Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-11-30
(From the Portland Press
Maine Educational Association.

SECOND DAY.-MoRNING SESSION
The Association met at 9 o'clock, and the
following committees were announced:
On journal of Education.-A. p. Stone,
Portland; w. II. Lambert, Lewiston; Miss
NJ. + Glidden.
On Nominations-R. Woodbury., Farming
ton; j. ii. Hanson, Wateryille; Laura L
llovey, Portland.
On Teachers and Teachers Places-A. Z.
Chase, Portland G. T. Fletcher, Castine
Thomas fash, Lewiston.
c. b. Stetson of Auburn, then read an in
teresting paper on "What shall be taught il
| our public schools"
Discussions followed, participated in by
Nelson Dingley of Lewiston, and j. Ii. Han
| son OF Watelville, the latter contending thai
much of the failure to understand studies
arises from an ignorance of the meaning OF
English words, and arguing in favor of Civ
ing more attention to the study of language
A brief recess followed, after which Miss
Laura L. Hovey read paper written by ID.
n. Hagar of Massachusetts, on music in tn,
common schools, claiming that it cultiyatec
the intellect, developed the moral qualities
and improved the health.
Thomas fash of Lewiston, spoke in favor
of a more. thorough supervision of schools,
pointing out some OF the advantages which
would arise from it,
The next subject was the best methods OF
teaching drawing, and Rev. N. w. +. Root
OF Portland, presented an interesting and
valuable essay upon it.
After the close of Mr.. Roots essay some
remarks were made upon the subject of Rev.
+. 7. Thwing.
W J. Corthell of Calais, then spoke on the
question of school supervision. He thought
n schools pnptrollaH tor l..
whose personal business occupied nearly all
their time, and consequently left little or
none to inspect the schools under their
charge, or to have an eye to the progress
made by pupils in them.
In THE AFTERNOON,
Mr. Fletcher spoke further directly to the
teachers of the State, basing his remarks up
on which he considered the three chief obi.
the State, which it represents; I'd, to their
fellow teachers, and Sd, to themselves and
promising that it would increase in value
with their support.
The President then announced he had re-
ceived letter from President Chamberlain,
of Bowdoin College, stating his inability to
be present, and hearty cooperative feelings
in their work.
The subject for discussion, ''Public School
Revenue was given and the opening was
made by State Superintendent Warren John
son. He stated how the school funds wer.
raised audtheir inadequacy.
With the exception of New Hampshire,
Maine pays less per scholar than any North
ern State She stands lowest in the Union
in the length of her schools-not being able
to afford longer ones. Her teachers are
among the poorest paid. We want more
money, but it won't do to increase town or
city taxation. 1t should be by State tax on
State valuation. The valuation is 1925 ,O0O,-
600 and one mill on that would give to
schools $4,000. (The school cost about
81 DOC, 900 per annum.) By this mode of
taxation the State has many advantages.
Among them is this we receive an income
from owners of property who are outside eur
tax per inhabitant. This fund should be d.
vided according to average attendance. This
would be an lnducement towns and thus
accomplish what is suggested by a COM
pulsory law. 1t is said you are raising
the taxation. The proposition should be,
take off 20 cents from the dollar nov as
sessed when the mill goes to the school fuYd.
By so doing you really gain 100000. What
is absolutely required is tax of five mills on
our State valuation, but one mill at time
should be added till receive for school
purposes 81 100, 900 or 81, 2U0, 900.
Hon. James NJ. Stone. of kennebunk,
Joined in the discussion. He would indicate
objections rather than argue the plan pro-
posed. We do not know how the money will
be used il it COOS into a State fund. He
would not have County Supervisors supported
by such fund. He wanted those gentlemen
to feel that they had no fund behind them.
1t was well they should feel that they had to
earn what they get. Besides he wanted The
people to take an interest and work for edu-
cation themselves. Second, he deemed it
inoportune. 1t is the notorious fact that
only fifty per cent. was the average attend
ance. He would submit was better to raise
more under such a light, and whether the
friends of education had not better concen-
trate their etfoits.
STATE NEWS.