Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-11-27
TEACHERS INSTITUTE.
PROCEEDINGS AT THE LAST DAYS
CONSULTATION.
An Explanation of How Some Teachers
Fsil-The Importance of Teaching
"Civil Government"

The County Teachers Institute reassem-
bled yesterday morning at the Capital
Grammar School.
The morning work opened with an ad-
dress by Prof. Dickinson, relating to the
Teaching of Science in the Public
Schools" The Professor said the subject
had not been gwen sufficient consideration
on account of lack of suitable apparatus.
He then went on to show how experiments
might be performed with materials always
at hand. Nature herself should be called
upon to furnish the apparatus; everyday
occurrences would illustrate the grandest
principles of physics.
WHY SOME FAIL.
Superintendent Fisher continued the
work by short address on Relation of
the Teacher to Her School" He said that
the reason why many teachers fail is be-
cause thew haven't the faculty of compre-
hending the situation in which they are
oftentimes placed" a lack of being able to
cheerfully accommodate ones self to ones
circumstances.
Miss F. de Laguna gave the teachers a
rare treat in The Study of a Poem" Sir
Launfaul's Vision" was chosen, and the
exquisite lines seemed translated into
many varied and beautiful meanings, and
the words of each line to reflect the
changes undergone since the beginning of
language.
Miss Mildred Obarr read very good
paper on the Kindergarten" and what it
endeavors to do for the little ones. Mem
bers of the Free kindergarten were then
brought in and illustrated some of the
beautifuland useful things they we're being
taught. Their singing was especially good,
and members of the Institute wished TO
make them little gift of remembrance,
Notwithstanding their teachers remons-
trance.
CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
After q short intermission Miss Rita
Conclaugh rendered a difficult piano solo.
Superintendent P. NJ. Fisher spoke at
length upon the importance of teaching
civil government in schools. He would
have it taught to the older pupils, the duties
and responsibilities of the American citi-
zen being emphasized. Mr.. Fisher thought
the coming generation of citizens would
learn their rights and privileges soon
enough. The benefit to be derived from
having night school where such things
might be taught, was demonstrated. 1t
was not altogether that American boys and
men should learn these things, but it is
necessary that foreigners wishing to be-
come citizens should be well aware of the
laws of the land.
Mrs. E. B. Purnell thought there was no
reason why girls and women should not be
instructed in the Constitution as well as
boys and men; there would in all prob
ability come time when the preamble, in
saying we, the people of the United
States etc, would include women as well.
Miss Marett and Miss Watson made few
remarks pertaining to the discussion.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
In the afternoon little Maud Blue played
some stirring national airs and was loudly
applauded, and Mrs. Condo gave very in
teresting recitation.
Rev. r. NJ. Stevenson spoke of Personal
Influence of Teachers" He said that
children are instructed more by the teach
er's personality and love of learning; that
text. book knowledge will become indis-
tinct few years after leaving school, but
the impression made by the teacher would
be lasting as live itself. In recalling some
boyhood memories, Mr.. Stevenson gave
graphic descriptions of his earlier teachers
how one by his attire, gave the impression
of exactness; another, of earnestness; some
of kindness, and still, in recalling others,
he saw nothing but their crabbedness.
Superintendent Fisher and Professor
Dickinson, being obliged TO leave, the In
stitute members declared vote of thanks
be given them for their earnestness in car
rying on the work.
ARITHMETIcAL SIGNS.
Professor NJ. S. Lipowitzs discussion of
"Arithmetical Signs and Symbols" proved
extremely interesting. 1t has been found
by consulting old manuscripts and mar
bles, that the early Egyptians were familiar
with many forms of mathematics; it is also
evident in the construction OF pyramids and
other of their works. The Greeks. although
geometricians by nature, still mad a system
of their own for counting, etc. Still earlier
than these were the HIndoos, versed in the
mysteries of mathematics. He spoke also
upon the mathematical symbols of the
Chinese, in conclusion.
A recess was then taken, after which Mics
Campbell sang charming solo.
THE RESOLUTIONS.
The Committee on Resolutions then re-
ported as follows:
Resolred, That we highly appreciate the work
of Professor Dickinson and Superintendent
Fisher, and tender them our best wishes in
their future work.
Resolred, That cur thanks are due to the Rev.
Messrs. Silcox and Stephenson for their hearty
words of encouragement, and to those that
have kindly furnished Us vocal and instru-
mental music during the institute.
ReSOlued, That we cordially approve OF super
intendent Towards course in appointing all
committees beforehand, aud further that no
teacher, without a justihable excuse, should re-
fuse to perform any reasonable duty imposed by
the superintendent,
ResOircd, That in the future some arrange
ment be made by which more time be allowed
for discussion on subjects presented, even If the
number of subjects be limited, and that by this
arrangement, or some other, more of our teach
ers be led to participate in our institute work.
Resolved, That We heartily lndorse Superin-
tendent Towards efforts to make these insti-
tutes both pleasant and profitable, and we be-
lieve they are growing more useful year by
year.
The ladies of the kindergarten collection
desire their thanks expressed TO the ladies
and gentlemen of the institute for their
contributions
The institute was then addressed for ten
minutes by J. A. Woodson, on the subject
of cultivation of the power Of observation.
His remarks commanded attention and
were forcible
Some routine business was then trans
acted. Superintendent Howard addressed
the institute in conclusion, reviewing the
work and congraiulaung the members on
their attention and evident interest. The
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