The Portland daily press., 1879-07-09
TEACHERS TALKING.
Annual Meeting of the American
Institute of Instruction.
Practical Essays on Educational Topics.

IODlCS,
FABYAN HOUSE, N. H., July S-The fiftieth
annual meeting of the American Institute of
Instruction commenced this morning in the
pavilion erected near the Fabyan House. The
PAVILION is tastefully decorated with flags and
eeyergreens, with the motto over the stage,
"Incipimus non flaimus." The exercises
opened with song by Mrs j. houston West,
prayer by President Hurlburt of Middlebury
College and another song by Mrs. West.
The following committees were then chosen:
On nominations-T. w. Bcknell, Massa-
chusetts; E. B. Ruggles, New Hampshire; R.
Woodbury., Maine: A. Wedsen, Vermont T.
F. Barrows, Connecticut; j. Milton Hall,
Rhode Island; c. w. Barden.
Resolutions-A. p. Stone, Massachusetts: e.
S. Morris, Maine; III. p. Warren, New Hamp-
shire; II. NJ; Harrington, Connecticut; j. w.
Island; Henry Blake Nebraska. ~
Necrology-Ch Northend Connecticut
S. w. Mason, Massachusetts,; II. Orcutt, New
Hampshire; Edward Conant, Vermont; St S.
Greene, Rhode Island c. C. Rounds, Maine.
Journal of Educaticn-T. d. Adams, Rhode
Fletcher, Maine; A. Morse, Connecticut; S.
Arthur Bent, New Hampshire; j. S. Cilley,
Vermont.
Teachers and Teachers Plaees-S. T.
Fletcher, Maine; Edward Stickney, Massa-
chusetts; A. p. Somers, j. d. BARLEY, A. NJ
Hampshire.
Honorary members-D. N. Camp, Connecti-
cut; j. L. Blackinton, M. Lyon.
White Mountain Excursion-D. A. Whit
comb.
j Judah Dana of Castleton delivered an adj
dress: "Old and New Methods in Teaching
He graphically compared the methods of
teaching in old times when scholars were
taught self-reliance, and modern times when
every help was afforded, which tends to ener-
vate and injure. He would not throw away
the present system but combine with the old
Encourage children to work themselves and
not let them rely on the teacher.
Mr.. Morse of Connecticut said he thought
the old system of using the rod judicially had
been the salvation o. many pupils.
Mr.. Stone of Massachusetts, Endorsed the
opinion of the last speaker regarding the use
of the rod. Though many things are to be
commended in the old schools, we have gained
much however in methods of explanation and
text books in modern times.
Hon. Henry Barnard of Hartford, CT, de-
livered an address on Neglected and destitute
children" He pictured the evil results of not
educating this Glass; thought rs to 80 per cent.
of this crime could be done away by educating
them. As plan of relief he would have the
pulpit, press and philanthropy vrge upon
parents the necessity of educating their
children. Ii the parents and children can It
be prevailed upon to attend industrial or
public schools they should be compelled by
law. He highly commended various industrial
schools where the object is to interest and i'm
prove the children as well as educate the
thought These schools should be supported by
taxation. Agencies should be established in
every State to find homes for this class.
Teachers should take especial pains to interes t
backward scholars.
Hon. John Hancock of Dayton, Ohio,
thought no stigma should attach to children
who attended reformatory institutions. Many
leave such schools having never committed
crime yet they are ostracised.
Mr. Tibbetts of Rhode Island cited many
schools in New York where the training given
this class has saved 80 per cent of the number
attending. He would have reform sch ools
thoroughly classified.
Prof. Thatcher of Yale College thought the
public schools the most effective institutions
in caring for all classes if theachers and officers
do their whole duty. Teachers shonld find
out truant children and try to bring them in.
Prof R. G. Hubbard of Connecticut recited
esKing Robert of Sicily and "Anger and
Enumeration.' A .Lesson in Writing by
James w. Webster of Boston completed the
session.