, 1859-01-05
State teachers Ass0elatiOn.
Is: eclal Correspondence @ftae rress aud T4ioune.J
THURSDAYS SESSIONS.

GALksrrkc. Dec. q. G-1..
The exercises of this day were varied Aumer-
Gus papers were read and addresses delivered.
One by Mr. Cav Of Dixon on School Architect
ure was thorough and practical Mr. Spencer
OF Chicago explained the principles of Penman'
ship, Us Mr. Brooks Of Springfield Ind prerlous'
If oone Of Phonography. Eschiurged the .impor
tance Of high cultivation Of these arts
Miss Culrer Of Chicago commanded the undi-
vided attention Of the atsembly during the read
ing OF IN essay which displayed an intimate know
ledge and appreciation Of the elements and nc
ton Of mind. 1t was regarded as containing the
most deicateiy expressed and refined in sensl'
ment, 1s we'll as the most beautifully read essay
of the Convention.
Prof Wi1bcr pr ese1ted report OF the pro-
gress of the State Natural History soc'ety,
since it's organization in June last, which We
condeuse Much assistance had been afforded
By local surveyors. Or. Veaey Of acHenry co.
had contributed ca extensive collection Of plants
as piso Dr. Mead OF Hancock. Robert keonicott,
NOW at the Smithsonian Institute, is making
general collection, e1>ct;ng exchanges. furnish
iac direciio1s &c. He bus llso contributed
complete set OF bis valuable collections made
ulopy both lines Of the ILL., Central Bsilroad TO
| The museum.
| Several others ars also at work. The State
| Geolo:ists promise liberal contributions The
| Railroads huve assisted in various ways, ind the
| Press has given It's full encourage ment. The
| museum is placed Ct tho State Normal tnlEcr-
sity. where the Students can avail themselves of
| its benefits.
The State is rich beyond description in ail the
| departments Of Sstural History. From recent
explorations, We know that the marble floor OF
the Prairie State is as thckly 'nlald with
marvellous works OF Creation IS is the aoor Of
| ueayen With it's eems OF bright gold. The great
| Story Dook, vol II OF our Fathers Library, has
| many glorious chapters devoted to Illinois yet
unread, ifnot unknown.
The action of the Society has tended directly
to the Gid Of education. The future operations
will iucreusa its usefulness ond develop in an
eminent degree the knowledge necessary for the
furlaerauce Of the great industrial resources Of
the State.
Provision Was II lde for the prompt payment
Of Prot. Wr1ght's salary, whose report vas &C.
ospted and ACCOUNTS audited. He las earned e
hieh ppsition in The estimation Of his fellow la-
borara in Education.
Large numbers of the members of the Associ-
alton visited the Knox College and Lumbard
University buildings. AS these institutions
we're not ia session, We could not speak concern
irg the modes of instruction practiced. 1t is 9
shame that seciasian differences among those
who should work shoulder to shoulder in promo
ting the interests of the former institution have
in any way crippled its usefulness. The latter
hes a5o students, though not completed. Both
are supplied with cabinets and apparatus. These
buildings are worthy Of good schools aud class
instruction, and will ret be ornaments in the
great cause Of learning in the State.
4 liberal feeling vas shown By some OF the
hotels IN their entertainuent Il visitors. At q
dinner given bY Mr.. Patricks, Of the Railroad
Hotel, new and wall kept establishment, much
good feeling was elected.
In the evening the NOBLE SIX HUNDRED Of the
Association accepted an invitation by the PrIn'
to mingle together in social way, which they
enjoyed highly till late hour.
The proceedings of the Convention after th G
spirited discussions Of Tuesday afternoon and
"Wednesday morning assumed q calm, deliberate
turn. There we're factions before the Assocla
tiou convened, and they had determined upon
tha Illinois TEACHER as the dividing point. Each
manifested perfect assurance Of the right Of hi
side, md vent into the contest With mani,
zest, in which spirit it waa battled through Ii
the end
They tried their streogsh-they ventilated
: their brains-they found quiet in the reaction 0
their nerves. Alter ths excitement had nubs'
ded they showed that they could b. as generou
and forgiving. as they been severe and bold: 5
:, they me, in pleasant groups about the Hall q
fauaislarly as though nothing had disturbed thei
composure. On the occaa,on of the sociable,
merry din and happy stir perssded the rooms
and music md merrlment enllTened the houEs
1t Was tho crowning feature Of the Convention
and will be remembered with no less satisf4ctio
than the meetings 1t ths Hall 1ndeed, the sc
cialinluepce Of these assemblies sppea1s 10 b
2 the main feature.
There we're many good things said in CONVEX
tiou-many excellent essays and addresses rea
but there wero no measures taken to embed
the sentiment they contsincd, and to make the,
= generally useful. This might easily be dor
without iutrenching in the least upon its happ
fvipg social Influences.
Nj. Haskel of Fulton was unanimously chose
President, and Ottawa fixed upon as the plat
= for assembling in December, 1859.
= THu1sroS.