Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-02-18

arsi towns between the ages OF four
and twenty-one, it be based upon the
whole number enrolled as attending the
schools. He recommends no increase Of
the mill tax ut present, and no change in
the per capita tax, which is now eighty
cents for each inhabitant. There are 9TH
err small sources of revenue, coming I'M
der the head Of local funds and voluntary
taxation by towns, which are noticed in
the report, also appropriations which are
made yearly for Normal Schools, Teach
ers' Institutes. and various other educa-
tional helps.
The subject of teachers wages is very
fully discussed, showing that the State
has nothing to be proud of in that direc-
ton. OF twenty-seven States, Maine
ranks the lowest in compensation of male
ard female teachers. The tables accom-
panying this part of the report are worthy
of study. If we desire to secure good
teachers we shall have to pay more wa
ges. Superintendent johnson says the
remedy is large appropriations, the sub
stituton of the town system for the dis
trict system, and the devoting of the mon
ey now raised for school purposes wholly
to the payment of teachers board and
wages, making the towns or districts pro-
vide means outside Of the regular school
tax, for paying for tuel, repairs, insurance
and other similar expenses.
A chapter is devoted to school houses.
ventilation being the principal topic dwclt
upon One of the best parts Of the re-
port is that which is taken up with the
question Of supervision. The faults Of
the present system are fairly stated, not
exaggerated, and the benefits of more
thorough supervision are clearly and cam
didly shown. Those who have any prac-
teal acquaintance with the schools will
confess the truth of all which Mr.. john
son says. The larger towns and cities in
the State have supplied and are supplying
themselves with better supervision. at
their own expense, but they find that the
enlarged cost amply pays in the improve
ment Of their schools. 1t is penny
wise and pound foolish policy which APP
| propriates money for schools and leaves
them with none or very poor supervision.
The public conscience may try to content
itself with the thought that it has done its
duty to the children when the usual ap-
| preparations are made, but more than that
is demanded, and thoughtful men feel and
know it. both to get the full benefit of
what the State already pays and to fulfill
| properly the obligations due to the rising
| generation.
1t is gratifying to notice the prosperity
which attends our normal schools They
are in successful operation. are well pat
ronized by our people. The teachers
which they prepare are commanding ia.
vorable situations as soon as they are ready
to teach. and are generally proving sue.
cessful. Eighteen Institutes were held
the past year, but the attendance was less
than in preceding years. and the results
were tar below those of the Institutes O.
1871. The legislation of last winter hat
discouraging and demoralizing effec
which was felt by the Institutes, AID thu
necessary agencies to carry them on sue
cessfully were lacking. Two voluntary ed
ucational associations have been formed
during the year, one in Somerset county,
the other in Waldo. The State Education
al Association held profitable meeting
at Bangor. The proceedings Of this
body at its annal meetings ought to be
published widely over the State. Mr..
Johnson Acknowledges the kindly and pow
erful aid of the local press In favor Of
educational means. He recommends an
appropriation by the State to supply the
supervisor or committee of every town
with one copy Of the Maine Journal Of
Education; also recommends that physi
ology and free hand drawing be placed
among the studies required by law TO be
taught in the common schools. In rela.
| ton to textbooks, he calls attention to
the plan adopted in Bath whereby the
city purchases, owns and loans the school
books to pupils, and says if this plan were
generally adopted it would solve the ques.
ton and do away with the difficulties
about textbook uniformity. A more IA
vorable feeling in regard to the abo-
lition of the district system appears to ex-
ist. Interesting communications upon
this subject are incorporated IN the report,
showing how change has worked in
towns where it has been tried
The free high school, to take the place
Of the old-time academies and high
schools is again recommended Any town
or city which shall establish free high
school shall be assisted by an appropria-
ton from the State. Such schools will
| round up the Common School system TO
its proper proportions. They will be
stepping stones for the poor mans son
to the colleges and places Of business and
| Il. Al L.