Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-12-28
Massachusc,ts reachers, Association.

VI q SuihNLShl hNp'll " CACGtlCHi olSlSU-
ing for some time.
Massachusetts Teachers Association.
The New England association of public school
teachers began its twentyeghth annual meeting
in the library room of the high school honse
yesterday morning. The snow blockaded streets
interfered sadly with the attendance at the OPEN
ing session, only about seyenty-five being pres
cut at the opening exercises, though the room
was comfortably Allied before noon. Mr. Charles
Hammond of Monson, president of the assoca-
ton, called the meeting to order, and the SEES
sion was opened by prayer by Rev. Mr.. C. Steb-
bins of Springfield
Mr.. A. P. Marble, superintendent of Worcester
schools, in brief address cordially welcomed
the visiting teachers to the city, aud hoped that
their stay would be pleasant aud profitable.
President Hammond responded, giving a sketch
of the organization of the association, and of
some of the most prominent of the eighty.hve
teachers who FIRST banded themselves together
IN 1915. He also gave history of the iorma.
ton OF the American institute in Boston in
1880, and the causes which led to il. H thought
great work had already been accomplished in
''S '"'o'S7b' VI NuVNablOu ny lucsC anu hllureU
associations
Alter the transaction of some routine bust
ness, Mr.. A. H, Davis of this city read a paper
on English Literature in our Schools" in which
ne took the ground that the study of the best
authors should be put on a par with other
studies, and have an equal place in all the
schools In beginning, he spoke of the two ex-
tremes to be noticed among children-those who
read nothing, and those who read everything
without discrimination. Between these two ex-
tremes there is a golden mean, comprised of a
few pupils who read carefully selected literature.
The good influence of this course of reading
upon young minds is almost incalculable He
remarked it was noticeable fact that great men
were, almost without exception, great readers
in childhood and that reading habit of some
kind is essential to a thorough education. Mr.
Davis argued that it was the duty of teachers to
encourage this habit He suggested that the
best method was 10 give at least two hours
week in each school to reading lesson from
standard authors, during which exercise he
should familiarly converse with his pupils upon
the life and character of the author, giving such
information concerning his personal history and
surroundings as may be of interest. He con.
sidered this plan much better than reading from
books of extracts.
Professor ID. b. Hagar, principal of the Nor
nal school at Salem, spoke briefly on the same
subject.
A discussion !of the question, ''Latin as a
branch Of popular education" was introduced
by i. A. Hill, of Chelsea, who read carefully
prepared paper advocating the more thorough
study OF the English language, and less Latin in
the public schools There is not the same need
for it formerly, for now there is not one Ian.
guage for the scholar, and one for the people.
The English language contains all that is essen.
tial of ancient history and science, and much
valuable information must be sacrificed If Latin
is retained in public schools at tho expense of
English studies The study of Latin is excellent
discipline for the mind but Sanscrt is equally |
good. Science is just as well fitted to accom- |
plish this end, ana il is question whether |
there is not already too much tax upon the |
mental faculties of the young. Latin cannot |
train the Judgment, for it is a well defined law of |
philosophy that there can be no exercise of |
judgment without facts, and these can best be |
obtained from science. He disposed of the plea |
that the study Of Latin is necessary for the prop
er understanding of English grammar, and as an
aid in English composition, by saying that
grammar was only an after thought, and that
the idioms and beauties of the language can
best be learned by study of the English
authors. Inconclusion, he thought there should
be better blending OF classical and scientific
education The classics can be learned by the
many from the English language, by the few, if
they choose FROM the Latin.
W. Q. Collar, principal of the Roxbury High
school, differed totally from the author of the
paper. He considered the knowledge of Latin |
essential for All intelligent study the languages
OF Southern Europe, and also very useful to a
proper understanding of the English language.
In his opinion, the chief value OF knowledge of |
the Latin language was the incubation of what
he called mental conscience, the quality of |
patience and veracty.
Mr.. d, G. Brown Of the Bowdoin school, Bos-
ton, spoke on both of the morning topics, com
mending portions of both essays, us containing !