The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1865-11-25

books, no matter how perfectly those books
may be undsrstood-persons who have not
fair amount of general intelligence and cul-
ture, and a good measure OF that refinement,
polish and practical sense which come of in
tercouYse with we'll informrd and educated
people, and with the living actualities of the
world-persons who are not able to converse
readily and sensibly upon the leading topics
of public interest as well as upon purely ed
ucational subjects, those Who are destitute of
that nameless but indispensable array Of gifts
and graces Of mind and manners which in
fallibly stamp the possessor as a gentleman,
in the best sense OF that word, that challenge
the spontaneous respect of discerning people
those who can only deal with objective facts
and material things, but cannot grapple with
abstract ideas and rinciples-those, in a
word, who are without intellectual discipline
and have not acquired the great art and pow
er of thinking none Of these are vet pre-
pared for the proposed examination. They
may become fitted for the proposed distinct
ion, but they are not yet fitted for it. Nor is
this discrimination to be construed as a dis
paragement to the many " HON it will for the
present exclude, but simply as a necessity OF
the case.
Perhaps as simple test as any, by which
a reader of this circular may decide whether
he ought noU to apply for state certificate,
Is by asking himself the question Am l so
thoroughly master of the subjects enumerated
and of the science and art of education, that
L can promptly, and In a clear and logical
manner write out my views upon any specific
topic connected therein, if required to do SO
by the board of examiners?" Whoever feels
constrained to answer that question in the
negative, should not now respond to this 10
vitation, as he will pretty surely be subject
ed TO some such test.
These extended remarks are submitted be-
cause it is equally desired to secure the at
tendance of all really superior teachers of es
tabished ability and reputation, on the one
hand, and to dissuade those who have not yet
attained the proper standing, on the other
And special arguments are needful in respect
to both classes for such is the inevitable
contrast between the elfiudgements of the
truly wise and worthy and of the opposite
that very many of the former, who really
ought to attend and who would certainly sue
coed, will shrink from the ordeal; while q
still greater number of the latter, who would
certainly fail, will be inclined to make the
venture.
| earnestly invite the presence of those
| able, successful aud distinguished teachers OF
the state, for whose benefit, and whose only
the state certificate was by law established
and believing that the successful carry ing GU
of the design of the legislature, in the true
spirit of the act in its present amended anC
! improved form, will do much for the best in
terests of public education in the state;
also respectfully request the friendly aid o
the press of the state by giving publicly tc
this announcement, and by extending TO tn,
movement such countenance and encourage
ment as 1t may seem to deserve
NEWTON BATENAN,
Superinte ndent Public Instruction.