The Portland daily press., 1889-12-28
THE LATE THOMAS TAsH.
Hon. w. J. CorrheIl's Tribute Read
Before the Pedagogical Society.

BANGOR, December 27.-Thes programme
of today's exercises of the Maine Pedagogi-
cal Society, in session here, was appreciated
by a large number who attended the exer-
cises. At the meeting todaylHon. w. j.
Corthell of Gorham read an able and inter-
esting paper on the late Thomas Tash of
Portland, as follows:
Since last we met in annual convention one of
our number, one uf the most influential founders
of this society and one whose time and labor have
been freely given to its work. has passed into an
other mansion in his Fathers house.
Mr.. Thomas Tash died at his ONE in Portland,
Me May z, 1889, at the age Of 20 years. His
death was sudden. At noon of the 9Th of May be
was II apparent health ere the next noon % q his
Durham, N. H., in 1919, graduated at BowdoIn
IN n IS4z; was marie in l84S to Miss j. II
Holmes, daughter Of Capt. Salmon Holmes. He
II and made educational work the business IF his
life. He was principal of Foxcroft Academy. Old
toMd aSsdaa Academy, Calais Ac DENY and Mampden
direction OF the right men were educational pow
ers in the State. in melting scholarly ambition,
prompting to and fitting for college courses. That
the subject Of this memoir was eminently success
ful In this phase Of the teachers office, many men
and women OF high attachments as scholars testi-
Mt Tash y as also principal of the High school
\, H; afterwards teacher, Of Greek at
Lewiston as principal of the High School,
after four years of verv successful work in that
position, he was elected in October, 1877 super
only city in Maine having such school officer at
that time. The eminent success and apparent
value of the Office there induced other towns and
cities Of the State to try the same plan.
In The full maturity of his powers, and with the
development and experience impaired by so many
subject Of this paper was called in 1877, TO take
the place of superintendent Of schools In Port
land, IN Importance and success, the Growing
work OF his life. This office was created only
two years before. His predecessor had not so
administered 1t as 10 commend the Office as desir-
able or useful to the favor OF people, committee
Judgment of all and prove its necessity and b. ne
mt to the city was difficult task. Yet 1t Was fully
ACCOMPLISHED; Up to that time the school board
mad controlled and supervised the tchO0ls. This
body varied in composition from year to year.
Hence there was lack of unif rmUy and continui-
c n IL pans ana o iS Of Judgment and
ally, under the influence of the superintendent,
comprehensive plan was formed. an ideal Of at
tainment fixed and all the school forces brought
into harmonious advance along the line toward
this ideal. Better school buildings, more ade-
quate 10 number, and size have been built; mora
carefnlly arranged courses of study adopted; bet
ter appliances Of work, in text books and appar-
atus provided a special school for the prepara-
tion Of teachers established; the teachers en-
couraged to greater individuality and more indie
pendeDee In their methods. To accomplish such
results III conservative community and under
tne conJr0l OF school boards, disposed to be
slightly jealous OF any Interference with their pre-
rogattve proves the possession of uncommon
ability.
What was there in the enaract er of Mr.. Tash
which enabled him to Sc ure such results His
scholarship was accurate and thorough. His
knowledge OF literature broad. His literary taste
critical and nice. His success as a teacher was
the result OF accurate scholarship, thorough pre-
paratlon, patience in instruction. uniform Justice,
success was in part due to avery clear conception
OF Wnat ought TO be done and equally clear
Judgement OF what IL was possible to do at the
present moment. The first made him radical
enterprislng, progressive; the second made him
tainable, but with clear view of the ultimate
the right direction
Another source of power as superintendent was
found in his relation TO the teachers. They found
In him sympathizing friend. anxious for their
success, respecting their individuality, leaving
tfem free choice If methods, respecting their
opinions, acquiescing in their Judgment. They
had sympathy in difficulties, support in trials, adj
vice In doubt, praise in success and excuse even
In failure. IL repr0Of was ever called for IL was so
given as to leave no sting.
As a citizen Mr.. Tash was public spirited high
minded, patriotic, bearing his full SHARE in tIme
labor end money, OF tn burdens necessary to Sc
cure the best for his town. his State. his country
We, the members of this society, may well say
a true friend, loving husband and father, a good
ctlZen, a faithful Christi n, noble man has fall
en- from our ranks in the midst of the battle. We,
his companions in his chosen field, with sorrow
for cur loss but with admiration for his character
and full faith in his triumph say, "Noble comrade!
Hail and farewell"
The programme of the other exercises has
been already published.