Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-01-31
AoraI ann State Nems.


Normal schools.
While these institutions are recognized by
nearly all the States as a necessary part of
our common school system, there are per-
sons in all these States who do not under
stand nor appreciate their work. One argu-
ment offered against them is that ''they have
not graduated many pupils" This ercum-
stance is due principally to two cause.-the
limited means of the pupils to attend school,
seyen-eghths of them being Obliged to pay
their own expenses, and the uncertainty of
rcmunerativc employment in our common
schools. But one fact is overlooked by the
critics. While about five hundred have been
graduated from the two schools, nearly three
thousand have been connected with them
from one term to two years Ninety per cent
of these students have taught, probably sew
enty-five per cent. with success.
As the number of yearly schools in Maine
is SMALL large majority of these students
must do other work besides teaching a por-
ton of the time. This is especially true of
the young men who work on the farm sum
mcrs and teach winters, thus using their
knowledge and discipline to develop the ma
terial as well as mental resources of the
State. Our Normal schools are thus educat-
ing our boys for the farm, the home, and the
State.
A Portland paper has advocated a suspen-
sion of the two Normal schools, which have
done noble pioneer work, and IA concentra-
ton of funds upon the new school. The
course would be as injudicious as unjust The
people know the good work of these two
schools, and any attempt to set them aside
for the benefit of the new one will seriously
injure the prospects of the untried institution
which owes its existence to the foundation
work laid by the other schools.
NORMAL GRADUATE.
Smells In Sandy Brook.
The following communication will explain
itself:
SANDY Brook, SAcO, Me-,
January 20, 1879.
To the Editor Of the Keane5ee Journal:
DEAR SIR-IIaving received from the State
House, communication, of which the follow
ing is a verbatim copy;
STATE House, AUGUSTA, Jan. %, 20.
Mr.. kIMBALL-Dear SIR Your petition for the
protection of smelts in Sandy Brook Is in danger of
not being past hear atho 1t may be safe now for
in the hands of the Committee ON Miletary 1 think
tary man II may be well for you appear hear and
look after the interest of petitioners from you
had better Consult your friends In regard to this Pc
tiiion. Respectfully yours,
RErREsExrIvE.
And as it is well understood that it is for
the interest of the State to have the smelts in
Sandy Brook, Saco, protected by law, and in
consideration of the fact that large party of
ladies and gentlcmcn from the town of Bux-
ton started for Old Orchard Beach, and sup
posing they had arrived at the Atlantic Ocean
stopped at Sandy Brook, commenced to bathe
and prepared for picnic, and to take smelts
for a collation.. The ancient town of Scar
boro' having taken smelts from said Sandy
| Brook to such an extent, the party from Bux-
ton found they were unable to provide them
selves dinner. The Representative forget
ting to add his signature TO his letter. we
desire to insert reply in your valuable paper,
hoping the same may reach him. If the com
inittec to whom the petition is referred, should
make favorable reply, the petitioners desire
that the "represcntive" may use his infiu-
ence to the end that Capt. Washington Whit
man may be commissioned to command what
ever troops may be necessary to protect said
slmelts. Respectfully yours,
| JUDGE NAT. KIMBALL,
! for the petitioners.