Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1883-02-09

greatly enjoy this. Two other teachers from
Brat,leboro had expected to present the sub
jects Of Geography and Grammar, but were
unable to be in attendance at this session,
greatly to the regret of the audience.
The Question box
was now opened by Prof Bingham. No one
else could have made 80 much out of the few
moments left for this exercise, but it was felt
to be great mistake that more time could
not have been devoted to it.
How often should written examinations be held
No fixed rule can be given Not often to worry
the scholar, not 80 seldom to leave the results Of
study dimly impressed on the mind.
What can be said for Reid & Keoggs grammara
Nothing need be said for themthey speak for them
selves, declared Prof. Bingham. He gave, however,
most hearty endorsement to the books by stating
that the teachers who had tested them for three years
In the BratebOro schools found the results far supe
rior to anything previously obtained.
Is 1t advisable to have much speaking going on be-
tween scholars in schOol2 There is no common
sense In the notion that when have the floor you
have 1t at the same time the answer to this ques-
ton. Prof. Bingham would give opportunity for con-
versaion between Rotations. because pupils must
communicate. somewhat at some time.
Why common salt used to thaw In some cases
aud to freeze in others2 This pleasantly an
swered by describing the molecules Of salt and water
as having an affinity for each other, aud calling in
heat to set them free so that they could unite.
Can the present law requiring teachers who have
proved their fitness for their work by years of expe-
rience to pass annual or quiuquennial examinations
be justified by any principles Of expediency
mon seuBe2 Not till the law equally requires the
eran physican or lawyer to 90 before an examining
board at such intervals aud be tested to whether
he Is st capable Of work.
Shall the preference be given to written ment al
work in teaching arithmetic to young pupils 2 The
speaker did know, but thought that with the pres
ent methods 1t would be safe to let the written have
what are the evils Of tardness, and how remedy
them2 The meetings Of this body were instanCed as
admirable illustration Of the evils. In the school
room, require actual presence in the scat not in the
entry or cloak room, when the bell to toll
the hour has come.
How interest and advance dull pupils ? Find them
a place which they may stand aud open their eyes
aud say, ~ know where am, have been here be-
fore.n
What would you do with young child who is an
habitua liar2 would work earnestly and faithfully
for his conversion. Work with utmost kindness and
tenderness, because the fault is possibly inherited
one; but work with the greatest faithfulness.
Has the teacher the authority to compel a pupil to
drop the use Of profane vulgar language within
the school premises? ? Emphatically, yes.
How reach the best results in classes in English lit
erature7 Answered by Supt Eddy; Give short lee
lures in familiar and conversational way.
How prove that this meeting is benefit to public
daily practice Of the school room.
At this point in the meeting those desiring
to go south were obliged to leave for the
train, but portion Of the audience remained
to listen to the continuation of the discussion
of school Supervision" which was una
voidably deferred to this late point. Prof.
w. II. Saunderson of Woodstock made an
admirable plea Tor the town system of schools,
removing certain misconceptions about it,
and showing its advantages in the matter of
efficient supervision and the equalization of
taxation. He then went on to sketch the his
tory and present practice of school supervis-
ion in u common sense, practical way. He
spoke in warm terms of the wisdom of our
present system with its one state superin-
tendent in which plan 30 of the 80 states
concur. He believed that the county exam
lining board had its origin in jealousy of the
normal schools power to grant long-term
certificates, and was of very little conse-
quence. Much can be said about the posi-
ton of town superintendent, but the practi-
cal question is, What can we do with what
we have to make things better? He closed
with some earnest words touching supervis-
ion that shall be abreast of the times. In
this he was ably followed by Prof Willard of
Vermont Academy, Saxtons River, whom ey-
cry one would gladly have heard much earl-
er in the meeting He spoke at some length
upon the history of supervision in Massachu-
sets and showed that the true idea of super
vision is not mechanical restraint upon
teachers but q guidance and inspiration in
their work.
Superintendent Dartt added few words in
closing, expressing his gratitude to all who
cooperated in making the meetings grand
success, as they undoubtedly were, and en-
phasizing the timely suggestions and argu-
ments in favor of the town system.
Mr.. Geo A. Brown presented and put the
following resolution, which was adopted;
Res0lrej That we extend to the people of Westmin-
ster sincere thanks for their cordial reception and
entertainments Superint .ndent John Il. Morse for
his faithful and successful efforts in making and car
ryiug forward the arrangements for this meeting;
also to the Central Vermont railroad and Vermont
Valley railroad companies for the courteses Of half
fare over their roads.
After few words of response from Super
ntendent Morse the meeting was closed
Superintendent Dartt and Prof Northend
went to Westminster West and held an even
ing session at that place.
This report was undertaken at the urgent
request of Superintendent Morse and State
Superintendent Dart, and its publication
made possible by the kind and prompt en-
terprise of the publishers of this paper. AS
my only land ample) compensation for time
aud labor will be the interest and gratitude
of the readers of this report, it may not be
too much to ask that you will be consderate
in your criticisms of it. l have done the
best | could but appreciate its defects more
than you can. l have been assisted in its
preparation by Mr.. G.. Herbert Underwood,
without whose help l could not have pre-
pared it in season for the printers.
JOIN L. SEwALL.
Westminster, Vt. Feb. ?, 1888.
FIOrIda---A WOman'a Defence.