The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-07-19

hate on common schools. in which the As
ISOLATION was engaged on THURSDAY morn
ing, and will resume If the point NJ winch
ne left Of. 10
the resolution Of Professor Martin and OF
system of free schools. He was of course
in favor Of having the Bible taught in our
schools, but il should not he done ny eggs
lafive enactment. If the Legislature is per-
mitted to say that the Bible shat be ta'igh1
in our schools, ii may also say that IL Shalt
not. or may attempt 10 prescribe eNac!lS
what doctrines may be taught. lhis point
should he carefully guarded. 49,.
Rep. !. D. !Shearer, of Halifax. said that
his views differed toto colo from those OF
Professor Minor. He was opposed I" iree
schools. But having, rs compromise hie"-
sure, voted the other day for the ne" COZ
stitution, which contains = provision III IL.
vor of free schools, he felt bound 10 seek IN
good faith to carry ii out, ana 10 MAKE 'h'
best we can of it. , 10
cidcdly opposed to the system OF Tree
schools. and expressed his deep regret AT
views advanced on this floor in favor OF H.
lie earnestly argued that the results OF the
system elsewhere were not Such as 10 COM
mend it to us. He drew vivid comparison
of the civilization under the free school syS-
tenn with that of Virginia, ana argued tue
great superiority of the latter. lie was nor
opDosed to general culture, but to TINS form
of Il. He ABLY argued that the free school
system must necessarily prescribe religion,
unless you have union of church ana
state. when, Of course, the State rPh9'oa
would be admitted into the schools. :.
He argued that the system was peclllar!y
obnoxious to us from the fact that 1t VIII
form part of our political machinery; ana
will be used for the basest political ends.
j. j. Davidson, Esq, warmly enoofseu
the views Of Professor Minor.
Professor JONES thought that the discus
sion had clearly shown that such diversity
of opinion existed that it was ineXpedient
to APPOINT committee TO represent TINS AS.
sociation before the Legislature. lie would
therefore move to lay the resolution upon
the table. .........,
Professor Holmes warmly seconded the
motion to Law on the table. We are no
nearer together on this question of free
schools to-day than we were twenty years
aoo. He believed in having education free
TO the whole people. But what IS educa-
ton, and by what system can 1t be best
promoted? Would you have precisely the
same education for the boy who is to follow
the plow, and the minister who Is 10 I'LL the
pulpit? 49,. A..
After ably and eloquently arguing this
point, he said that he was opposed to the
sons-frst, it was quas, political move,
and he would at once withdraw from the
Association if it was to dabble in politics !;
second, with all respect for the distinguish
ed gentleman named as chairman professor
Minor, he was unwilling for the Assocli-
ton to be represented by one holding such
yiews-yiewS which, in his Judgment, were
not only old, but petrifed. -.
Professor Martin was entirely Wiling that
his resolution should lie on the table II the
Association thought best; but he begged to
inform gentlemen of the latest news by
telegraph The new constitution which
has been adopted expressly provides Tor Tree
schoolS-the thing is upon Us, and, what
ever may be our views, we can't dodge the
question. He was warmly i'll favor OF the
committee, who might do much in getting
the best practical working of the system,
and he believed that an overwhelming ma
jority Of the people of the State would agree
with him in preterring Professor Minor To
any other man, not only as chairman OF the
committee, but also as General School Com
missioner of the State.
Colonel j. ". Massey earnestly advocated
the motion to lay on the table. we could
not oet rid of the quasi political aspects Of
the question, and we had best not discuss 1t
now. The question is not yet settled. All
is at sea. Besides he really had no opinion
upon the question. He had been flying in
the air, and has not yet W. .. ...
General Smith did not regard the qucs-
ton as by any means settled. The DON'T
nart party in the convention intended to
settle it for all time, but happily we will
have IN opportunity of amending the con-
stitution, and he thought this discussion 4
most important one, rs tending to shape
public sentiment and bring about proper
amendments.
After some further remarks and eNplana-
tions the resolution was tabled, with the
understanding that it will be brought up
for discussion again at the next meeting.
THURSDAY NIGHT.
The Association was opened with prayer
by Rev. J. B. Shearer.
Resolutions Of thanks to General Smith
for donation Of one hundred and fifty copies
OF Maury's "Physical Survey of Virginia"
aud to Mr.. George l.. Bidsood for a large
supply of stationery, were unanimously
adopted.
= The Committee on Order of Business made
their report Of themes for the next meeting,
which was adopted, as follows
l. The study of English, and the mode of
its study in primary academies and collegiate
institutions.
2. The best mode of practical instruction
In the modern languages.
3. Merits and defects of northern schemes
of common school education.
4. Improvement Of instruction in reading
and elocution.
S. Histories of the United States.
6. Opening address before the next Assocl-
alton, on "The best ways and means OF adj
justing the systems of education in Virgil
mia so rs to bring them into harmony with
the rapid march and development of phy-
steal and industrial knowledge"
Professor Minor read the report of the
executive committee on the proposition Of
the proprietor of the Seminary Magazine to
adopt it as the organ OF the Association.
The report advises the acceptance of the
proposition, and gives various details rs to
the management Of the magazine. Report
adopted. Three hundred and sixty sub
scribers were obtained on the spot, and 4
committee of three appointed to canvass
further.
Professor I'll. n. B. Wood read 4 series of
resolutions on the general subject of teach
ing; which were referred to the Committee
on Themes for next meeting.
Professor c. j. Harris read paper pre-
pared by Professor Blair, Of Hampden Sid
ney, on "the accentuation, quantity, and
pronunciation, of the Latin language"
Professor Harris-no mean authority
pronounced il an able and scholarly paper.
Professor r.. r. Price complimented the
paper and its author in high terms, and
moved that il be recommitted TO him with
the request that he enlarge and present it at
the next meeting.
Professor GilderSieeUe read q brief but
able paper on 'Greek accentuation," taking
high ground in favor of its antiquity and
usefulness.
Professor Joynes desired to know, for in
formation, whether the report represented
the sentiments or practice of the teachers of
the State.
Professor Gildersleeue replied that the