The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1869-04-08
AN ADDRESS
Teachers Of Public Schools
FOR CARROLL COUNTY.

Isfdtf8 0nd tTe,htc1tfhs Al tnc last meet
ing ofthe Teachers Association resolution
was passed authorizing pn address to be
communicated to you, requesting your NJ
tendance Mt the next regular meeting. which
will be on Saturday, the 9Th day Of May.
Wo would submit the following i--lt DO.
comes US as Teachers to take every advan
,nge offered to improve and cultivate our
minds, TO elevate ourselves above the com
mon standard Of our profession so that rs
We grow in years, VIC may likewise grow in
knowledge, Much may, indeed, be accom-.
plished by frequently reading and studying
scientific and other useful books but we
have already too many book w0rms, who
conceal their light beneath bushel. refns-
ing, either through fear or modesty, TO let
il shine.
ofallprofessional men the Teacher should
be able TO communicate his thoughts TO
others in fluent and intelligent manner.
Tho profession requires it the country
needs it and education demands IL.
The intelligent Teacher must exercise
much Influence in any community. The
people will sooner or later discover his tai.
enls aud abilities, and Learn to regard him asa
bright aud shining light in their midst. But
il hermitlike we secluda ourselves aud bury
our talents out of their sight, we cannot ex.
poet to attain to any particular emiuence in
the profession. We must exchange opin-
ions With our fellowinen; we must instruct
and be instructed; we must counsel with
each other and endeayor TO advance higher
aud higher. The possession Of knowled4e
without the ability TO apply it, is having
| something that amounts 10 nothing.
Public education is progressing ITS benign
tnH Ilal. a
the civilized world il has to n certain ex.
tent been the means of dissipaiing the fruits
of ignorance and superstition. Through il
our seas are whitened by the commerce Of
the world; steamers ply FROM port 10 port /;
our own Union is more firmly bound by a
network of railroads the iron horse runs
swiftly from place to place, aud distant
| cities arc brought into apparent proximity;
the telegraph beass messages with lightaing
speed from city to city and from port to
pert the telescope snatchcs, as il were. the
| planets from their orbita and exhibits their
surfaces to the view OF man the press, the
| light and shield Of liberty, the terror of IL.
rants and despots, has espoused the cause
Of public education, and with trumpet. voice,
calls upon all to assist in its promotion.
The pulpit, the bench, the rostrum, all
demand its advancement. The learned and
wise OF all nations cry ''onward, onward 4"
| But they may talk, aud demand, and advise:
| il the work is not vigorously pushed for.
ward, but little will be accomplished The
Teachers are they to whom the march Of in
tellect is intrusted, They are they who
prepare the youthful mind for future use
fulness who instil the principles Of know.
/ ledge, who assume the responsibility of ma
rents, who are held accountable for the
instruction impaired, whether 1t be good or
evil. In this they stand side by side with
the Ministers Of God, being equally accoun
table to their Creator. But who are the
Teachers OF Carroll county, They are they
who are expected and required to have their
school-rooms in as neat order aud as CON.
Portable on rainy or an extremely cold
day rs when the weather is fair and pleas
aut. They are they who receive smaller
salary, than any other professional men or
women in the State, for the amount aud
value Of the service they render.
Friends, are you willing W suffer this or
will you unite with your fellow Teachers, in
an attempt to devise some plan TO improve
our present condition?
The Commissioners require much Of you,
but are very careful to reward with parsi-.
monious hand. They have yen examined
at your own expense 70 test your abilities as
Teachers they establish your salaries they
even go beyond the letter OF the law and
compel you TO average the attendance of
pupils, aud pay only for the average mum
Der they make you subservient TO the
whims and eapriees Of parents.
Is there another county 10 the State that
does less for her Teachers, and less for
her scholars? We answer, no. Carroll is
lone star. With sinister hand she seeks
the advantages Of public instruction, but
with the right-she pa-alyzes the energies
OF her instructors, when she should assist
and encourage them.
The Commissioners have refused to per.
| init the Teachers TO meet once in each term
TO improve and elevate their standard as
Teachers and that Of the profession, (except
they meet on Saturday.
We want to consult about method, about
discipline, aud abont the best plans to So.
cure aud retain punctual aud regular attend.
ance. We want to know our whole duty /;
We want to labor to the best advantage we
want to do our work well and in good faith.
and We want to be literally rrmunera,ed for
| our services.
We hope you may feel an interest in these
things that concern you much and meet
with us at our next regular meeting, and
assist in an endeavor to promote the cause
OF education aud our mutual welfare. Come.
Your 0bdt. Servt's.,
]. d. pEHoFF,
President Teachers Association.
Miss MAoGIE FowlsR,