The Portland daily press., 1867-06-06
. y" - III N J % u :.
The State Normal School.

"A EXERCISES OF THE GRADUATING CLASS
.ssd Esd u FARM1NGToN, June 5, 1867
10 the EditorQe the Press: 6 afst3f q 5000
This rural town which is quite as nerr the
centre of the earth as any other, is just COM
ing outlin all its vegetable glory. And that
means a vast deal here; for the citizens are
fairly enamored of the maple and elm, two of
the most magnificent vegetables which grow
upon the earth, and SO they have planted these
trees upon every street while triple rows stand
guard about very many of the houses. This
shutting out so much of the sunshine, that
source of all life and force, can it be for the
health of the people? VIII they not, by and
by, find themselves paying over dear for en-
erald beauty and grateful shade? hba
q Yesterday occurred the graduating exer-
cises of the second class of the State Normal
School, which is located in this delightful spot
and is under the charge of Mr. G. M. Gage,
with four lady assistants The class number
ed thirty-two graduates, twenty-one young la
dies and eleven young gentlemen. ~ d DO
u The forenoon was devoted to an examination
of the class, which included Rotations in
American Literature, in Geology, Botany, As
tronomy, and Intellectual Philosophy, with
Mental Arithmetic aud drawing of geograph-
ical maps. The graduates acquitted them
selves with much credit in all the exercises.
Of course it is impossible to tell, from SO brief
an examination, how thorough and self-reliant
their scholarship may be, and how much is
simply artificial. -i. 80 h3'.i-' 5a1
The afternoon was5devoted to the reading of
original essays and to original declamati ons,
with two three selected pieces. To each of
the graduates was assigned part, but it be-
came necessary to make omissions. Good
sense was shown in the selection of topics, a
portion of which were treated with considera
BILE originality, while the general handling dis
played good taste. Without exception the ell
ocution was exceedingly good. a very COM
mendahle trait in those intending to teach
commendable, indeed, in every one. The ex-
ercises received the delighted attention of
crowded audience for more than three hours.
The performances of the young ladies were
quite equal to those of the young gentlemen
How much longer shall they be excluded from
the colleges of the country? iEo S115i-. o"1
q After fe " brief addresses from several gen
tlemen in the audience, the exercises conclud-
ed with the presentation of diplomas to the
graduates by the State Superintendent of
Public Schools, Mr.. Ballard.
By supplying better class of teachers, as a
body, the Normal school must henceforth ex-
ert great and good influence upon public ed
ucation in Maine. 1t sends forth thirty-two
graduates this year, and doubtless there will be
larger graduating classes in the future as the
whole number present this term was one hun
dred and forty. Perhaps, also, the course of
studies may be extended to three years instead
of two, which would admit. of great improve
ment. And then better method of instruc-
ton WILL without doubt, be developed as time
goes by, until at last we shall behold true.
rational philosophy of education in practical
operation in the public schools of Maine-and
one thing is sure, there is now room enough
for improvement in both public and private in
struction.
Last evening the members of the graduating
class held a levee in Normal Hall, which was a
very pleasant affair. f.f
In the early evening there was also meet
ing of a number of the teachers Of the State in
the Normal building, and it was voted to hold
meeting at some future day to be determined
by a Committee ofArrangements, of the teach
ers OF the State for the purpose OF reviving
the old Teachers State Association. 8i.a