The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1871-01-07
For Til" Cecil Wing.
TEACHERS INSTITUTE AT OXFORD

A branch of the Teachers Institute of
Chester county opened at Oxford Hall. on
Monday afternoon, End inst. The meeting
was called to order by George l.. Maris,
who then introduced Rev. Orr Lawson, who
opened the Institute with religious services
and made a short speech of welcome to the
teachers and members of the Institute to
Oxford.
The names of teaches present were enroll
ed, and the Superintendent said the attend
ance was larger than at the first session of
similar meetings that have been held in
other parts of the county.
The evening session of the first day was
devoted to a lecture by the Rev. A. A. Will
Its. His subject, "Sunshine, the Secret of
Happiness" was discussed in his most
happy style, to the great delight and salts
faction of all present, many of whom will
carry in memory some of his intellectual
sunshine to brighten their tolls in the
school room or in the many other labors of
life.
Tuesdays session was opened by Rev. A.
NJ. Virgins. DR.. Franklin Taylor occu-
pied about one hour in the morning with a
lecture on the English Language, which
he continued in an interval of the after
noon. His system of analysis showing the
origin of our present literature, should be
understood by every teacher of youth.
\ portion of each session is occupied by
a Mrs, Logee, lately Miss Stetson, in an
exposition of the principles of elocution,
and correct reading. She has had an
experience of many years as teacher of
reading-the latter part of the time in the
High School of Philadelphia, and has been
an instructor at Teachers Institutes in
several counties of eastern Pennsylvania
SO that she is perfectly at home on the plat
form. Her instructions are clear and to
the point, and must prove of incalculable
value when embodied i'll the practice of
teachers and by them communicated to the
plastic minds of the young and growing
generation, who must make our future
State.
The question proposed for discussion that
afternoon was: GLOW shall we secure a
larger attendance at our Public Schools >"
The time allotted to debate was occupied
by Revs. A. NJ. Virgins, Orr Lawson and
Prof. Randall, who were called for, and
each gave some useful ideas. The first two
recommended compulsory attendance at
school, or it's equivalent, by tineing parents
for neglect of this duty. The Superintend-
ent reported the average attendance at the
'''iiooi' III IiS 1ouH1y W Uc ~ pei CcHI VI
those who should. be present. This very
irregular attendance on the part of many is
one of the greatest evils the teachers have
to contend WITH as it prevents any regular
classification, and not only causes the
tutors unnecessary labor, but robs the chill
dren themselves of more than half the
benefit. On motion of II. F. Pierce, the
question was left open for further discus
sion.
The above is slight sketch of one days
proceedings, which we presume will be Il
fair specimen of the whole, although it
was expected that more would be in attend
ance the latter part of the week.
The lecturers for the week were Rev.
A. A. Willis, Dr. Franklin Taylor, Bayartl
Taylor, James McCosh, ID. D., l.. L. d., of
Princeton, N. j., and Prof. John G. Moore,
of Philadelphia.
The attendance at the time of writing had
reached about 30 teachers and 10 directors.
The exercises during the day were open to
all and the hall was nearly full.
When can Cecil afford a Teachers In
stitute