The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1876-02-18
and definite understanding of the sub


iect, to the injury of the pupil.
On the first day the classes in alge-
bra, grammar, arithmetic and physical
geography, went through the work as.
signed to them with an assurance and
confidence coming only from a con-
seriousness of thoroughness in the teach
ing. We heard the remark frequently
made that the schools never were in
better condition than at the present
time. A remark by a professor, not
connected with the schools, that ssThe
fact Of the schools increasing in num-
bers so largely, without any apparent
change OF Importance in the popula-
ton of the town, was an evidence that
they are well conducted" strikes us as
to the peint. Prof. MiIliken insists that
his policy, which he has continually
kept before the teachers under his
charge has been, "not how much but
how WELL" We think this the true
measure of the teachers success, and
can see the result of this principle in
the elearness and distinctness OF state
ments by the scholars in their recita-
items.
The number of visitors on Thursday
was not large, but on Friday the crowd
was quite respectable, and we think
they were well repaid for their time
and attention. In the afternoon the
advanced class in arithmetic was ex-
amined on their work, from the ele-
ments OF numbers, and their first his
foregoing back about three thousand
years and bringing it down to the pres
ent time. When the time assigned to
this recitation had expired, the work
was not more than half done, and some
OF the visitors demurred against hav-
ing the valve closed and steam shut off
at this interesting stage in the proceed
fngs. A vote being taken, it was
unanimously decided to see the thing
out if it took all day, so the class went
through and completed the work, in
quite satisfactory manner.
Miss Watson is graduates of the
first class of the Normal school, and
the first . teacher who ever taught in
Emporia, and has taught successfully
in the city schools for a number of
years. Her forte seems to be in gram
mar or high school work, in which she
is most decidedly success.
The last class was one in rhetoric. nv
Mr.. Upton, and was quite creditable to
both pupils and teacher. One feature
Of this recitation struck US as rather an
innovation upon the regular work of
the class. We refer to the rather
lengthy essays by members of the
class-a large per cent OF which have
very doubtful marks of originality.
We would suggest that where papers
are prepared for the public that they
be carefully examined by the proper
authorities, and only such be present.
ed as will show the originality of the
work and ability of the pupil to frame
compositions.
at the close of the work the visitors
expressed themselves pleased with
what they had seen of the examina-
lions, and concluded by giving Mr..
Wood hearty vote of thanks for be-
ing the only member of the board who
had interest enough in the prosperity
OF the schools to attend all of the ex-
aminations.
We learn that with the exception of
few minutes during the sslast day in
the afternoon" the committee that had
announced these examinations, never
showed their countenances inside
school room door, and only in two of
the rooms did another member of the
board appear, except Mr.. Wood.
We think a few repairs could be
made to advantage in several places
about the stone building. The teach
ers desk is at the wrong end of the
room, the blackboards are not in very
good repair, &c. But as there is press
Ing need for more school rooms, per-
haps the board will make things right
by another year.
In conclusion, Messrs. editors, let
me say that Emporia schools are such
that we are proud of them. Much of the
above is written from hearsay, but in
the main expresses our views of what
we have seen and heard.
Yours in the cause of education and
progress, OBSERVER.