The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1888-03-30
Friday Evening.

Chairman Brown opened the exercises
by continuation of his address on the
hog, after the Germania Band had rem
dered several pieces in an acceptable
manner.
A FaIrmont male quartet, composed
of Messrs. N. S. Pratt, M. Aldrich, H. 1.
Townsend and F. M, Campbell, with
Mrs. N. S. Pratt as pianist, sang "I'm
Rocking ON the pillows" The quartet
is composed of some fine talent and the
fact that it was enchored each time it
sang shows that 1t was appreciated by
the audience. In response to an en-
chore the serenade "There's Razors
flying in the air" was given.
Hon. d. L. Kiehle, Superintendent of
Public Instruction, was introduced and
gave well-prepared, thoughtful address
upon the subject of "The Relation of
Common Schools to Agriculture.
Mr.. Kiehle stated for his main propo-
sltion that intelligence is necessary in
establishing position In justice and re-
spect among the industries of So
cietY. 1t is the first condition in estab-
fishing agriculture on firm foundation
and bringing it to its fullest develop
ment. 1t is necessary to make the IN
dustry attractive and renumerative. 1t
is popularity of agriculture that it re-
wards the most unskillful and yields ac-
cording to the skill of the master. In
dustry and economy have made most
farmers successful. Ladies and young
men are leaving the farms for the cities
and it is laid to education. Education
will, indeed, cause anyone to leave life
of drudgery, Hence the occupation
must be made attractive. 1t affords the
fullest opportunity for thought and stu.
dy and the age affords unprecedented
advantages for overcoming the disad-
yantages of farm life. Having an educa-
ton the young man will go where he
can display his talents to the best adj
vantage. All that he acquires in school
is merely learning, which is far from in
telligence or true wisdom. The latter
comes only from practical experience.
The speaker thought that more useful
knowledge should be taught in the COM
mon schools and he outlined an ideal
school of this class. The lack of the
right kind of teachers is the only draw
back, all the books, maps, etc., in the
world cannot make such school alone.
A good teacher under the worst circum-
stances will make a good school.
The prosperity of farming interests
and the development of agriculture de-
ponds on the support given to popular
education and upon the determination
to secure good teachers, The school
system of the State is in excellent shape,
but its efficiency depends upon the peo-
pie. OF the more than 5000 common
school teachers, outside of towns and
cities, 20 per cent. hold only third grade
certificates, % per cent. second grade
and per cent. first grade. Most dis
tricts change teachers every term and
the whole corps in the State changes
every three years. There is but Ave
months of school a year on the average
in the country. In many counties the
County Superintendent is elected for
political reasons instead of on business
principles. Not much can be expected
from these schools under such condi-
tlons. In cities and towns, however,
there are nine months of school, good
teachers are hired and Kept and
competent principals are elected on
business principles, and the schools are
graded. Ninety-nine per cent. of farm
er's children get their entire education
in the common schools at home.
The speaker said good word for the
agricultural schools.
Chairman Brown read an alleged let
ter from Queen Victoria which caused
much sport.
Prof. Maria Sanford then favored the
audience with finely rendered recita-
ton, entitled "The Bell of the Atlantic"
The band played selection and was
well applauded.
DR.. VIM. Dickson was introduced and
gave his interesting lecture upon '"rhe
Ryot, our rival; or wheat growing in
India" The Dr., having spent twenty
years in that country, was thoroughly
conversant with the customs of the coun.
try. The following is a synopsis of his
lecture:
The lecturer approached his subject
with an apology. 1t was no uncommon
thing he said for an orator to begin with
an apology. Orators often-indeed he
did not think he'd be wronging them
much if he said they usually-did, but it
was not often even an orator had, like