The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-03

course should be adapted to the individual
need of the individual scholar. In the
great masses of elementary schoo Is the
greatest effort was put forth in acquiring a
knowledge of reading. writing and cipher
ing for themselves, while there was a
desire of some people to use those studies
simply for the purpose of applying them
as means of securing other features of
information.
In. continuation, Mr.. Howison stated
that IN his experience he had noted a
marked Improvement in teachers and in
conventions of teachers. In the begin
ming, he said. these associations were
rather of a social character, and one sof
their principal features was the desire.of
some people to show their ability in secur-
ing control of the organization. For one
he reloiced that the movement in these
meetings was of so marked character. The
improvement which had occurred in the
national association was largely due to
Professor Harris. He believed that a
study OF the report of the committee of
fifteen would be great advantage to the
teachers. In the main he believed that
DR.. Harris is right, and yet he would not
say that the critics are wrong. The kernel
OF the opposition of the critics is that DR..
Harris view represents the collectivism
of life,
The critics, on the other hand, would
only consider the individual. They hold
that from the individual himself should
be ascertained what he was sent into the
universe for, and there the educators
should find out what interests him. DR..
Harris says that this is the knell of civil
cation. The principle of reasonableness
of interest and not the wishes of the indi-
vidual should predominant.
Mr.. Howlson's eloquent paper, or rather
address, since he spoke without notes, was
applauded most cordially, after which
those present were invited to speak upon
the subjects treated in il.
Miss Washburne of San Jose and Mr..
Pennell of Chico spoke extemporaneously
on the lines suggested by Mr.. Howison,
and in general agreed with his opinions,
though both maintained thai object lessons
should be more especially dwelt upon as
the most efficient means of Importing
knowledge to very young children.
In rejoinder Mr.. Howison said he con-
speakers. though he maintained that the
course of elementary instruction should
not last longer than six years.
A recess was then taken until the after
noon. The quarters in the High School
being intentionally crowded at the
morning session, arrangements were
made for the association to meet in the
First Congregational Church for the after
moons proceedings.
The ornate interior of the stately edifice
presented most animated appearance.
Ex-Superintendent Fred M. Campbell
fitted gayly about from flower to flower,
doing his best to welcome outsiders TO
Oakland and to the convention. The Off
GERS OF the ASSOCIATION occupied an elevated
platform in front of the choir, from which
the galleries and crowded auditorium pre-
sented spectacle alive with animated
color
President Earl Barnes of Stanford Uni
verslty made cordial and most courteous
address of welcome to all present. He dwelt
at some little length upon the nobility of a
teachers calling. In his opinion the re-
sponsibility OF those charged with the edu-
cation OF youth is very grave, and teachers
should do all in their power not to prove
false to their exalted vocation.
Wayne T. Smith of San Jose next made