Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1870-09-16

23d ult., at 1880 A. NJ. A few words
of greeting were given by A. Thorn,
Principal of the East Waterloo
schools.
Many of the most noted and sue
cessfnl educators of the State were
present at the inaugural address of
the President of the Association,
Prof J. Piper, of Manchester. This
address was condensed review of
our school system, and was like all
other of Prof. Piper's efforts, both
pointed and instructive. One Of
the important improvements of our
school system, which he favored, is
a State Normal School, for which
all lovers of learning shall unceas-
ingly labor. Special preparation is
as much of a necessity for teaching
as for any other profession. He
found occasion to rejoice over Iowa's
staunch position in favor of the BIZ
BILE in our common schools, and
proved Exclusively by a lengthy
argument, that the enemies of the
Bible are the enemies of our COM
mon schools. At the close of the
addle ss Prof. J. Marvin, of Iowa
City, moved that a vote be taken to
give the expression Of the Associa-
ton on the Bible question, which
being taken, resulted in a unanimous
support of the views of the Prcsi-
dent.
Wednesday morning, after devo-
tional exercises, various committees
were appointed, and the three Sec
tons, as given in the published pro-
gramme, merged into one.
A discussion On school reports
and statistics was deliberately open
ed by Charles Robinson, Of De Witt.
The prevailing opinion favored
school reports if judiciously used.
AT 1O4 O'clock Miss Mary A. John
son, of Des Moines, read an essay
on " kindergarten Methods" which
was both pleasing and instructive.
Many expressions of appreciation
were given. After abiding to the
history of these methods she ex-
planned their object to be the sym
metrical development of children
in an attractive, social manner, and
not by the arbitrary rules of schools
and the drudgery of books.
Immediately upon the opening OF
the afternoon session Mrs. NJ. A.
McGoncgal, of Davenport, read IN
essay on :" Course Of Study for Com
mon Schools" The essay was very
instructive and thoughtful, and was
well delivered.
A model reading lesson was con
Quoted by Miss Emma Quintrell, OF
Sioux City. Although she had an
undisciplined class, she awakened Il
lively interest by her enthusiasm,
energy, and most natural method OF
imparting instruction.
Next in order was discussion on
"Course of Study in Graded
Schools" which was opened by
Prof. Charles Robinson.
Notwithstanding the unpropitious
storm in the evening, Hon. A. J
kissell addressed fine audience or
the History of Iowa, Past, Presen,
and Future" Superintendent Kis
sell is an earnest worker in the cause
of education.
After the address half hour was
spent in a random Improbable dis
cussion. This feature of the Asso
citation was the only cause for un
favorable criticism. In such al
Association where prominent teach
ers have come long distance tt
obtain the greatest good possible, i
would seem that every hour of thu
\ Association should be occupied will
definite work.
| Thursday morning, the usua
Iopening exercises were followed b,
a discussion of the changes needed
in the school law. The opinion pre-
vailed that each township should b,
one district, and that sub-district.
should be abolished.
An essay was read by Mrs. J. G
Gates, of Waterloo, on Helpful
ness" She measured ones great
ness by ones usefulness, and urget
teachers to hi gher motives and high
er attainments.
/ The report of the Committee OF
Il Normal School was given by Prof
n. Fellows, of Iowa City. 1t was ;
very able report, and worthy of thu
excellent and appreciated gentle
man who presented it.
4 discussion followed which en-
phasizcd the need Of State Norma
School.
Resolutions were then adopted
thanking the President of the Asso
citation for his earnest and success
full efforts in promoting the welfar,
of the Association, the Executiv.
Committee for it's efficient labors il
preparing work for the session, tn.
citizens of Waterloo for their gen
erous hospitality, the musical gen
tlcmen for their many favors, anf
several railroad and steamboat com
panies for reduction of fare.
The National Teachers Associa
ton was by resolution, invited to
hold its next session at Davenport
In the evening w. f. Crosby
Superintendent Of the Davenport
schools, delivered an address OF
Mind Growth" which was euditt
in manner and elegant in diction.
After the address the president
elect, Prof. S. J. Buck, of Grinncll
was introduced, and showed by his
dignitied bearing and appropriate
remarks the honors Of the Associa
ton had not been unworthily be
slowed.
About two hundred teachers anC
county superintendent were present
during the session of the Associa
ton, and all seemed gratified will
the results obtained and separated
with the best Of feeling.-Ceda,
Rails Gazette.