he thought that commits
soncrs should purchase the books that the
Teachers should supply the scholars as they
have need, charging the parents with the same.
Discretion should be used in determining the
books to be unanimously adopted.
Mr.. Clements stated that in his district thew
had adopted the plan proposed by Mr.. Bass,
and were much pleased with the result.
Mr.. Lewis, of Bradford Co., Pa, stated that
! IN Pcnnsy yvana, the delegates appointed bv
the directors Of the different townships meet in
County Convention for the purpose OF adopting
text books.
Mr.. Lynch spoke in regard to the advantages
to be derived tron having a uniformity OF
books.
The President remarked that the gentlemen
were leaving the question; that it was rener-
ally admitted, that a variety Of books initiate
very much against the Improvement of scholars
Tie hoped they would confne their remarks to
the best method OF furnishing books 10 our COM
mon schools.
Mr.. Putnam thsught it certainly was noces-
sary TO have uniformity OF books, bat there was
somc difficulty In adopting "a text book, which
Mr.. Williams, of Pa, proposed that the conl-
missloners purchase The books with the common
school funds, and tlat the books should be re-
tanned al school.
A set of resolutions on the subject, were now
presented, and On motion the whole subject was
postponed until Tomorrow at 10 o'clock A NJ.
On motion, committee Of three was ap-
pointed TO have the Court Room prepared for
the eyeaing exercises. On motion, adjourned
till Z o'clock p. NJ.
T. M.-Pursuant to adjournment the As
soclatIon met and was addressed by o. n. BASS
On the subject Of education. The address was
interesting and instructive, and evnced know
ledge of the practical workings of the present
system, and also { clear idea q what il should
be. History proves that nation is prosperous
in proportion to tho general diffusion of know.
ledge and the education of the masses. The
prosperity OF our own institutions depends upon
the success Of our free schools
After the lecture, the President made some
pertinent remarks on the present school system.
Laws are bat the expression of the will of the
people; therefore, to have good laws, it is ne
ccssary to have an enlightened people. To
secure good school system We must enlist the
interest Of the people. This can best be effect
ed by such Associations as the present; hyre
we have free Interchange Of opinion, and
each one is prepared to exert his influence in
his own particular district.
DR.. Jump being called upon, made some ex-
cellent remarks in regard TO cduca ton, and en-
couraged the members of the Association to
peraevere in their audable undertaking.
Mr Eli Salisbury was then called upon
He was pleased TO meet with his brcihren in
the cause of education. He considered the
present school system very defective, and hoped
soon to see a change for the better, more law
was necessary. lie thought children should
be taught the rudimcnts Of education at home.
Mr. George p. Fisher agreed with the gen.
tlcman, that a change was necessary, but diff
fered with him in tle method by which it could
be effected. He thought that it should be made
compulsory for eUery mdn 10 pay a tGC for the
support Of public schools. lie also advocated
giving Teachers better pay. They generally
deserve more credit and remuneration than
they receive. Whereupon an animated discus
sion was carried on by Messrs. Salisbury and
Fisher, on the subject of taxation. MIR. Pen
nington also addressed the meeting; after
which, the Association adjourned.
i Wednesday, 7h,-The convention met at 8
o'clock in the Levy Cour. room. The Presi-
dent presented constitution similar to the one
previously adopted, which was then signed by
the teachers present
On motion, committee of two was appoint
ed to confer with similar committee from the
Now Castle County Association, in reference to
forming a State Teachers Association.
Committee: MGssrs Ward and VanLoan.
Mr.. Sharp was introduced by the President,
and delivered very able address on Muthemo
tics their history, use and influence, and the
best manner Of teaching them. The subject
was further discussed by several others. The
resolutions offered yesterday afternoon were
! then taken up, and after some discussion and
amendment, were adopted, as follows:
Resolved, Thatto advance the cause ofcom-
mon scaool education in Delaware, the schools
sheud be supplied with uniform series of text
books throughout the State. ...
Resolved That this object can be best secured
under the present school system by a State
. Teachers Convention, recommending the adop-