The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-12-29

the very atmosphere or MetropoIi-
tan Hall yesterday. Trainers of the
youthful mind from far and near as
sembled in the spacious building at an
early hour, eager TO catch every word
uttered in the educational world, that
would tend to aid and instruct them in
their duties as teachers.
1t was the opening session Of the
thirty-first annual convention of the
California Teachers Association, and
every seat on the main floor of the hall
was filed, while the gallery contained
q large number of instructors from
the kndergartener to the college pro-
fessor. Never before has such q large
and distinguished gathering Of school
teachers assembled in San Francisco,
and the addresses delivered, especially
that of Dr. A S. Draper. president Of
the University Of Illinois were calcu
lated TO revOlutionize the antiquated
methods commonly in vogue in the
public schools.
Shortly after 9 o'clock, President L
J. Chapman Of san Jose called the as
semblage TO order, and fifty young la
dies of the local normal school. under
the direction Of Miss Z. Carpenter, ap-
peared on the stage and sang the
Mill Song" composed by one Of their
number Miss Daisy Long. For an en-
core they gave the River Song" with
charming effect.
After an organ voluntary by Mrs. J.
c. Howe, Mayor James D. Phelan was
introduced by President Chapman and
delivered an address Of welcome TO the
visitors on behalf Of the citizens Of
San Francisco. He said in part:
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen:
trust the members o. the California Teach
S[s AssocietAch h VII 1-oI Lls@S-T -, 9.-
Francisco by Le rev remarks nave 70
make: but san Francisco bids you hear
tier welcome Than can ma words 10
We. Of this city. are endeavoring to
maintain ar2icaole relations with the cities
and towns q the interior Of the state, nut
san Francisco claims 10 be the center Of
education. not alone OF the state but OF
the entire pacinc Coast san francisco
has q body OF 1000 teachers whose train
ing and ability are SURPASSED BY no other
city N the country. The schoolhoUses OF
San Francisco are nothing TO boast Of, but
an not here 10 talk about them more than
70 say that they must be rebuilt, Ior city
claiming 10 be the center OF education OF
great commonwealth must have ade-
Quate facilities for the instruction OF It's
pupils We have here II round numbers
-. 800 school children, and our city has not
been ilibsral II The expenditure OF public
money Tor educational purposes: bUt I
gret 70 say that money. has not always been
our schools turn out every year q large
number o. educated boys and girls, and Il Is
cur duty 70 see that avenues q employ
Tnent are opened Up 70 them We must
not pause with graduating them from our
public schools but Cur duty lies further II
that must direct their talents ana sbili-
ties ii the proper channel after they enter
upon the great struggle % nfs-
san Francisco feels particularly proud Of
the two great educational Institutions that
located almost within her limits. one
Just across the bay IN Berkeley, and the
other short distance down our shore line,
and We wish % inform or distinguished
visitor. President Draper o. the University
Of Illinois, that they are both richly en-
dowed and second 70 none IN the country.
In q State o. slcA ul2rVelously rap-d de-
velopnent We have Two institutions OF
learning that would adorn the Oldest and
most civilized country il the world
L = II that with such monuments 20
education We should have this convention,
Rnd with your assistance next year Te viii
have the National Educational convention
trust that during his visit 10 san Fran
cisco Dr.. Draper viii become 50 impressed
with our advantages thst when he returns
70 his Eastern home he viii lend his ener-
ms
AgaIn 7 welcome you 70 san Francisco.
and en- behalf OF our citizens I assure you
that what Is ours : yours
President Chapman then presented R.
L Webster. superintendent Of the San
Francisco schools, who delivered an
address OF welcome on behalf Of the
local department. Mr.. Webster spoke
as follows:
Assemblies Of this character ara replets
with hopeful interest. You have left your
homes and your accustomed pursuits 10 at
test. by Your presence. your interest n
promoting the welfare o. our great State
Il IS ny pleasing duty II the name, and
n behalf OF the officers and teachers q
the san Francisco school department. 10
extend the hand o. greeting. 70 give the
Ealutation OF this occasion and this fellow
ship q letters Accept, then, an earnest
and cordial welcome
You have assembled for mutual pleasure
and improvement. for the discussion OF edu-
cational problems and for the advancement
OF popular education
The problem o. universal education de-
Feloped on American SOL; Il was born and
bred IN the hearts o. this people. Il came
from united sentiment thai something
must be done 10 develop mental and
moral resources in order 70 secure that high
character and conception OF lie necessary
TO perpetuate our republican institutions.
But Americans are radically working for
change, eager for Improvement Change =
often welcomed. Il X do NOT mean progress,
but simply change Hence schools are
often made experiment stations fo- an sr-rs
o. notions. Suggestions % theorists
philosophers. business men and n,schan-
les are given place in the school curriculum
and the school frequently suffers from the
results. L would seem at times that there
IS need Of educational Noses 10 lead
schools out OF the wilderness OF IDEAS and
faetnocs- Man ever cres2s toward error
and by experience finds the truth. Expert
ence has certainly taught that the best edu-
c2eon should Weld mental discipline IN
subjects II daily use IN lie and should
teach children the necessity for industry
enc economy. 70 live within their means,
70 accept life as they ind Il and TO i'm
prove themselves and their environment
The temple q education IN this country
has been reared AZ great cost, and II this
cost the element u money Is but part
i Is the labor. the thought. the sacrifice.
tha patience burned into il from Tounta-
tiou 20 dome that have given II strength
majesty and psruanence Parts OF Il may
be weak. but II IS cur duty 70 strengthen
them. for in that temple IS the hope OF the
State
May the deliberations OF the thirty-frSt
annual session u the California Teachers
Association yield wisdom and strength
for our work. Again accept our sincere,
cur cordial welcome
The Philomel quartet. composed OF
MeSdames Tenny. Mark. blanchard
and Parent. entertained the audience
With couple OF vocal selections. and
was followed by President Chapman.
who delivered q response TO the ad-
dresses OF welcome and his annual ad-
dress. He spoke sybstantialIv a. fol
lows:
On hah-lf II IL Gill;. ---.-,--.