The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1878-05-30

we. the teachcrs of these free common
schools should form associations that will
awaken an interest favorable to education,
and show to each other the existing defects
and desirable improvement i'll the govern
merit and instruction of our schools, the
result of which will be most conducive to
the welfare Of the schools. | assume the
position that organization is essentially
necessary to the success of any cause per-
tanning to the interest and welfare of our
country. Does not observation and expe-
rence teach us this? Does not the past
political history of South Carolina bring
this fact vividly to memory? We have
religious, political and agricultural conyen-
tions in Anderson County, and we see their
benefcent effect and influence. Why not
have educational? Shall we, as teachers,
having most important mission to accom-
plish, (the training of youthful minds,)
remain in our lethargy, allowing one iota of
our interest, success and prosperity to Ian
guish and die? Will Anderson County,
the banner County Of the old palmetto
State" be so far behind in this most i'm
portant movement in the cause of educa-
tion7 We are informed that Spartanburg
County has had an annual Teachers Con-
vention for eight years. and would not give
them up for any consideration. Your cor
respondent has seen the influence and effects
of these conventions in Arkansas, and can
testify as to the results being most beneti-
cial. Then, why not have Teachers Con-
vention in Anderson County? There can
be no reason why we should not. The
great good to be derived from it, and the
many advantages connected with it, are an
abundant compensation for the time and
trouble spent in it.
We can meet in convention at Anderson
Court House at an early day, soliciting tho
attendance of oil teachers, male and female,
for the purpose of organization. We can
remain together two or three days, and the
benefits will be invaluable. We can e1-
change opinions as to the best methods of
teaching, the uniform series of text books
that we should select from the large num-
Der with which our country is flooded, the
discipline about which, after the dawn Of
new era of things, there is so much trouble,
and the thousand other questions pertain
ing to the work of the teacher, which would
do much good in each community. This
would doubtless bring about thorough
and independent county school system,
without violating any part or parcel of the
school law, create social and pleasant in
tercourse between teachers, and build up
onr schools on sure and permanent basis,
with more genuine morality, better disci.
pline, strict bylaws, rules and regulations.
We can have prominent voice in the
choice of School Commissioner, and our
selection would most certainly meet with
respect and consideration, as we are the
persons most deeply interested, and with
whom he is intimately associated. These
suggestions, and others not mentioned,
would be subject to the consideration of
the Convention.
This communication is written through
the urgent solicitations of several teachers,
and an earnest desire on my part to see
Teachers Convention organized in Ander-
son County. We would be glad if Prof.
w. ]. Ligon and others would give their
views on this subject.
Respectfully,
w. T. McELROY.