The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-04-23
SCHOOL DIRECTORS
MEET AT MONTROSE
Interesting Sessions, at Which Adj
dresses Are Made and Papers
Are Read by Educators.

Special TO the Scranton Tribune.
Montrosc. April 22.--Nature did not
smile. to the extent desired. upon the
school directors of Susquehanna county
when they met in convention at the
High school building in this place on
Saturday, but the unpleasant weather
did not prevent the presentation OF
very instructive and entertaining pro-
grammc before a very fair-sized audi
cnce.
'rhc forenoon session was called to
order shortly after 10 o'clock by T.. A.
Davies, of Clifford. president of the
association.
"Amrrica" was sung. under the lead
ership of Prof. Is. T.. James and sew
cral vocalists of the Montrosc High
ec,Iuo
IN the absence of the secretary. the
reading of the minutes of the last
meeting was dispensed with.
Frot. James made the opening ad-
dress. taking as his subject 1.-THE Old
and the New" Mr.. James address was
fun of the fire and vim which are
went to characterize that gentleman's
remarks coupled with IL wealth of wit
and wisdom. The speaker applied his
theme especially to the old and new in
stLuol life, and drew valuable lessons
from the comparison. the professor
slowed convincingly that while great
progress and improvement has been
made along educational lines. there
was danger of going too far in some
directions and that there were some
customs of the olden times that might
with profit be still retained.
Owing to.the inability of A. u. Smith,
esq. to be present. Il very thoughtful,
practical and carefully prepared paper
upon the Duties of Directors and
Teachers from a Parents Standpoint"
Colonel Charles q. Pratt. of New Mil
ford. spoke very entertaningly. though
briefly, because of the necessity of his
leaving town on the noon train. His
subject was Echoes from the State
Association" and be gave them in
90 acisc but none the less forccful man
ncr
At the close of Colonel Pratts re-
marks. there was Il discussion of Prof.
James subject. in which Hon. T.. b.
Boardslee. T.. +. Barron and several
others participated.
The AFTERNOON session showed a
largely increased attendance, a large
number of townspeople helping to swell
the audience.
Hon. T.. B. Beardslee read an in
structivc and admirably written paper,
ans. he was followed by County Super
iutcndent Charles L. Monkey. who. in
an elaborate argument that was logical
and convincing. made an eloquent plea
for the establishment of rural high
schools, and thus solve the problem:
What to Do With Our Rural Schools"
Prof. Monkeys remarks aroused great
interest, and general discussion of
the subject followed. The sentiment
expressed was unanimous in favor of
establishing rural high schools.
Miss Julie Cruiser was present and
gave one of her charming recitations
captivating her hearers and elciting
an enthusiastic encore. to which she
responded with another delightful Sc
lection.
compulsory Education VS.. Vaccin-
alton was treated in Semi-humorous
style by ID. r. Brewster esq. The
speaker was very amusing, as he in
tended to he. in his remarks, and vet
there Was enough of the serious and
practical to make his remarks of in
trinsic value and we'll worth remem-
bcrins.
y discussion, in which several took
part, followed.
y piano duet was skilfully rendered
by Misses Sallie Courtright and Anna
Thatcher, and was received with ap-
preclatlve applause.
Prof. G. r. Thorpe, of Forest City,
read an able paper on Course of
study" and was followed by DR.. John
q. Wilson, of Montrose, with an eX-
haustive paper upon physical Defects
Of Children" with especial reference
to the eye.
A polished literary production, as
Well as an intensely practical paper,
was The Adolescent," by Miss Will
Jams, of the Montrose High school.
4. j. Davies. esq. spoke briefly on
school Taxation explaining how the
law provides for the raising of school
revenue.
The session closed with some encour-