The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-06-21

lenses for daily use in their work. The
course of studies arranged by years,
the school program, daily and weekly,
the very chairs and desks seem to ig
more the individual and know only the
species, and exceptional children,
whether bright or dull, must shift for
themselves-if they can be allowed even
that privilege. But large numbers Of
children must be dealt with, and the
teaching force cannot be indefinitely
augmented.
To this end our teachers must be
trained, and must train themselves to
the perception and sympathetic recog-
milton of individuality in children.
I beg you not to fall back into the
notion that education is a mechanism
or system consisting merely of a course
of studies logically arranged, and then
a repertory of methods psychological
ly adapted, and finally a roundup Of
test examinati lions and exhibitions. Nur-
ture is not instruction alone, however
brilliant and compelling; it is influence
as well, and it is the kind of influence
that tends to make US agreeable and
useful and happy. But even if tuition
were the whole duty of the teacher
there are at least two types of this.
There is the definite and positive sort,
with its lines conveying to a point,
looking neither to the right nor left
After speaking a few parting words
to the class, Principal Russell intro
duced Col. Z. B. Stoddard, chairman of
the board OF visitors who presented
diplomas to the 81 graduates OF the
number, q have served for a year as
apprentices n the public schools of
Worcester, and seven others have
served half year in the same man
ner. To D. B. Mcintyre was given a
certificate of a years approved study
at the institution.
Prof. Josiah Royce of Harvard uni
versity delivered an eloquent address
on the theme, "On certain limitations
of the thoughtful public in America"
He observed that, although the nation,
as a whole, has been accused of a
grasping desire for wealth, the fact
is that we are a nation of practical
idealists sprung from the Pilgrim Faith
ers, and the slgners of the Declaration
of Independence, all of whom were
idealists of the practical kind.
He spoke of the forces that have mil
itated to maketne nation more thought
full, and reviewed the transition now
being wrought to impress the initial
tendency. The speaker mentioned the
ease with which the doctrines and
creeds of new sects find a hearing
| proving the tendency to reach beyond
in thought and in ideal
The address closed with an aEplica-
!, ton of the forces to education and ad-
! Fised his hearers to have some clear
| ing in the vast mental forest wherein
! each could be master-whether in art
music or teaching-and in that narrow
| realm to be master. Elsewhere the
| idealist should bow TO the superior
| knowlege of the authorities ana should
| bow in Difference to superior wisdom
! for there is a limit beyond which ideal
| ism becomes mere wrangilng and tutilc
| discussion of the unattainable.
Col. StOddard introduced Mayor Ru.
| fus B. Dodge, Jr., who gave the gradu.
| ating class sound advice. Hon. Charles
G. Washburn, in brief address con
| graduated the class and the school
| particularly Principal Russell. c. L
| Carroll spoke of the efficient work done
by the class during their apprentice.
/ ship in the Worcester schools and re
| minded the graduates that more of tina
would be heard August 80 and 81
4 when selection of teachers will b.
made.