Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-01-21

LETTER FROM MICHIGAN.
YrsiLAvrf, Mich, Jan. 8, 1859.

1PSILANTI, Mich, Jan. Z, 1889.
Dear Editors;
Having lately been present at the
meeting Of the State Tenchers' Association, held at
Jackson, | have thou ght that n little Information
on the state Of the Educational Cause in Michigan,
as manifested by the spirit of this meeting, would
intercst'somc Of your readers.
Any one acquainted with the legislative history
of Michigan for the past few years, must know that
it has not been behind in any attention to the cdu-
%cational interests Of the people. Her State College,
(thc ost fourishing one, | think, in the Union),
her Agricultural College (thc first one estallishcd),
and her large Ad hourishing Normal School, Ito
say nothing Of the fine Union Schools springingup
almost every township of any sizc,) all proclaim
that great attention is paid to this branch Of the
public interest. The deep interest Of the majority
of the people in the cause of Education can he
learnt by an attendance upon a meeting Of the State
Teachers Association.
The meeting was quite n full one, though not
nearly us full, I nm told, as the one in August, for
the reason that this is a business meeting, held
just before the assembling Of the Legislature, and
therefore, comparatively but little time isspent in
discussing topics pertaining moro directly to the
business of Teachers. The principal subjects under
discussion at this meeting were as follows: Uni
formity Of Text Books" "Changcs in the Union
School Law "Plan and Prospect. of the Michi-
gan journal of Education" School Libraries"
"Coursc Of Study for Union Schools - and other.
of minor interest. The first of these subjects, I
observe. has recently engaged the attention Of the
Vermont Legislature, and with a desirable result;
but Michigan is not yet ready for n like arrange
ment. The general sentim.nt of the Teachers was
favorable to II uniformity of Text Books; but it
was impossible & cree upon "A plan for it's cstab-
lishmcnt at -nt. Some were Of opinion that
the matter wcu'i in a measure djust itself; and
that the r. petition Of agents was at present pro-
ductivc more good that evil, by introducing the
best Text Books to the notice of Schools. Others,
having taken the work into their own hands, and
secured an uniformity in their own School or
Schools, were unwilling to change, or to leave it
to any whom the Legislature, in their ignorance,
might Sc fit to appoint, to determine what books
they were to use, after the trouble and expense to
which they had already gone. In the main, how
ever, there no very great conflict Of opinion except
upon the plan by which a result regarded as desi.
rnblc, should be attained.
The principal change in the Union School Law
contemplated, was adjustment of rate bills and n
substitution of a tax on property, On the subjcc.
ct 'Hh""l Libraries there was proposed the substitu.
ton of a system Of district instead of township ii
braries, and a recommendation was made that they
be supported by a tax of ola mill on a dollar on
all taxable property, to be increased at the plea
sure Of each district.
There was also 4 discussion on the propriety of
introducing tho physical sciences extensively into
the c ursc Of study in Union schools. The predo.
ninancc Of sentiment was in their favor, although
there was II warm opposition. What is the OPP
inion Of the educators of Vermont on this subject?
Considerable feeling was manifested in the meet
Ing when the prospect, Of the Journal Of Educa.
ton was under discussion. Such a journal has
been sustained here for or G years, and in this
respect you in the Green Mountain State are be-
hind Michigan. Resolutions were passed for the
better support and Improvement Of the journal,
which has just passed into the hands of a new
Editor, Alexander Winchell, Professor Of Natu-
raj History in Michigan University. His prede-
cessor, j. NJ. Gregory, has been elected Supcrin-
tcndant ofPullic Institutions for the State There
seems to be no rcns"" way Vermont should not
81" educational journal Of the highest stamp.
There certainly is no want Of talent and ability.
not Efforts being made for the establishment
Of such n one? think that it would have a good
influence throughout the State.
| may at a future time give you some account
Of the State Normal Scaool, located ut this place
'nd alspof the Union School system in Michigan