The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1890-01-02
CITY AND COUNTY SCHOOL sUPERlN-
TENDENTs AND COUNTY JUDGES
IN SESSION.
Various Subjects Ably Discussed Memorial
Committee Of Nine AppOinted-Re-
ceptiOn and Supper Last
Night.

session OF the superintendent Asso-
citation of Texas.
A beautiful prayer was offered by
the Rev. DR.. Chappell, after which
welcomeaddressIfull OF lofty sentiment
and patriotic feeling was delivered by
the Hon. Taylor Moore, of this city.
An impromptu response to the well
come was given by Superintendent
Hogg, of Waxahachie, also president
of the State Teachers association.
Superintendent w. A. Banks then
delivered his address in which he
treated forcibly and emphatically con-
corning the defects in our present
school system and the necessity of
advance. Among other things Mr..
Banks spoke as follows:
There are things in connection with
our school system that need serious
attention by the legislative depart
ment of the State government. There
is no provision made anywhere either
in the constitution or in the statutes
Of the state for the recovery of school
funds of the state or OF the respective
counties. Legislation in behalf Of
county academies is also needed.
They constitute the missing links in
our State system of education. The
University and the colleges of the
State are crippled in their legitimate
work for the want of them. l trust
something may be done by you in be-
half of these and other measures 1
have recommended for your consider
alton. 1 trust your deliberations and
discussions may lead ultimately to
concert of action, and that we may be
be able to impress the people with the
sincerity of our convictions.
After brief recess for the enroll
ment of members, State Superinten-
dent Cooper presented a resolution for
the formation of q memorial commit
tee, whose duty it shall be to formulate
the changes which should be made in
our school system to give it higher
efficiency. This committee will re-
port to the summer meeting of the
Superintendent association, and their
report, if adopted, will be submitted to
the State Teachers association with
the recommendation thatit be adopted
by the State Teachers association and
through the executive committee dis
tributed for general signature through
the state.
The first subject of the programme,
"a Course of Study for Country
Schools" was then taken up and dis
cussed in very practical and able
way by County Superintendent Witt,
of Bell county. Mr.. Witt demon
strated the practicability of the
course of study by showing that it
was already in use in a large number
of schools in Bell county. He dis
cussed the difficulties which are sup
posed to lie in the way of the intro
duction of a course of study, and
showed how they may be overcome
to the great advantage of the country
schools. The difficulties in the way of
introducing course of study
and the necessity for it in
all country schools were dis
cussed also by Messrs. Beaver, Love,
Mars, Pennybacker and DR.. Baldwin.
The unanimous opinion of the associ-
alton was that the only question in re-
gard to the course Of study is in what
way best to secure its introduction.
The association then adjourned and
reconvened at 2:20 p. m. The ques-
ton Of influencing politicians was dis
cussed in brilliant address by Su-
perintendent Sutton of Houston, who
was followed by Superintendent Love
of Navarro in well prepared paper.
The subject was also discussed in an
interesting way by several other speak
ers. One important idea developed
was that the best way to secure the
co-operationso of professional politicians
in the Improvement OF the school sys.
tenn, is to so educate the people that
they will demand the necessary
changes from the law makers.
The next subject, Institute Con-
ductors" was presented in a carefully
prepared paper by DIR. Baldwin, of the
State Normal school. DR.. Baldwin's
paper was replete with nuggets Of
educational wisdom, and was present
ed with great earnestness. He was fol
lowed by Mrs. w. d. House the super
intendent OF the city schools at Waco
Mrs. Houses appearance was created
with applause, she being the only lady
superintendent in the state. Hel
paper was product of her experience
as an institute conductor. The sub
ject was further discussed by Stats
Superintendent Cooper, VIII suggested
that number of expert conductor
should be appointed to hold institutes
OF weeks duration in each count.
| in the state, teachers being requires
| to attend and allowed their compen
sation during the time of attendance
Various ideas upon this subject wer
presented by Supt. Jones, Of Hunts
vile, Supt. Kinnard, of Belten, Judg
Kone, OF Hays, and others. TIL
sentiment of the body evidently favor
improvement in Institute method
and direction, and better organization
for this important work.
After recess the "School Hous
Problem" was discussed by Superb
tendent Palmer, of Dallas county. M