The Portland daily press., 1870-11-24

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situated. we have the means if we will but
lie them. The teacher can draw from al
sources OF human power; but we need more
careful selection of subjects for discipline; We
scatter too much. Tue means of discipline
that might have served 500 years ago will moi
serve now. We need careful drill in elementa.
~ processes. How few have thoroughly learn.
eo the combination of numbers even. We
need such discipline that We can carry
through these elementary processes without
such useless and wasteful expenditure OF
power. We need careful drill in the elementa.
ry principles there lies between the more GEN
eral principles and the rules of art. These are
tne most essential principles for ordinary in.
struction; they are too often neglected. A more
scientlhc education will result from the better
observation of these intermediate principles.
Although the means of discipline are at hand
the ends OF discipline are not attained. The
Iauit IS IN the method. General principles are
TOO hastily assumed; our reasoning is too un =.
methodlcal, too upscientifc. Many Of our
scientific men to-day are too hasty in their as
SUMPTION OF general principles; and much dis
credit is thus brought upon the science. Our
teaching is too dogmatic. The great need Is
more care in the methods of induction. Facts
should be studied in their relations and inter-
relations. In this way only can they become
OF real value Our moral instruction is too
| dogmatic. We should arrive at moral truths
duction.
;, AT the conclusion of Mr.. Rounds address
the committee on change Of time of holding
the annual meeting Of the Association report
ed from November to May. The report was
adopted. Adjourned till evening.
TUESDAY EVENING
The Committee on Nominations report>d the
following named persons a. Committee on
legislation Nelson Dingley, Jr., Lewiston:
land.
The following subject was then opened far
discussion;-"Selfi improvement Of Teachers.''
A. T. Stone opened the discussion. Teachers
must DO something for self improvement A
teacher must see teachers work outside of his
own SCHOOL; II he does not he will fall into .
miserable routine. We need to come in con-
tact with others in the school room. Another
source OF self improvement is ate ndance upon
educational associations. No teacher has at
tended this meeting who will not leave Auras-
"a tomorrow with higher pride in his profess
sion; Such associations are Normal schools
condensed. No teacher can afford to absent
themselves from these meetings. Another
means of self improvement is reading. Books
cannot make teacher, but much light may be
publications Every teacher should take some
good educational journal. Another class of
reading is to be found in zstbe different works
on teaching. Beyond question the best work
on teaching extant is Pages Theory and Prac-
tice Of Teaching. Ono thing should be avoid.
ed. We should not copy, parrot-like, othe,
peoples plans. A teacher SHOULD be sslf reli.
ant and independent.
o. b. Stetson said that primary teacher
needs to know more in a certain sense than
the professor of collegiate institution. Every
teacher should gam all the positive knowledge
possible. They have been building a dam here
at Augusta; and il is the duty for every teach
q TO UNDERSTAND the construction of that dam.
That il, something beyond positive knowledge
This IS TO be gained bv carefully studying The
rich literature of the English language.
Or. N. L. True assured teachers that all the
money expended for self improvement is we'll
expended. 1t will bring to eyery teacher an
ample return: DR.. True advocated the hold
ing OF town Institutes. DEPRESSING little. he
sad that teachers need to distinguish carefully
p facts and principles. Pupils shonld
to properly use them. Much more should
teachers make use of note books.
, w: h. Lambert, Augusta High School, closed
tn the discussion. He spoke briefly of the three
Kinds OF education, direct, indirect and selt
could not find time to pursue any special stndv
outside Of their school duties. Teachers must
work and study in season and out of season.
Al the suggestion of Mr.. Stone, Miss Pond.
OF Lewiston, was invited to favor the Associa.
uon with some select reading. Miss P. read in
avery acceptable manner poem by Charles
Mackay and pathetic little piece entitled
The Return of the Hillside Legions'
me resident read letter from Hon. John
u. Philbrick, City Superintendent OF Schools
Boston, regretting his inability to be present to
perform the service set down for him.
State Superintendent johnson referred an.
proprlately to the recent death of Rev. DR..
Ballard, the first President of the Association,
adopted by rising:
Resolved-That the recent sudden decease of
Rev Edward Billiard, D. D., takes from our
RANKS one known by us as genial companion,
Inh onI,n oil
true christian. Deeply feeling our own great
loss, We extend our sincere symaathy to his
family and friends.
Prof. Cruttenden was called upon for re-
ing, THE Mag zine and the Public School,"
His remarks were exceedingly interesting, and
were listened to with marked favor.
WEDNESDAY MORNING.
Prof Allen made the opening prayer.
The committee on nominations reported for
officers OF the association for the next year as
follows: President. G. G. Rounds, Pennington;
Vice President Thomas fash, Lewiston; Sec.
rotary and Treasurer, G. B. Stetson, Lewiston
Executive Committee, A. P. Stone, Portland,
J. s. Barrell Lewiston. w. j. Corthell, Calais,
u. L. Fletcher. Castine, Warren johnson, Au-
gasta, j. b. Webb, Gorham, J. II. Hanson,
Watervile. They were elected unanimously.
The committee on resolutions reported the
following:
Resolyed-That we tender our thanks to the
authorities tor the use of this hall, and to Col.
Baker, OF the Augusta House, for q reduction
on board.
Resolved-That wo express orr thanks to
the President and ex Officers for tho good
programme which has rendered the exercises
of this meeting so.interesting.
Resolved-That we extend our thanks to the
able educators from Massachusetts, for the ser
vice which they have rendered the Association
and the cause educ atiOn.
Resolved-That, in the opinion of this Asso-
ciation the work of improvement in the edu.
cational work Of the State is progressing; and
that the law transferring the employment of
teacners from agents to committees will tend
to give efficiency to our schools.
Resolvet-That it is the imperative duty of
the State to take SEINE effective measures to
bring all the children of the State between the
ages OF and IA years, under the influence of
the public or private schools.
Resolved-That the State should provide for
the further support of common schools by a
State educational tax of one mill upon each
dollar of taxable property, to be apportioned to
the cities and towns according to the actual
school attendance
Resolved-That we recognize the representa-
tlves of the press as indispensable ce-laborers
in the educational field; and that the able
corps of reporters in attendance deserve our
thanks for their services in reporting the exer.
cises Of our meeting.
Resolved That we thank the railroad COM
panies fer free return tickets.
The resolutions were adopted. The meeting
adjourned finally by the singing Of "Old Hun