Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1868-04-09
Kent County Teachers Association.

This Association held its first spring meeting Mt
Smyrna, on March 21th and 2sth. Despit. un-
favorable weather there was good attendance
from all parts of the county. Those in attendance
were most Hospitality entertained by the citizens
OF Smyrna.
The Association met in the basement of the NJ,
Il. Church on Friday, the 21th ut., aud was called
70 order at 3:l5, p m. In the absence of the
President and Secretary chosen at the previous
meeting, Rev. w. Richardson was chosen Prsi-
dent, and +. VIM. Gaylord, Secretary, pro. tenn,
after which Rev. Jno. Mccoy opened the session
with prayer. At the call OF the Association, the
Committee appointed TO draft Constitution
made report which was read by the Secretary
and after some amendment, was adopted as u
whole. On motion the Secretary then proceeded
to take the names of members. About eighteen
Joined at first, and more handed in their names
before the close OF the meeting. The next thing
in the order of exercises was the election OF oili-
GERS, which resultedas follows :-Presidcnt, j. NJ.
Williams, of Milford; Vice President, Rev. VIM
Richardson, Houston; Secretary, E. VIM. Gay
lord, Fredcrica; Treasurer, Thos. B. Hunter,
smyrna Executive Committee, j. II. Buche el
Smyrm,, E. ID. Tarr, Pennington, Rev. j. S viii
lis, Huntington. In the abs nee Of the President,
the Vice President took the chair. The Associa,
tion then adjourned ull 7.3o, p. III.
At Z. 80 the Association was again called TO or
der by the Vice President, and was opened with
prayer by Rev. W. b. Gregg, after which the
members united in singing. The Association then
listened to an eloquent address by Rev. j. s. Will
lis The speaker set forth in striking contrast the
opposite influences of education and ignorance on
the civilization, the prosperity, the government
and politics of nations, and ON the life and NOR
ais of individuals The intimate connection be-
tween true knowledge aud true religion, was
orcibly presented, and the address closed with
an appeal in behalf OF the cai.e. The lecture was
heard with profound attention by the audience
and after lis conclusion unanimous vote If
thanks was rendered the speaker. A resolution
was also passed, requcstinga copy for publication.
T.
tary for membership during the evening session.
which adjourned at g,15.
The Association reassembed on Saturday morn
Ing, the Vice President in the chair.
Inc Association was organized into class in
Arithmetic, and led by Mr.. L. ID. Tarr Nearly
an hour was spent In Il discussion of the best
'nsth@ds OF teaching fractions, which was part-
cipattd ~ generally by the Association. The
wee resident, Rev. W. Richardson, then pro-
posed the following question Should written or
mental arithmetic be first used in our primary
schools? Remarks were made on both sides, al
though the negative seemed to received the prin-
cipaal support. After second class drill ON elo-
culion, by MIR. IL. j. Smith, the Association pro-
ceeded to general business. A resolution thnt
lhe next meeting be in Milford was carried, and
Mcssrs. Williams, Gaylord, and Richal dson were
appointed Committee ol Arrangements. On
motion, Committee, consisting of Messrs Rich
ardson and Willis, was appointed to wait on the
officers of the Railroad, and secure half tickets
for those who may wish hereafter TO attend meet
ings of the Associations motion unanimous
vote Of thanks was rendered to the people of
Smyrna for their kind hospitality TO the members
of the Association, after which adjourned until
2.3O, P. NJ.
In the afternoon President Williams took the
chair and there was general discussion on the
following topics -
The best method Of advancing primary schol-
ars-Corporal Fundamentals tic number of
branches taught in our Common Schools too
great or otherwise PAT what age should the
pupil enter upon the study Of Grammar? Teach
an increased interest in the cause of Education.
DIR. Cummins, of Smyrna, spoke Of the impor-
tance of School Commissioners, as well as teach
ers, attending the meetings of the Association.
| A resolution was passed. requesting School Com
inissioners to allow our teachers the time to Mt
tend State and County Conventions At $50, p.
NJ, the Association adjourned till Thursday, the
eth Of August,