Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1884-04-02
Teachers Convention.

Teachers Convention.
WEST SUNBURY, Pa. Mar. "a, 1884.
On Friday, the 2lst inst, the teach
ers of this locality convened in the
Academy building, and held an insti-
tute. The affair was success in ev-
eryparticular, thirty-6ve were in attend
ance, and number Of visitors from a
distance were present At the appoint
ed hour, Superintendent Murtland was
called to the chair, j. NJ. Painter was
elected Vice President, and A. W. II.
Martin and Miss Anna Glenn were
elected Secretaries. Rev. G. W. Bean
opened the meeting with devotional
exercise, after whice Samuel Glenn,
ex-County Superintendent, delivered
the address of welcome. The speaker
dwelt at considerable length on the i'm
portance of the teachers work mas
much as he builds the foundation OF
our social, moral and political structure.
The whole speech was characterized by
practical thoughts pertinently put He
was responded to by Rev. Chas. L.
Streamer, of North Washington. in
that happy and fluent style for which
the gentleman is noted, The remarks
were we'll timed and listened to with
interest.
instrumental music, by NJ. H. Veon.
Class drill in geography by j. T.
Stoops, The gentleman's methods of
teaching this branch commended sitself
to those present by its excellence.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
instrumental music, by NJ. Fl. Veon.
Educating in the.Common Schools"
was the subject of paper read by j.
r. Robertson, Principal of the North
Washington Academy. The greater
part of the paper was devoted to show
ing that much of the teaching in our
common schools is of an impractical
natute. The subject was handled in a
clear, concise and forcible manner. The
paper called forth remarks from Rev.
Streamer, Mr. Samuel Glenn, Rev.
Humes and Superintendent Murtland.
Mr. Murtland in his remarks said:
"The highest type of teaching is that
which makes the pupil self-helpful.
The great work of the teacher should
be to develop and train the Intellectual,
moral and physical powers of the pu-
pill"
Glass drill in reading by W. W. Lo-
gan, Principal ofthe Sunbury Academy.
This exercise was highly instructive,
az the instructor illustrated the very
best methods of teaching this important
branch.
Miss Kate Hilliard read an essay on
"Selfgovernment and How Taught"
The thoughts were good and well e1-
pressed.
"The Skeleton in Armor" was de-
claimed by W, W. Logan. The rendi-
ton of this piece was perfect.
"No Secrets in Heaven" was recited
in sprightly manner by Miss Dillie
Campbell, and was we'll received by
the audience.
EVENING SESSION.
Song by the choir, "Learn a little
every day."
Rev. Dodds gave an interesting talk
on "The language we teach" The
remarks drew forth an animated dis
cussion between Samuel Glenn and
Rev. Streamer on the one side, and
Rev. Dodds and w. w. Logan on the
other The former named, spoke in fa-
vor of the grammars used twenty-five
years ago, and opposed the diagram.
ing system, while the latter favored
the grammars of later period, and
warmly championed the system Of
diagraming.
A we'll prepared essay on Safe
Guides" was read by Miss Anna
Glenn.
Independence Rell' was declaimed
by Mr.. Frank Cunningham. The
plaudits the declaimer received were
we'll deserved.
The proceedings closed with song
by the choir, dad is a millionaire"
Every one,in attendance went away
highly pleased with the institute, and
feeling that it had been good for him
to be there.
A. W. II. MARTIN, Sec.