Ottumwa weekly courier. (Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa) 1872-1899, 1878-08-14
Normallnst jtute.

reported Tor the Courier by u. w. Buckner.
The Institute opened on Monday,
Aug. 5, az reported in your columns
last week. On Tuesday and Wednes-
day, the regular programme Of reci-
tations was carried out with the ex-
ception of few Interruptions by
agents, travelling in the interest of
some educational journals.
A few more teachers names were
enrolled.
The conductors seemed tt be earn
eat, the teachers deeply interested in
the work and very profitable time,
during the session, is anticipated.
Although the attendance is small, yet,
il will surely increase very much be-
fore the close.
Teachers of Wapello Co. ought to
be aroused from the dull stupor into
which they have fallen, with refer
ence to Normal Institutes and where
it is at all possible should be present
during its session.
1t is said by educators that our
county is becoming somewhat fossil
lied in educational matters and edu-
cational results. If this be true it is
certainly the imperative duty of ev-
cry teacher and patron to be 80 earn
est and active in the cause of educa-
ton as to make Wapello second to
none in the State for its progress in
advancement.
On Wednesday evening, Prof. G.
w. Won Coelln, State Supt., gave q
very practical lecture in the City
Hall, subject, "The School Master"
But few citizens were present, and
we know not the cause of such indif-
ference unless business is too press
ing during the hard times to be left
alone one evening. Citizens, if you
are interested in the cause of educa-
ton, please attend our lectures that
we may be encouraged, at least, by
your presence.
On Thursday morning, Prof. G. T.
Carpenter, Pres. of the Oskaloosa
College, delivered a lecture before
the Institute, taking a somewhat
wider range than usual. He urged
upon teachers, with much power and
beauty of expression, the great i'm
portance of certain class of studies
too much neglected in our system of
education. Such as Political Econo-
my, Civil Government and Social Sci
ence. Our nations life ard liberty,
he claimed, arc endangered through
the ignorance of voters and the dem
agoguery Of leaders. The teachers of
our Public schools, as well as the COL
leges, must be able to instruct the
children and parents, in the class Of
studies named. He is an active edu.
Gator and deserves credit for the way
he addressed the teachers, both as to
subject matter and delivery. Prof.
j. Baldwin, Pres. of the North Mo.
State Normal School, took charge Of
the teachers for a short time before
noon. He first stated, "that the great.
est difficulty in learning was owing
to the fact that but few knew how to
study" hence, he gave eight rules for
study, requiring the teachers to re.
peat them and making q few remarks
on each. They were as follows:
!. Take deep interest in what you
study. 2. Give your attention to the
subject. 8. Study systematically. 4
Master each step as you 60. 8. Think
clearly, vigorously, and commercially
Is. Study to knob, not to yecite. Z
Use your knowledge. 8. Mix, daily
mix, study, recreation, and rest.
In the afternoon he again tool
charge,giving six general regulation
for school government, viz: Regu.
larity, punctuality, quietude, commu
nication, decorum and morality
which he thought ought to be enforc
In our schools If possible. His re-
marks were both practical and inter
esting. The Professor is one of tn,
foremost educators in the West ant
is not only highly esteemed by hi
students but also makes friend
wherever he goes. On Friday tn,
usual work was resumed and the re-
citations were quite entertaining
The total number enrolled at tn,
close of the first week was fifty -four
P. f. Dana to-day showed us som
Fultz Fall wheat raised on his plac,
that is % fine as we ever saw. Ais,
some White Clawson, fall wheat, tina
ia remarkable for the size of the graf
and plumpness. He has already sol,
q part Of his Fultz wheat, fer seed q
500 per bushel. OF the Clawson b