Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1893-11-24


best methods of teaching, of organizing and of
maintaining progressive school.
TOWNSHIP LIBRARY SYSTEM.
Much time has been devoted to this work. In
1891 more than one-half of the districts of the
state had been supplied with libraries by this
means. In our county since 1887 only three of
the fourteen towns containing only 80 districts,
had adopted the system. This year three other
towns, Dodgeville, Highland and Brigham,
containing 81 districts, have been added to the
list. This summer the towns expended for books
the sum OF $29793 this amount being more
than one-half of the total amount expended by
all the towns in the county since 1887
At present the outlook for the future is prom
!sl4g, and next year it is hoped that every town
IN Iowa county will supply its district schools
with libraries.
How to make these libraries available was
nearly $50 teachers, and will again be fully dis
cussed in all the teachers meetings the coming
winter. 1t will take time to educate teachers,
pupils and parents to fully appreciate the
value of these books in the districts. The IL
brarles will greatly assist teachers in their
work, enable pupils to form stronger and better
habits OF study, and place within the reach of
every individual in the district wholesome ma
teral for reading. The object of the system is
to develop in the boys and girls taste for the
good and beautiful in literal ture, to improve
the character and to store the minds with the
best thoughts of the best and greatest in our
race. Who then can overestimate the value of
other investment of equal amount each year
by town will bring in such rich returns.
COMMON SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS.
About the 20th of February examinat tions are
conducted throughout the county in all the
the grading of the common schools according
to the Manual of the Course of Study. I'd.
The completion of the Course of Study in the
Upper Form will, after the 1st of July, 1894, be
made the basis or standard for admission into
the High schools of the state.
The questions which serve test for grad
common schools. cd
by the county superintendent, and are sent with
directions in sealed envelopes to all district
be handed to the teachers the day on which the
examinations commence In this way uniform
test Of the knowledge and ability of the pupils
is conducted throughout the county at the same
time. After the papers have been written and
examined by the teachers. they are sent to the
county superintendent who examines them.
Upon his approval, a diploma is granted to each
successful applicant as a reward and acknowl-
edgement of the work performed.
Next spring new feature will be introduced
commencement exercises for al he graduates
from the common schools in thGscounty will be
held at Dodgeville This will 1--we a tendency
to more perfectly and more closely unite the
district schools, to gain the respect and senti-
ment OF pupils and parents in their favor. A
lifting acknowledgment of the work performed
Will stimulate and encourage the boys and girls
to complete Systematically the course. What
Is needed is to raise the standard and dignity
of the district schools. Why is it that farmers
are anxious to move to the towns, or send their
children to reap the benefit of the village or
city schools 1T is simply to avoid condition
which they have created.
In some districts, school matter is always
second matter. The buildings are neglected; !;
needed and essential apparatus is left unpur-
chased; the school is given to the lowest bidder,
without regard to qualifications or aptitude for
teaching. As long as this condition of affairs
exists, 50 long will there be inferior grade OF
schools.
The State Superintendent is now trying to in
troduce grade OF schools intermediate be-
tween the district school and the high school,
in towns that have no schools higher than
adopt such plan in this county. We have
systems enough. What should be done is to
arouse more interest and do better work in the
Very respectfully submitted,
THos j. JONES,
County Superintendent.
Dated at Dodgeville. Wis, Nov l3, 1893.
On motion of Mr.. Taylor the report
was adopted and ordered published.
\ bid for the deposit of county funds
was read as follows;
FIRST NATIONAL BANK,
MINERAL POINT, Wis. Nov. 13, 1898. :
To the Chairman and Members of the County
Board of Iowa County, Wis.
GENTLEMEN: The First National bank of
Mineral Point, offers to pay interest on the
daily BALANCES 1l @ Of county money deposited with
day of January, 1895. at the rate of three and
ffty-five one hundredths per cent. (355) per an
mum, the interest to be computed and credited
to the county at the end of each month. and on
condition that such deposit and accrued inter-
est shall be subject to draft anu payable at all
times ON demand.
JoHN H. VIVIAN.
Press First National Bank
On motion OF MIR. Carter the bid was
accepted, and the First National Bank
of Mineral Point designated as the
county depository on complying with
the requirements Of the law.
On motion the treasurer was author
lied to retain $1,000 of the county
funds in the treasury.
Mr.. Rewey offered the following reso-
luton, and moved its adoption:
Resolued, That the board accept the
invitation of the superintendent of the
insane asylum to visit the asylum on
Thursday next, to leave here at 8 o'clock
a. NJ, and that the sheriff be instructed
to furnish TRANSFORMATION.
Resolution adopted
Mr.. Campbell moved to proceed to
the election of trustee for the insane
asylum, which motion was seconded by
Mr.. Jones.
Mr.. Taylor moved that the board ad-
journ, which motion prevailed.
SECOND DAY . SESS1ON.
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 15.
ga m. Board called to order by the
chairman. Roll called, members all
present. Minutes of last meeting read
and approved.
The motion of A. Campbell in refer
ence to electing trustees of the insane
asylum, which was made at last even
ing's session. was then taken up, and
by permission Mr.. Campbell withdrew
the motion.
The clerk presented the schedule of
claims, and on motion of Mr.. Carter,
bill No. p, in favor of s. W. Reese, for
refund of taxes, was referred to the
committee on Tax Claims.
The following report of the super
intendents Of the poor and trustees of
the insane asylum was read, and on
motion was referred to special COM
mittee consisting of Messrs. Carter,
Taylor and Frost:
To the Honorable Board of Supervisors of Iowa
county, Wis.
GENTLEMEN: We, the undersigned Superin-
tendents of the Poor of Iowa county, herewith