The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-12-04

the deficiencies in detail, they had simply called
called fora thorough revision of the school sys-
tenn, so asto make it applicable, not to Baltimore
county alone, but to every county in the State
The flour things requisite" do nevertheless tell a
plain story. They indicate, as plainly as words
can possibly do, that almost everything
is needed that is essential to the success Of
| Common Schools under any system or method of
teaching. Without suitable school houses. and all
the paraphernalia connected therewitb: without
good teachers-who can only be obtained by pay
ing them good salaries-and without an appropri-
a'e supervision OF the schools, the scholars and the
teachers themselvcs-by some qualified person or
persons-the little good that can be accom-
piished scarcely compensates for the money ex-
pended in attaining it. We have long regarded
the condition ofour Common Schools-tbose that
are outside the city Of Baltimore we mean-as a
disgrace 10 the State. 1t is not the fault of the
School Commissioners that they are so; for, al.
though, from the very nature of their office
they cannot help being cognisant of the de.
fecis that are inherent in the present svs-
tem-lf we must so style it-they possess no
power to remedy them. They can only suggest
what might be done to make them better than
they are; but it still remains for others to act
upon those suggestions It cannot be questioned
that many of the teachers selected are i'll qualified
10 lmpart instruction to the children which are
placed under their charge. But how is it possible
that it should be otherwise, when the average SAL
AIRY of teachers per annum in Baltimore County
amounts only TO two hundred and ninety-one dol
ars-a sum considerably less than is received by
ordinary mechanics, and but little if any more.
than is paid to common farm laborers if we in
clude the cost of their board. The School ques-
ton has been repeatedly pressed upon the attention
of the Legislature. AT the Biennial-session which
was held in 1886, Governor LYON in his
annual message earnestly recommended the
adoption of q Common School system
that should be more in consonance with
the spirit of the age, and the honor and dignity of
the State than the loose and homogeneous thing
which was constantly calling for Legislative tin
kerlng, and which when tnkered was compare
lively worthless. In support of his views, plan
was submitted which possessed many excellent
features, and which, iii had been Invested of
some ofits complexities, would undoubtedly have
worked well; but the delegates from the counties
fell to wranging Overt and the result was that the
Bill, Notwithstanding the efficient support which it
received, and themany ogentarguments which were
brought forward in favor of its adoption, failed to
become law. Since then the counties have been |
thrown, as of old, upon their own resources and Of
course, as is usual under such circumstances, mat
tiers have not mended much. An experiment has,
however, been undertaken by the School Commits
slonerS OF Baltimore County, which bids fair to |
work some reformation in the system of teaching
at present IN vogue, so far as re-
CARDS that particular County. The expert
ment to which we allude is the organ.
zation ola Normal Glass or Teachers Institute.
under the supervision of Prof. F. A. ALLEN, Prin-
'ipal of the Chester county Pa, Normal School and
DIP. NJ. LEAKIN, A. NJ. Fifteen years experience as
L Normal School Teacher, affords every reasona-
Die warrant that Prof. ALLEN possesses all the re-
luisite knowledge for imparting to teachers of
Common Schools the particular knowledge of which
hey stand most in need; whilst his associate, Mr.
LEAKIN, is also favourably known as q competent
eacher in Schools of the higher grades This Nor
nal Glass, composed of all the teachers Of
Common Schools in Baltimore County, commenced
is session yesterday in the Hall of the Newton
University, and its morning and afternoon meet
ngs will be continued until Friday next. The
special duties of the day being over, each evening
VIII be devoted to the delivery of addresses upan
educational subjects generally. On Friday, at the
lose of The session Of the Normal Glass, the teach
rs present will undergo an examination into their
espective qualifications for the duties which they
nave assumed, and upon the result of their exami
nation their retention or dismissal will depend
Vow, all this is excellent, as far as it goes, and
effects great credit on the Commissioners of Bal
imore County. 1t is step in the right direction,
md will undoubtedly be productive of some
mount of positive good. But the main difficulty
n relation to our Common Schools has yet to be
overcome. What is really wanted, and what we
nope soon to see imperatively demanded is a rad.
cal change in the system which at present pre-
rails, and that change can only be brought about
oy Legislative action.