The Portland daily press., 1897-01-19
THE COMMON SCHOOLS.
Supt. Stetson's Report Stir Up Law
Makers.
ALL DO NOT AGREE WITH HIM BUT
SOMETHING MUST BE DONE.
Gossip With Regard to Normal School
observation-disclosures of Both Houses
Indorse, Savage for Supreme Bench
Brief But Busy Session Yesterday.

|
Indorse Savage for Supreme Bench
| Brief But Busy Session Yesterday.
| ESPECIAL TO THE PREsS.J
| Augusta, January S-Educational
matters will attract great deal OF at
tention at this session of the legislature;
more than common some Of the men,
| bers of several years experience say.
There are several reasons for this, ons
OF which is the fact that the proposed
appropriations are not the only ques-
| tons in this important branch of legis-
| 1ative work. For Notwithstanding the
very pointed and emphatic statements
made by W. W. Sretson, state .superin-
| tendent of common schools, some OF tho
suggestions which are cropping out in
various quarters in regard TO the. future
policy of the state toward the common
schools, differ slightly from Mr.. Stetson g
plans for the change for the better
| which he and all concerned wish to
| bring about.
1t must be understood, however, that
| his Investigations to the condition of the
schools are regarded as most com menda-
| Bile, buu the fact that he has succeeded
in impressing everyone with the great
necessity of prompt and vigorous action
seems t1 be responsible for some differ
ence of opinion concerning the most ad
visable mode of procedure.
That no plan radically different from
his will be the result seems evident from
the fact that those who do not quite fa-
vor the grouping Of towns for the pur-
pose of securing expert supervisors, have
not announced any definite substitute,
although they agree that an improve
ment of tine common school.system would
be welcome.
In connection with the report OF the
commission created to advise the legisla-
ture On the matter of esta blishing a new
normal school, there seems to be diver
xeuce.o of views. but 1t is possible that the
suggestions Of the commission are not
understood alike in all quarters. :.
For instance, one representative with
whom the PRESS correspondent talked
on the matter, seems to understand
| lent of high school or academy course
should be necessary for admission to a
normal school, the omission designed
make the normal school course wholly
and strictly for instruction in the art
| of teaching. Still another thinks the
plan contsmplates the reorganization Of
the normal schools so as to practically
make them colleges. There is every
PROMISE however. that discussions and
explanations will contribute largely
toward placing she questions involved
fairly before the legislature.
Those who havs advocated the estab-
lishment OF new normal school, do not
hesitate to say that the report of the
commission will to the most potent
factor In any discussion that may ensue,
and the suggestions made BY the commits
sion on the matter of money for the es-
ta blished schools, will probably be OF
great assistance to the friends of these
institutions.
The money asked for the training
school at Fort Kent Is said to be needed
for new building. The school proper
ty does not include any unoccupied land
suitable for such purpose, but piece
is owned by the principal who purchased
it for the purpose of securing it for the
use Of the school when it might be need
ed. 1t Is understood that he is ready to
turn it over to the state for what it cost
him, $500. The sum asked for this school
is 81, 500.
Legislators and others who are pre-
pared to strive for the appropriation to
be requested for Maine State College,
are looking for much assistance from At
torney General Haines. This institution
will advance its need of dorInitories.
Those who work in its behalf will call
attention to the rapid increase Of the
number of young men who go there for
their education. When the college
aaked for an appropriation two years
ago it had 1879 students, and now it has
$40.
/. In explaining tho merits Of the col
lege the fact that its graduates generally
get good positions with salaries, will
be brought to the attention of the legisla-
ture and the lack Of an alumni with
money to will the college will be ad
vanced as an argument in favor of state
aid.
The campaign is being conducted by
the trustees of the collsgs and they will
ask for $50, 600 for building purposes and
Sa5, 900 to $50, 600 year for expenses.
Representative B. B. Murray OF Penn
broke is candidate fer the appointment
of consul to Halifax, and is getting the
mem bers of the Legislature and other
prominent people to sign pesition ask
Ing for his appointment
The bond of Hon. II. M. simpson as
stats treasurer, was presented IN the
Senate Monday. The bondsmen are ho-
win c. Burleigh of Augusta, }. T. Bass.
n. G. Aver, Charles 0. Lord, edward