The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-08-06
TALK ON EDUCATION.
Third Days Session of the
Teachers Institute.
KNoTTY POINTS OF GRAMMAR.
Discussion on Authors Style-School
Laws for Cities-Ruies for Dis
cipline-Today's Programme.

The third days session of the Teachers Insti-
tuts brought out larger audience by far than
was present on the opening day. AT the roll call
fully 200 members answered the call. The ex-
ercises, taken as a whole were very interesting
and instructive, the speakers bringing out many
points OF more than ordinary interest. The pro-
gramme was carried out without a failure to
appear or hitch of any kind, which speaks we'll
for those control of the exercises. The ex-
hibit of the work of public school children of
Seattle, and also that of Tracyton, was much
admired and called forth many comments COM
plimentary 10 both instructor and pupil.
The first subject discussed was grammar. The
class was 30 large that it was divided into two
sections. one in charge OF Professor Frank J.
Browne and the other under the instruction of
Professor Meredith. Professor Browne confined
his remarks to '.the pronouns" and their ante
cedents. Person, number, gender and case
came in order, and few remarks followed on
the many peculiar and complicated construc-
tons which are constantly coming before the
attention of anyone given to careful analysis
and comparison OF the different parts OF speech.
Mr.. Browne pointed out the common but oft re-
peated fault of mixing plural verbs with singu-
lar subjects. He placed subject of more than
ordinary every day interest plainly before his
hearers in its different aspects.
Professor Meredith discussed "pronouns,"
particularly as presented by the grammar
adopted by the state board. He also presented
the different divisions of the subject and many
historical points, such as the origin and uses of
forms of speech. He concluded by appealing
for independent thought outside and regardless
of text books.
Later in the day Professor Meredith delivered
alecture on English Literature" which was of
most interesting and instructive nature. He
spoke for forty-five minutes, and during that
time presented much valuable information re-
garding figures of speech. The speaker brought
up that vague and oft-perplexing question lat
least to pupils) OF authors STYLE" defined 1t
as the peculiar method by which an author ex-
pressed his thoughts, including topics, figures
of speech, order of words, and qualities of style
Order OF words, both simple and rhetorical, was
illustrated. "Perspicuity," he said, depended
upon simplicity" Special stress was laid on
the violation of precision" and in conclusion
he pointed out many characteristics of prom
inent authors.
The subject of "School Laws Concerning Cities
of Over 1O.oO0,' was ably discussed by Professor
Jones. He presented the question as relating to
the powers, duties and obligations of the board
OF education. Every teacher was urged to
familiarze herself or himself with educational
matters pertaining to the state OF Washington
drawing" was considered by Mrs. Elizabeth
Baker, who took up the subject of the line of
the perspective. In the discussion which fol-
bling block to beginners, and made pointed re-
marks on the attention which ought to be paid
to making the pupil consider the object be-
fore him in its Dimensions as it appears from
the angle of observation.
Algebra the subject so dear to Professor
Frank Browne, came in for a share of his atten-
ton. He treated of fractions" in all imagin-
able ways, brought the theorems into play and
did not neglect to explain addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division, and concluded his
remarks with thorough explanation of the
signs Of fractions, showing the result obtained
by changing one, two or all signs
Professor Rich, of Gilman, spoke concerning
"The Teachers Aims" and earnestly besought
the old teachers of the state to be on the look
out for new methods, and allow no chance to
slim by which they might better fit themselves
to give good service to their pupils and their
state. He pointed to the low salaries paid as a
hindrance to many who would like to join the
ranks, and said that it was by good, eonscien-
tious work that bstterment in the future could
be looked for
Miss Hyatt presented an address devoted to