The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1898-04-16

especially to tho history of our own land.
In it you will find much that will interest
and excite tho ambition Of any child. We
can point to the ''Star Spangled Banner"
| that floats above our school houses with
genuine love and pride, conscious that Its
gories are not surpassed by that OF any
nation. Teach genuine patriotism, that
patriotism which is inspired from on high.
the noblest passion which animates man.
Rarely have the Importance of historical
study and the influence which it exerts when
properly directed to the development ct the
human mind, received the attention which
they deserved.
To this end let me urge that in every
school, as now in the Elkton and some
Others II definite time be set apart for the
teaching of current events. Let every teacher
prepare short lecture on some topic of the
day. | hope. during this institute. to have
this exercise illustrated: | am sure that you
will bs pleased with it. 1t is good, and has
received the commendation of some Of our
best citizens.
As aids in this work let me call attention
to such papers as The Great Round World,'
'Our Times" and "The Youths Companion" :"
You will find them interesting and suggest
i've, and that which is Of the utmost import.
ance, absolutely free from everything that is
seclurian or political. they are pure in
thought. filled with that religion which
teaches true manhood, truthlulness that
honor which is above all price, and genuine
love for our Creator.
As each annual institute has rolled around
| have urged that you give more attention to
the study of mathematics as a study w"ll
qualified to teach the child to think and TO
reason; well qualified TO develop its mental
powers. and most essen tia ia the business
affairs OF life, good results have followed.
In the most Of our schools the standard in
mathematics has been raised until it is iuly
the equal of any other study, yet | regret to
say that in II few schools such is not the case
This is not as it should be, it is Il reproach
to us.
DO not neglect any study, but do see that
mathematics receive fully as much attention
as any other study. 1t is OF the greatest use
life, in every day affairs, at the same time it
carries us into boundiess space and through
infinite time; into worlds beyond and through
events tEat will happen centuries hence. 1t
is the indisputable tool Of science, defying
the senses to follow its flights. and demon
stratine the supremacy OF reason rs no other
study can.
Mathematics gives food for thought and
reflection the most profound by it the mys
teries of the heavens are made plain, and
the supposed antagonisms Of the teachings
Of science vanish. In this branch, at least,
be thorough in doing your work; have an aim
and let that aim he II high one; be sure that
each child knows what he is doing and why
he does it, To be of use the understanding
must come by slow, regular and well under
stood steps.
Let me suggest that you make up examples
from the ehildren's daily walks of life. the
things which their fathers and mothers are
doing, the things in which the worlds busy
people are engaged keep them before the
children until they become familiar with
them, become interested in them can work
them so accurately as to be able to use them
in the future.
Let me- urge that you take the newspapers
and educational journals especially the
county papers; this is essential that you may
keep in touch with our school work. The
respectable newspaper can be made valu
able help in the school room, but shun as Il
viper those sensational sheets that come
reeking with crime and scandal, for they are
against everything for which the school
stands.
What is the condition of our school houses?
Are they as neat as you desire, or rather AS
they should be? | have before called your
attention to this matter. but in some instances
the result has not been all that desired. 1t
is one of the most disagreeabIe Of subjects to
discuss. let me urge, and in the strongest
terms, that your houses and grounds, the ell
tire school property, shall at all times be
kept neat and clean.
Children should be taught the love of the
beautiful; sublime thoughts grow out OF it,;
il protects US from the grosser thoughts and
indulgences of life, and childhood is the time
when such Influences make the deepest i'm
prcssions. for your own sake as well as that
of the children attend to this matter.
Beautify your houses and grounds, it will
make your lives sweeter and broader, it is an
effective means of elevating the character,
taste and manners of the pupils. Cultivate
the love for flowers and plants, bring in those
from the woods and fields, teach the children
to make drawings, and thus lead to the ap-
probation of the beautiful.
| Is it possible to provide transportation for
our children to the towns with the saving Of
money and the improvement in instruction
that is offered? Let me illustrate: The school
known as Holts, or No. s. Third district, is
near town, is small and is in dilapdated
condition; ere long new one must be built
at considerable cost, would the interest on
THIS money, with the incidental expenses in
cident TO every school bring the children to
Elxton, where they could be classified?
We all know that the expense per child is
far less in large schools than in small ones.
Fifty children in one school would cost less
than the same number divided into three
schools. requiring three houses, three teach
ers, three fires, etc.
Mr.. Carson, the State Commissioner for
Ohio, says that under the plan Of consoida-
| tion which has been Operation in tbo. c,oto