The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1875-09-17
STATE TEACHERS INSTITUTE.

Thinking that brief account of the
doings of the State Teachers Institute
which met at Salem, September 1st, I'd,
and Sd, might not be nninteresting to
your readers, 1 venture to offer you a
synopsis of the proceedings, begging
that you will pardon me if I become te-
dious.
On the last day of August, myself, in
company with half a dozen fellow-teach-
ers from Washington county, taking
advantage of the half-fare rates, left the
intermediate stations of the west side,
and in the evening took the express for
Salem from East Portland.
We reached the Capital about dusk,
and, after taking rooms at the Chemek-
eta, and making ourselves happy with
comfortable supper, retired to dream
of the pleasures awaiting US in the next
few days to come.
The morning session met at 10:90 A.
NJ. in the Legislative Hall; called to or
der by State Supt. Rowland. After de-
votional exercises, the Institute pro-
ceeded to organization, which resulted
in the election of D. M. c. Gault of
Hillsboro as President, Mrs. Morse of
Columbia county as Vice President, Rev.
L. J. Powell of Willamette University
as Secretary, and Miss Clara Watt as
Assistant Secretary.
After the appointment of various COM
mittees, the Institute adjourned until
1:30 P. NJ, at which time it was prompt
ly called to order by the President. OPP
portunity being given for enrolment of
names, about one hundred were signed
as teachers, to which about fifty were
added during the next two days. Mr..
Stevenson ably discussed the subject of
percentage and interest,"" and was fol-
lowed by E. P Smith and others.
"The Analysis of Sentences and
Phrases" was introduced by Prof. A.
G. Morris; and Professors Meacheu,
Johnson, Powell, Simpson, King, Gregg
and others, took part in the discussion
which followed. A resolution was read
and adopted upon the death of the chill
dren of Professor Crawford, of William
mette University. An essay upon Seas
tie Building" by Miss Ella Scott, of
Forest Grove, was listened to with
marked attention. Fine music, under
the leadership of DR.. Hall, was inter
spersed with the other exercises. Rev.
Joseph Emery, critic for the day, gave
good report.
The Salem Brass Band opened the
evenings entertainment with a fine Sc
lection. Professor L. ]. Powell, of Sa-
lem, then delivered the welcoming adj
dress, which was certainly very fine,
both in subject matter and manner OF
expression. Mr.. Bilyeu, of Linn, re-
sponded in an able manner. After music,
Rev. Mr.. Bailey, of McMinnville, deliv.
eredan earnest and instructive lecture or
'fThe Teacher" an address filled with
practical suggestions. Rev. T. F. Camp
bell, of Monmouth, followed with an
able lecture en- the 'rNoun," delivered
in his forcible pleasing manner. The
evenings exercices closed with a
vocal solo, by Miss Barker.
The morning session of the second
day was opened by prayer by Rev. Mr.
Bishop, of Brownsville. A little pleas
antry arose as to the title of professor u
some deeming it impolite to give it tc
gentlemen teachers, to the exclusion o.
ladies; and really, the point seemed
well taken. Miss Hodgdon, of Portland
High School, opened the subject Of
"Fractions," in clear, concise manner,
and Messrs. Smith, Emery, Crook
Simpson, johnson and Sellwood took
part in the discussion which followed.
A poem by Mrs. Calbreath, of Wesi
Chehalem, was read in pleasing man
ner by Miss Dora Henshaw, of Forest
Grove; the subject was "Oregon Sun.
rise."
After the usual opening exercises, Rev
Mr.. Bishop, of Brownsville, opened the
subject of constitutional Government
in Schools,n in his humorous but deci
siye and logical style. Governor Gro
yer continued the subject, and was muct
applauded; but whether it was becaus'
he was Governor, or because of some pc
culiar merit in his speech, cannot say
The question whether moral instruc
ton should be stated exercise, or ONLY
incidentally introduced in our schools
brought up much interesting discussion
Mr.. Smith principal on affirmative, Mr.
Patton on the negative.
Professor ]. w. Johnson, of Port
. land High School, ably discoursed upol
the subject of irregular Verbs"
After a solo sung in beautiful man
ner by Miss Cox, Miss Ella Sabin rea'
an excellent paper on "Geography ant
, Map-drawing," and was followed by Nh
Knight and others upon the sam
subject.
Miss Ellen Luelling, of Hillsboro, rea'
, beautifully written essay upon "Life'
Work"
| The subject of "PenmanshiP' wa
brought forward by Mr.. Crooke, an
. Mr.. King and others each presente
their peculiar ways of teaching it.
} The evening session was opened by
fine Instrumental duet, which was fol
(; lowed by lecture by Professor Ander