The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1889-07-27


The Forum is recognized as one
of the leading literary magazines Of
the country and statements in its
columns are in all cases to be re-
garded as true and accurate. In
the July number a deserved compli-
ment is paid to Prof l. c. White, OF
this place, regarding his effective
exploitations for natural gas and the
additions to the geological science
he has made by the same. He is re-
garded in the article as the pioneer
promulgator of natural gas as ap-
piled practically. Nearly four years
ago Prof. White deducted from the
Pennsylvania well records and Wig
orously maintained the theory-now
recognized as fundamental law in
gas prognostication-that gas, oil
and brine are accumulated in the
order of their weight within inverted
basins and troughs formed by fiex-
ures of the rocky strata. This was
theory not held by other geolo-
gists, but 1t Is now the one used by
them all In gas representation, so
it can readily be seen wherein he
gets the credit for his superior
knowledge on the point. Greater
advance was never probably before
made in so limited time this in eco
nomically important branch ofknowl-
edge. To-day biologists predict the
success or failure of prospect bore
for gas or oil about as readily and
reliably as he can artesian water or
coal.
OF the rapid strides in and the
thorough knowledge of his profess
sion Prof White has made, and is
possessed of, all within a very large
radius know, but to have his name
and fame spread over the country
by magazine of the high standard
of the Forum is indeed an honor.
Teachers Contracts.
The following is from the Fair
mont West Virginian by the county
Superintendent of Marion county,
and is of special interest In this
county, where we know of many
teachers who have been hired before
the new members of the boards were
elected.
In consequence ofcertain irregular
tiles existing in the employment of
teachers, it behovcs me ne one whose
duty it is to see that the law is car
ried into effect to give some instruc-
tions to those concerned. In the
first place, contracts made by trus-
tees and teachers before July the
first are not legal, for new trustee
comes in in July, and the law when
it saws; "The school year shall
commence on the first day of July"
contemplates that the new trustee
shall have something to say regard
ing who shall be teacher in his sub
district the coming winter. Second,
trustees should have meeting and
consult as to what teacher is best
fitted for their school and communi-
ty. Hence is the law: The trus
tees shall take no action or proceed
ing relating to the employment or
removal of teacher, unless at a
meeting Of which all of the trustees
shall have had notice, and when at
least two of their number shall be
present and concur in such action or
proceeding" Any other method
than the one described here is bur
lesque on business and should not
be tolerated. Presidents of the
Boards of Education should approve
no contract unless made in accor-
dance with the law as quoted above.
Music in the Public Schools.
One of the many good results of
the State Normal Institute will be
the instruction in vocal music given
the teachers by Miss Boazbcrg, OF
New York, who teaches the Mason
system in such thorough manner
as to fit her pupils in chorus sing
ing in their respective schools. The
idea of school children taking vocal
music with their other studies has
never been greatly urged in West
Virginia, but the teachers who are
now here are thoroughly imbued with
the Importance of the branch aud
will introduce it in their schools
The Mason system or National Mu-
sic course has.for its chief merit the
rapidity and accuracy which pupils
may learn to read music by sight
Prof Purinton and Prof Elliott are
both much pleased with the new sys-
TEN ind with the brilliant and com.
petent manner in which it is taught
by Miss Boazburg
The National Music Course aims
to place vocal music on the same
footing as the regular school studies
and enable the class teachers to give
successful instruction in music, as
in geography and arithmetic, under
competent direction. 1t has succeed
ed fully, as the list of places using il
proves. The testimony of teachers,
superintendents, and musicians, is
unmistakable evidence of its excel.
lence and superiority.
Music in the public schools OF
West Virginia is sure to prove part
of their curriculums, and we note the
fact with considerable pleasure.
Died.
MAPEI-Robert L. Mapel. son oil