The Portland daily press., 1883-05-07
No. Graduatin.

Anuiu urHL year as principal.
Establishment of Gorham Normal school,
For the first i've years OF the school, the per-
centage OF scholars who graduated was 20 IL;
second five years, 2T Is; third five years,
% So
Again. the story has been widely circulated
that the other schools were drawing pupils to
them that by the division of territory, should
come to the Pennington school. Let as see.
The Kennebec river is called the dividing line
between the eastern and western schools. In
1881 eight students from the west side Of the
Kennebec went to the Castine school while
sixteen came here from the east side; in 1882
two went to castins, while eighteen came to
Pennington. In 1882 nine students from
Cumber land county came to this school, while
only one went from franklin 10 the Gorham
school.
At the public meeting last night Gov. Robbie,
in opening 1t struck tho key note Of settling all
difficulties in the future. and with your per-
mission will give brief abstract.
He spoke OF the usefulness OF Normal schools
and was sorry any trouble had arisen here. He
hoped that after due elaboration decision
would be rendered to snit all. No jealousies
schools in Maine, for they were located far
enough apart, have separate fields of useful
ness and each have men and women enough In
its jurisdiction to keep the ranks full. lie re-
ferred to the interest he had taken In the Cor
ham school 1t was located in the centre OF
large population; that within radius OF fifteen
miles there was a population Of s. 900; that the
friends Of this institution had relied largely
upon this population for the material for the
school, and that II was never the intention to
In any way interfere with the local interests Of
the school at Pennington. He argued that
there was a demand for both schools and the
interest OF education demanded that the friends
Of more efficient methods Of teaching, and con-
sequently better prepared teachers, should
stand unitedly together for the support of both
institutions. He said that ole of the results OF
popular government was freedom on the part
of the people 20 criticize any Of its institutions.
While this privilege should not be impaired
sometimes it was evident that without suffi-
cient knowledge of facts, and In consequence
OF common disposition 10 criticize and fnd
fault, community was oftentimes thrown into
state OF excitement aud injurious conse-
quences followed.
Forbearance, and Just consideration OF the
many endorsements which surrounded the
routine of teachers duty, with the response
bilities OF his calling in the performance OF
many Of the perplexities incident to govern
ment and impartiug instruction, should re-
ceiye the charitable consideration Of all. A
school In q town is very much what the people
make 1t, and In order that IL should be sue.
cessful and efficient the management must re-
ceive the sympathy and support of all good
citizens.
In closing Gov. Robbie said: ~ am proud Of
the institution at Gorham, and / fully appre.
ciate this is the prevailing sentiment among
you citizens in regard to your own valuable
school, Let as cultivate a reciprocity of in
tersst by united effort to make these Normal
Schools worthy Of the confidence OF the people
and an honor to the State''
Ia justice 70 the board Of trustees we state
that Mr.. Rounds letter was not presented to
them (though IT was given your reporter with
the remark that It was TO be.) He and the
board mutually agreed that no counsel on
either side should be admitted to the lnvestiga.
ton as It would prolong the session by bringing
In many matters immaterial to the question.
Trustee Philbrook (the father OF one Of the
teachers) withdrew from the examination Of
his own accord and without being requested to.
SUMMER VISITORS.
The town is preparing for a great influx OF
summer Wis itors the coming season. Hotel
Marble and the Stoddard House have both
been newly painted and furnished, have gen.
tlamanly clsrks in attendance and are now
Arst class hostslries. They will be filed with
guests.
The railroads, too, are anticipating large
numbers. Extra cars Of the latest pattern win
be put on the Maine Central; and the Sandy
River narrow gauge road has ordered adj
dtional rolling stock. To-day n handsome
new locomotive, two tons larger than old ones,
was received he re and Immediately forwarded
TO tho repair shops at Phillips for final
touches before going on to the road.
One Of the finest halls in Maine, outside her
large Cities has Just been completed by Messrs.
Dolbier and Waugh, In their new block on
Broadway. II Is named Music Hall, is fitted
with large stage, handsome scenery, aud will
nicely accommodate the many festive gather
ings OF the season.
ITEMS.
y; Il. Knowlton contemplates raising his
brick block on Main street another story which
Will contain an elegant lodge room, banquet
hall, &C., for Franklin Lodge, /. o. o. II.
Mr.. a. ID. Starbird OF Freeman informs me
he has sent $8, 900 worth OF salt boxes to Stew
ens Y Co., Of Portland, from his box mill in
that town.
The Normal School grounds need "sllcking
up We suggest that brick walks from the
streets to the entrances OF the building be laid,
and large, amount OF grading on tho lot done.
MOI very large amount would need to BIO ap-
proprated TO beautify the place.
j. w. Merrill, Esq, resident trustee OF the
Normal School, received many words OF praise
for bis impartial and candid conduct In the
late investigation.
The Normal alumni will hold their annual
dinner at Phillips, July 9th II is expected u
large number Will be In town at that time.
Representatives Of the classes OF 90, no. ~,
70, 70, 20, '7S, 70, 80, and SO attended the
Normal School investigation, and all testified
IN strongest terms OF praise Of their old teach
| or DIR. Rounds.
| Tho new fire company composed OF Farm.
ington's best young mon with Cant. 10. l. Mer-
| Fill. foreman: u. o. Garcalnn and q E.Wheel-