Connecticut western news., 1876-02-04

Normal schools.-Amongst the educa- tional interests of the country, nothing seems of so much importance as the suc- cessful maintenance of the Normal schools. That teaching should be studied as science is no longer question, and that teachers should s'learn their trade" be- fore assuming the duties of the school room, is as apparent as the necessity for a thorough preparation in any other business requiring knowledge, skill and tact; and with this view of the matter, the Normal schools, whose sole business is to instruct young people the art and science of teach I ing, should, as they do, receive the support and fostering care of the people. Far too many of the school teachers of the land are i'll prepared for their important work, and the field for the labors of the Normal schools is broad one, but they are doing their work nobly; and it is presumed de cade hence will witness marked improve ment in the status of educational ability. able mention made by Governor Henry Lippit, in his recent annual message to the Rhode Island legislature, of the Normal school in Providence, of which MT. J. 0. Greenough, formerly of Westfeld in Mas sachusetts, and an old acquaintance of ours, is the principal. The friends of Mr. Greenough, who is son;in-law of the Hon. Wm. G. Bates of Westfield, are gratifed at his marked success in this branch of educational labors. We were also glad to see the special mention of MT. Greenough for the position he occupies, in the Provi- dence Press of Tuesday, for we know it's words of commendation are richly deserved and in no wise overdrawn. Rhode Island is proud of it's Normal school, and has rea-- son to be.
 After penning the above concerning the Providence Normal school, we were grati- fled 10 receive the following report of the anniversary exercises of our Connecticut Normal school in New Haven, in which two or three Salisbury scholars took part:
 MIR ED1ToR.-The Connecticut Normal school anniversary was held at New Britain on the 18th inst, when ar exhibition of the mode of studying was had in the morning in the Normal school hall, and graduating exercises were had ID the afternoon in one of the capacious churches of the city. Both hall and church were crowded with inter ested spectators and auditors The calls thenic exercises in the school room, partlc | 6 in hxy hnn HraA cf,1da Sn ton with music on the piano, were a won. der of their kind, and admirable. The filsi exercise was had in the use of dumb bells A second company, consisting of the junior class, volunteered sort of Turkish jayelir exercise, which was received with applause. These are muscle strengthening and healtt inducing exercises. On review, we were attracted by the ready and correct answers of the two Misses Cleaveland, daughters ol Dr. Cleaveland of Salisbury. They art right scholarly young ladies, and can but bt successful as teachers. We were not pres ent when Miss Niver of your town wa. called on. She is pleasant young lady and will no doubt make good teacher We are glad that Salisbury has so many young ladies able to attend the Norma Institute and willing to subject themselves to it's rigid discipline. The graduating clas of fifteen young ladies received their diplo mas at the hands of Dr. Northrop. .secretar, of the board of education. Eight of thu class pronounced creditable college ora tions, having their manuscript in hand, bu referring to them only infrequently. Th' parting ode was composed by one of thu class, and rehearsed by the whole school set to original music by Dr. Barnett.
 Of the several good institutions of Con necticut, and creditable to her, is her Nor nal Institute. j. B. c.
 Kensington, Jan. 29th, 1876.