The Portland daily press., 1864-11-28
State Teachers Association.
SECOND DAY.
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district agents-as Is common In most OF our
towns--compared with the method adopted
in our cities and Incorporated villages, where
the Sup. Committee engage the teachers as
well as examine them. This subject ELECTED
an animated discussion, in which Judge Bell,
OF SkoThegan, Mr.. Lamb, Of Waterville, Mr..
Kelsey, of Harrington, Mr.. Pearl, OF Free
port, Mr.. Weston, of Gorham, Mr.. Whitney,
of Skowhegan, and others participated. Ii
was very evident that while agents received
just apprehension for their want Of faithful
ness and competency in the discharge Of their
duties, there was no universal conviction that
committees would discharge the same duties
any better.
Another series Of gymnastic exercises was
presented by the Club, showing great perfec-
tion in drill and very pleasing results.
DR.. True having been recalled by an lmpor-
tant dispatch while on his way to the conven-
ton. the convention lost his essay on the Sig
niacance Of the Indian Geographical Names
in Maine.
In this failure the discussion was continued
upon Defects in the School System" The
next topic considered under this general head,
was that Of truancy and absenteeism, and the
need of some more efficient legal measure TO
compel the children ito come in.p
The president presented the very obvious
general proposition that the right OF State
TO tax its citizens for the support Of public
schools, was founded upon the principle OF
self preservation; and that the same principle
rendered equally clear the duty Of the State
TO oblige the children to receive the training
thus provided at the public expense. At the
same time there were higher laws which
should be brought TO bear in the premises;
teachers especially being under obligation 10
use every effort to dra,o them In, by the at
tractive influences of the school.room. After
further remarks BY various members, the Con-
vention was adjourned until 1 30 P. NJ, for the
CHOICE OF OFFICERS.
Messrs. Weston and Kelsey declining q re-
election, after several years service, Professor
NJ. Lyford, Of Waterville, was chosen Presi-
dent, and Mr.. L. Dunton, of Bath, Secretary.
Vice President for Cumberland County, Mr..
]. 81. Hanson,-Counsellor, Mr.. M. l.. Ste
vens, OF Portland.
Mr.. A. p. Kelsey then introduced the sub
ject OF school supervision-proposing modi-
fcation Of the presentsystem and substituting
for the town committees, body of superyi-
sors, each OF whom should have under his
care several tewns in conveniently formed
districts. he argued that the SIS, 600 or S16,-
600 now expended for pay of town commit
tees, would pay these district officers for per-
forming more thorough and satisfactory SER
vice. Others objected entirely to the aban-
donment of the town committee-but conced-
ed that some remedy should be supplied for
the very poor service now rendered BY most
committees.
Mr.. Weston advocated the appointment of
county superintendents to act between the
State officer and the town committees, in con-
junction with both.
Mr.. Woodward, of Bath, teacher of gym.
nastics, presented the subject of physical Gull
ture, as deserving the attention of teachers
aud parents.
Rev. Mr.. Stone, of Norridgewock, suggest.
ed that while DR.. Lewis's system OF gymnas-
tics was good for Boston boys, and perhaps
for those in Portland and Bangor, nothing of
the kind was needed in our country towns
This discussion was cut short by the arrival
of the hour for sHEe&ks
THE LECTURE BY MR.. B. P. SNOW,
of the Bethel Academy.
Mr.. Snow discoursed in very satisfactory
manner upon the true aims of education-a as
more than system of training boys for the
business of life. 1t was not mammon but
manhood, that we should endeavor to secure
in their education; the higher principles of
thought, culture and discipline. 1t was a
very able and well written discourse.
EVENING SESSION.
The Convention was favored at the evening
opening with voluntary by the church or
ganist, Mr.. Dinsmore, whose services, togeth-
or with those of the Quartette Club contrib
uted much to the pleasure of the conven-
ton. &ss
The committee reported series Of resolu-
tons, a copy of which your correspondent
has not this moment at hand. A half hour
was devoted to their discussion, and adoption
or rejection, when the hour for the lecture
brought to the platform Mr.. George M. Gage,
who presented the subject of Normal Schools
in their relation to other public institutions
and the common schools. 1t was sensible
and practical discussion Of an important top
ic.
mr. Gage was successful teacher OF the
public schools in Maine, pursued a normal
course in Massachusetts, and remained there
as teacher for six or seven years,-as our
young men who 60 there for normal training
are very apt to do,-and is now one of the
teachers in the Pennington Normal School.
After the lecture, Mr.. Woodward produced
his gymnastic club again, and gave new se-
ries of elastic performances, pleasing to the
spectators.
Mr.. Herman, one of the teachers in the
Seminary at Kent's Hill, sung patriotic song
and after sundry complimentary resolutions,
to people, choir, and officers Of the conven-
ton, and the congratulations suitable to the
occasion, the convention was closed with
prayer and benediction from the Rev. Mr..
-, pastor of the Baptist church.
The convention thus closed is the sixth an
nual session of this Association. The season
of the year-Thanksgiying week-was select
ed for these meetings, because most of our
teachers have at this time vacation from
school duties. 1t is now directed by the As
ISOLATION that the next years gathering shall
be arranged for some time In August, when
larger numbers of teachers can assemble from
various parts of the STATE. The session Just
closed, though drowned by the pouring rain
OF the opening day and evening, was altogeth-
CT very pleasant occasion, and closed with
crowded and enthusiastic gathering.
Yours, p.
49, Ken. 4 Port. RaiIaoad.