St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-08-28
ST. PAUL NEWS.
THE EDUCATORS.
Second Day of the State Convention o.
Higher Education.
An Able Paper by Prof. PAelps---Thanks to
Col. Folwell, Etc.


principals and teachers of the high schools
throughout the state. concluded its labors little
before 1 p. M, yesterday. Although the hour
for meeting had been fixed at 9 a. m. it was
nearly $3.50 p. m. before the assemblage was
called to order by President Folwen. In addition
to those present on the first days session, the
following were reported yesterday, viz
L. Bliss, principal of the High school of Man
torville.
FIJI. Mohn, principal of St. olafs school at
Northfeld.
F. T. Wilson, teacher of science in the High
lchool of saltwater.
j. C. Bryant, principal of the Garfield scnool
Of st. Paul.
W G. Curtis. SUPERINTENDENT of schools of
Saltwater.
j. D. Bond. teacher of penmanspip in the
schools of St. Paul.
1t was expected that Gov. Hubbard would be
present and deliver short address, but other
pressing engagements of an official character
prevented him from doing so.
The proceedings were opened with prayer by
the Rev. Mr.. McLaren, of st. Paul. after which
the president announced that the first business
IN order on the programme of the day was pa
per by Prof. W. F. Phelps, of Winona, upon the
subject of 1.-THE Supervision of Graded Schools"
The paper was quite lengthy one, and charac-
terized throughout by that vigorous thought,
and incisive sentences peculiar to this well
known scholar and learned gentleman, who has
for so long a time occupied front rank among
the educators of the of the state, and has done
so much toward elevating the standard of learn
ing in Minnesota. After a short Introductory,
Prof. Phelps plunged at once into his subject and
said that in the first place he would observe that
j. is most unfortunate for the interests of educa-
ton that neither the masses Of the people nor
their servants, the boards of education and
school officers generally have yet come
to realize so fully they ought to do the su-
prcmc importance Of skilled labor in the school
room. While in all the material and industrial
pursuits Of life-manufacturing, the constrnc-
ton and operating Of railroads, steam and cleo
trical engineering, mining and kindred occupa-
tons there is always a demand for special knowl-
edge and technical skill, and while experts in
these departments Of activity rewarded
according to the intelligence, ingenuity and the
perfection exhibited in their work. In the school
where the foundations Of all excellence ought to
be mad, where mind is to be cultivated, habits
are to be formed and character moulded, we too
frequently find inexperience and deplorable lack
of that special knowledge and professional ability
which more than any and everywhere else, ought
to be the most highly valued and substantially
appreciated. And no where in the school system
il professional knowledge so needful, as in the
superintendency or in the principalship where
the incumbents of these offices are expected
really to fulfill their functions and discharge the
duties appertaining to their positions. A super
intendent or principal Of a graded school should
he familiar with the whole field of work to be
done under his case. He ought to know more
than all his subordinates even in their individ-
ua spccalties. As a scholar he ought to be able
to teach them all. As an expert educator and
as professional adviser and director he should
be quick to note cXcellcnces or errors in organ-
Zation, management, discipline and methods OF
instruction and be equally able and free and
gifted in offering words OF approval caution
as the case may be and in pointing out better
way whsre a betterway is needed. In brief the
head of school or system of schools should be
one who by his talents scholarship, professional
requirements, manliness of character and practi-
cal wisdom can command the respect of his
pupils and of the public This is the foundation
OF success This wanting, all is wanting.
Hence great step will have been gained in the
administration OF schools when the necessities of
these qualities Is distinctly recognized and the
policy of putting the right man in the right place
becomes the rule Of action. The question of
comparative cost is unworthy of attention We
must have able skillful directors of education at
whatever reasonable cost. That there is n value
received to be looked for in the administration
of schools, as well as in the operation of rail
way, the management of manufactures
any other business enterprise is a proposition
that ought to need no demonstration during the
Inst Of ha ui Cd
gentleman, after commencing these earnest
words to the boards of education and their con-
stituents, the people, he recommended that they
should txact as the memorable condition of their
appointments to these high places of trust and
administration either proved experience and
skill or thorough special preparation. If this is
done we shall certainly be able to secure either
the one or the other. In the absence of the ex-
periencc the special professional preparation will
be forthcoming, and work will be done that will
be credit to the age IN which we live Prof
Phelps then continued nj length to give advice to
those who might occupy these important posi-
tons in regard to their conduct management
and control OF the schools under their charge
concluding that fruitful source ofimprovcment
to superintcndents and young teachers would be
the visitation of other schools and intercourse
with persons of ripe and varied experience
Institutes, education conventions, and
similar gatherings should always be resorted to
when possible rs among the most valuable
sources OF inspiration and professional growth.
In word, while acquiring that personal eXpe-
ricnco and power which Is the basis of all success
strive 10 make the experience of all men and all
the ages tributary TO your own aud you will 20
forth 20 do valcnt service to humanity in the
grandeSt field that is henCeforth to he opened TO
human effort or to the loftiest aspirations of n
chastened and worthy ambition.
At the conclusion of Prof Phelps paper he
was loudly applauded and several members OF
the convention paid his paper high compliment
and unanimous desire expressed that il should
he printed which Superintendent Keihle said
would be done in the manual
The 'Nt order of business taken IN was the
rcpo,, 81 the committee on High school princi-
pals, presented by Prof. West of Fargo. chairman
of the committee The report pointed
out some needed changes in regard
10 examinations, issuing certificates,
quicker returns from examinations
Il supply OF apparatus for each school, optional
courses, etc, etc. All OF which was IN the way
81 suggestions 10 the High School board and
which will be acted upon by that body when it
II meets. The report ELECTED considerable discus
sion, but was finely placed on file for the action
OF the High school board
The next paper read was that OF Prof Dodge.
being "SyliaUus on Chemistry" II was very
Interesting essay TO the learned assemblage,
but too lengthy and intricate for the average
newspaper readers OF the day. The paper was
accepted after some discussion with thanks IN
the author, and il will be published in the Man
LRi.
superintendent Kiehle called attention to the
forthcoming exposition at New Orleans and the
drsraallity that some effective steps be taken to
have The educational interests OF Minnesota rep
resented.
H.. M
Frot Phelps warmly seconded the suggestion
and outlined what should be done. but as II was
not known how much money would be available
Tor The purpose. The matter was referred TO
superintendent kiehle, who said he would obtain
all the Information possible and embody il in
circular 10 all the schools
Following this came discussion upon the
subject OF higher English, technical grammar
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