The Philipsburg mail. [volume] (Philipsburg, Mont.) 1887-current, 1888-10-11
PHIIJPsBURG

Profession" in which he touched upon
the anomalous social position which the
teacher too frequently occupied and
made some strong and pointed observa-
tions on the fact. In discussion, the
question was raised as to whether teach
ing was a trade or q profession, and
while majority of those who expressed
views on the subject inclined to the lat
ler opinion it was generally conceded
that outsiders held usually the opposite
view. Murphy thought that tho name
which was given it made but little dlfe-
renee, and was inclined to let peoplsS6all
it what they please.
A paper upon "Grammar" which was
to have been read was not ted, but
discussion was started by Corcoran and
soon settled down to the question as to
whether it was best taught with or with
out books, opinion upon this point being
about equally divided. Dodge explained
method of his own, and Alice s;ilot
gave an example of it, which was highly
successful. Gillette thought there was
to much disposition at the present day
to discard text books, and said the matter
required investigation.
At this point the question of visiting
Granite. which had been raised in the
morning, was settled by resolution
which adjourned the session so as to
allow those who cared to make the trip
to do so. A large number ava;led them
selves Of the opportunity and visited the
hill, where, among other courtesies ex-
tended to them, they we're shown through
the mill of the Granite company.
In the evening no formal session was
held, but sociable was inaugurated at
the school-house. Owing to the late ar
rival from Granite of many of the teach
ers, and the fact that it was lodge night
with many of our citizens, the attend
ance was quite slim; but served the pur-
pose of better personal acquaintance
between such of the citizens and visitors
as were present.
WEDNESDAY.
The session was opened by Miss Zona
Batterton with paper on "Morals in
Public Schools" The subject was
treated exhaustively and with great in
telligence, and in discussion brought out
the diversity of opinion, which might
have been expected from so profound
theme. Every one Of the teachers
present expressed their views on the
subject and related their experiences.
The principal point of difference seemed
to be as to whether too much or too
little moralizing were the greater evil.
Mrs. Allison ably explained that no re-
sponsibility should rest upon the teach
er in the case of immortality of the
pupil, because when out of school the
child is entirely away from the
teachers control and unless the parents
do their part no responsibility could be
placed on the teacher.
explained his method of teaching wit
ing. In discussion, Meyers thought
that more importance was now attached
to writing than would be the case in the
future when the type writer and similar
machines would have greatly lessened
the need for the manual labor connected
with longhand writing. Meyers opin-
ion was generally combatted the ma
jority of comment being to the effect
that legible writing was and always
would be desirable. The best method
of holding the pen or puncil and the |
question as to whether any method
should be insisten upon in the case of
very young children was also discussed. |
After a recess of ten minutes, Mr.. !
Dodge explained his method of teaching |
by giving examples upon the
In discussion, many in
tricite points were raised as to what |
names should be given to mu]tipliers,
products, quotients, ETC., and
a very considerable amount of confusion
prevailed over the matter until the time
for adjournment came round During
this discussion Meyers and Singleton
themselves in giving de-
finltions, and Logan objected to lodges
met cd, In that it was inconsistent. It
would have been very difficult for any
one not born mathematician to give an
intelligent account of this discussion and
We refrain.
Afternoon session was opened by T. B.
rons." Mr.. Hammond, in his brief and
witty remarks, had reference moro par
to the trustees and parents who
send their children to the public schools
and gave we'll deserved scoring to those
careless parents who take no interest
whatever in their public school and yet
find time to criticize adversely every act
If the much-abused teacher. It is great
y to be regretted that none of the trus-
;ees or patrons of the Phlllpsburg public
school we're present to hear this severe
yet entirely just arraignment of these
oack-sliders. and, in discussion, this
ooint of absence was frequently referred
%. The question of social visits between
eachers and parents also received con-
ideration.
The next topic, "School Government
Good and Bad" was ably treated in an
interesting paper by Mrs. G. N. Hoss,
which, aside from its opinions, arrived at
" happy combination of intelligence
md experience, evidenced throughout
profoundly of intellect showing a
mind above the common order. Mrs.
Ioss made the point and proved it, that
ociety is really antagonistic to the moral
raining Of the young, and that parents
re not unfrequently the encouragers of
She further showed
hat self-government and self-reporting
8 bad, the latter especially putting too
,reat strain upon the honor of the
hid. We regreat that lack of space
prevents our giving the entire essay, as
t was certainly the most profound and .
rtistic that was delivered during the
lolding of the institute.
After a short recess J. 81. Meyers read
paper on CT 9 Art of Questioning" in :
which he forcibly expressed the laws
7hich govern it, and noted their most
uccessful application. He fully i'm
ressed upon bis hearers the need of
1ore attention being given to the SUBJ i
ect, and showed how much time was q
wasted through lack of this
ttention. In discussion, there was