Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1878-04-13
Jefferson County Teacncrs' institute.

On Friday morning the Teachers Institute
convened for the closing exercises Of this ses-
sion. An address by Mr. Bragouier on 1.-The
Bes, Method Of Teaching History" &c.,-was
followed by a discussion at some length, par
ticipated in by Messrs. McFaden, Latimer,
Deck, Lshtuer, Backus, Quigley, Page and
Halter. Mr. Williams announcing that they
would like to hear from gentleman present
who was fully acquainted with the public
school system in Maryland, DR.. Simmons was
called on and arose with the remark that be
knew comparatively little of the present con-
duct Of Maryland Public Schools. but when he
lived there they were in a bal condition. He
felt deeply interested in this subject, considered
it the first duty of every teacher to teach the
child to hiak Geometry. he regarded as a
most important study, as it develops and
brings out the powers Of thought lfcompel-
led to choose for his child between the al ha-
bet and Geometry he should prefer Geometry.
Take any Insignificant ohject-as O nail,
crooked tree-talk to the child about it, bring
out his ideas lie then spoke Of the French
Metric System Of weights and measures, ard
its great value in simplifying calculations-it
can only be introduced by teaching 10 the
schools. To the ladies Of the Institute be
wanted to say few words Their duties diff
fer from those Of the males 10 that as a general
thing their scholars were coLfned TO the female
sex-those who are to be the mothers Of future
generations and citzens-anl the thoughts
taught them will be carried to all eternity
There are many things fora girl to learn that
are not taught in books Duties Of such
teachers should be undertaken prlyerfully.
&c. lie then addressed his remarks to the
colored members Of the Institute Theirs, be
said, was the most difficult Of all Il was
( like the mole mining the mountain they
have perfect black wall Of isuorehco to IN
dermine. They were aware Of the broad So
cal barrier existing between them and the
white race--a wall which no amount Of lesis-
latiou con rem6ye-they must rise to look
over the bartlett eau never be pulled down.
Education, intelligence aud virtue alone can
overcome il, They must make the same So
cial distinction between yirtne and vice that
the whites do-punish crime by refusing to
associate with its perpetrators, &c. All school
teachers belong to the job family All tie
petty yexanons, difficulties discouragcmeuts,
going to make up the teachers life one worse,
it seemed to him. than jobs affections, and
they have need Of greater patience in cndur-
log them. Several members expressed their
qualification at The sentiments Of the speaker.
Colored members spoke in high appreciation.
10 the afternoon the members, some Of
them, participated in warm discussion as to
the time and place Of the next session, and the
question was finally disposed OF by laying it
on tue table The following Resolutions were
unanimously adopted, ard the Institute ud-
journed
Resolred. That "Thc Teachers Institute" re-
turn IN thanks Of It's members for the use Of the
| washington Hail." rendered them and used by
the Institute during its session and are glad to
I see this appreciation, on the part Of the town Of
/ Charlestowu, in the great interests of the cause
Of public education and its advancement ~ bring
ing the cause of education before the public, aud
/ by the use Of their Hall giving the public OPP
/ portSn.ty 90 see and hear what is being done in
this most important matter by the Institute.
Ro.o'red, That the thanks Of this Institute are
| due and rendered 70 the Hon. Charles Davies FOR
his able and entertaining address 90 this Institute,
and the thanks Of the same are hereby rendered
70 him. not only for his able address, but for the
interest therein entertained BY him for the cause
Of public education and the object Of this Inst.-
,ute.
Reso'red. That the thanks OF the teachers Of
this Institute are hereby most cordially rendered
10 our respected president. who has so faithfully
| and patiently presided over our meetings, and
/ whose devoted attention % his duties have been
SO kindly, eonsidera;e and impartial throughout
i'oUr deliberations.
Rcs3lrc, That IL Is thc desire Of this Institute,
| Of the teachers Of Jefferson CCuutv. that more
general feeling OF interest may be brought aboa.
upon the part Of the public, and more especially
thatthe patrons of our public schools NAV come
10 feel and know that they, as we'll as the teach
ers have 4 duty % fulfil, and their hearty coop
GRAFTON is most earnestly invited in the object OF
the education Of our youth.
Rc,o'red, That we return our thanks for the
kind attention and notice Ci-en by the Press Of
Alll triNN 10 10 NNi AtliN meetings hNA AHilNHIh-
tions; and recognizing The great power yielded by
the Press Of our country, when enlisted in the cause
OF popular education, SIC are particularly glad TO
know that in this matter the Press Of jefferson
county has done a good work and a noble one.
| Rc,o'rc3 That We, as body. return our thanks
20 Or. J. Y. Simmons Tor his lecture delivered to
/ the Institute in which were many good surges-
! items pointodly given. and Tor the interest BY him
! shown 10 the objects and aims Of this Institute,
and this body Fegrc.tiug that ". L. Wilson, Esq,
vas unable, from press of duty in attendance mp
On Court now 10 session. to deliver the lecture he
was invited by this BODY 10 deliver. hopes at some
future meeting of the jefferson Co. Institute. be
will give the teachers the benefit of his thoughts
and experience in the cause ct popular education.
r. G. BRAGONIER,
q. A. McFADEN,
| J. 7. HOMER,
Committee
TLa ho-t rar-rm n l-1na.-l- llla !. nilLnnL