The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1879-07-10
THE TEACHERS.
Second Day of the Convention at
Fahuap,c

Second Day of the Convention at
Fabyan's.
FABYAN HOUSE, N H., July 9.-The ex-
ercises at the Institute OF Instruction opened
this morning with prayer by Rev. w. w. Hay
word of Keene, N H. The Treasurer's report
was submitted by Geo. A. Walton, Treasurer,
showing balance on hand of $136. A discus
sion on '.Some of the present aspects of
classical teaching and study was opened by
Prof. J. l.. Lincoln of Providence, r. I. He
thought physical studies narrowed scholars,
while Greek and Latin made broad, cultured
and able men, He cited German authors to
support his views. The substitution of
modern language for Latin and Greek causes
great injury The classics are the basis of
modern languages and it is thorough under
standing of them that is essential. Latin and
Greek are not dead languages. They are live
The true object of classical study is mental
discipline and culture. Grammar should be
the first and last book in the study of the
classics.
tai discipline be obtained the KNOWLEDGE
secured was sufficient to repay for the trouble.
Ii no knowledge is obtained the mental dis
cipline would repay. The utility of studies is
not in the knowledge obtaiued, but in the
memoriZing power developed
Prof. Louis Solden of st. Louis aaid the
moment Europe went back to the study of the
classics reformation commenced and scholar
ship revived. The classics are the basis of all
progress in education. Language should be in
vestigated.
''The High School question was opened by
Hon. B. G. Northrop, Secretary of the Con-
necticut Board of Education. He gave
history of the high school in New England.
The high lchool system prepares the
scholars for the positions they are naturally
fitted for. 1t improves the district schools,
developes better teachers and brings out talent
High schools give the poor class chance to
rise, developing many noble men and women
who would else remain in obScurity.
He condemned the practice of forcing
scholars into classical studies without they in
tend completing a collegiate or professional
cour~s. They should not commence the
classics without they are ecuiiary fitted or by
the written request of parents.
Mr. Adams of Rhode Island believed high
scheSls ODE a necessity for the safety and
growth of our Republican institutions. The
best army and police force is our public
schools.
c. G. Rounds of Pennington, Me-, thought
the opponents of hi"h schools should be
FOUGHT at the ballot box.
H. P. Warren, Principal of the New
Hampshire Normal School, thought the
primary schools should receive more attention
and graduates of colleges should not be
placed over high schools without special train
ing.
d. P. Allen of North Carolina (colored) gave
an interesting account of the growth of educa.
t1onal interest in his State, and the organiza-
ton of a normal school under his MANAGEMENT.
He asked pecuniary aid, and q committee was
appointed to solicit
A reading by Prof. Hubbard, ''The Creeds of
the Bells" followed. The closing exercise of
the session was given by George A. Walton,
agent of the Massachuce tts Board of Education,
and consisted of illustrations of the method of
teaching numbers by the object and oral plan.
The limitless applications of arithmetic are all
based upon one hundred elementary combina-
lions of numbers, no one of which exceeds ten
units. The pupil is taught to write and
separate these simple numbers and compare
one number with another. When he can do this
and express the equations with facility he has
the elements of all arithmetical knowledge.
The teaching must proceed slowly but if
systematic two-thirds of the time now given to
this branch may be saved and much better
results derived.
The evening session opened with lecture
on 'Eclipoes Of the sln, with illustrations by
Prof. Young of Princeton, which was received
with the closest attention and considerable
applause. The committee appointed in the
morning to raise funds Tor normal school in
North Carolina reported it had received
$16S.c0. Gen. John Eaten, United States
Commissioner OF Education set forth briefly
the educational work being done for the South
and gave very favorable account of progress
among the freedmen. After readings by Prof.
Hubbard and song by Mrs. West the exercises
closed,