Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1860-08-24
8 rsacheras Convsntlon. 9
.1al MuscArrss, Monday, Aug, 20.
FIRST DAY.

y af.s-z.s -.lEs FIRST DAY. 7..5 ae.ia3fsot a
The Teachers Convention met at School House
No. 1, this afternoon. The meeting was called to
order by Mr.. Thompson. The following officers
we're elected for the ensuing term: r-g.i laa.f
President-Prof. d. F. Wells.
Vice President-Jesse Goddard, ,.... ..t,
Secretary-G. II. Stiles,
Treasurer-Dr. Park
Alter arranging the programme, appointing COM
mittees, &C., the Convention adjourned until nine
o'clock Tuesday morning.
Much interest was manifested, and all seemed to
expect pleasant time.
SECOND DAY.
Opening exercises at 9 O'Clock A. n. by
Rev. John Ufford. President Wells then re-
ported programme, after which Prof. Nay
lor gave the Convention his theory Of teach
ing arithmetic.
The next on the programme was elocution,
but the teacher being absent Prof. Wells
made some interesting remarks on the meth.
DDS of teaching reading and spelling to
small classes. "... s.
Singing by members. Recess of ten min
utes.
Prof. Wells made some remarks on PEN
manship, and gave some exercises in
mathematical geography; after which the
Convention adjourned until Q O'Clock P. n.
afternoon Session. Opened by singing.
Miss Barrows gave sample of map-drawins
by two Of her former pupils The maps are
now "outline," to be finished during the
week. Prof. Wells then gave brief ad
dress on the theory of teaching. Singing.
Recess of ten minutes. ..... .... .-,
Rev. Mr.. Harshs exhibited chart shows
ing the subject of his lecture tonight, after
which Prof. Naylor again drilled the mem.
bers in his mode Of arithmetic, giving many
new and useful rules for mental exercise.
The critics. reports were next in order'
which showed much tact and ELECTED some
mirth. Committee for Wednesday, Misses
Shepherd, Garlock and Hawley.
Opening of the question box:
l. How is it proved that light is eight
minutes in passing from the sun to the earth?
Prof. Wells explained that it was calculated
by observing the eolipses of Jupiter's moons
while the earth was in different parts of her
orbit.
2. How is the distance between the earth
and tho fixed stars measured9 The Secre-
rotary, not knowing that he was to prepare
for publication, did not note down the sew
eral methods given by Prof. Wells and could
not do him justice from memory
8. What was the origin of the phrase
''Music of the spheres 2"
Ans. Figurative language is of remote Or
igiu. By the Ptolmic system of astronomy
the earth was plane and the san, moon,
planets and stars revolved around 1t in diff
ferent spheres once in twenty-four hours
Above these was the abode of the good after
death. Harmony, or music, was communi-
Gated from the upper to the lower spheres.
This phrase also might have had its origin
from the Bible ssWhen the morning stars
sang together."
After singing q piece Of sacred music the
Convention adjourned until 9 O'Clock to.
The Convention is still increasing in
interest and numbers. Before nine o'clock,
the members amused themselves by singing,
accompanied by one of Mr.. Sykes superb
played upon by Miss Ellen Haw-
ley, whose performance proved that she has
q soul for music, as well as mimi lie fingers.
All appear to be possessed Of happy hearts
and smiling faces. There are between fifty
and sixty teachers present.
The opening exercises were singing by the
and prayer by Rev. E. L. Belden.
After some appropriate remarks by the
President, on parliamentary rules. the first
exercises Of the day were given ny Prof.
Naylor, on arithmetic, in his usually keen
and pleasant style.
Singing. "
Second - exercise in reading, conducted
by President Wells, with criticisms by the
members.
Recess of ten minutes.
The first exercise after recess was short
lecture on PENN anship, by Prof. Preston,
who showed himself master of this beautiful
art.
Second - exercises in mathematical geo.
graphy, conducted by Prof. Wells. This
part of the exercises of the Convention is of
the most interesting nature, and is explained
in an able and happy manner.
Prof. Nestlerode was then introduced,
after which the Convention adjourned to 2
O'Clock P NJ.
Afternoon Session. The first exercise was
in map-drawing, by Miss Barrows and her
two pupils. The "outline'' has now received
the rivers, mountains and boundaries, and
shows much ski and care.
Second-a brief address by Prof. Nestle.
rode, on the best method of teaching prim-
airy grammar. ---. -.,
Third-Prof. N 'ylor gave the Convention
some more rules and illustrations in abbre-
via;ing arjthmetical work.
Singing. Recess of ten minutes.
Next in order was theory and practice Of
teaching. President Wells gave brief but
interesting and pleasant address on the best
methods of strengthening the memory and
powers of the mind.
Prof. Naylor gave some useful hints on
learning young children to spell.
Rev. J. Uford gave some interesting
remarks on the peculiarities of children,
showing the loss teachers experience in not
understanding them.
The Critics. reports were as interesting
and pleasant as usual. Committee to