Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1867-07-19
Dean Smith Tor appellants, and r. j. Brent,
McGruder and Dulany for appeec&. Cause
retained for decision
Court adjourned I'LL the 18th of December.
Cen. Lees Report on School Discipline.

Cen. Lees Report on School Discipline
At,he meeting Of the Educational Assocla-
ton Of Virginia, in Lyuchburg, on "Wednesday,
Gen. +. Fl. Smith read the following Report
On School Discipline, prepared by the Chair
man. Gen. Robert +. Lee, who was una7old-
ably absent:
The Committee appointed By the Educa,
tional Association OF Nirginia, on ''Schoo!
Discipline, beg leave 10 report that. in their
oninon, il is impracticabc to establish fixed
rules for the Government OF Schools. Public
sentiment is 81 divided on the subject, ans
tic methods Of family trainings are so various:
that 10 uniform system can b. Well adapted i"
meet the general requirement.
Il The subject Of Education could ever be Of
more importance at one period Of orr history
than At another, that period is the present !:
and TIA! il may Ec advanced to The highest
state OF proficiency, it is important that general
cooperation should &c enlisted IN its support.
Ii is, therefore, considered more advantage,
Gus TO recommend Tor attention some general
principles and leave their application To the
Judgment and discretion Of teachers.
The selection Of proper persons for The Office
Of teacher is a matter Of the first importance,
and as its duties require long and comprehen-
sive preparation it sh0uld be regarded as among
the most honorable and important profess ions,
and be committed TO those whose beneficial
influence and instruction shall embrace morals
and religion, as we'll as the intellect. The
teacher should be the example OF the pupil
He should aim at the highest attainable pro-
ficiency, and tot at u pleasing medocrity. -
Unless he can teach those committed to his
care to think, and to work, and can imparr to
them vigor with learning, there can be 30 real
advance He must study the character and
disposition OF his pupils, and adopt his course
ol discipline TO their pecuIarites. Above all,
he must be uniform, consistent; firm, kind IN
his conduct teach more by acts than words,
aud show the children under his charge that
he has their true interests at heart. lie should
look upon them not only as the parents Of 4
new generation, but also is heirs Of mmortall-
ty, and while preparing them for usefulness 10
this life, nstil Into their impressible minds
principles Of piety and religion; for if it be
true rs taught by history tha! greatness de-
Ponds upon virtue, it is equally true that re-
ligiou is the Foundation and support Of virtue
Should the daily business Of the school be
conducted ON such principles, and the pupils
be trained in habits of obedience, reverence
and truthiuncsS, and be convinced that they
are noble and lovely in themselves, and their
practice manly and honorable, the main object
Of Education will have been attained
In addition to these moral influences, Il
teacher should be clothed with all the authori-
ty of the parent in the discharge Ct his duties,
and he sustained b. him so long as he may
entrust his child to his care. That he may tie
kept constantly informed Of The condact OF his