Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-12-07

| memory of the renowned native oil Dor
chester
The lecture season shows indications OF
the same popularity which has been noted
for several years. We rejoice in the fact,
for there can be no doubt of the utility of
the lecture a. Il means Of improving society.
But while this is true, there are other means
quite as useful, and much less expensive.
Recently nv attention was called to club
of about thirty Young and middle-aged gen
tlemen and ladies'. They comprise the adult
portion of II dozen families, and hold weekly
meetings in private parlors, to read and dis
cuss English and American authors, study
history. discuss art and enjoy social even
ing. Thereby the two frequent i'll effects of
club rooms are avoided, the avenues Of rea
son, Imagination and general culture are
opened more widely to ladies. and both men
and women become educated to adapt them
selves better to the wants of society.
The demands Of women for equal Oppor-
W IN lLtlE ltllbN lHtH pui
educational institutions marks the beginning
Of a new era For three or four years liar
ward has given annual opportunities to the
iairel sex for showing their knowledge, and,
upon satisfactorily passing the examinations
certificate of proficiency has been granted.
The opponents of the so-called higher educa-
ton of women have urged that, as a class
distinction, the mind of woman is not fitted
for pursuing the higher mathematics, trig-
onometry, comic sections and the calculus,
although it may successfully unTayel the
mysteries of the languages and of lighter
thought. pom this matter Prof. Dunbar has
a word To say after examining the returns of
last June " The returns do not seem to me
to show any characteristic failures or short
comings. In other years, | bad thought
the mathematics the stumbling block but
this year the candidates range all the way
from failure up to hundred per cent, and
the same candidate in some cases shows that
range" If this may be accepted as a
general truth, it is unnecessary for Us TO
point out, as a natural sequence, the i'm
menee rover which has been continuously
wasted.
Boston at last virtually declares that girls
may and ought to enjoy the same educational
advan tages as boys; but co-education in the
public schools strikes too heavy blow at
her va united ancient policy. Tuesday even
ing the School Board reviewed the argu-
ments that have been presented during the
last six weeks and, by close vote, decided
that a separate girls Latin school should lie
organized. The vote fairly voices public
opinion in this section of the country, but a
critical observer will detect that the Unborn
love of old and associated customs was
stronger argument with the School Board
than any argument which the best educators
in Massachusetts could advance.
The authorities of public education in this
State are Just arousing from delightful
slumber of thirty years. They may be seen
yawning, stretching out their arms, rubbing
open their eyes and. Rip Van Winkle-like,
trying to determine where in the world they
are. Between the years 1887 and 1913
Horace Mann was secretary of the State
Board of Education. lie transformed the
educational interests Of the State. Through
L. u,k.,1., l1isl,-
ed, teachers institutes were held, school
committees were paid for their services, the
law of love took the place Of the law of the
rod and the schools were graded systemati-
cally. lie was honored as the saviour Of the
public schools and his seventh report
QS4D was published and circulated at
public expense in many Of our States,
and many copies may be found on the
shelves of English educators. Where
Horace Mann left the public schools of Mas
sachusetts there they stand to-day. But. if
present omens may be considered indicative
Of future action, another progressive stride
is about to he made. The Hon. j. W. Dick
inson, for over twenty years principal Of the
well-known Westfield State Normal School,
and student OF European systems of organ
izatiou and methods oil teaching, was APP
pointed in the Summer at the head oi pub
lie education in this State. Already be has
gained the support OF educators generally
has introduced more practical work into the
Teachers institutes he has instituted com
mittee meetings in various parts of the State,
by means OF which the local authorities
learn their own duties, and know what to
require of the teachers and what assistance
to give them.
4 few days ago | called ON Mr. Dickinson
and he gave me an outline of his plan of
work His views are quito in harmony
with those of Mr. Mann, the only difference
IN their courses OF work being that where MIR.
Minn'- system ends Mr.. Dickinson's most
nctiye work begins and all who are ac-
quaintct with him know that no amount OF
labor will he spared to make our schools, in
every respect, equal to the best public
schools of termany. The reform most need
ed now il that which will secure the best
methods OF teaching Instead of the page
method oral teaching will he endorsed
textbooks will he used only Tor reference
the adoption of the Kinder Garten system
will he earnestly advocated. No little in
tcrc-t has been manifested to learn what l,o-
situn Mr. Dickinson would take on the
question oil rn-cducatiUn. lie il strongly in
favor of 90 education. 1t is impossible here
To reproduce his Argument but hrs course
OF thought may bo summed up in these few
words Male and female were created to
live together 1t is the object OF education to
make good members Of society AS a person
il educated ~ he inclnes to live it boys
and girls are educated separately the ten
dcncy is to divorce their mutual interest and
usefulness Besides the topics ordinarily
embodied IN an educational report, the com
ing volume, to he issued the first or second
week Of January, will contain able and elab
crate discussion Of the two subjects, co-edu
cation and methods OF teaching, which will
make it specially valuable to every educa-
tiOnist.
1t is cOwardice - to strike a man when