The true northerner., 1900-03-21
THACHnRs' ASSOCIATION.
INTERESTING AND PROFITABLE MEETING AT
SOUTH HAVEN.

4 hC on DdiOh Sodhts lCothSio 40
sociation at South Haven, March l6 and
IL, was a complete success from the be-
ginning to its close.
| In spite of the keen breezes that came
sweeping over the lake, a large number
OF teachers from different parts OF the
county were found in their places at the
Methodist church, Friday evening, to
listen to one of Michigan's greatest edu-
cational men, Hon. IL. II. Pattengill the
equal of whose address wehave seldom had
the pleasure of hearing. "Made in Ameri-
ca" was his theme. American goods, he
said, are recognized by the world to be the
best; American intellect, the keenest;
American energy, the greatest; American
progress, the most wonderful, and yet she
is scarce one hundred years old. He call
ed our attention to the tact and cool
heade dness with which our government
carried on her wars; not that she was re-
garded as a fighting nation, but that if
arbitration was unavailable she could
show herself loyal to the red stripes of
her banper.
His true American spirit was shown
| when he said: "An American should
stand by America whether right or wrong.
Better always right, but stand by her at
| all times"
| He settled the question of the fall of
America by saying that as long as we had
the present school system, as long as the
school bell rang from shore to shore, even
reaching to the islands of the sea, and
heard around the world, where every poor
boy and girl as well as the rich could have
to honor "old glory" and their coun-
try alike, America would never fall. lie
closed by reciting James w. Rileys poem,
"Where did you get your name old
Glory'?"
Saturday at 900 a. IN. the teachers
met again, at the school house. The
room was artistically decorated with pic
lures, and the stars and stripes of the
school flag against the front wall. On
the platform large portrait of Lincoln,
with his gentle pathetic face, smiled
down upon the audience. Over the left
side was draped an American flag. The
singing was led by Mr.. Pattengill, and
his enthusiasm added much to the sue
cess of the day. He gave the teachers a
new song To the music of "Hot time
in the old town" have been put some pa
triotic words, and the old tune was for
given its past and will be heard floating
forth from our school houses in the flu
ture, instilling patriotism instead of empty
words into the child brain.
After invocation came a chalk talk on
"Infintives and Participles" by Supt. M.
A. Stewart of Gobleville, which was val
liable to every teacher.
The paper Science in the grades" by
Julette McCarty of South Haven was
interesting and instructive. Miss Nc
Laren of Paw Paw led the discussion.
One point brought out was the import
ance of the little things in science that
speak to the heart of the child, such as
the dew drop and the flowers.
A paper, Literature in our rural
Schools" by Roy Burlington of Porter
gave many good thoughts for discussion
The morning session closed with
Hints in English" by Mr.. Pattengill.
Saturday afternoon began with sing
ing, followed directly by Lila G.. Felts
paper on School room decoration;" dis
cussion led by Irene Thompson of Law
renee. Both papers were full of plans
and suggestions.
Miss Howard's paper on the Library
question How can it be metz" was ably
written and given. The discussion by
Vic ID. Cleveland of South Haven was
| ctlanAi1. only hnw tho
county seat being changed to South Ha-
ven would help the libraries in the least.
Supt. A. w. Chamberlin of Lawrence
read an excellent paper on the Relative
value of English in the public schools. F"
The discussion was led by Supt. Kitely of
Lawton and was very instructive.
After short intermission came a
very interesting and valuable question
box, presided over by Mr.. Pattengill.
Following this he gave the teachers a
taste of his Educational sandwich" I"
which was rare treat.
A vote of thanks was extended to Mr..
Pattengill for his presence at the meet
ing, also to the South Haven citizens for
their hospitality, and the convention was
dismissed 10y the president, j. A. O'Leary
of Paw Paw.
The teachers were fully rewarded for
their bravery in attending and carried
away such a load of new ideas and en-
ergy that two engines were unable to
bring the eastern delegation back before
a very late hour The storm, no doubt,
added somewhat to the difficulty.