The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-05-09

mere accomplishments and graceB ana give 10 ner |
mind the breadth and comp pleteness OF devel0pment
to which its native endowments unqu sstionsbly |
entite 1t. It fuInls It's twofold mission WELL ana it's
teachers are deserving OF all credit. 1t Is still
earnestly hoped that the erection Of a building
capable of accommodating the increasing Numbers
and are denied admission win no longer be delayed.
1t is with feeling akin to mortincatiDn IN that we
read Of the dedication in Boston, to tae purposes OF
High and Normal School, OF building capable OF
receiving 1925 pupils, erected at cost OF t3OS0O0.
what may not reasonably be expected from PhIIa,
delphia with its immense population and wealth
Before closing our remarks here il is but just to
state that at the
TWO STATED Ex lMNArroNs
OF candidates for certificates OF qualification to
teach in the public schools held In 1879. the number
164 were from the Normal School. No stronger evil
dence can be desired Of the wise management and
efficiency OF the Philadelphia Normal School.
TEE NIGHT SCHOOLS
were increased in number during 1870, aud although
the added cost vas light, the additional amount of
prlatens for such schools should be still further
largeo, so that they may be placed upon perma-
element in the school system. They were Ia in num-
Der, with an average attendance OF 310O pupils Ia
charge OF so teachers.
They were kept open during 2i weeks and 1t must
be admitted, on all hands, that these schools have
proved a potent means OF elevatiug the poorer
classes both intellectually and morally.
VOCAL MUSIC.
The position OF music OF the branches of
study in our public Schools is no louger an uncer
tam one. InoBe VINO were the original advocates
for its introduction inte our course OF Instruction.
and who have ever been found battling in its behalf
now have the satisfaction Of seeing their efforts
crowned with success By the revised graded
course lately adopted by the board, the study Of
vocal music Is made to commence in the primary
and to continue through all the higher grades OF
schools.
fatgabe superintendent of this department, and his
faithful assistants have been productive OF the most
gratifying progress on the part OF the pupils and
results which are far in excess of the expectations
entertained by even the most sanguine aud more
than commensurate with the slender means at COM
mand, have been accomplished
Wehazard little in saying that vocal music as a
study in our public schools is daily growing In the
favor of the masses OF our citizens. 1t would be
strange indeed, il the fact were otherwise when we
! consider the refining and elevating influence Of
OF order and discipline in the school-roon, and the
addition which it brings to the delights Of the home
| circle.
| Through the courtesy of the Boston School Com
mittee, Professor Luther w. Mason, the able super
intendeIt of music In the primary schools of tnat
city, permitted to pevOte considerable portion
of the fall winter OF 1870 to the schools OF the
| Second, Tenth, and Twenty-flth sections of this
district for the purpose OF there demonstrating the
system Of musical instruction in the public schools
| OF Boston: The progress made by the pupils during
| the time they were thus committed tn his charge
has, it is understood, been entirely satisfactory.
! The system in question is said to be the most ap-
proved and perfect one in use. 1t has the merit OF
simplicity, is attractive to the scholars ana is at
once economical and efficient by reason of the fact
that the regular teschers IN toe schools become suo-
dents the instructors in this as they are in the other
| branches OF study.
| THE PROFESSIONAL TEACHER, HIS IMPORTANCE, HIS
PAY, AND HIS PROSPECTS.
A few words with reference to the teacher may
not unfitly conclude this report.
Admitting the Importance of education and OF a
system of schools maintained at the public charge
for Its free diffusion among the masses, cannot he
doubted that for the efficiency OF sucf schools good
teaching is the cardinal aud central necessity. To
secure good teaching is the first duty OF those who
have in charge the establishment and maintenance
OF such a system. But how Is this TO be done
Many rare qualities enter into tue composition of
the able teacher. Natural ability Of high order
and requirements which implies the outlay OF both
time al d money. To men and women who combine
these advantages IN an cfnlD nJ degree, the world,
especially Ia this age and Country opens many ave
nues OF labor and Cners tempting and satisfactory
rewards. What is there t. induce them to choose
the profession of teaching?
The profession is noble and, indeed, is second to
none In the dignity and Importance OF its sacred
function. In the spiritual satisfaction which arises
from the sense OF high duty ably and faithfully dis
charged, there is enough to satisfy the most sens
tive ana gifted nature. But OF those rewards which
the world prizes most and which, In the nature o
this gs, ali Of us compelled to SEEK the rewards
IN short which make up the market value OF lab)r
thel is in Philadelphia such scanty provision that
in the estimation OF those best qualified to speak, II
is not merely probable, but certain that in a fe &
years the supply of competent teachers Will fan &
meet the demand, and the consequent degeneracy
OF the schools be an inevitable calamity. 1t is idle
to multiply school-houses and books and other IN
strumentaites unless you can supply the intelli
gence, integrity. and skill which alone can give then
| life and meaning.
The teacher Who moulding the destinies of our
youth really holds in the hollow of his hand the verl
future OF our nation, is paid at rate which barell
places him level with the unskilled aborer whI
ministers 20 our lowest and most material wants.
A slight increase has been granted recently, To-
which all praise Is due to the Couacls of city
but the inadequacy Of the salaries, even with tina
increase, must be apparent to every unprejudlceC
mind. There is no inducement offered to the pro
fessional teacher. On the contrary, every one EN-
ployed in our schools must live In the hope tina
sooner or later, some means OF escape into enothe
and more lucrative employment may be presented
And the unfortunate who remains performs his dail
work with the oppressive sense that its inferior com
pensatlon degrades him III the eyes OF his fellow-c
zens, and what is worse, exposes him, in the even
OF sickness or misfortune or old age, to the horror
Of destitution.
We therefore ask, in closing the public fav)
and support for the system In all its grades High
Normal, grammar secondary, and prlm ary schools
! All now in flOurishing condition, aud need bu
the generous approval of the community, with
still more emerged liberaty on the part of ou
r friends in Councils to insure for them future
still greater usefulness
+ Respectfully submitted
NJ HALL STANTON,