The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1882-08-12

OPENING SESSION.

AT O'Clock on Monday, August
Z, the Teachers Institute for Monon-
galis county was called to order by
Co. Supt Morgan After singing,
there was prayer by Rev. I. b.
Hughes.
Prof. Crago, the conductor of the
Institute explained briefly its OBJ
jects. There was general discus
sion on this subject and number of
things was spoken Of which the vari-
Gus advocates declared to be deserv-
ing of the special attention of the In
stitute. Most of the gentlemen who
spoke, however, agreed that the OBJ
ject of the Institute was not to pre-
pare the teachers for examination,
not to conduct reviews, not 50 spend
time in useless debate, not to ques-
ton teachers to find out how much or
how little they know, but how to
to teach. A-5
Prof o. w. Waters was elected
Recording Secretary, Miss Courtney
Assistant and Mr.. w. L. w. Barb
Enrolling Secretary. Sup't Morgan
appointed R. Z. Fast reporter for the
New DOMINION.
After short recess, "Arithmetic
How to teach beginners to count,
read and write numbers" was dis
cussed by Prof. Crago.
A. L. Purinton Superintendent of
the Parkersburg schools opened the
discussion on "Politeness in Public
Schools" Prof. Purinton said po-
likeness should be taught, first, by
example, and secondly by precept,
chiefly. He would teach them among
other things the proper titles of re-
spect. Prof b. L. Keenan, wanted to
know, what he would have his pupils
call him, since the title professor"
is no longer an honor.
Prof. Purinton: would have them
call me "Mr."
Prof. Crago: What would you do
if a pupil should persist in calling
you "teacherP"
Prof. Purinton: / would fog him.
Prof. Crago: Would that be polite
ness?
Prof Purinton: 1t would.
Prof. ID. b. Purinton thought that
politeness means something more
than manners; that it strikes at self
ishness, and makes hearts kind.
Prof. Lyon spoke at some length
on the subject. He said, that what
is usually called manners, tends to-
ward aristocracy; that children are
taught to respect persons dressed in
the best fashion; that they make a
distinction between the different con-
ditions of life. He did not hesitate
to assail Chesterfield who, he de-
clared, lacked the essential charac-
teristics Of a gentleman. True polite
ness springs from noble, generous
heart and grows out of the higher
nature of the little child. The heart
is to bring forth the LEAKAGE and the
fruitage.
Mr.. Davis said he did not rise to
defend Lord Chesterfield, he was q
bad old fellow. But said he, of you
wish to be polite you must consider
that here in Morgantown you have a
standard of politeness; in Asia they
have very different standard. You
must consider whether you are ia
Rome, Morgantown, Cassville, or
Vaudeville" He did not think that
politeness consists in a man ducking
his head like fowl in a thunder
| storm.
l
The propriety of having session
every night was dicussed. 1t was
decided to have but three night ses-
sions, on Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday nights. On Friday night
Prof. Crago and Mr.. j. M. Devine, of
Wheeling, will give an Evolutionary
entertainment.
After the discussion Of some ques-
tions uninteresting to the public, the
Institute adjourned to meet Aug. 9th,
at 8 o'clock a. m.
TUESDAY MORNING SESSION.
TheInstitute was opened with mu-
sic, and prayer by Prof. A. L. Purin-
4 ton. ~ rN 4N
The "word'' method was discussed
at some length. Prof. Crago said he
woud introduce the object, then the
word, then the written word. He
would insist on the child understand
ing every word he uses; and to break
up the "sings song" style Of reading
he would resort to continued drill
until they would speak the words in
a natural manner. ~
| Prof. A. L. Purinton would have
children use states. He would not
allow to school without one. He
weuld send child home and not al
low 1t come back with without one.
Mr.. Davis thought the sword
method Objectionable in as much as
it tries to teach what the child al
ready knows. He would begir with
the known and teach the unknown.
He would follow nature in his teach
ing.
After recess the subjected General
History, as study in the common
schools. was opened by Prof Hodges,
who thought, general history should
not be made a study in the schools.
He said; it has its Importance, but it
is secondary. ~
Prof. Waters thought, that the
teachers should give the pupils gen
| era1 history. that IL shonId he Taught