The Dalles daily chronicle. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1890-1948, 1891-03-05
TEACHERS, LOCAL 1Nsr1rurE.
Held at Dufur. Oregon, on February
2Ist and 23d 1891.

singing, and prayer, the usual com
mitsees were appointed, Roy Hadley
acting as secretary.
In the absence of Miss Merrill, P. p.
Underwood was called upon to introduce
half hour he occupied the floor, he showed
the Importance of teaching this branch
Thoroughly; and insisted that it had been
neglected. Too little interest seemed
manifested in this important, practical
branch of education.
The subject of history was introduced
by E. G. Hinman who read a carefully
prepared, paper in which he treated of
its Importance and divisions. His claim
that too much stress is given to heroes,
and sort of hero worship, by most his
torians, was well presented. He was
supported in this view by Mr. Under
wood who urged that history ought to
give fuller accounts of manners, customs.
arts, sciences, etc. Mr.. T. Brownhill
spoke ably in defence of the present
course. In answer to the question, how
to create an interest in the study of his
tory, this was given: ".Let the teacher
be alive to the Importance of his work,
and to the Importance of this study
Miss Cronin remarked that teaching
early in life made little patriots-a con-
sideration of great Importance.
Owing to the absence of Mr.. Atkinson,
the subject of physiology was postponed,
and the subject of geography taken up,
by Mrs. E. Menefee in well written
paper, setting forth the Importance of
the study and alluding briefly to method
of teaching. The general discussion was
carried on in an animated manner for
some time. Miss Cronin spoke of hav-
ing much trouble in teaching direction.
Another teacher called attention to the
fact that it was easy to teach geography
here because of the proximity of noun
tains and rivers, and showed how to
make use of water and dusty floor to
give correct ideas of the natural divis-
ions of land and of water.
In presenting the subject of lessons in
English, P. P. Underwood urged the
great Importance of devoting more time
and pains to teach children to readily
and accurately express their thoughts,
DOtH oTdIly anu WlIn the pen.
The speaker insisted that pupils should
be so instructed and drilled that they
could readily write receipt, bill of sale,
advertisement, petition, minutes OF a
meeting, credentials, etc.
The method of teaching grammar was
illustrated by Prof. Frazier and class at
the board
This was followed by short drill in
the use of the globe, by Prof. Frazier !
In the evening Supt. Shelley addressed
the institute at length, urging all to
greater and more united effort to advance
our educational interests, and advising
school boards to pay higher wages in |
order to secure better class of teachers, |
thereby cooperating with the state |
board.
The opinions of those present regarding |
the law compelling districts to expend |
all public funds each year, led to several
speeches condemning the law, but few
words being said in its favor.
A. j. Dufur made some we'll timed re-
marks, taking the position that teachers,
like poets, are born, not wholly made by
book learning, thereby showing the in
sufficiency of our present system of ex-
animation to determine who are best
qualified to teach. His remarks met
with hearty approval.
The first subject for discussion on
Saturday was school government being
introduced by A. Frazier, who COM
planned of his inability to tell how he
governed, or how others might govern,
nevertheless he gave some excellent |
thoughts on the necessity of thorough
preparation, unfagging zeal and activity
earnestness, honesty and fairness, Joined /
to an abiding faith in humanity and an
earnest desire to improve its condition.
Other teachers enlarged upon these
points and mentioned firmness, kind
ness, simplicity and love as controlling
elements of prime Importance.
In discussing fractions and percentage
Mr.. H. Pitman formed class of the
teachers and good naturedly and fully
answered their searching questions,
thereby explaining difficult points with
more than usual clearness.
Miss Kate Cronin presented the sub
ject of reading in we'll composed essay,
the leading thought of which was that
reading should express thoughts rather
than words. Reading tones and talking
tones were discussed with some diversity
Of opinion. Word, phonic and ortho-
graphic methods of teaching reading
were discussed at length.
The subject of physiology as presented
by T.W. Atkinson led to lively enter
change OF views on bathing and ventila-
tion.