The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1895-08-29

1875 bhC [OnttlhltuCt VI SOIu6 OF Luo
teachers better to take their summer work
during June and July; others prefer to do
the work during July and August; still
Others wish to devote two months to the
work. The plan adopted accommodates
all of these classes.
The number of institutes has been
larger than heretofore and the average
attendance at each institute somewhat
smaller, but the total attendance at all
the institutes has not varied greatly from
the usual number. About 5000 Of our
teachers have attended the institutes.
believe that the character of work
done in the institutes is improving from
year to year, becoming broadened and
more professional, getting away from text
book slavery and leading teachers into
the greener feds of independent thought
and investigation.
No one informed upon the subject of the
needs of our teachers doubts the value
of these summer normal institutes. From
them is drawn the inspiration for much
of the best work that is done in our
schools. In them are thrown out the
hints and suggestions that are rapidly
giving many of our schools their most
progressive and enterprising teachers.
The Sam Houston Normal Institute
closed in last June the most prosperous
session in its history. The enrolment
reached $40. the highest record yet made.
Too much cannot be said in praise of
the judiciOus and discreet management of
this institution by the distinguished prin-
cipal, Prof. III. @. Pritchett. His long
experience and his natural capacities fit
him perfectly for the position he occupies
and in no other one particular Is Texas
more fortunate than in having him at the
head of her State normal school. Per
haps in no single repsect has public opinr
ion in this State undergone a more market
change than in respect to the State nor.
NAL. Once almost the most unpopular OF
the States institutions. it is now almost
the most popular of these institutions
This change of public sentiment Is the
result OF rare talent and tact used In
the management of the Institution and of
the solid and enduring work done for
the teachers and schools of Texas by the
splendid and experienced faculty.
The State University Is enjoying a
period of prosperity and growth most
gratifying to the friends of higher edu-
cation. The leading members of the fac
ulty are making intelligent efforts to nut
themselves in touch with the teachers of
the common Schools both public aud
private. and to bring the University in
close relations with all the efficient high
schools of the State. In consequences of
these efforts j confidently predict in
creased prosperity. for the j, University
Inc legislature at its last session enacted
law authorizing the regents to elect 4
president of that institution. This har
not yet been done, but it Is expected that
the selection will soon be made. Ths
friends OF THE University look forward
to this selection with deep interest, as
upon 1T must depend quite largely the pros
perity of this great school, so far, at least,
as Tho maar futura m a " N al Z
Prof. q. s. Miller late chairman Of
the faculty. has resigned the chairman
ship of the faculty and his professorship
| IN the law department of the University
to return to the practice of his profession.
Hhis action on the part of Professor Mil
Ter is deeply regretted not only by the
regents, by the other members OF the
faculty and by the students, but also by
all the friends of the University. All feel
| that he was tower of strength to the
University and that his place viii be
difficulty to fill.
The A. & M. College, under the direction
of Ex-Governor Ross, continues to grow
in popularity. A number of young men
had to be turned away last year on ac-
count of a lack of room. The next legis-
lature will almost certainly make pro-
vision for additional buildings.
| The Prairie View college for colored
teachers continues to prosper. Without
doubt this institution is doing work of.
great Importance to the State in the way
of educating teachers for our colored
schools. Liberal appropriations were made
for the college by the last legislature and
its sphere of usefulness will be enlarged
from year to year.
| / believe that the white people of this
State are thoroughly and heartily in
favor of educating the colored people.
Our constitution requires impartial pro-
vision" to be made for the education of
both white and colored children, and our
statutes require each school district to
maintain its white and colored schools
for the same annual term. There Is, so
far as l know, no disposition upon the
part of any considerable number of our
people to change the liberal policy so long
pursued in reference to the education Of
the colored people.
am pleased to add that do not think
it can be questioned that the negro is
becoming educated. The colored teach
ers, especially, are rapidly becoming an
educated class. This Is the best hope of
the negro race Once let q large and
widely distributed class of educated ne
groes be created with power to perpetuate
itself, as will be the case with the edu.
Gated class of colored teachers, and 1t will
!, become the center from which will ra-
date influences that will control, inspire
and uplift the race.
Upon the whole, review Of the edu-
: cational conditions of this State, gives
us great reason to feel encouraged There
are, of course, discouraging features, but
: that the cause of popular education Is
gaining ground may be distinctly per-
ceived. As long as this. continues to be
the case there Is reason to keep taking
heart and pressing forward ,ii.,it
: With feelings of profound gratitude to
the Peabody board of trustees and 70
: the able and consecrated general agent
, for the great benefits that have, during 50
many years come to our schools through
this fund. am, most respectfully,
J. M. CARLISLE,
5 State Superintendent.