New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-02-05

humane and Christian act. Look back at the condition
Of schools thirty years ago. when the
Newly ork Free College and the New-Iork Normal Col
lege exerted no visible influence upon the fountain
heads Of the system, the primary and grammar schools
Then the graduates Of the grammar schools were pre-
pared for their under the experienced eye Of
principals who watched the progress Of their young
teachers with all the affection and tender interest which
long year, of association naturally engenderad. The
special appointed to supplement- the
of study required the Board Of Education, the
principals vice principals and senior teachers serving
certainly do know and willing to beartesmony that
the course then pursued in respect inferior to the
now in vogue.
The great city Of NewYork cannot afford to be behind
American city In its provisions for the educational
wants Of the young Its location, its commercial ad
vantages its wealth and ts extended influence through
out the Union forbid Its occupying position exalted
in this respect than that Of Boston, Philadelphia, Cincn
natl ST. Louis and other smaller cities Doubtless this
idea suggested in former years the establishment Of
primary and grammar departments OF the system, as
well as the founding in later years OF the Free and
Normal Colleges. But in part of the system are the
reforms and improvements more marked than In the
primary departments Here indeed Is successfully De
gun the practice OF those methods OF instruction In mum
Ders, language, color, form, music, and the hIst
principles OF art which gradually prepare the pupil Tor
advancement in the grammar ana collegiate courses.
These methods and results however are by no means
due TO the immediate and direct teaching Of the gradu-
ates OF the colleges Far from It, the innocent yet i'll
terestlng young lady graduates Of the Normal College
require from three to five years practice, under m
tegent and disciplined principals. before they can make
ther mark eherin the regular curriculum Of studlcsor
IN the special branches under teachers OF acknowedgd
experience and ability The testimony from principals
special teachers and the graduates themselves upon hs
point In the Controversy Is abundant aud convincing
Those presidents of Institutions supernendentS ana
of education, ther fore who haDpen TO DC
void OF all accurate technical knowledge If the se
cal branches, will do well to dismiss the delusiOn from
their minds that the nOvces Of t1e colleges are fuy
equal TO impart required instruction in the special
branches 1t is exception indeed, to find even In
the grammar departments, one SO fully cqupc III Tue
necessary knowledge any Of the special branches
that he or she wond feel competent to assume position
of complete responsibility in teaching it, $3.50
speak for the art aud science of music t0 when
have devoted my whole life 1t is TO me palnful
thought that men like stephen A. walker William Wood
ana Thomas Hunter entirely void OF any ear or rove
for music. Yet with this acknowledged fact OF their
imperfect human organization. | would not coIsiuer
them as III for treason, stratagems and spolls ana
not to he trusted but rather hope that win thclr
finely trained intellects they will yet have in their
hearts to serve all the teachers in our common sc1ooS
alike GEORGE HENRY CURTIS.
No. 90 Leeare BrOoklyn. Feb. 3, 1853.