The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-10-31

point with solo by Mrs. C. b. Yale.
Miss Sarah G. Brooks spoke Of the
work that Supt Gilbert had done for
the graded schools OF st. Paul. Be
fore the advent of Supt Gilbert, the
teachers felt that there was a lack of
lire, interest," and all-round growth
In the grade schools. When Supt.
Gilbert came he at once gave the
teachers rein andlicense to investigate
the educational problems then being
agitated. The Improvement that cul-
mlrated In <the condition of these
schools today swas due to Supt Gilbert.
Miss Brookso found, while visiting
other cities.e that the public teachers
generally werel eager to express their
| gratitude to Prof. Gilbert for the en-
| enlargement his words and his able
papers on thesscience of education had
| given them.
| In kindergarten work, too, Supt. GIL
bert's work had been noticeaply effect
! i've, ami herein the moral benefit was
| perhaps more significant than the IN
tellectual. Miss Brooks thought that
1t was the duly of the teacher to con-
! tinue tc follow Supt. Giiberts admira-
| bic method So
DIR. e. j. Abbott. the president of the
board of school inspectors, was the
next speaker DR. Abbott took as his;
text the Latin apothegm, poeta nasci~
tur, non fit
This may not be- the Latin of to-
day., said DR.. Abbott, "for though it is
dead language, l find its pronuncia-
ton changing on me. A liberal trans
sation of my text is "A school super
1ntendent Is born, not made" Gap
plause).
DR.. Abbott related in an amusing
way, the trials and petty annoyances
that the superintendent of schools is
necessarily subjected to-. But it was in
his dealings with the school board that
the superintendent had the hardest
time. AS for Supt. Gilbert, his life
had been an open book to the people
OF st. Paul. All could truthfuily say
that the high school had never had as
good principal as Mr.. Gilbert. After
he became superintendent of schools,
a new line of work opened up to him.
But he proved equal to the task before:
MIN, and made name for himself as
one of the ablest educa tors In the Unit
ed states. (Applause).
Dr. Abbott said, in conclusion, that
the school board would like, if it could
afford 1t, to raise Mr.. Gilbert's salar =
and bring him back to st. Paul. This
declaration met with hearty and pro-
longed applause
School Inspector Wilkes then made a
Drlef speech. He assured his hearers
That 1t was bad night outside, but a
good night to assemble within and pay
IL
ablest superintendent Of schools ST.
Paul had ever had
PRESIDENT Shepard, of the Winona
normal schools was next introduced
Prof. Shepard said that 1T was alway s
pleasant to pay tribute to one who de-
was a duty. prof. Shepard first be-
came acquainted with Supt. Gilbert
eighteen years ago, when the latter was
chosen principal of the Winona high
school, and he, Prof. Shepard, became
superintendent of the Winona schools
1t was then that Prof Shepard dfscov-
cred Supt. Gilbert's abilities. his love
of high idealssand his superior educa-
tional methods. His success as prin-
cipal Of the Winona high school was
most pronounced. Prof. Shepard con-
fessed that he advised Supt Gilbert.
after he came to ST. Paul. not to re-
sign the principalship of the ST. Paul
dercy Of the ST. Paul schools, believing
his proper field was the high school
But as soon as he became superin-
tendent he again demonstrated the
same rare aptitude in grasping the du-
ties or that responsible position. Prof
Shepard discussed Supt. Gilbert's in
f1uence upon the school teachers
throughout the state of Minnesota.
and traced his growth among educa-
tors until the time arrived when he
was finally recognized as one of the
prominent educators of the country,
and was honored with a place upon
the national committee on. education.
whose membership included fifteen Of
the most famous educators. Supt Gill
bert's work on this committee, earned
him still greater distinction
Prof. Shepard referred to the paper
j or report submitted by Supt Gilbert at
the Jacksonville convention. and read
significant passages from it, illustra-
tive of the philosophical character of
the superintendent address, Prof.
Shepard remarked, in this connection,
that Supt. Gill ert's philosophy was
not In the air. as a visit to the ST. Paul
schools had demonstrated to the salts
faction of all those interested "a the
educational problem
In conclusion Prof. Shepard said that the
departure of Stunt. Gilbert from Minnesota
was seriously to be regretted. but 1t was get
ting to be the custom for the East to come
to the West for It's educators. All the teach.
Shepard knew, join in bidding Mr.. Gilbert
Godspeed In his new field Of labor.
DR.. Bridgman then introduced J. w. L..
Corning, who testified to the esteem and adj
miration In which Supt. Gilbert is held by
the citizens of st. Paul.
Mr. Corning said he realized that Supt.
Gilbert had had good deal to contend with
in st. Paul. There had been a good many
criticisms as to the expense Of the school
system, particularly the part of those who
thought that thexthree RS, 'readin'. ritin'
and rithmetic,'' constituted all the education
anybody needed. AIR. Corning thought that
many of these critics really weren't up in
the three RS, and didn't know much more
about education. anyway.
Mr.. Corning said that Mr.. Glbert's infiu-
ence for good, morally and intellectually, had
been beyond doubt strong and far-reach-
ing in the publicschools of st. Paul.
DR.. Bridgman then asked ]. G. Pyle to say
few words, inasmuch as he had once been
a member of the school board. Hr Pyle had
not expected to be called upon, and was noti-
fled only few E4oments before.
Mr.. Pyle said that 1t was a great pleasure
to him as citized of no mean city, and also
as man, to add few words to what had
already been said Mr.. Pyle explained how
as a member fSthe school board he first
tendent of public schools, and lastly as a
man. 1t was thpn that he appreciated the
full worth of thesnan, and realized the no
bility of his heart we'll as the distinction
compliment to Supt. Gibert's superior en-
dowments and qualifications as educator.
His was a mind OF rare poise. That nice bal
ancing OF the mechanical, Intellectual and
spiritual elements in education was a very
delicate and difficult task but Mr.. Gilbert
happily between the two extremes of dull
routine and the Visionary impracticable poll
icies of unsuccessful educators.
''Mr. Gilbert has been and will be a force
that uplifts the community" concluded Mr..
Pyle. 'Mr. Gilbert's words are inspiring,
his purpose high. his impulses noble his
fidelity uncuestioned. He will leave behind
him memory that ls@an inspiration,
DR.. Bridgman then arose. and after con-
graduating Supt. Gilbert upon the tributes
of love and esteem that had been showered
upon him, said that all would like to hear
something from him in return, Supt. Gilbert