Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-01-07

has proved so productive of good results as
teachers institutes, which have been held in
thirty different counties during the past two
years for an aggregate duration OF siXty-tiye
weeks. The cooperation of Normal school
principals and teachers in this work is found
to be mutually advantageous, and the benefi-
cial results of these assemblages of instruct
ors thus aided with the lectures accompanying
them, have been so marked that cordially en-
dorse the recommendation that one teacher be
maintained by the State in each of the Normal
schools for special service in aiding the con-
duct Of these institutes.
l am compelled to dissent from the we'll known
views of the superintendent regarding the
Merrill textbook law, so called. An
attempt is made to represent the trivial mis-
haps, delays and omissions incident to its
practical operation as serious defects inherent
in its character. Without going into extended
remarks on the subject it is but simple justice
to say that in spite of some crude and cOmp!i-
Gated provisions of the law, and the reluctant
support it has received, the net result is sub
stantal achievement of the great ends con-
templated in its enactment, viz: cheapness
and uniformity of school books. The whole
number of these school books furnished by
the contractor since the law went into opera
ton, is 731 ,747, and their total cost, placed in
the hands of the people, has been Sl73, 95l. The
numbers which were in general use when this
law was enacted, at prices then prevailing,
would have cost the people S4l4,7 1851, showing
a saving of $240, SG6; or these same text books
at the present list prices prevailing in other
States would have cost the people
of Minnesota, except for the con-
tract under this law, the sum of $780,
$50, showing net saving of $106,5S5, besides
the expenses and annoyances inflicted by fire.
quent and arbitrary changes of books, and by
removal of scholars from one district to an
other. As against practical results of this
character it is respectfully submitted that the
petty Inconvenience, losses or Earrings eXpe-
rienced under the law are unworthy Of serious
consideration.
And now that the law is to stand at least for
q term of another five years, with machinery
and appliances in practical working order, it is
to be hoped that all parties concerned will aid
in its just operation by such prompt and cheer
full obedience to its requirements as will ensure
the best practical results. To this end it is
not impossible that the law might be simpli-
fled with the consent of the contractor so as to
be more easy of execution. Much of the OPP
position to this law has resulted from sup
position that the books furnished are of inferior
quality. / ain informed by those who oppose
the law and by competent judges that this is a
mistake; that the series introduced under the
Merrill law as q whole are fully equal, if not
superior, to any class of school books now in
use, and that the readers especially are unsur-
passed in excellence.
AS question of policy and profit affecting
the splendid endowment of our common school
system, direct your attention to the propriety
of so amending the law governing the enyest-
ment OF the permanent school fund that other
than the limited securities now prescribed may
be employed in its future accumulations The
premiums now commanded by United States
and other tirSt-clasS bonds are so great that
the purchase of them results in net interest re-
ceipts of less than four per cent. on an aver
age. much larger profit could be obtained
by an investment in county, school district,
municipal and other valid bonds in this State,
while additional guarantees of safety might be
made by charging the board of investment
and requiring the assent Of all its members to
its final action.
Having personally visited the three Normal
schools, l can speak adyisedly Of the improved
methods and practical efficiency which their
graduates impart to the popular instruction
afforded by our common schools. The grow
ing population of the State increases the de-
mand on these schools for competent teachers,
and in view of the aid furnished by them in
conducting Teachers institutes throughout
the State, l recommend that the total standing
apr opriation for these schools be sufficiently
increased to cover additional expenses. a ter
rifle hurricane in June last unrOOfed and de-
molshed the towers of the Normal school
building at Mankato, and prodr ced an emer-
gency that threatened the entire ruin of the
edfice. To avert this disaster prompt action
was required, and accordingly, upon my ad-
vice, a new roof and all necessary repairs were
made the costs of which await your needed
appropriation.
The law in relation to higher education has
proved great benefit to communities destitute
of facilities for more than rudimentary in
struction. Over four hundred pupils have at
tended the schools aided by the
State free of tuition charges,
while through the schools thus aided and the
districts enjoying the benefits of the higher
grades, the uniform and improved course of
study has been carried largely to the common
schools, thus lending greater adhesion to the
successive steps of our educational system.
Some of the amendatory acts have not pro-
duced the results desired, and the law needs to
be revised for greater efficiency. These schools
take an academical place in our general plan of
instruction, and as they need the special aid of
the State recommend an appropriation for
their continued support.
The first biennial report of the board of re-
gents will acquaint you with the condition
and prospects of the State university. l have
heretofore alluded to the growing stability
and widening scope Of this institution. It has
been the aim of It's officers and faculty TO rem
der it in just and practical sense the crown
and fuiillment of our educational system.
Looking to that end, its emcrgence from help
less embarrassment to aconditiOn of advancing
usefulness is a source OF qualification to all
friends of education. Where so much is in
volved it is the dictate of obvious policy to
keep the institution in condition most con-