The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1892-01-05

opinion, THAT no opportunity should be
omitted to extend the efficiency of the
primary schools; they are the basis of our
system"
NJ. c.. Dougherty, Superintendent of
schools, Peoria, H.: NO one has more
need OF experience in dealing with minds
than she who has them in charge through
the most critical period when they are
receiving impressions-as lasting as lIte."
COURSE OF STUDY.
Many complaints have been made by
parents and others interested in educa-
tional matters, that the present course of
study is detective in many particulars,
falling TO accomplish the ends and aims
desired.
Believing these assertions to be IN the
main correct. / have taken steps remedy
ing the evils complained of, and in which
i am most ably and willingly assisted by
the several Principals, all of whom seem
lmbued with spirit and determination
to possess system that shall in every re-
spect conform TO the best advantage Of the
pupil.
This labor has been commenced, and
ere the close of the present term will be
in shape for your consideration.
LIBRARIES.
Every avenue leading to knowledge
should be opened: every facility to the
3
our children. The school-house and the
textbooks are but parts of one great
whole Love ofstudy should be induced.
encouraged and invited by placing III the
power of our pupils the means to advance
their mental culture.
While we may not be able to place q
library in each school-house, no reason
exists why general one should not be
established with books adapted to meet
the need of each grade, as well as those of
a character fitted for the study and inn
provement of the teacher.
Free libraries, useful as they are, can
not, nor do not, supply the wants and ne
cessities OF proper school literature.
1t may be urged that it is the duty of
the parent to furnish this information
So also, is it their duty TO give their chill
dren an education; but how many would
do so were they compelled to pay for it?
In how many instances would they be
able? Our political characteristics are
such as to demand an intelligent citizen
ship, and the stronger we can make the
love between the child whom we are edu-
eating to become citizen and the State,
the more viii we strengthen his patriot
ism and endow him with greater concep-
tons and capabilities for good. The State
recognizes the usefulness of school
Libraries by competing the purchase of
books each year, for that purpose
appropriating in cities fifty dollars for
every one thousand children. This board
should increase that amount and COM
mence at once TO lay foundation for a
useful, practical library. 1t might, for
the present, be placed under charge of
the superintendent. accessible at certain
hours and governed by such rules as
might be deemed advisable.
CITY INSTITUTES.
The last Legislature amended the school
To-. .,4 I,,1.l
ers' Institutes apart from those of the
county. Believing this discrimination
injurious to the best interests OF the
schools, tending to create iealousies and
ill-feeling among teachers of the Severa
localities, thus disturbing the harmony
and friendly intercourse which has al
ways existed, it was determined between
our efficient County Superintendent, b.
+. Howard. and myself, to hold the In
stitute conformity.
Under MS able and experienced super
vision success was the inevitable conse-
quence; the teachers from the county
largely contributing to that end.
CONCLUSION.
Tonight brings to a close one term and
commences another of official duties. l
cannot permit myself to let it pass unno-
ticed, and here take advantage of express
ing my most grateful thanks for the
unanimous support given me by the citi-
Zens of Sacramento. As an Endorsement
OF my acts | should be less than human
if I failed to appreciate their kindness.
1t will urge me onward in the great work
of education, and to the fullest extent Of
my abilities Will [ always endeavor to
earn their approval and merit their con-
iidence.
TO yourselves, gentlemen of the board,
| am beholden for much, and l say, with
out tlattery, that community never had
servants more conscientious, eager and
willing to discharge the duties for which
they were chosen to perform.
by the teachers, one and all, I have
been treated most cautiously, and moth
ing on their part has been left undone in
the endeavor to reach high standard of
scholarship. ALBERT HART,
City Superintendent.