Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-08-26
COL. NEEDHAN's ADDRESS.

| lei NEEDHAM, OF Hartford.
COL. NEkDHAN's ADDRESS.
| Mr.. Needham's S subject was Teaching a,
a Profession. He compared the Profession
with the other professions, in respect to its
estimation before the Public, and its rewards
| Of fame and profit. 1t was entered upon too
often as a make-shift or stepping stone to
some of the other professions; and too often.
also, without sufficient training and fitness
for the calling. School Committees and Su-
perintendents too often think it enough, if
the Teacher is "a good, moral man" But
necessary as is the qualification of good
moral character. it is no more a substitute
for other qualifications IN the business of
teaching, than in that Of shoeing horses.
Entered upon with proper previous training
and under a conscientious sense of duty,
teaching yields to no other calling in honor
it is indeed, the highest and most respect
able duty committed to man, and it will
bring It's reward, both ofmoney (for in no
age is talent better rewarded than in thls),
and in true and genuine reputation which
will last when that of many prominent
politician or public man has disappeared
Who remembers now who composed the
Cabinet of President Polk The name Of
Socrates, to-day, stands higher than that of
Alexander. The Kings fame has p4led be-
fore that of the Teachers
The speaker adverted to the systems
Of Education among the Greeks and
Romans, and brought the result Of
his researches to bear on the subject of nor
NAL schools, maintaining that the profession
of the teacher cannot be what it should be,
and take its proper place by the pulpit and
the bar, until normal schools for the training
Of teachers are maintained under State
patronage. The expense attending such a
system, ought to be no objection. lie main
tained, that in a merely economical view the
State could not afford to withhold abunda Mt
support from the schools, for it is cheaper to
sustain schools, than to support paupers
and criminals. lie quoted from the statis-
ties of Newgate and the penitentiaries of
number of the United States, to show that
ignoranceis, throughout, the parent of crime.
Our Fathers, poor as they were, appropria-
ted literally for the suppoat of the schools,
and it is not for us who reap the fruit of
their self sacrifice, to adopt another policy.
Much has been done by wise legislation and
the labors of the able Secretary of the Board;
much was now in process of accomplishment
by the agency of this association, but much
remained to be accomplished, and we must
go on in the good work, remembering that the
labor is not for ourselves alone, but for the
millions who. in ages to come will inhabit the
land Of Washington, of Franklin. of Adams
and of Webster
Col. Needham was abundantly applauded
at the close of his discourse, and the thanks
of the Association, (moved BY Rev. Mr..
Parker were voted him for his able, inter-
esting and instructive address.
A most interesting and agreeable episode
followed Mr. B. F. Winslow of Pittsford,
stepping before she platform. called Secretary
Adams to his feet and spoke in IN impressive
manner, as follows
Mr.. WIssLow's SPEECH.
Mr.. President,
l am charged with most pleasant and ha p
py duty. To be designated to perform is in
deed an honor. To be the medium of conveying
the deep and earnest gratitude of that large, in
telligent and noble band of the daughters of Yer
mont, engaged in Of the noblest, hoiest caus-
es, to him who has been so faithful, efficient,
so self-denying in promoting the cause, is COM
pliment for which | feel as grateful as am un-
worthy.
Mr.. Secretary Adams, in the name and on the
behalf of these fair co-workers with you in your
noble toll, now and here assembled, allow me to
tender to you their grateful appreciation of the
manly and disinterestsd sympathy you have so