The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-12-04

manner OF mpdrfing it. The speaker illus.
trated both Of these departments Of his SUBJ
ject from the ordinary practice and neglecta
Of the school.room cndeavoring to make
such practical suggestions as would guard
the teachers against falling into e1travagant
and erroneous methods.
After brief recess, ON address was deliv.
cred by DR.. N. T. True of Bethel, on RELA.
TIVE AND ABSOLUTE INSTRUCTION. The sub.
jcct was ably presented, with the enthusiasm
that has characterized tho Doctor as teach.
or for long series Of years.
DR.. Sheldon followed with brief remarks,
and tho discussion continued till the close of
the evening session.
TUESDAY MoRNrNG.-Tho morning session
was opened, at 0 o'clock, with prayer by
Rev. Cyril Pearl, South Freeport.
Thirty minutes were devoted to gymnastic
exercises, with illustrations by Mr.. NJ. l..
Stevens of Portland, the examples initiated
by n class composed Of the convention. Mr..
Stevens acquitted himself as master of his
art, and the exercise was ono of deep inter-
est to the class.
A recitation in mental and written arith-
mctic was conducted by Mr.. Ham Of Bath,
with class Of twenty young misses of his
school. Tho illustration of his method of
teaching was very ino. Tho skill and dex.
tcrity of tho pupils were quite remarkable,
and the clear voices and earnest manner OF
the young misses were worthy Of all praise.
An interesting feature Of the recitation in
mental arithmetic was tho calling up at ran.
dom different members of the class to 90
through with complicated questions rcquir.
ing great number of different processes -
One pupil commencing the question and per-
forming several processes, is followed by q
second, third and fourth, each taking the
problem where left by the preceding. The
rapidity and accuracy Of the illustrations on
the blackboard wero most admirable. The
amount Of labor crowded into thirty minutes
was very great, and oil so clear and definite
both to the eye and the car that it gave great
pleasure and excitement to the convention.
The exercise was most cordially commended
by Mr.. Littleield Of Bangor, veteran and
skilful teacher whom we remember to have
met in high school thirty.fvo years ago.
The President also added high commenda-
tion.
After brief recess, brilliant lecture was
delivered by Prof. I. Dole on the proper aim
in studying languages, and methods of teach.
ing them. This lecture fully justifcd.the
introductory remark of the President, that
long acquaintance with the lecturer gave him
assurance that wc might expect beaten gold.
Without disparaging the scope, richness and
power OF the English language, or extolling
by contrast the merits Of foreign languages,
the lecturer placed the motive for the study
of these languages on its proper bass-its
value as discipline, study. Several meth.
DDS Of study which had had their advocates
were examined, with their merits and do.
fccts.
At IL IL paper was read by Mr.. A. G.
Stockin, advocating important changes in
the present arrangement for school supervis.
ion, tho employment Of teachers, their OK.
animation and methods of teaching and
management. lie would have the duties
now divided between school agents and ex-
amining committees, with other correspond
ing duties, placed in the hands Of Board
of Supervisors. each Of which should be do.
voted to tho interests of the school in lin
tied district while in session, and bc paid q
fair compensation. The details of tho plan
were stated somewhat fully, and objections
considered. Hc would divide the State into
about eighty districts, requiring that num-
Der of supervisors. A discussion OF thcqucs.
ton was reserved for tho afternoon session,
and the convention adjourned.
Your reporter regrets tho necessity Of lcav
ing at this stage Of proceedings. as rich
treat is in reserve, as will appear from the
remainder of tho programme:
TUESDAY ArrERNooS.-Report by Prof A. p.
Kelsey, on educational affairs in other States;
A paper by Mr.. Il. A. Rdcout. on some points
in arithmetic; Music and Gymnastics, with q
class of six boys from Portland; A paper by
Rev. DR.. Sheldon; A lecture on Natural IIisto-
ry, by Mr.. Edward s. Morse; Report of the
Childrcn's Patriotic League.
TUESDAY, EVENING. Paper by Rev. Isaac
Weston, on the schools Of sixty years ago;-
Lecture by Prof Sanborn Tcnnoy, on methods
Of teaching Geography.
WEDNESDAY MoRSIS1.-Papcr by Rev. N.
Wood. Of Lewiston, on school supervision;-
Paper by MIR. j. j. Taylor.on elements Of sue
cess in school government
The convention will unquestionably DO re.
gardcd as one of moro than ordinary inter-
est. Much of its valuo is insured by the
thorough arrangement OF the teachers of
Bath, assisted and directed by Rev. Mr.. Dixie,
Superintendent Of tho Bath Schools. Tho
arrangement for social hour or lcycc on
Tuesday evening is an ingenious device add.
ing much to the pleasure Of tho occasion.-
Tho generous hospitality Of tho citizens OF
Bath was most ample and gratifying. The
largo number Of teachers in attendance must
carry to their fields Of labor most pleasure
bic and encouraging rccollcctions.
Yours truly, q. PEARL.