The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1869-10-08
FoR THE usioy AND JOURNAL
The Teachers Isstiiste.

Every reader Of the newspapers knows that
there is an Educational Institution in our State
under the control Of officers appointed by State
authorities. deriving their power from the stat
ute. and receiving their pay from the State
Treasury.
What the duty. power, and authority Of these
officers are, Is not 20 clearly understood hence
preface this article with an enumeration of the
same. do this because il will the better pre-
pare our friends to assist US in executing our
designs
The State Superintendent Is authorized to
hold two Institutes in each County, at such
times and places rs he shall think advisable.
The County Supervisors shall visit the several
towns in their respective Counties and exercise
an advising power. They shall visit and con-
suit with S. s. Committees, School Agents,
teachers, parents, and scholars They may sug-
gcst improvement in government and instruc-
ton hold town Institutes for the benefit Of
teachers recommend . new classification Of
towns and districts, grading Of schools, improve
ment in school buildings point out defects and
remedies, and labor for the elevation Of our COM
mon school system.
I shall hold Town Institute in many Of the
towns during the winter, and now cali upon the
8. S. CONS and district agents TO assist me in
this direction, for without their cooperation
cannot accomplish anything worthy the effort.
But know shall have il.
l undertake the weghty responsibilities OF
the Office distrusting my own abilities; but when
know that 30 many true men and women are
wishing me God-speed. feel encouraged and
hope 10 accomplish q good work by my zeal and
lore for the cause and hsiT valuable coopera-
ton.
The Institute for York County was held at
Biddef6rd last week, brief account Of which
may not be improbable nor uninteresting to the
friends Of education:
The powerful rain Of Monday morning, the
sickness Of the Supt and DR.. True, and the IN
avoidable absence Of the Supervisor, rendered
the commencement anything but fattering.
Much credit Is due the s. s. Committees Of Bid
deiord and Saco for the prompt and efficient
aid which they extended. Dir. +. s. Morris Of
the Grammar School did much to get the Instr
tute into running orler, for which he has our
thanks. The Supervisor arrived Tuesday fore
noon, and unexpectedly found himself called
upon to GIL an Office for which he felt himself
poorly prepared. DIR. True came up in the sf-
ternoon. His presence inspired the Institute
with new life. Officers, teachers, and members
experiment q success II possible.
How well they succeeded the sequel will show.
The attendance was very good during the day
telligent citizens Of this community were found
earnestly and attentively listening to the inter
ezting and instructive lectures of Prof. Crutteu-
den and DR.. True. They felt themselves amply
compensated for their pains, and pronounced 1t
indeed "feast of reason and flow Of soul"
1 10 not propose to give many details. Very
many most excellent ideas and principles were
presented. Prof. Cruttenden's system is rad
ically different from any heretofore advocated
among us. IL truly contained many facts which
claim q careful consideration. II was freely
discussed by the members, who seemed to take q
very common-sense view Of the mstter-to APP
propriate whatever is practical and. advisable,
and leave the rest for further consideration.
The Dr.'s lecture on Indian names Is worth
all the time and attention Of the week. Who
has not felt the need Of Just the knowledge which
that lecture furnished, How pleasing teach
er can make geography lesson by using the
Indian definitions
I wish to speak more definitely Of the men,
bers Of the Institute; Of their experience and ap
pearance, and the impressions received during
my connection with them. The institute num-
bered onahundred and four. twenty seven males
and seyenty-seven females, nearly all Of whom
have taught school. They have taught, in the
aggregate, lS0SS weeks, or 429 years an aver
age Of l73s weeks nearly, or more than four
years, reckoning AZ weeks for q year. They
went there 10 -eire upon something which would
better prepare them for the responsible duties Of
teacher well did they attend and many q
sparkling eye and joyous countenance telegraph
Cd the arrival Of an important truth. The
members Of that Institute are po,rer in this
County they must be felt, they ,riN be apprc-
ciated. Future generations will bless them as
they enjoy the incstimable blessings secured to
them by their labors.
Now when we consider these facts, when we
know that 50 much time, labor and thought
have been expended when we witness this earn
estncss and self-sacriice, this devotion to vo-
cation less renumeratiye than almost all others,
do you not feel. parents and friends Of York
County, that there is something more for you to
do! Are your school houses in good repair
Are they neat, commodious, we'll finished and
furnished, Have you supplied everything nee
essary for the comfort Of your scholars while at
SCHOOL, See to 1t that those noble men and wo-
men have utensils sufficient to carry forward
their plans to final and glorious result
There will be another Institute probably at
Limerick, commencing Dec. II and continuing
FIVE days. I must say to Com. and Agents, let
your teachers come up here and spend the week,
and they will be all the better 10 earn their wages
De generous, be prudent, be wise.
NJ. X. MARRY, Supervisor.
LIMERICK. Oct. 4th 1869.