Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1871-02-02

4
EDS. REPUBLICAN :-On Friday last
one Of the loveliest days of this pleasan
winter, a few of the citizens of Plymouth
paid visit to our neigh boring town o
TyDer City. Their principal object was
to visit the school OF Prof. J. f. McGaw
at that place.
They found the Professor at his post
and IN his usual happy manner he gave
them q hearty welcome. Several also o
the leading citizens of the town and
vicinity had dropped in, and at the 70
quest of his numerous visitors. the Prof
gave general examination of his pupil.
in the different branches they were pur-
suing. He began with photography. and
the prompt and ready responses of the
entire school in concert showed a thor
ough acquaintance and familiarity on the
part of all, even to the smallest. with that
foundation science Of true English
education.
The exercises in English grammar were
especially fine. His two classes 'A'' and
"B," each acquitting themselves with
great credit. The writer has Omen at
en- ded similar examinations in collegiate
Institutions, where there was not half the
ability displayed in the analysis of Diff
cult sentences as was displayed by class
"a" in Prof McGaw's school.
Altogether it was most creditable
examination, as well on the part of the
pupils as teacher. The Professors school
is large one, much too large for the
accommodations he has. and is composed
of rs fine, intelligent, and mannerly a
body of boys and girls as can be met
with anywhere.
One thing in the Professors manner Of
teaching forced itself particularly upon
the attention of the writer, and that was
his method of beginning at the foundation
of things. He don't frame his rafters be-
fore he lays his stills. Beginning at the
groundwork of any branch Of study, he
constructs this soldly, and then gradual
ly leads the mind OF the pupil up through
the after-labors of the science, until as is
said Of the formation of the science of
architecture. the structure has - figure,
strength and beauty
In this way he incites in the mind OF
the pupil spirit of self-inquiry. They
cease to be mere repeaters of the lessons
they learn. but become Independent,
thinkers /; and that is, after al, the whole
end of education-to learn to think. If
we possess that, we are masters OF the
apprentice has become
builder.
In every pursuit Of life the earnest mar
is the successful one; and especially is
This true Of teachers. Prof. NcGsw is
an earnest teacher, hence his success /;
and it occurs to the writer that he must
be especially devoted 10 the cause of
general education, else he would not
,onfine himself TO the common school |
-ooin, when, in respect to- the science of
geology alone, his great learning and |
original research. fit him for professor
hip of that science in any of the first In
of the country.
The writer congratulatcs the citizens OF l
Fyner City and vicinity upon having o
school that would do houar 10 the Iarges,
own or city. They ought to appreciate
| by erecting a building worthy of the
Professor, and his pils,-Such an one
s very much needed, and the citizens
could not be doing themselves more credit
han by taking hold of such sn enterprise.
I might be attended with good deal of
acritice, but, after all. what better legacy
Gould they leave To- their children; aud
his is what we are all striving for.
As sort OF supplement to the exercises
IF the afternoon. In the evening a large
company of the ladies' and gentlemen of
ryner AMI vicinity assembled at the resi-
lence Of G. NJ. Richardson, Esq, where
music, social Chats, oysters, charaaes. e. |
;etera were all fully discussed and en-
Dyed until
"rhc wee sma' hours syOnt thu tw9l"
The Professor was there, and with the
lutte ia his hands showed us that he was
! devotee OF the ancient Orpheus, as well
IS of Sir Charles Lyell and Robt Murchi-
on.
A more genial and pleasant set OF |
aides and gentlemen can be found no
where, than got together on this coca
lion.
Altogether it was pleasant trip for the |
Plymouthites.-a delightful episode in
he dull routine of this working day
world.