The Madisonian. (Virginia City, Mont.) 1873-1915, 1895-10-26

most retenflye: and that elementary Latin
is more easily understood and of more
value than advanced English.
We do not intend to introduce Latin in
our district schools but we should empha-
size those subjects that most nearly
approach the Latin. Special attention
should be given to the acquisition OF Il vo-
cabularv. Dlcton should be feature of
every reading. spelling and language lesson.
Some word analysis can very protitably be
taught. A study of the various construct
comparison with the ordinary modes Of
expressing the same thought, will cultivate
taste tor good literature.
The same author advises the elimination
of portion of arithmetic now taught in
our schools. He says 1.-THE small book prob
ably not the one used in Montana now in
use. contains all the arithmetic that any
body needs to know; indeed much more
than most of us use. On grounds OF utility.
Geometry and Physics have stronger claims
than any part OF arithmetic beyond the
elements and tor mental training he says
"they are also to be preferred" Aseminent
authority as the president of Harvard
says SIN many schools the subject of
grammar still fills too large place on the
program. although great Improvement has
taken place inthe treatment Of this abstruse
subject which is so unsuitable for children"
With regard to teaching business forms
the president says "What boy or girl can
IL, II ,;nl, nf,,I
after life IN keeping books or accounts of
any real business. is good handwriting.
and accuracy in adding, subtracting,
multiplying. and dividing small numbers.
He says that algebra and geometry can be
comprehended at the age of II or 13. Ii
all that is necessary of fractions, measure
ments and percentage at this age. If the
children have had advantages of school.
1t Is an error for us to suppose that the
children are not able to grasp any difficult
subjects until nearly grown. BY proper
presentation children completing descrpt-
i've geography can understand all that is
usually found in physical geography. IT
we require more OF children. believe their
ability TO grasp more difficult subjects is in
creased. Many active children DRIFT into
mischief because we do not employ their
energies in the right thlngs. 1t Is true,
while we give the bright children all they
need. the slow ones are over done; but by
arranging the course of study 90 that pup
lis may be reclassifed. this will largely be
obviated. 1t is an injustice to curb the
powers of bright children when it does the
ploddlng ones no good.
Now q word with reference to higher
studies; l believe 1t to be wrong to keep
children in the common branch until they
seem to know all about them. After a
fairly good knowledge OF the common
branches is obtained pupil may take alge-
bra, physics. rhetoric and some language
not the native, and then by short review
complete the common branches In less time
than If kept plodd!ng away on the common
branches all the time.
The trouble with most of the common
branches is that they are not classified sui
hciently; Algebra and Geometry gives a
kind of formula of Arithmetic; a foreign
language has similar for results.
The Objection Is frequently brought up
that the children do not want to begin new
or higher branches. l believe the teacher
should direct the school and by some skill
ful management /; can be done without
trouble.
If a child comes to school with objections
from parents. talk with the parents or a
note explaining matters usually makes all
right.
Conditions should partly determine the
subjects to be pursued. II the greater
number o. class would not he likely to
attend higher institution. believe those
subjects that would be most helpful in
after lite should be taken. With this view
most of our higher institution are adopting
elective systems and optional course of
study.
It IS not best to introduce SO many sub
jects that the instructor can not teach any
properly. This would be worse than to
leave out some that are quite necessary.
Those subjects that benefit the majority OF
the class should be studied; usually some
special arrangement can be made for the
minority.
Every subject that Is taken should be SO
thoroughly mastered as to give confidence
to the learner. More people fail in life by
lack of confidence than from any other
cause. A boy that begins english grammar
and gives up in despair is usually the one
that begins business enterprise and quits
bc fore his plans have had time to mature.
II child s,udy's Algebra. he should COM
ple,e quadratics OF some difficult textbook
before leaving the subject. The main pur-
nose OF such study is to discipline the mind