The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1875-08-26

norman schools as being equalcd Dy Few,
and probably surpassed by none, else
where in the Union. Whether in the
noble fund that supports them, in the
intelligent, and conscientious manage
ment that controls them, in the capable
faculties that officer them, or in the
pupils that fill their attractive, spacious
and well appointed halls, they are an
honor to the State and worthy of it's
confidence.
A gentleman said to me, and not long
since, that after having travelled for
considerable time in the East inspecting
normal schools, he had to come to WIS
consin to get his ideas properly balan-
ced. Still we are not to cit doUL in
self complacency, supposing that we
have reached perfection here. Excellent
as are these schools, doubtless they can
reach still greater excellence. Funda-
mental questions in regard 20 them are
not yet fully settled. What is the
function of the normal school Should
they be organically connected with the
State University? Should kindergar>
tens be established in them? Is the
isest course pursued In the selection of
pupils for these schools! If not, how
can the means Of selections be improv-
led? Is there too much or too little
academic work? Are the results of
these schools commensurate with the
expense? IF not, why2
/ have called your attention thus
briefly to these topics to show, first, that
the Association has been largely instru-
mental in advancing the cause of popu-
lar education throughout the State TO
it's present standard; and second, that
there is opportunity for still more pre-
severing efforts in the future, in helping
to solve the absorbing questions that are
before US. One of the most eminent
men Of this county said, not long since
that the question before the people of
the United States at the present time
is the school question. What is the
function Of the public schools? what
the function Of parochial or denomina-
tional schools? Shall the public school
/ fund be divided I? How shall all inter-
ests be harmonized?
It is not to be expected that the Asso-
citation will attempt to discuss all the
important achool questions of the day,
at this session. Such a course would
leave no work well done. TIE expert
ment of last year, in referring topics to
committees for them to report upon at
the winter session, was 50 successful, it
is believed, az to warrant similar
course at this session.
A question in which this Association
/ is deeply interested, and concerning
which it should speak with no uncertain
sound, is, shall teachers, like lawyers,
physicians, etc., have the right Of cx
animal on, exclusively by members of
their own profession? It,is not reason
able to demand that lie who Shall assume
the responsible position of examiner of
the qualifications Of teachers, shall
himself be the possesscr of suck quail
fcations Is it not time for Us to
demand that in this matter, the horse
be put before the cart
Another question is: Has this Assoc
citation any part to take in the great
Centennial Exposition p What means
can be employed to secure the adoption
of the township system Of school govern
ment?
1t is well known that the Legislature
of last winter passed law for the estab-
lishment of system Of free high
schools, intending that it should be
suited to the wants of rural districts.
How can the law be made serviceabIe 2
What should be the branches cf study
pursued? Should these schools be
shaped with the idea of serving the
University as preparatory schools, or
should they rather be supplementary to
the common schools, having for their i'm
mediate object the making of better and
more intelligent citizens? take the
following from an editorial in the Feb
ruary number Of The National Teachers
Monthly:
There is strong opposition to the high
school in many quarters. The objection