Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1872-07-15
Letter from Sfaunton, Va.

Methodist Church this morning al 10 minutes
10 10, and was opened with prayer by Rev. j.
G. Wheat of the Virginia Female Institute
Staunton.
After the reading Of the minutes Prof. w. A.
Shepard, Of Randolph Macon College, read
an able report On which otthe Natural Sciences
it is expedient to Introduce into schools when
there is not time for teaching more than one. -
He argued torcibly in favor OF preterring botany
MIR. Carne of alexandria thought it expedi-
ent to give boys some insight into the whole
circle of knowledge in that direction. even
though they might be taught only one branch
thoroughly. Being thus furnished with the
ground work of zoology, mineraogy, botany,
meteorology, Nc, one boy would pursue IN
after life, one branch, and another different one,
each according to his taste, aud, III the ehd,
many in the class would probably excel the
teacher each in different division of science,
by more extended reading on the subject than
he could find time for. He strongly recon-
mended the use of Mitchell's Physical Geogra-
phy in this connexion. He had used it five years,
most successfully, and his opinion Oft had been
confirmed by every teacher and pupil who had
used it within the circle OF his acquaintance.
Prof Pike Powers, of Stauntou, gave most
interesting account of his own success III studying
botany recently, wheu he had class to instruct
| 10 it. lie felt sure that no one could commune
With nature in the matter, as he had done, and
not experience pleasure which would amply
compensate for the labor
MIR. BIacktord, of the f. H. S. of Virginia,
then read paper on obstruction, higher and
lower. in Eugsh," by Prof George +. Holmes
| of the University of Virginia, and Mr. Hugh
Craig of Petersburg, both Of whom were unable
to attend. This was very interesting produc-
ton, and was ably discussed by MIR. English Of
Albemare, who wanted somebody to tell him
how to teach English grammar, MIR. Abbot OF
the same county, who thought it best taugh III
teaching Latin, Mr. Hart Of Stanton, Rev.
DIR. Kirkpatrick of Washington and Lee lJnl-
vcrsily, Mr. Blacktord, the President VICE
President Shepard in the chair,) Prof. harris,
Of Randolph Macon College, and Prot. Powers,
of Staunton Some of these speakers contend
ed that the reason English Grammar could not
be taught readily, was because it was moulded
too much on the Greek and Latin, and that Il
day was at hand when grammar based on the
Aurlo Saxon would remedy the difficulty,
Prof Shepard, of Randolph Macon, next
read a REPORT on obstruction in Latin" by
Prot. Thomas Il. Price, of the same College.
1t was very short, but very excellent paper,
and was briefly discussed by AlcssrS BlacktUrd,
Powers and Harris.
Mr.. Abbot then read an excellent report on
"Alerhod and Discipline written by Rev. D.
Nj, p. Atkinson, ID. d., Of Hampden Sydney
College, Some OF the modern improvements,
SO called, were handled without gloves 10 this
paper, In which return to the use OF the rod
was strongly recommended The absurd pretcn-
sionuf one horse Colleges, the low requirements
now required for matrlcuatIon and graduation,
and the loose manner in which honorary degrees
are conferred, particularly LII. D. aud d. d.,
were severely censured The last named de-
gree. should never be conferred, it was. sensi-
| bly argued, but by Theological Semlnares and
the comforting of ILL., d. upon men for polltlca
and military services when they were utterly
ignorant of law, was like the comforting OF VI
| D. upon the graduates of a law school
Mr.. Abbot then offered resolutions return
ing the thanks of the association to the cltlzeDS
of Staunton for their generous hospitality. to
the different railroad lines for their reduction
Of fare: to the Staunton papers and the Rich
mnnd Dispatch, Lynohburs vlrgnlau aui Al
exandria Gazette, for their full reports OF the
proceedings, aud to the trustees Of the Metho-
dist and Baptist Churches, and of the Deaf,
Dumb and Blind Asylum, tor the use OF rooms.
These resolutions were adopted by acclama-
ton.
An order was then passed for the payment Of
the incidental expenses of the meeting, and the
committee on the Treasurer accounts reported
them correct.
Mr.. Blackfor urged full attendance at Al
nxaudria, next year, and, on motion OF Prof.
Harris, the Executive Committee was directed
to arrange for an excursion to Nit. Vernon dur
ing the session. After the adjournment, the
Executive Committee appointed hlessrs. Black
burn, Carne and kemper, a COMMITTEE to make
the necessary arrangements Tor the next meet
ing.
Mai. Hotchkiss and Rev Dr. kirkpatrick
congratulated the association on the success OF
its present meeting; though but nifty
members had attended. There had been many
more reports presented than usual and these
OF great value. They proposed the stereotyp-
ing of the proceedings, and their publication 10
book form, and the subject was referred to the
Committee on the Educational Journal with
power to act. After few words Of thanks aud
congratulation from the President, the seventh
annual meeting was closed, and the association
adjourned to meet at Alexandria on Tuesday,
July 9Th, 1873. The meeting was truly most
delightful one, and your reporter only regrets
that he has mi scd six of the same SOFT before.
He, also, desires to return his acknowledge
ments to the gentlcmany officers and employ
ees of the o., A. & NJ L. R. for their courtesy
to him, and to sundry citizens OF Stanton for
their inequalities
One or two more items, and his task is flo
ished The debt OF this little city is only $780,
900, and taxes are 10 cts. for all purposes; sep
arate leves being made for schools, gas, water,
police &c. The las, like ours, is insufficient
in quantity, on the streets. 1t sells for s. a
thousand, but, being made of residuum of
kerosene, is far more luminous, and does not
cost more than ours, in reality. There is a
steam fire engine, but no horses aud no com
pany, as the engine is too heavy to be pulled
/ by hand, unless by very large force, and the
City Council offended the frenen by refusing to
elect their nominee for Chief Engineer, or rath-
er, perhaps by elccting some one who was not
their nominee, whereupon, they disbandcd
and grave fears are expressed by the citizens
Of disastrous results in case Of fire.
The public schools are not yet fully graded,
but are in u furnishing condition, and very well
| attended The salaries paid teachers are from