The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1890-01-01

otit- -, tt1NAa la1ereAit a. tDc Vtthi1t St@hStH
er session.
since our last snnnal convention. many
changes have been made in our ranks. Just
81 Of last years teachers are missing to-day
s. new members are with Us only Of
| these, however, are teaehing their FIRST term,
probably the smallest number Of so-ealloi
'beginnerss in the history OF many years
or the 81 who have left the brotherhood, but
one has been claimed by the hand Of death
she other eighty have retired on better pay,
gore west. or gotten married We have lost
some excellent teachers but We have retain
ed many, and gained Others. and l Do not
hesitate to say that which | know and be-
lieve from evidences satisfactory and conclu-
sive, thai this is the strongest and most com
petent body Of teachers yet convened within
these walls. Notwithstanding the changes
I just noted, We are still the same educational
body from year to year, bringing with Us
: the same individual responsibilities, expect
/ ing here 10 gather again lessons of instruct
ion and enlightenment to aid as il our
chosen work, hopeing to bear hence useful
knowledge. new methods, renewed enconr-
agenient, and fresh impetus 70, oar duties
in the schooiroom.
We have before us what We believe to be
good program. Our instructors rank with
the very best, as ,leir work during the week
will doubtless show We sail miss. indeed
the cheering presence OF our honored chief
the late Superintendent Of Public IasfFGc-
ton. Suddenly-alnlost without moments
warning, DT. Higbee was called by the Mast
er tc rest from his labor as teacher aud as
leader Of the educational forces of our CON-
monweaiih- And while We join with those
who have learned to know his work and his
worth in a sad vet grateful tribute to bis
faithful services. still we shall not lack for
talent and material to make our program
complete for every session, and to carry out
all the original plans and purposes.
1t will be our privilege, as well as our
duty. TO give TO the able instructors Of the
week, earnest sympathy. thoughtful attea-
ton and cordial interest, so thas their work
may be effective in its executions, and last
ing in i5s benefits. | recall here the words
OF Dr. Houck whom you Will remember
Said he. seldom. indeed, have | found
body Of teachers 50 attentive. earnest, and
enthusiastic as th ise l met in your Institute
at Somerset lasi winter Fellow -teschers,
let US be true 10 our records, so thai ihsse.
our new friends and instructors. may take
with them like opinion at the close Of the
week
The work on the part OF the teachers viii
form an essential factor in the success Of
this meeting. This county institute needs
not only the inspiration Of master-minds,
the development of advanced thought. The
exposition OF general principles and new
methods. bat II needs, as well, ste iEfer-
charge Of thought by the home teachers. the
discussion OF practical methods OF school
economy growing out ofindividual exper-
ience in the schoolroon. Ample provision
has been made, therefore, for the free and
spontaneous expression ofopinion upon such
questions and topics as effect everyday
school work. and we know from past expert
euce that our teachers will not fail to make
the special morning sessions, interesting and
profitable.
The talent for the evening sessions has
been selected With mneh care and secured
at great expense, and am glad to be able to
state hat we have every assurance that all
will be on lland as already announced. The
demand for first-class lectures and entertain
menis. by an intelligent public, is highly
commendable. and TO the extent OF our abili-
" We have tried to meet that demand.
] have thus briefly outlined our program.
and froa, the full and varied exercises il
foreshadows. We earnestly invite you 10
gather all the instruction. the encourage
ment, the enjoyment--all the g0od you can.
And in doing so, may We not forget that this
is a representative body, and in a measure,
at least. represents the entire educational
fabric Of our county. The aim and purpose
cf the law that provides for this convention
is hat Of gain to the Commonwealth. and
advancement Ok the best interests % the ciii-
zen. hecounsy Institute is an cducaiion-
al Mecca Of good things, and We are here as
the paid messengers 10 gather and agaSn dis
tribute them in The schools we teach With
in this hall Of Justice are the agents often
thousand boys aud girls who wait in their
quiet mountain homes until you shall come
back to them with better things, and better
teaching than they have yet known this
term Would we be careless and indifferent
in our individual schools and districts at
home, then none the less do We owe to our
pupils and patrons. as well as to ourselves,
thoughtful and Earnest attention to our work
here. let Us endeavoE not simply to catch
the straws that float upon the surface, but
rather TO grasp the solid thoughts and prin
ciples that must form the strong undercur-
rent Of all true educational progress.
But We greet you to-day not only as leach
ers who come bearing the burden OF duty
and responsibility, but as scholars and STU
dents who come TO erjoy intellectual priv
ilegts wli-h this week of all others alone
can afford. The helpful influence Of frafer-
nal sympathy, the impetus OF public inter
est. the inspiration OF master-minds, the de-
vel0pmeni Of higher ideals and mob er aims
--the expansion of thought and feeling and
purpose: these are some of the benefits that
come TO US individually. and whether We
have taught one terra or ten, We cannot
afford 10 lose. We may sometimes forget
that is the peculiar province OF the teachers
pr5f, ssion 10 make all It's needs and environ
ments, potent factor in ihedeveiopment OF
mental and moral power, which is, indeed
The essential element Of success ia any and
every sphere Of intellectual life. Whatever
is good for US as teachers, therefore, is OF
almost equal benefit 10 Us as Individuals
whether teaching or not
so far as this Institute Is feast Of reason, /
we invite our friends 10 share il freely Oar
exercises are not adapted 10 children. We
have no room for curiosity seekers, no place
FOR mere holiday excursionists. but to ali
true friends OF education we extend cordial
welcome, and TO them shall we show every
possible attention and courtesy.
las; bur not least do not forget the social
privileges aGorded by this aanual reunion.
Scattered and isolated for many days. we
ind ourselves suddenly united ia one strong
and honorable fraternity Lei US improve
this opportunity Of meeting and knowing
one another. FL. up the moments Of leisure
with SOCIAL cheer thai viii make all 10 feel
aud appreciate the bond OF professional
friendship and courtesy.
Hoping, then, that we shall have your
t.-t.- r..r.rrotsf.r IN s.vorrff,;r,-r that s.ar