Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-05-07
SCHOOL sprERINTENDENrs FINISH
THEIR LABoRs AND ADJOURN.
THE AGE OF TEACHERS DISCUSSED.
This subject Ably Treated by MIR. u.
&. Giass-Dr. Curry's Address on
mond schools To-day.

the session has been a profitable one all
admit While the attendance yesterday
was somewhat smaAer than on the two
days previous. the interest was none the
less pronounced and marked.
Mr.. Massey opened the morning ses-
sion promptly at 10 O'clock and Rev. II.
II Eagland, OF Goochland county, Of
fcred prayer. The first paper was that
OF superintendent L. c. Glass, of Lynch
burg. on the subject OF Courses OF Study
I'm city Schools" Mr.. Glass handled the
topic as n he had carefully studied It.
and advocated a systematic method and
an advanced course in each Of the schools
and the most rigid adherence TO the same.
Mr. Glass spoke Of the great men Viz
ginia had produced and of her past his
tory. and bespoke Tor the pubic school
system in the State a grand work in the
future.
THE SUBJECT DISCUSSED.
Superintendent j. II. Bader. OF Staun-
ton. followed Mr.. Glass with Il scholarly
address on the same subject He advo-
Gated the procuring for the public schools
Of the state the very best system possible
come from where II may. He agreed
with Mf. GLASS tlAI vocal music SnOuii
be introduced into the schools and calls
themes or physical culture also taught
Mr. Il. Rust. Of Roanoke. was heard
plong the same line as the speakers pre-
ceding him. and made some valuable sug-
gestions.
President Massey. IN REVERSING the
speeches made on the subject said that
he wanted TO see the school system in the
big cities improved, and he thought there
was no better way Of accomplishing that
object than by improving the country
schools.
The report Of the Committee on School
Legislation was then called for but that
committee was not ready TO submit its
report. and some delay was thereby &C.
casioned. It was then decided 10 occupy
the time while waiting for the dilatory
committee by taking up for discussion the
subject Of Compulsory Education
which had been set for hearing in the
afternoon.
COMMITTEE on LAWS REPORTS.
The Committee on Laws then made its
report as follows:
ITO the Conference Of superintendent
I'VE. your Committee on Laws, met
on the 4th day of May. 1897 and from
time 10 time thereafter. and proceeded
10 consider the matters brought TO our
attention. and after due consideration
the committee. with the limited time at
its disposal. deem il wise 10 recommend
as few changes in the laws and regula-
lions as possible. and only in points
where some modification is panty ad-
Visable. The system seems to be work.
ing we'll and smoothly under existing
laws and regulations and changes we
therefore. recommend as follows:
THAT the Board of Education be re-
oucsted by this conference 10 change the
present regulations
q So as 10 make the age limit LOT
applicants for license 10 teach 20 instead
OF IS years.
20 To give the district boards unmis-
taxable authority to accurately establish
the boundary lines for sub-school dis
tricts, or school precincts. and 10 CON
fine pupils to the schools WITHIN ther
respective districts or precincts. uhless
for good and sufficient reasons sd'o
boards see ft to allow them 10 over
step such boundaries.
'3. That the Superintendent OF PUBIC
instruction be requested TO rearranSe
and codify tho school laws and regula~
lions. so as TO present them in pam
practical manner. and that, in doing So
he may put the laws and regulations APP
pllcable to counties and cities IN separate
volumes.
- We respectfully suggest and re-
commend that the Superintendent OF
Public instruction shall. if in his Judg-
nent i. be deemed eXpedent, issue
suggestive plan for the grading OF coun-
try schools"
The report was considered in sections.
and the age feature was the subject OF
much lively debate and this section
failed of passage. A section was IN
serted. recommending the repeal OF
part Of section Of the statutes, so as
to leave il optional with school boards
10 hold educational meetings at any
time they may consider advisable.
THANKS TO MR.. MASSEY.
Superintendent James c. Tanes, of
Buckingham. offered a resolution eN-
pressing the thanks Of the body TO Hon.
John Il. Massey for his valuable ser
vices In the past in the interest OF pub
lie education. and also expressing the
hope that he will be retained IN ONCE
and have a long and useful life. The
resolution was adopted by a rising vote.
A resolution inviting Captain John
Lamb. who was present. 10 seat In the
conference. was adopted
Mr. Massey made a graceful speech,
acknowledging the compliment paid him,
and thanking the body for the confidence
reposed in him and assuring them Of his
appreciation OF the Trust end It's re-
spOnsbinties
II have been told" said the president,
I'm conclusion. that speech is silver and
silence golden. Now / am a silver man,
and could not, therefore, refrain from
making a little speech but as ] have no
objection 10 gold. / shall now be silent
Complimentory resolutions were then
adoptcd in honor OF Governor OFerran.
Aforementioned Scott and Secretary
McGilvray. Of the Board Of Education.
An invitation 10 visit the Loan Ex-
hibition being held by the Daughters OF
the Revolution was read 10 the superin-
tcndents
Air Massey then invited the members
or the conference to attend the summer
normals. which are 10 be held at Char
lottesvillc Pulaski. and Radford.
motion that a committee or three
be appointed 10 wait upon the Governor
and invite him TO address the conference
before the opening of the regular session
last night was adopted. President Mas
sey appointed on this committee Messrs.
Clements and Hawkins and Or. Foster.
The conference then adjourned.
The Afternoon Session.
The conference was called TO order by
President Massey at $40 +. NJ.
Superintendent Clements. Of Alexandra
county, chairman OF the special com
mtlee appointed TO wait upon the
Governor and invite him to address
the conference. reported that the com
mittee had discharged its duty and tnat
the Governor would visit the conference
20 $50 J.. NJ.
superintendent r. c. stearnes offered
the following resolution, which was
adopted:
Resolved. That this body recommends
hat the Law I'm reference 10 compensation