The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-06-20
Reported TOR the Union and Journal.
Educational Institute for York Co.

1
The exercises Of the Institute were opened
by lecture in the City Hall, Biddeford, de-
livered by Walter Wells, Esq, Of Portland.
The subject Of Mr.. Wells was deserts :"
and though "a constitutionally dry theme"
as the lecturer remarked, 1t was treated in a
highly interesting manner. The speaker eI'
planned the cause of deserts, and their neces::
sity for the good OF the human family thus
showing the goodness Of Providence, who
made nothing in vain. The closing part OF
the address was description Of caravan
overtaken in the desert by the terrible ST.
moon and the eloquence and choice Ian.
guage displayed by Mr.. Wells showed that
his reputation as lecturer was well de-
served.
The exercises were continued in the Town
Hall, Saco, on Friday morning. Hon. E. p.
Weston. the State Superintendent of Public
Schools, called the meeting to order in few
Introductory remarks.
Rev. j. Kelly, Of Saco, offered prayer for
the divine blessing upon the exercises OF the
day.
Chas. II. Milliken and U. W. Cuts were
chosen Secretaries of the convention.
Mr.. William Hobson, Principal Of the
High School, Saco, read q practical essay on
School Government. Mr.. Hobson not only
advocated the necessity of strict government
in the school.roon, but also in the family
Parents have much to do with the behavior
aud application of scholars. The old adage.
Gan ounce Of prevention is worth pound
of cure is as true when applied to the
school as elsewhere. The essay was an able
production, and was listened to with pro-
found attention.
Singing by the school children followed,
after which remarks were made by Rev. Mr..
Nichols of Saco, Rev. Mr.. .Tenncy of Bidde-
ford, DR.. Bailey of Saco, and Others.
After singing, and short recess, an exer-
else in Geography was conducted by Mr.. NJ.
j. Haines. of the Washington st. Grammar
School, Biddeford. This was very interest
ing, and reflected much credit on teacher and
pupils. The exercise on the map, without
the aid of book, showed that descriptive
geography had not been neglected. Mr.. H..
also exhibited some very creditable specimens
of map-drawing by some OF hispupils. MIR.
Moore, of Alfred, followed in few remarks
upon his method of teaching the same branch,
which were we'll listened to. Mr.. Weston
remarked that this topic was very fruitful
one, and worthy Of more discussion than the
lateness of the hour would permit.
Adjourned till afternoon.
On Friday afternoon the "children's gath
ering" took place. The hall was appropri-
ated for their especial use, and every inch Of
space was taken up. Many were obliged to
stand, while tables, platform and every thing
which would afford seat were adorned with
happy children. As soon as circumstances
would permit, Mr.. Weston called the chill
dren to order, and proposed the singing of
an opening piece. The hymn "America"
was chosen and as its well.known strains
swelled from the voices Of hundreds Of chill
dren, no ono could doubt the patriotism Of
the rising generation. Rev. Mr.. Packard,
Rev. Mr.. Nichols, r. NJ. Chapman, Esq,
Rev. Mr.. Tenney, and Rev. Mr.. Dwight, fol-
lowed in short addresses, which were inter
spersed with the singing of patriotic songs.
At the close of the chldrens meeting, Mr..
j. II. Hanson, Principal of the Boys High
School, Portland, was introduced, and pro-
cceded to deliver lengthy and scholarly eff
fort upon the Practical in Education. Mr..
Hanson said that utility is standard quail
ty in every department of literature, science
and art. The question, "what is the Prac-
teal in Education?" is answered in many
ways. Mr.. ii. asserted that the only true
answer is, those studies which tend to har-
monious development Of the different facul-
ties of the mind, and not merely those which
have reference to some particular science or
pursuit.
In the evening Prof. VIM. Smyth, Of Bow
doin College, lectured on the system of grad.
ed schools, and completely demonstrated its
superiority in every respect to the old sys-
TEN. He described the working Of the sys-
ten in his own town, and its results. BY it
teacher is enabled to save both time and
labor, and to give his attention to greater
number Of pupils at tho same time. 1t
makes our schools in practic what they were
before in theory. Itgives all, rich and poor,
an equal chance, and any one, however hum.
BILE. may rise to the top of the ladder by put
ting forth effort. The lecturer here made q
very stirring and heartfelt exhortation to
climb the hill of knowledge, and was loudly
applauded. He closed by an eloquent plea
for our common schools, and cheering words
to those engaged in the instruction OF the
young. At the close Of the lecture hearty
and unanimous vote OF thanks was rendered
Prof. Smyth for his instructive discourse.
The exercises Of the convention were con-
tinued Saturday morning by an essay on the
study of Natural Objects, delivered by Mr..
G. p. Parsons, Principal Of the Biddeford