The Russellville Democrat., 1880-07-15


 Prof. Kuhn, of Sulphur Springs, was conservative in his views, but opposed the nuisance known as the modern writing master" in toto. Prof. Kane would teach the smallest pupils while learning to read, which ws heartily endorse. Orthography came next. The subject was intro. duced in modest manner, by Prof. Moseley, of Russeilville, who inform ed us that this was his maiden effort, resigned the floor to others more ex- perisnced. The subject was discuss ed pro and con, with some sparring by Prof. Kuhn and Miss Gibson, Of Norristown. Miss G. was so felicitous in her remarks as to convince Prof. K. of the correctness of the views she expressed. The Prof. K. thought he or any one had equal right to coin word as well as Nebs.sr and was willing to assent to common usage in cases of uncertainty of pronunci- ation which we regard as polite, but r ot at all times judicious. President Tucker, with view to the impor- tance of each discussion, drew out the salient points with questionings, suggestions and practical applica- tions. MT. Oates gave his method of teaching, not failing to announce that just then he was more particu- larly interested in his anticipation of tho assessors office. We are not sure he shall have our vote, however, for he has deserted the "rank and file'' of the teachers regiment, and renounced the humble title of Peda- gogue, for the more remunerative profession of assessorship. Prof. Hale's system is very good where the school is small, but rather tedious for full school. Reading was discuss ed to full extent with grsas una nlmity of feeling. All were we'll sat isfied that their mode was the Ne plus ultra" and they the Sine-qua- non of the Institute. Prof. Barr's remarks relative to the study Of grammar, was appropriate doubtless, for the time in which he taught, but his theory that unlearned men had been fluent and correct speakers without . practical knowledge of the rules of speech seems incongruous to us, tor without basis for the science and an estab- cd system were correct simply by accident, or from correct habits learned from educated predecessors. There can be no doubt the science of grammar is of the greatest i'm portance, and should be taught with caro The diagram system, in the pursuit of that study, is certainly valuable adjunct to the pupil, ena. bling him to understand the illustra- tions much more easily than the bare theory. Just here the excite mont over arithmetic became so great that VIC dropped our quill for time and sat to listen and to hear. Prof. Lamar propounded to Prof. Kuhn the query; Why division and multiplication of fractions is the re- verse of division and multiplication of whole numbersa Prof. K. conten- ded that it was not the reverse and proved to the audience his theory by answering all the opposing argu- ments in clear and convincing style. Alter this discussion the in- stitute was entertained with the reading of an essay by Miss Gibson. Her remarks bore upon the practic al part Of education, advocating in Q warm and earnest manLer tue plan of reducing all theory to practica demonstration, which is undoubtedly the better plan. We have enough of the show and glitter of popular education. Let us have done with SO much surface work and endeayor to arm and equip our pupils with the why and the wherefore of all their views. We congratulate the institute in the addition of Miss c. to their number and hope she may be on duty again and frequently. The discourse on school government was sound in theory if the practical part can be carried out. This dis cussion was the closing debate, after which the place for holding the next meeting was chosen, the criticisms read, and the institute dismissed to meet some time in July at Gravel Hill camp ground, of this county.
 MRS. FANNIE F.. SuDDARTH.