The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1889-06-28
Its Value and the Good Results Attained From
Its Teachings.
To the Editor of THE HERALD.

To the Editor of THE HERALD
There was some discussion in the teachers
joint institute this morning, as TO the value of
drawing in tine public schools. The knowledge
and also the lack OF well defined views upon this
subject, in this instance, exactly corresponds to
that of similar gatherings which have attended
east. Somewhat in disparagement it was stated
that some Indians could draw much better than
their white teachers, and the inference drawn
that it could not be very intellectual study any
how.
We may, however arrive at its true value by
observing that it has been, and still is, an import
ant and essential factor in human progress.
At the very dawn of civilization, as well as at
the present time, the language of the savage
consists of but few words, and some of these
not well defined He, therefore, tries to express
himself by gesture; If, by making gesture, the
| point of his finger should touch the dust upon
the ground the mark made would be drawing,
| because 1t was line expressing an idea-a re-
corded expression Of that idea-and so long as it
remained would bring to mind that idea when
ever those who made it, or those to whom the
/ idea was communicated should look upon that
mark. From mere beginning like this, 1t is an
| easy step TO the making of permanent marks
upon the smooth surface of soft rocks, until an
| elaborate system OF hieroglyphics resulted,
which in time gave birth to the alphabet. Be
fore this, the most important OF all inventions,
| the best scholar and most intelligent person
was the closest observer of nature and the most
skilled draughtsman. He must necessarily be
fellows must be expressed by the representa-
ton Of natural objects or well understood sym
bolS for them. It is TO this necessity for close
continuous observation of the material universe
that attribute the wonderful progress made by
prehistoric peoples.
After the alphabet was invented man could
record his metaphysical ideas and leave the
drudgeries of the mechanical world (where
drawing was Indispensable, TO those OF low
caste; but we must bear in mind that ciyiliza
ton cannot exist without material part and
that drawing is essential in the conduct of all
mechanical operations
The reason that it is not ac-
corded n proper place in our schools
is belief that the knowledge of artistic draw
Ing is required. This must include perspective,
or a representation of the simplest object can
not be made with certainty. Fortunately, the
school does not require this any more than the
civil engineer, machinist or builder These men
are engaged every day in accurately defining
and communicating ideas of intricate forms. Yet
not one in ten can sketch the simplest object
free hand respectfully.
What the school uneeds and should teach is
how to define and communicate ideas of form in
the most scientific manner, which is equivalent
TO saying in the easiest and simplest manner
possible. This is within the capacity of all and
+ properly taught would be of uri ye sal use, and
also go far toward blending scholastic and me
chanical knowledge; consequently toward a So
luton Of the labor question. VIM WARD.
SALT LAKE CITY, June q, 1899.