Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-08-02

Gen. Lees Report ON school n;s.,,,


In the Educational Convention. in ses-
sion at Lynchburg, on Wednesdav l Ses-
Gen. T. FL. Smith read the FOLLOWING g D. D.
port on School Discipline" prepaTed ~,
the Chairman, General Robert Il. Lee. VIII
was Unavoidably absent VAN
Inc Committee appointed by the Educa-
t1onal Association of Virginia, on "SchooI
Discipline, beg leave to report that in
\ their opinion, it is impracticable 20 estobl
llsh fixed rules for the government of
schools. Public sentiment is so divided
on the subject, and the methods of family
training are SO various, that no uniform
system can be we'll adopted to meet the
general requirement.
If the subject of education could ever
De OF more Importance at one period of
our history than at another, that period is
the present; and that it may be advanced
to the highest state of proficiency, it is i'm
portant that general cooperation should
be enlisted in its support,
It is, therefore, considered more adyan-
tageous to recommend for attention some
general principles, and leave their applica-
ton to the Judgment and discretion of
teachers.
The selection of proper persons for the
office OF teacher is matter of the first i'm
portance, and as its duties require long and
comprehensive preparation, it should be
regarded as among the most honorable and
important professions, and be committed
to those whose beneficial influence and in
structlon shall embrace morals and religion
as well as the intellect. The teacher should
be the example of the pupil. He should
aim at the highest attainable proficiency,
and not pleasing mediocrity. Unless he
can teach those committed to his care TO
think, and to work, and can impart to them
Ugor with learning, there can be no real
advance: He must study the character and
disposition OF his pupils, and adapt his
course of discipline to their peculiarities.
Above all, he must be uniform, consistent,
firm, kind in his conduct, teach more byacts
than words, and show the children under
his charge that he has their true interest at
heart. He should look upon them not onIv
as the parents of a new generation, but also
as heirs OF Immortality, and while prepar-
ing them for usefulness in this life, instil
into their impressible minds principles of
piety and religion; for if it be true, as
taught by history, that greatness depends
upon virtue, 1t is equally true that religion
is the fountain and support of virtue
Should the daily business of the school
be conducted on such principles, and the
pupils be trained in the habits of obedi-
ence, reverence and truthfulness, and be
convinced that they are noble and lovely
IN themselves, and their practice manly
and honorable, the main object of educa-
ton will have been attained.
In addition to these moral influences. a
teacher should be clothed with all the an
thority of the parent in the discharge of
his duties, and be sustained by him so
long as he may entrust his child to his care.
that he may be kept constantly informed
Of the conduct of his child, weekly, quar-
5erly and yearly reports of his progress
should be sent him by the teacher in which
should be stated his absence, late attend
ance and misbehavior Certificates of adj
should likewise be given to
those who excel in studies and conduct
The system OF punishments ought to be as
simple and mild as they can be made eff
tectve, and when coercion has to be resort
9d to, 1t should be generally left to the pa
rent. Should admonitions, restriction of
recreation, &C., fail to produce the desired
effect, and the pupil obstinately resist the
patient expostulation of the teacher, there
will then be no other resource than to re-
urn him to his parents as one unworthy
place in the school.
In connection with this subject, and as
IN additional incentive for the faithful and
conscientious discharge of parental duty,
10 OOAA1UCoo REFER 10 a statement which
he present Lord SALISBURY is said to have
made at q recent public meeting in London,
hat he had ascertained by personal obser-
alton, that of adult male criminals of that
ity, nearly all had begun a course of crime
'etween the ages of eight and sixteen
nd that if young man should pursue q
irtuous life till he was twenty years old,
here were forty mine chances in favor and
My one against his continuing an honest
fe thereafter. How great is the import
nee, then, of every parents exercising the
ecessary control over his child until six
cen. BY proper management this would
OF be difficult and might be the means of
aving him from crime, misery and remorse.
Respectfully submitted,
r. E. LEE,
S. MAUPIN,
FRANCIS II. SMITH,
Committee