The weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1878-1881, 1881-01-18
scnssI.
IN she Educators Accom- pl1shsd NJ
thoIr Helene Meeting.

The territorial educational council closed
It's three days session last evening. 1t had its
origin in the conviction that our present
school law and the school system under that
law are not so efficient as they should be. The
biennial session of the legislature being on
the point of converting, it seemed to many
that some recommendation indicating the
needed reforms ought to be presented to that
body. Suggestions of educational reform
come naturally from those engaged in educa-
tional work. But lest suggestions from indi-
viduals should seem to spring from personal
motives, or individual hobbies, it was thought
best to bring forward such recommendations
as should be approved by the deliberate good
sense of many.
The council was called. 1t came to certain
conclusions on certain topics. The conclu-
sions were not reached hastily nor without
thought. There was a vast divergence of
opinion at first and these conclusions were
reached only after exhaustive debate and
with the adverse vote of a considerable num-
Der Of teachers.
These recommendations ought therefore to
be respectfully considered, if nothing more is
done. Their especial END is to secure, first,
a more efficient SUPPLEMENTARY of schools !;
secondly, a more respectable and sounder
method of granting certificates. The council
was unanimous as to the ends to be secured.
Some, as stated, objected to the methods of
securing them, but more because they feared
the legislature would reject them than be-
cause of objections to the methods themselves.
The council recommend:
/. That the district clerks instead of trus-
tees be required to report to the superintend-
esnt.
2. That the oath in school elections be the
same as in general elections.
3. That instead of county superintendent
there be a superintendent in each council dis
trict.
i. That these, with the territorial superin-
tendent, form a council to grant certificates,
etc.
5. That these all be sufficiently paid and
required to devote their whole time to the
work.
6. That there be a county board of exam
liners.
T. That enc null of the three mills now
levied, and one-fourth of all licenses for five
years, be set apart for a permanent unive rsity
fund.
8. That ten per cent. of the school tund be
divided equally among the districts, and the
remainder according to the census.
8. That school trustees be elected the first
Saturday in april.
10. That the minlmnm of school in a year
be four menths, and that the minimum tax
levy be raised one mill.
This was the work Of the convention. The
attendance, aside from the teachers, was, for
various unavoidable reasons, very poor. The
debates sometimes grew warm and exciting.
Several eminent gentlemen of this place took
a prominent parG. Col. W. +. Sanders es-
pecially added interest and liveliness to the
occasion. Prof. Smith showed his deep inter-
est IN the work Of the council by a well
written and thoughtful address on the
Growth of our Common Schools Prof.
Howie successfully defended our schools in an
: eXtenpore welcoming speech. Prof. Hassell
, delivered a forcible address, written with un-
, usual elegance of style, in reply 10 Richard
Grant Whites attack Oh the common schools.
Prof. Howell presented a practical and clearly
written paper OF the discrimination of
Teachers
The last evening was spent at q reception
courteously given by the ladies of Helena at
+ the residence OF Mrs. D.. II. Weston, and a
, very sociable and pleasant time was enjoyed.
In defiance of the weather Butte was es-
Q peclally well represented in the council, aud
+ the pluck Of TEACHERS was fully proven by the
presence Of representatives from both Boze-
man and Virginia City.
If nothing else was accomplished, vital
, matters were ~agitated, and every one there
Il felt a new interest in the subjects discussed
More unity of fcelingsamong the friends of
G education, with a better understanding of one
: another, will result.
v At the close Of the council proper, a terri
torial educational ASSOCIATE IN was organized
aud a constitution adopted. 1t was decided
to hold the first session sometime during the
! summer vacation at Deer Lodge. The Off.
GERS We're then elected as follows: President
w. ". WylIe; vice-presIdent, L. b. Howell
secretary, Miss Anna b. Banker; treasurer
Mrs. r. b. Hasscll.
Deer Ledge ought to respond to the honol
IS conferred upon her Of having the first educa.
is tional association by hearty reception ant
le large audiences. W.
HELENA, Jan. s, 1881.
l. A Blkl