The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-08-20


Women Better than the BnIlOt-Nntionnl De-
pnrtment of Education Demanded - The
School nnd the WOrkshOp-CriteriOn of Edu-
cati0n.
From Our otcn Correspondent
TRENTON, N. j., Aug 10, 1862
At the request of Miss Catharine E. Beecher,
preferred yesterday. she was allowed the use of
the Normal School room at 8 A. NJ. to-day. The
ladies were especially invited, and they consti-
tuted four-ffths of the large assembly. Miss
Beecher was introduced by the Secretary,
Whereupon she apologetically stated her voice
would not allow her to speak publicly, but Miss
Potter, of Oneida, N. Y, would read her adj
dress. As preface, Miss Potter rebuked the
audience vigorously for their lack of punctu-
ality, and threatened to lock the door upon late
comers. She herself, she said, had come with
out her breakfast. Perhaps cup of mild tea
would have helped to soothe the lady's nerves.
The address was on the subject, Something
for Women Better than the Ballot" Now that
negro suffrage is accomplished, the next politi-
cal struggle that will agtate the country will be
that of labor and capital, and, connected with
it. the question of iCOnldn Su,brdge There is
something essentially wrong in the present con-
Jlition of women, while the public mind is more
and more perplexed with the diverse methods
proposed for the remedy In the medium classes,
as it respects wealth, the unmarried or widowed
women feel that they are an incumbrance to
fathers and brothers, who often unwllingly sup
port them from pride or duty. To such, also,
there is no opening, no promotion, no career,
and they must remain dependent chiefly on the
labors of others till marriage is offered, which
Ito many is a positive impossibility. The most
nournful feature in this case is the fact that
host of these women have never been trained
pr any kind of business by which they can earn
independent livelihood WOman's profession
no provision made for its elevated duties.
Otestant women, us yet, have been infu-
to endow institutions for men, rather than
Aeir own sex. A little search revealed the
lat to six such colleges and professional
schools alone women had given half million
dollars in the present century. But now an
association of prominent ladies and gentlemen
had been organized in New York city to esta-
blish institutions in which highly educated
women shall be supported by endowments to
train their own sex for the practical duties of
the family state, and also to some business that
will secure to them an independent home and
income. When completed, it will comprise the
following departments-1. The Literary Depart
ment for the main purpose of developing the
mental faculties, in accordance with each girls
character and tastes. .. The Domestic Depart
ment, which will aim to supply every deficiency
in practical family duties, to fit the pupils
to be economical, industrious, and expert
housekeepers. 3. The Health Department, to
train to preserve individual health. and also to
superintend the health of family. 4. The
Normal Department. to fit out school-teachers.
5. The Department of the Fine Arts, to teach
how to adorn homes. 6. The Industrial De-
partment, to train women in outdoor avocations
suited to their sex, by which they can earn an
honorable independence Such an institution
ba mi
tion propose to establish near New York, and
they ask the lady teachers of this country to
organize auxiliary bodies.
The address was heartily applauded and at
its conclusion the audience voted to meet for
discussion at A. NJ. on Friday.
The National Superintendents' Association
held an adjourned session at A. VI. The fol-
lowing nominations for officers of the associa-
ton for 1869 20 were read and confirmed
President, j. P. Wickersham, Pa; Vice-Presi-
dent s. S. Ashley, N c.; Warren Johnston, Me-;
B. c. Hobbies, Ind; Secretary, William r. Creery,
Md; Treasurer, James Cruikshank, N. j.; EX-
ecutive Committee, L. Van Bokkelen, Md; Thomas
Smith, Ark; f. A. Hubbard, Mass; W. D.
Henkle, Ohio; William o. Rogers, La.
Superintendent Kickoff Cleveland offered
series of resolutions in reference to the National
Bureau of Education, which being amended,
Whereas, twas in consequence of the earnest
and often repeated recommendation of State and
National Teachers Association, and especially
of the action taken at the session of the AssO-
citation of School Sup uperintendents held February
6, 1866 in the city of Washington, that Congress
finally established the Department OF Educa-
tiOn.
And 1UheredS, The more recent actioH of the
Senate and House of Representatives seems to
indicate a want of confidence i'm such depart
ment as a useful agency in promoting the cause
of education; therefore be it
ReSOJUed, That this association appoint Il
committee Of three, to act in conjunction with a
similar committee from the National Teachers
Association, with instructions to confer with the
authorities at Washington in regard to the best
interests of the National Bureau Cor oflice) of
Education"
ReSOlUed, That the joint committee appointed
as above be instructed to represent to Congress
that it is the unanimous opinion of the members
of this association that such department at the
seat of the General Government, clothed with
all the powers and having all the facilities con-
templated in the law by which it was originally
established, would be of almost incalculable
utility in collecting and disseminating informa-
tion for the use OF the great multitude OF school
officers, OF every rank, who are now, or who
may hereafter be, concerned in the organization
and management of schools and school systems
in scores of States and thousands of cities and
towns throughout the length and breadth of a
territory which already covers almost con-
tinent.
Resoloed, That the said committee be further
Instructed to urge upon Congress that the causes
which have impaired the present usefulness OF
the said department, whatsoever they may be.
be not permitted to weigh against the continll.
ance and liberal support of the department
itself.
ResOlUed, That in petitioning Congress for the
creation of a Department of Education in con