Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-07-22
The National Education Association.
lCofrosDondeDcc of the Richmond Dispatch.
u .nIcn, lNLa LII.


MADISON, Wis, July II, 1884.
Knowing the interest which the Dispatch
took in the National Educational AssOcia-
tion, send few lines in reference TO the
body now In session, although no words
can give an adequate idea OF the great as
sombage.
The Association was organized in Phila-
delphia IN 1857, aud, withIhe exception OF
two years, sessions have been held annually
since. AT first only forty members were
enrolled, and from this small beginning,
the Association has grown TO its present
size. In plans and work Il has enlarged rs
well as in numbers. The objects are to
elevate the character and advance the inter-
csts OF The profession OF teaching. and 10
promote the cause OF popula: education in
the United States.
The opening meeting Of the association
was held in the Assembly chamber in the
Capitol. Every available space on the
floor and IN the gallery and aisIes was
occupied, and DR.. Curry, OF your city,
delivered the opening address on Citizen
ship and EducltiOn." Some Of his views
on suffrage, the Government, and the
Constitution were not in accordance with
the usual teaching Of this section, but all
were well received.
A council Of education. composed gen.
orally OF most distinguished men, meets in
advance OF the Association. Committees
appointed at previous session submit
Carefu'ly-drawn reports on speculative and
practical problems connected with the phi
losophy and science OF education. Every
statement OF these papers Is challenged and
criticised, and the discussions by these pro-
found scholars constitute rare intellectual
feast. sharp debate on pedagogics went
TO the bottom Of the subject and showed
thorough familiarity with German, French,
English, and ancient theories OF the mil d
by Professor SOldan, OF st. Louis; Pro-
fessor Hall. OF Johns-IIopkins, and DR.. Har-
ris, the president OF the Concord School OK
Philosophy.
Assigned topics are discussed Ia different
sections, and the programme contains such
subjects as Education i'm the Northwest.
discussed by Colonel Villas. the president
OF the late Democratic Convention; Edu-
Gallon at the South, The Constant IN Ed
ucation. WOman's Work in Education.
Principles and Methods Of a system OF
Elementary Education, &C.. &c.
Besides these sections there are depart.
ments--Such as the Elementary, the Nor
nal. Higher Instruction. Sunerlntendeucc.
Industrial. and Art. Ii Is thus seen that a
wide range is occupied. and the best
thoughts Of experienced educators are Sc
cured.
A marked feature Is the educational ex-
position. In addition to the expected dis.
play OF furniture. books. apparatus archi-
lecture, and school journals. there are eX-
hibits Of art, kindergarten, minerals,
industrial products OF various kinds OF
schools, the like OF which has never been
seen IN this country. Strong efforts are
making to have this exposition transferred
10 New Orleans.
The chairman OF the Committee on Local
Arrangements, Governor Fairchild, said
that accommodations had beel provided
for 5.e00 visitors, and Il there were other
arrivals 200 more could be taken care OF.
This indicates the hospitality OF the city.
When il is remembered that Madison has
only about 1900 inhabitants, some idea
may be had OF the generous welcome
given. Every State and Territory in
the Union are represented. such an
educational gathering is unparalleled.
From the South | notice Superintcndents
Orr, Paine, Smith, and Easton. Virginia
has only President Drcher. OF Roanoke
College, and DR.. Curry. While the East
and Northwest have their college preSi-
dents and professors and eminent educa-
tors. it is misfortune tha. the South sent
so few. Richmond, White Sulphur. Knox
vile, and ASheyille are spoken OF in con-
nCction with the meeting in 1856.
Madison is lovely city, nearly surround
ed by lakes. The houses are gay with ilags,
and at night the Park and some OF the
streets are brilliantly illuminated. The
Governor, the Mayor, and all the citizens.
have been as profu,e, as cordial. IN theil
hospitality.
On Monday morning the leeward shore
of one Of the lakes was covered with dead
fish OF only one species. How do you ac-
count for II "