Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1871-02-03

the rings aud went through another series Of
exercises. The exhibition gave great satisfaction
to the Association and the audience, and was
heartily spplauded whenever pause would al
low the expression Of their delight. We hope
that Mr. Mussey's excellent precept, backed up,
as it was, by excellent illustration, will not be
without fruitful results in many schools. Any
Intelligent parent must prefer that his child
shall be taught where his teachers will not forget
thst he has body as well as mind and SOUL
After recess, by special request, Miss Gre
CORY recited The Bells - of Edgar E. Poe,
much 70 the qualification of the audience
Professor Weber of Middlebury College then
addressed the Association on Personal Character
as the Chief Element of the Teachers Success.
lie held moral worth. true manhood, to be Of chief
Importance. Its value was most plainly exhi-
hited IN the government Of a school Its infu
enee was only the more potent for being silently
exerted. No art or training could compass such
results as mere weight of character. The very
! presence OF some teachers ensured the perfection
Of discipline They were self-posed, conscious
masters Of the situation, able to govern others
because they had learned to govern themselves.
And character was no less potent as an element
in instruction. The lack of it could be compen-
sated by no skill or learning. 1t had q conta-
| gious power, and was well nigh irresistible. The
amount and quality Of moral being determined
/ the teachers value. For not merely were minds
to be trained, but souls, and the immoral or IN
moral teacher was curse, no matter what hisac-
quirements and experience The teachers work
ranked highest of all, that Of the minister of the
gospel only excepted, and he knew not if even
this exception ought to be made. 1t was high
and sscred calling, and could safely be exercised
only by sincere and Christian man. Its dignity
would by and by come to be recognized. He
hoped the day was not far distant when, even
in Vermont, the teacher would receive the esti-
nation which his work and his worth entitle
him to.
DR.. Webber's address was a fitting close of
the two days festival Its thought was vigorous,
valuable. elevated ; and its style, racy and ner-
vous His points we're first well made, and then
driven home He held up before the teachers of
the State a clear and high ideal. one which they
may well aim all their lives to attain. He could
wish that every pe1agogue in the land could
heSr 1t, and thea mark, learn and inwardly di-
gest it, and afterward set himself to realize the
ideal portrayed in it. Our report is given from
recollection only, and in haste, and brings out
bat one or two Of its ideas
II. II. Shaw, Chairman Of Committee on Reso-
lutions, reported the following, which were
adopted
Rsolue{ That the thanks Of this Associa-
ten be given to the citizens Of Mortified for
their cordial welcome, hearty sympathy and gem
erous hospitality to the Church and Society,
whose lecture room has been grstuitously open
ed 70 Us ; and 10 the Vermont Central Railroad
ior the courtesy extended to Us on the present
occasion.
Res0lrei Tbs; the thanks Of the Associa-
ton be given to the retiring President, DR..
Spauld;ng, for the able and impartial manner
in which he has presided over the deliberations
of this body during the last four years.
Hon. p. d. Bradford Of Mortified. responded
on behalf Of the citizens, saying it they, and
NOT the teachers Of the State, who were under
obligation. lie hoped it would not be long be
fore they again had an opportunity to welcome
She Association.
After the beneliction By Rev. Prof. Weber,
she Association adjourned SINE die.
Thus closed one OF the best meetings, We ven
ture TO think, that this body has ever held.
large number Of teachers were present, and
among them many Of the most prominent eiuca-
tors In the State The discussions were earnest,
and for the most paft practical the addresses
stimulating and suggestive A.; the readings and
gymn4stic exercises highly enjoyable the hos
p'tality cf the people OF Mortified practically
unbcunlei and sll was harmonious, and, we
hope. helpful TO the teachers and others in at
tendance. The Association is fact, and live
one, eyea i the Legislature does not deem il
worthy Of encouragement Il has now attained
It's majority We rec NOT why it should not con-
t.nue TO be power for good in Vermont Such
a meeting every year night even be worth 70 the
State the $50 which WAS asked 20 iefray some
g ser,F4