The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1874-06-20

wearing cheerful countenancc, and in
this way schools could be made much
more attractive. Mr.. Watts thought it as
important to point to children hoao to
study as to achat should bring themselves
often on level with pupils and study
with them. Mr.. Lavender said much
could be done to make his school attrac-
tive; his house was about 20x30 feet, with
about 134 children in the school district;
he had, the last term, about 80 pupils on
roll, and he would venture to say a more
irregular, uncomfortable and disgraceful
school house could not be found in Cecil
county than the one at Ceclton, and he
thought that much could be done to i'm
prove the condition of this school; said he
had good Commissioner, and he did
everything in his power to make the school
a credit to the county, but nothing short
of a new house would do 1T. Miss Biddle
suggested to have school houses pleasantly
located, not SO close to a deep ravine as to
endanger the necks of children, If they
acre 6reakdble, let the qualifications and
experience of teachers demand higher sal
aries than those who have neither, espec-
tally the latter, and also to muzzle the
mouths of three tifths of the parents
The Institute were again favored with
music. The question, "How can teachers
improve themselves as teachers 2" was
taken up, when the teachers were asked
to give their views. Mr.. Quigley recon-
mended Teachers Associations and school
journals in order to keep up with the
times. Mr.. Squier said by conference
with others and by study themselves,
he found that study was not a pleasure,
but hard work; also suggested to try and
get the experience of others. Mr.. Pierce
said he felt deep interest on this sub
ject; LIST, they should have thorough
knowledge of the branches required to be
taught; also said if the Institute did no
other good than the mere act of getting
acquainted with each other, they would be
amply repaid; I'd, tact in teaching; Sd,
study the character of the children, not
only in the house, but while on the play
ground; 4th, soul-sight; and 9TH, enthu-
siasm.
Reading by Miss Jennie Wilson, selec-
ton, Gone with handsome man." after
which the subject of History and Geogra-
ply was discussed by Mr.. Hanna, Mr.
Prof Newell Reading by Miss Mollie
Johns, selection, " Novel Reading" Prof.
Newell then read the law on Teachers
Associations. Mr.. Biddle asked the teach
ers of the First Second and Third districts
to remain few moments after adjourn
ment, for the purpose of forming Teach
er's Association. Adjourned until eight
o'clock.
FRIDAY EVENING.
Prof Newell called the Institute to order.
On motion Mr.. Bddle was appointed Sec
rotary, pro TEN. Subject for discussion,
6 No., = l,
J. E. Alexander, in favor, giving statistics
of European armies to prove his point,
closing by declaring that to prevent crime
by education was not only better, but cost
less than the care of our criminals. DR..
Mackall followed by saying that govern
ment cannot enter the family circle to die
tate to parents as to what they should do,
combating Mr.. Alexander at every step,
protesting against anything that tends to
lessen personal liberty. Mr.. G. w. Cruik-
shank declared that he was not wanting in
patriotism to oppose DIR. Mackalls posi-
ton; children are entitled to all benefits
and endowments that may be open to
them, especially as they cannot speak for
themselves and are not responsible for the
sins of their parents; parents are COMPEL
ed to clothe and feed, shall they not be
forced to educate? American pride must
yield, suffrage should 60 with education,
intelligent voters being necessary to pro-
tect our liberties from danger.
Music.
Mr.. Quigley offered the following resolu-
ton, which was adopted:
Reso'red That the thanks of the officers and mem
hers of the Cecil County Institute rendered to Mr..
H. f. Pierce, of Chester county for the assistance he
has rendered in our exercises and We will cherish his
words OF wise counsel and encouragement ami may we
feel that State line divides in the noble
of Public education.
Discussion continued. Mr.. Ellis did not
take sides with either, but put the question
to the teachers: Will the schools be more
efficient should such law be passed, with
out regard to the effect upon our govern
ment? Teachers must be power that
will be felt as parents do not take the nee
essary interest. His second proposition
was should the law be passed closing by
citing the law in San Francisco, where
children are not seen on the streets during
sch DOL hours.
Reading by Miss Wilson and Miss Rob-
erts, subject, "Archie Dean;" Miss jerks,
1.-The New Church Organ;' each most ex-
cellent, and followed by the well-deserved
applause of the house.
Discussion resumed by DR.. Squer agree
ing with Mr.. Ellis as to the true question,
and coincding with DR.. Mackall; recognize
ing his own father as his highest and only
authority; declaring a compulsory law I'M
necessary there being but few instances
requiring and less capable of being forced.
God alone having the power, and being our
best example, calling forth our best efforts
by His loving kindness, by the side of
which Prussian despotism fall into utter
insignificance. DR.. Mackall asked, Is not
religion equally as desirable as education
CHI ha nu1c
to which church you should attend? Edu-
cation did not prevent crime, its tendency
rather being to teach us to live by cur wits.
Replied to by Mr.. Ellis, combining the dis
cussion of the true question. Mr.. Cruik-
shank replied to Drs. Squier and Mackall
on the want of comparison between educa-
ton and religion, and contending that the
former is a most desirable thing, not tend
ing to idleness or the crime of forgery,
closing with thrust at DR.. Squier.
Reading by Miss Taylor, subject, "School
Statistics followed by applause. Closed
by Prof. Newell saying that list, That no
thorough-going compulsory law for educa-
ton has been passed in any of the United
S. ties; Cd, that the SO called compulsory
laws which have been passed have not been
enforced; Sd, if an efficient compulsory law
could be passed and could be enforced, it
would tend to the detriment of the schools
and would lower the general standard of
education.
SATURDAY MORNING.
Called to order by Prof. Newell. Roll
call. Prayer by DR.. Squier. Subject of
Grammar taken up and discussed by Mr..
Watts as to the best method of teaching,
being too much technical and not practical;
followed by Miss jerks, who was followed
by Miss Johns and Mr.. Warner as to their
methods of teaching, Intercepted by Prof.
Newell. Miss Lille Howard would as soon
undertake to teach Greek as grammar to
primary class; the book should be thrown
out of the class where children are under
fourteen years Of age. Grammar is taught
more in the family circle than in books.
Prof. Newell concluded and announced
proposed course that will introduce scien-
titic grammar at about the age of thirteen
or fourteen, small children being taught to
use rood lanruape by cOnSta ntly correcting