Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1867-11-28
Educational Convention.

DELAWARE Co., PENNA., Nov, 81. 1867.
Messrs. Editors, Among the interest
ing articles on Teachers, and Education
generally noticed in your valuable paper
we have seen nothing from this section of
the Union, so We propose to give you
sketch Of what Teachers here are doing;
and throw in word in favor Of Teachers
Institutes or Conventions.
In accordance with notice issued from
headquarters the Teachers of Del. Co. gem
orally, closed books and doors for week,
and reported at Media at 9. P.M..Nov. 4.S0
names were enrolled at the opening of the
session at the close of the week the roll
call numbered LOG. This is quite notable
fact considering there are but 100 Teachers
in the County. After the ordinary proceed
ings usual on such occasions permanent
organization was effected.
The regular exercises of the Inst were
then commenced. Mr.. Woodruff,the Ches-
ter Co. Supt., was introduced, and made
some general remarks upon the subject of
teaching, which were well received. Prof
Bailey OF New Haven, Connecticut, enter
tain the institute with a lecture on Elocu-
tionary Training, delivered in mastery
ana exceedingly pleasant manner
In the evening DIR. Frank Taylor of
West Chester favored us with an earnest
and eloquent discourse upon American Civ
Taxation, which was warmly applautled,
and closed the exercises of the day.
Tuesday morning the proceedings were
opened BY some remarks, and exercises in
Arithmetic, by j. w. McCracken, Del Co.
Superintendent. This was followed by a
miscellaneous speech by Mr.. Woodruff.
Our note book recorded these extracts.
"Thc grand secret of good teaching is to
make your scholars attentiyc to their
| studies; unless you Can do this your expert
ment in teaching is u failure" If you have
no taste, or relish for teaching try it one
term, to make yourself comfortable, and
then stop. Do not degrade yourself and
your profession by attempting to do a
thing for which nature has never fitted you.
Chop wood, wash dishes, or do anything
honorable, but stop teaching"
| Prof. Bailey occupied the next hour
upon the Importance of good reading He
illustrated by amusing anecdotes and appro-
pirate extracts.
u Mr.. Woodruff then spoke on the subject
of records for pupils, until the close of the
morning session.
In the afternoon au address was delivered
by DIR. Parrish on the Moral Training OF
Children. Mr.. Woodruff then conducted an
exercise in spelling by writing, using the
Inst. as class. Prof. Bailey gave some fine
readings in the evening, which occupied
the time till adjournment
On Wednesday morning the Institute con-
vened at 0 o'clock. s. A. Potter gave prac-
tical instructions in penmanship, which
were quite interesting. Prof. Bailey con
tinucd his instructions in Elocution the next
hour, using the Institute as class in va
rious exercises. Mr.. Woodruff followed
with spelling exercise.
Att PM. Prof. Bailey favored us again
with an interesting lecture, delivered in hii
usual pleasant and eloquent stile.
BY invitation from DR.. Harlan the Inst
adjourned to visit the Pennsylvania Training
School for the weak minded, near Media
This was quite delightful change. TIL,
exercises consisted CHIEFLY of singing and
gymnastics, and were well conducted.
We were glad Of the opportunity of see
ing what an influence, judicious training, an,
the power of love has exerted over thest
darkened minds. Returned tn time t.
hear the lecture of the evening session, de-
(whosc name we cantot reoalD on I" Gu
Language and how to use it," which wa.
amusing and interesting.
Thursday morning. Prof Kimberly spok,
upon the " Science of Accounts" proving
that thorough knowledge of this brancl
was necessary ID the Teacher, and essen
tial to success in business Mr. Woodruff
conducted another spelling exercise. Prof
Bailey occupied the next hour with reading
exercises.
9 p. M. Prof Kimberly again took III
the subject of Accounts, and the best way
: to teach them Prot. Bailey followed ii
his usual happy style. Gen. Steinwethcl
spoke briefly upon Physical Geography
Mr.. Woodruff again made some remarks
principally upon clear articulation and cor
rect spelling.
r In the evening we listned to Prof Wick
ersham, State Superintendent, on the ne
| cessity of ''Universal Education in Re
. public" He says "There is an awakening
in the cause of education, Newspapers are
glad to get full accounts of Teachers Insti
tutes, and articles npon Education are sole
tied. Educate the children thoroughly ant
, you make the State great and wealthy
Keep the people moving, educate them
] this is the best remedy for all our evils "
Q Ignorance is the curse of Republic, Il
0 preserve our liberties we must have Uni
Uersat Education. He spoke of old-fash
Toned school houses, and thought Delaware
Co. should retain at least one as relic, til,
tho ras. should be torn down, (dnen say
we y also, no Teacher car teach wen with
out tools; there is a want OF apparatus Il
! Our schools. He closed his appropriate
and eloquent discourse by making alluslol