The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1860-08-24

S.Sul vi anu ut al Sueu tHS iihPoi '""e1 Va A.
The ancients recognized this element in cul-
ture The Persians taught three things, to
ride. to draw the bow and TO speak the truth.
The Greeks taught letters, music and gym
nastic exercises. The desi ign Of the Olympic
games was to offset the deblitating effect
produced upon the body by study. Our
schools should attempt something in this line
even though the old Grecian games must be
revived if there is nothing better. There is
no place which shows the good effects of this
culture so much as barran Scotland once so
ridiculed.
The orator then spoke of the need of per-
manent teachers. We are now dependent in
great degree upon the temporary teaching
of young men. Still the practice of students
teaching during the vacations was commend
ed even for the sake of the discipline Of it
He then pronounced an encomium upon the
qualifications of Vermont graduates as men
fitted to teach wherever they 60.
Some nedeed qualifications of the teacher
were mentioned. lie must have enthusiasm
consisting of lore and zeal welded together.
He must have faith, hope, charity. a mis-
anthrope or an infidel can not be fit teach
er. Woman's influence in the education of men
is more potent than all other aids in the re-
finement of society. Blot cut the first ten
years of mans life and he is in infancy a.
gain.
He commended the Importance of making
the school room as attractive as the home,
and then spoke of the cost of education not
only during the school days, but also in the
after culture of life time. In vivid terms
he exhibited the folly of the conceit that Ia
Dor, severe mental labor. is not necessary to
intellectual success,and earnestly commended
diligent study of the English tongue
While classic education is an honor, igno-
rance of our own language is a disgrace.
With an allusion to the deplorable fac,
that the acquisition Of property is the pas
aoaof Americans, which needs to be regulated;
and after speaking with eioq lence of the oc-
casions of the tlnie ard pride of our state in
scenery and advantages so we'll known and
so often eulogized, he concluded his scholar
ly production with an expression Of the
thought that Vermont is at last after all 70
be chiefly noteworthy as nursery Of men.
EyENING
Tie following resolutions presented bv
Rev. J. II. Worcester of Burlington, were
appropriately and feeiinglv discussed by hiu-
self and by Rev. s. X. Hall and Secretary
Adams. and adopted
HcS"lred. That in the death. Gurimg the
past year. OF William \. Burnham c: Ma
chcster.we mourn the loss of brother who's
high mor@. worth and Christian character
whose lao0rious selt-culture. and whose en-
thusia>tic ana untiring devotion through sc
many years. to his profession as teacher
have LETT Us a namt TO be held in lasting and
honored remembrance and an example wor-
thy oi all imitation.
Rcsolrel. That we tender to the bereaved
family of Mr.. Burnham. with this expression
of the esteem in which he was held hy hi.
fellow teachers in this state, assurance OF 2ul
deepest sympathy with them in this loss ty
yet dependent family of one not less marked
by his virtues as a son, husband and a IA
ther, than by his merit as teacher.
Prof y. &. Clark of Burlington made til.
closing address, which was full of earnes
thoughts uttered in his own peculiar manner
and listened to by the large audience in al
most breathless attention.
The association then united in singing tn,
hymn, IRON all who dwell below the skies,
after which it adjourned sine die.
The present meeting was different from
any that have preceded it, and yet on The
whole We doubt if a better meeting has ever
been held by the association.
Had the weather been propitious in the
early part of the week the attendance from
the southern and western parts of the stat.
would have been greater, but as it was VT
had good audiences all the time and during
several of the sittings the spacious house wal
completely filled. One thing is certain
large portion of those in attendance hav.
never attended meeting of the associ
tion before, as it is eight years since We me-
in this section of the state. The exercises
are thus potent for good over a portion of
the state hitherto unreached by our influence
as an association.
Every teacher and friend of education pre-
sent must have felt that it was "good to bt
here,' and will doubtless 20 home with new
zeal and high and holy purpose to engag.
IN the great work of life.
PLINY H. WHITE, President.
6: 8: u. l; E5L,1,1' c1.pK' Secretaries.