Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1875-01-21
FREE EDUCATION.
An Encouraging Meeting Of the Teach
ers' Association Yesterday.


10 O'Clock yesterday morning in the State
Library at the Capitol, and was called to
order by DR.. j. B. Lindsey, President Of
| the Association.
After prayer by Rev. w. A. Nelson, of
/ Edgeield,. President Lindsey addressed the
Association, giving q brief outline Of its
history and the work it had done in the
| cause Of common school education. He
was gratifed at the beneficial results Of the
past years work and the increasing inter-
est Of teachers and people in behalf Of edu-
cation.
Gov. Porter was then introduced and
made an address of welcome to the mem
bers present. He said it gave him great
| pleasure to meet them at the Capitol on this
occasion, and expressed the hope that their
deliberations would result in much good to
the cause Of education in the State. He
also hoped the members of the Association
would live TO see and realize the good re-
suits Of the work In which they were en-
gaged.
Mr.. J. l.. Weskley, the Secretary Of the
Association, submitted his report, which
was received and ordered 20 be filed.
The following named members were ap'
pointed by the President as the Memorial
COMMITTEES: NeilI s. Brown, Chairman,
II. Presnell, T. A. James, Alfred CSldWel,
LandOn @. Haynes, Albert I. Mcneil, 5.
Watson, y. w. Mcconnell, F. b. Snipes,
and II. Fl. MurtOn.
Gen. E. Kirby Smith stated that il gave
him pleasure to see Ex-President johnson
present, and that the association would no
doubt be pleased to hear a few remarks
from him on the subject Of education.
Mr.. johnson said be felt grateful for the
compliment implied in the suggestion Of
Gen. Smith. He had always been the
friend and advocate Of common school edu-
cation, and was heartily rejOiced at the pro
greSs now being made in that behalf by the
friends of education in Tennessee.
The address of State Superintendent
Fleming was read, showing the progress
made during the past year, and gratifying
indications Of growing interest among the
people in behalf Of the States school sys-
tenn.
A. B. Marburg, Of GOodlettsyilie, said he
had heard with deep regret that the present
General Assembly would attempt TO do
away with the State and County Superin-
tendents Of Education. He thought such
action would be fatal 70 the cause Of edu-
catiOnin Tennessee, as it would leave the
system without head OF direction. 1t was
to be hoped that the few thousand dollars
necessary for the payment Of these officers
would not be withheld, especially at a
period so important to the educational in
terests Of the State. he offered the follow
ing resolution:
Resolved, That it is the sense of this
Association that any interference with the
offices of County or State Superintendents,
looking to their adjustment will, be detri-
mental TO the public school interest in the
State Of Tennessee.
DR.. b. Sears, of Virginia, agent of the
Peabody Fund, spoke as TO the importance
of retaining the system Of SuperintendentS
as at present existing. If these offices are
abolished, he had but little doubt, the Pea
body fund would in future be withheld
from Tennessee. The directors Of thai
fund would be unwilling 10 aid a State
that was not disposed to help itself. He
earnestly hoped that the Legislature would
not make hurtful interference with the
present system Of edueatiO-.
DR.. Henderson, State Superintendent Of
the Kentucky public schools, at the invita-
tiOn Of the President, addressed the AssO-
citation, giving the history Of the public
school system in his State. The people Of
Kentucky, and especially their representa-
tive public men would not, for a moment,
any proposition looking to such |
and baneful interference with |
their school system, as that intimated in |
the resolution Just submitted.
Mr.. II. Presnell, Of Washington county, |
the hope that the Legislature /
would not interfere with the present sys-
tenn Of common school education. A Il
school system without head would be al
most as bad as no system at all. Let US,
said he, stand by the present law, and seek
to make it still more efficient.
Rev. DR.. VIM. Shelton, Of Davidson /
county, expressed himself as strongly in
favor of keeping up the system, stating that
much good had already resulted from it,
and would continue to be accomplished by
It, if teachers and superintendents would
continue true TO their high trust.
Messrs. G. W. Calender, Of Sumner
county, Rankin, Of Greene county, John r.
Dean, of Bedford county, and W. R. Gar
rett, Of Giles county, expressed similar
views.
Mr.. Garrett moved to amend the reSolu-
ton of Mr.. Marbury by inserting the words
sand that we favor the maintenance Of the
present system, IS a matter Of economy"
The resolution as amended was adopted.
On motion of Mr.. John FriZzell, of Edge
field, the Memorial Committee were in
5Tucted to wait upon the General Assem-
bly, and respectfully make known the fact
that the State Teachers Association does
not believe further legislation at the pres
ent time in reference to the public school
system necessary or calculated TO benefit
The cause of education in the State.
Mr.. FriZzell spoke in earnest terms as to
the importance Of making such a statement
10 the Legislature.
Remarks were made BY DR.. Alexander
DR.. Jones iand Mr.. j. o. Griffith
IS to the importance of jealous and har-
mOniOus action upon the part Of teachers
and the friends Of Education.
The Association then took a recess till
}5 o'clock in the morning.
EVENING SESSION.
There was a much larger attendance Of
teachers and citizens generally than during
The day, and many ladies were among the
audience. The evening session was held
in the Hall Of Representatives for the bet
.er accommodation Ofthe increased attend
lnce.
President Lindsey introduced DR.. A.
darnllLOQs VINO spoke AT some ltllgLu upon 1
questions discussed during the day.
Senator III. r. Buchanan, Of Davidson
county, was called upon and spoke Of his
experience as a worker in the cause Of edu-
cation during the past four years He
would most gladly do what be could to
Derpetuate the present system.
Representative Luke Finlay, Of Shelby
county, was called to the Speakers stand
and said he was favOrably impressed with
The present system, and hoped it might not
be destroyed OF impaired.
SenatOr Polk, of Hardeman county, was
he next speaker. He was devoted to the
.aus Of education, and il gratiied him to
see such a large number Of intelligent and
experienced citizens exhibiting 50 much
interest IN that glorious work
Hon. T. A. James, Of Hamilton county,
spoke earnestly in favor Of maintaining the
integrity Of the school law
Senator l.. Marye, Of Hamilton county,
was next introduced. he said he was not
disposed to yield to any man in a profound
devotion to the cause Of public education.
No man could become good or intelligent
legislator unless he was the friend Of edu-
cation. He felt assured that no member Of
the General Assembly was an enemy to the
cause of education, or inimical TO the pres
ent system.
The President then announced that Sena-
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