The morning call., 1894-12-12

ing ovation, and dvulged many interest
ing features which he intends introducing
into the department.
The meeting was called to order shortly
after o'clock by Superintendent SWEET.
The speaker announced that as this would
be his last appearance before the institute
of San Francisco be therefore desired to
review the results of bis observation dur
ing his long service in the department.
Ihe last ten years, he maintained, had
been period of educational activity and
progress in our country far beyond that
of any other period of our history.
The general introduction and extern
sion OF kindergarten methods. he believed,
was one II the prime causes of this prog
ress, although its advancement is not TO
be accredited to the teachers. 1t is pnrely
mothers movement, but educationalists
Lave gradually recognized the advantages
Of the system aud have adopted many of
the methods in the lower grades Of school
work.
Another illustration of this unparalleled
activity" said Mr.. SWEET. ''is found in the
rapid extension OF manual training. This
IS purely movement of business men.
resulting from new industrial ondtons,
and has proven a boon in the way OF de-
velopiDg not only the mind, but the physi-
cal conditions which are essential in sup
porting the mentality Of pupils.
1.-The increase In the number, quality
and C reulation of educational journals is
factor which has PLAYED a prominent
part in bringing about this change. and no
TEACHER who values his position should be
without reading at least one publication
OF this nature. Two and even three should
be in the home of every teacher, and the
result would be soon noticeabIe.''
The great number of books on psyehol-
ogy and methods. an increased attendance
en- national and State teachers conven-
tons and associations, and the bet er
methods of conducting the affairs of the
Teachers Institute, were also cited in this
connection. Among others to which spe-
clal mention was made are the modern
city and Stale normal schools, the depart
ments of pedagogics in universities and
colleges, which Mr. SWEET believed were
responsible for the introduction of modern
educational theories and better aud more
adapted teachers.
AS result of these many innovations,
he said, the educational progress in the
city schools was emphasized by better
methods of instru ton in reading. wri ing
arithmetic, history and science, as well as
by more attention to the study IF the child
and by more attention to training the
younger pupils for the purpose of develop
ment. as in polltelesS and in moral char
acter
After reviewing ut length the results Of
ment here Mr.. SWEET closed his remarks
with few words, in which he took occa-
sion to thank his coworkers for their
hearty support during his administration.
he said:
81 wish also. through you. to thank the
people of this city for their long-continuei
kindness to me both in prosperity and ad-
versity.
Forty years ago l came here young
man, frlendless and unknown. / secured
humble position as teacher. Hero l
have devoted my youth, my manhood and
my advancing years to the public schools.
AS teacher, as State Superintendent of
Public Instruction, as City Superintendent
OF Public Schools have put into my work
all my enthusiasm and all my energy to
the preservation of good govern ment
The public schools must be made the
nurseries of intelligent patriotism. They
must be Jealously guarded against attacks,
and they must be KEEP in line with the best
of modern thought in education.
Il am thankful it has been my privilege
to all in laying the foundation of the
! publIc-school system of this city and Of
the State of California
Amid prolonged applause Mr. SWEET
stepped from the platform and took his
seat on the front aisle beside Mr.. Mnulder.
When the noise had ceased the latter was
| introduced. and received rousing ovation.
New friends. old friends, and, Judging
from the cordial greeting, l hope, dear
friends" he began, after a brief silence.
Il must confess feeling certain timidity
In addressing yOa after having listened to
the eloquent remarks of your worthy Su.
perintendent | appear before you not as
one in authority. but as a citizen whose
heart is solely in your cause, and who will
do all in his power 10 promote your happi-
ness and prosperity"
The speaker here referred with kind
words To the value at which he estimated
the past services OF Mr.. SWEET, and as
means of expressing the gratitude of the
department. at large be called for rising
vote. which was unanimous In lis response.
The speaker here referred TO the part
the teachers assumed in the recent cam
paigp. He believed that, although they
were severely criticized In their actions.
the fact OF their exertions was quite nat
ural inasmucb as uDon their efforts. per-
haps. depended the selection of tneir fu-
ture ruler.
He incidentally remarked that their in