South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1878-02-01

lily countermanded.
.
Mr.. HARPER: Tie teachers Institute
held by our County superintendent in
this place, closed on Friday evening
last, after a four days session. There
was quite good attendance, both of
teachers, and visitors. These Institutes
are comparatively new here, 90 the law
requiring them, is of recent date. At
n former Institute held here last fall. The
superintendent selected mum er of
subjects OF vital Importance to the
Schools, to The teachers, and to the
cause Of education generaly, assigning
teachers different subjects, and request.
ing essays TO be prepared on the differ
ent subjects, n be read by the teachers
preparing them before the next Institute.
arranging the different subjects, for the
different sessions. When an essay was
read, it became subject for criticism.
and discussion, and visitors BEING inyi
tated by the Chairman to take part with
the teachers in the discussions, and in.
terchange OF views, il was manifest that
men now as heretofore differ in opinion.
even on so important subject, as the
best methods of imparting instruction
to the youths in our schools. The result
OF these discussions, was 10 make the
Institute quite lively, and interesting
and we hope. AMI believe profitable to
the teachers, many OF the ESSAYS read
were well prepared and evinced for their
authors no little acquaintance with the
subjects discussed. and a good degree Of
thought, good sense. and sound argu-
meut.
The subject of the teachers iurisdic-
ton over his pupils outside the school
house, on the play grounds. and on the
way TO and from school, elected quite
n lively discussion, n number Of US old
fogies. "A we are termed, in these latter
days. Having q vivid recollection Of some
OF the scenes that transpired in our
Youthful days under the good old sys-
tom in our old log school houses. ad,
vocated u pretty thorough Jurisdiction for
the teacher all a long the way, over all
indecencics. misdemeanors, abuses Of
power, corrupt and immoral conduct,
&C., we said, bring the offender up
Tor trial, and if found guilty, punish
every mothers son OF them according to
the ofense.
The young Americas took The other
side of the question. and not being used
TO, or liking much restraint themselves
they advocated restricting the teachers
jurisdiction within the walls of the
school house, and alowing.a more en-
joyabie and comprehensive liberty out
side, like the Irishman we have heard Of
so soon rs he placed his feet on our
soil, jumped as high as lie couH and
followed for liberty being asked what be
meant by liberty, replied Faith and be
jabers ] name liberty, TO do as IpIasc.'
some OF the young advocates for the
lrishman's notion Of liberty. became
very earnest, and loud threatning with
the law, prosecutions. punishment and
imprisonment, enough TO scare some
Of our youthful and timid teachers ont
Of their boots. not realizing that law was
was only made for the lawlcss. and the
disobedicnt, and never proposes to pun
Ish % man for doing right. We claim
enough jurisdiction for the teacher TO
enable +um 90 correct all these common
offences and TO protect the weak and
timid from tho abuses Of tho rude. and
lawlcss, deny this much and YOU turn
out in the cold all the rude and disobe-
dent boys, or the parents OF the better
trained and more obe1icnJ ones. must
keep them a. home under their own pro
lection
After four days observation Of the
workings of The institute We arc con
WINGED when properly conducted. they
arc good institution. we'll calculated 10
instruct teachers crquiriug Cor the best
methods Of Importing 90 their pupils. rs
we'll rs governing their schools. We
conclude that aEv teacher who cannot
De benefited i.'Hc.r attendance. must
think be has ieamy. D. ml. og blame
himself for inatteE,..Ht) luo subjects
discussed. VISITOR.
~ We understand that the Burlinr-