Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1862-09-23
LANCASTER, WIS, TUESDAY. SEPTEMBER g. 1862.
Teachers Institute.


Mr.. EDTToR.-Haying enjoyed, for the
first time, an opportunity of availing my
self of tie advantages to be derived from
personal attendance at Institutes Of this
kind, | trust that you will deem it no de-
parture from the path Of justice, to per-
NIT me, through the medium of your val
liable paper, to give the public few
thoughts which have arisen from matters
connected with the Teachers Institute re-
Gently held at Lancaster, under the super
vision of Prof Parsons, of Tafton.
Though the limited number Of teachers
and friends Of education, in attendance,
may at first awakened a sense of surprise,
yet, when we revert to the peculiarly en-
barrassing circumstances under which it
was held, we feel that we would be doing
great injustice TO many, should we attribute
this to any want Of zeal on their part, in
this important work.
Of the general utility Of these Insti-
tutes | need not here speak, as the expert
ence of the past has amply proved that
they have been both interesting and bene-
fetal in their operations; yet | feel that we
cannot too highly esteem the individual
benefits that must inevitably arise from
more frequent and faithful attendance up
on these exercises. Here the young aud
inexperienced may realize the value of a
brief review Of the several branches, upon
which they will be called to give instruc-
ton, aud may avail themselves Of many
useful suggestions and valuable lessons on
the classification of pupils and the best
method of governing and teaching them.
Here we are enabled to reap from the ma
tured minds Of experienced laborers rich
and abundant harvest, which otherwise
could only be acquired through many
years of toiIsome research. The effect Of
such lectures, discussions and interchange
of views can never be other than pleasing
and practical in their tendency upon the
subject of education, if stimulated by the
spirit of common sympathy, as co-workers
in a common cause. And | doubt not
that speak the sentiment Of each one Of
this meeting when | say, that | was high
" oratifed indeed, to witness the deep in
terest and generous sympathy manifested
by all, as members of kindred brother
hood, assembled for good and noble puf-
pose, common advancement and the ele-
walton Of worthy profession.
While | would by no means pen a line
Of fulsome praise in applauding unmerited
worth yet hope that our worthy county
Superintendent will pardon me in saying,
that doubts arise rs to which we should
most commend; his generous willingness
to inpar to lis the wealth Of bis long ok
perience, or The ample ability displayed IN
doing so. For | esteem it an established
fact that here may be found the fountain
head from which spring all the aniabie
attributes Of the successful teacher. Where
this spirit Of frankness and freedom Of
communications prevails the stream OF
knowledge can never be more than tempo
rariIy INSTRUCTED Nv the barriers with which
the narrow-minded have sought and
may still seek 10 impede its onward
flow.
Tic preponderating number Of female
friends in attendance, While presenting to
my mind another pleasing evidence among
the many to which we might refer, as
Illustrative Of their ability and readiness at
all times to share With us the burdens Of
every great and noble work, lent an in
creased interest to the daily exercises. AT
the present, we feel in a peculiar manner
the want of their efficient aid, and the
glow Of that cheer which their presence
IS SO happily calculated to inspire.
ALPHA.
British Hollow. Sept. 18th 90.