The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-09-08
LOCAL AFFAIRS.

LuOAI AIT AIMS
TgAcmgRs' INSTITUTE. The Carroll County
Teachers Institute has been in session at
Central Hall, in this city, during the last few
days. The attendance Of teachers has been
large, indeed larger than ever before, there
being present during Tuesdays sessions one
hundred. There have not been many visitors.
Prof Newell has not been present during the
entire session, but was present on Thursday.
In his absence Prof Newson occupied the
Chair.
Tuesday mornings session was consumed
in the election Of officers. Mr.. Spurrier was
present and enliveued the occasion with de-
| lightful music In the afternoon the regular
schedule of subjects was taken up and the dis
cussion of the several topics was participated
in with alacrity. Messrs Reck and Dilfen-
bach read fine essays upon the Importance
| of Associations and Institutes. At the close
Of the session Miss Eddie Duval, of Wood
bine, read with much elegance and ease that
masterpiece of Charles Dickens, "The Death
Of Little Nell" In the evening there was not
much time consumed in the discussion of sub.
jects, but it vas devoted to the entertainment
of the members and visitors. Mr.. Wilson X.
| Gushing read an elaborate essay upon "The
distinction between Tact and Teaching" Mr..
| " ENOImtHty JT.f AStlhlulcu ouhIiluS
| o. Brien,h with very accurate conception
of the character of the piece, which elected
considerable applause. Miss Josephine Bea
yer rehearsed very we'll. Music was fur
nished by Misses Matthews and Root, and
Messrs. Matthews and Spnrrier. The prom
inent features of Wednesday morning were !:
An address of Mr.. McSwiney on Reading; and
impromptu readings by Miss Mettie Miller
and Mr.. Jacob II. Christ. Miss II. Lee Eng
lar read an essay on Prirary Schools.
In the afternoon the Institute was enter
tanned with the reading of "The Vagabonds,'
by Mr.. Charles Ii. Bachman. Miss Laura J g.
| Hooker read an essay upon "The Influence
Of Public Schools on the Community in Gen.
eral. This essay was by far the finest feature
of the day. Music was furnished by the same
parties, who sang SO sweetly on Tuesday.
There was no session in the evening, the
teachers wishing to attend the drama. The
entire morning of Thursday was consumed in
the discussion of the subject of Mathematics
The chief participants were Messrs. Christ,
Webster, Newson, McSwiney, Norment, Nut.
ting, and Prot. Newell. Music was furnished
| Us usual.
On Thursday afternoon there were several
essays read, We mention those of Mr.. Levi
Poole, of st. Johns College, upon Natural
Science; Mr.. George W, Sullivan upon the
question, Should Primary or Grammar Schools
have the best qualified teacherH Mr.. Thomas
Upton upon School Government; Mr.. Nor.
ment and Miss Kinzer read in a pleasant
manner; the former reading Bernardo del
Carpio," and the latter "The Chime of the
Bells" Prof. Newell addressed the Institute
upon the subject of Geography, taking the
| position that great deal of it as it is now
taught, is waste of time. During the ex.
ercises Prof Newson announced the death OF
Miss Burns. of Manchester. On motion OF
Mr.. Norment committee was appointed to
adopt suitable resolutions upon the death OF
the deceased.
On account of the extreme inclemency of
the weatherthe audience, assembled on Thurs
day evening, was not as large as might other.
wise have been expected. 1t having been
announced in the afternoon that Prof. Newell
would lecture, and also that Prof Charles T.
Wright, of Western Maryland College, and
Miss Meredith would read. But it is certain
that those who did venture to go were amply
repaid for muddy feet and wet clothing. For
when Prof Newell arose he convinced all
that he was going to entertain. He chose for
a subject "rhe Confessions of a Schoolmas
ter" He told many amusing anecdotes with
great effect, and clothed his thoughts with that
richest of all intellectual garments, wit. And
his wit was not of that superficial character,
which, having caused laugh, is gone forever,
but rather of that nature which we all feel.
1.-THE velvet scabbard held a sword of steel ~
Would that those upon whom its keen edge
should fall, had been there to hear. While
all enjoyed hearty laugh, all were highly
benefited.
Prof Wright read, in his usual mastery
manner, "The Sioux Chiefs Daughter. {"
Miss Meredith rehearsed Tennyson's ballad,
"Lady Clare" The attention of heraudience
and the prolonged applause, spokr well for
the rendering. Mr.. Wilson r. Gushing read
''Dat Seutenyal,' in style which showed
him well acquainted with the Ethiopian dia.
lect. The selection elected many a loud
smile" Mr.. Charles Baughman read in his
usual style, "Courtin' in the Country"
Music was furnished by Messrs. Spurrier
and Mitten and Misses Matthews and Root.
With the exercises of Thursday evening the
Institute closed.