The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1879-06-05

SECOND DAY, MAY 9TH, 1879.

Institute opened at 9 A. NJ. with Judge
Steward in the chair. The subject, "How
should writing be taught" was taken up
and quite thoroughly discussed by the mem
bers. The prevailing opinion seemed to be
in favor of pupils starting in this branch
quite young; that the teacher should write
on the black board and have the scholars
copy his writing on their states until they
become familiar with the forms of letters
and the cardinal principles of the art. Some
thought it better to have this exercise in the
morning, as the nerves are steadier then
than later in the day. Several difficulties
in the way of teaching this branch were sue
cessvely mentioned, among them the fact
that the desks in our schools are as rule,
so constructed as to render it impossible for
the pupil to assume or maintain the position
necessary to become a good writer 1t is
safe to say that four tifths of them are too
high and too far from the seats.
Arithmetic was then resumed by Mr..
Sparks, who seemed to have thoroughly pre-
pared himself for the task He was followed
by others in the discussion, who gave their
respective views of illustrating its various
principles.
The question, Chow can we prevent tard-
mess in SCHOOL, called forth quite a general
expression from the teachers as it is diff
Guilty with which every teacher has to con-
tend. The Territorial Super tendent
closed the debate by showing that, under
our school law, the teacher has right, and
it is his duty to prohibit hardness in his
school. Several other questions were brought
up for discussion, among them-''How shall
| we awaken an interest in SCHOOL, and "What
are the moral responsibilities of teachers"
| To the former several theories were given,
while the general decision to the latter was,
| that the teacher should be living example
| of the purest code of morals. The organiza-
ton was then completed by the election of
Miss Ida Brown and Miss Lettie Lyons as
vice presidents; Walter Sparks as treasurer.
and X. Robb as assistant secretary. As
| provided in the constitution, .the president
| appointed an Executive Committee. The
Rev. A. S. Nicholson Mrs. B. G. Hileman
and Walter Sparks were appointed
| The evening session was held in the NJ.
E. Church. 1t having been publicly an
nounced that the Hon. John =. Judson
would speak there that evening on the sub
iect of Education, the house was crowded
to its utmost capacity The address was, as
had been expected, an able one The deep
earnestness of the speaker; his clear and
conclusive arguments showing the impor-
lance of fostering the public school; his
great familiarity with the difficulties with
which we have to contend, and the bold and
practical manner in which he attacked and
exposed the false notions and public preiu-
dices that 60 to retard its progress and de-
stroy its utility. showed him to be, not only
man of rare ability. but eminently fitted
for the high and responsible position be holds.
The institute, though not what it ought
to have been, was not failure \ com
plete organization having been effected, We
shall be better prepared for institute work
in the future. We have some teachers who
have shown themselves alive to the spirit of
the age, and it is hoped that the number of
| this class will soon be increased. The work
must 90 on, and those who cannot keep pace
with the demands of the times must step
aside and give place to Others. The insti-
tute is an educational force that no true
teacher will ignore At this meeting we re-
received material aid from persons outside
of the profession. Prominent among these
were Judge Steward, Rev. A. S Nicholson,
S. w. Brown and the Rev. Nj. Judy.
The thanks of the institute are due and
are hereby extended to Mrs. Gay Hayden
for magnificent boquet furnished by her
for the occasion X.