The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-08-31
AN EDUCATIONAL REVIVAL.

undone.
AN EDUCATIONAL REVIVAL.
Am wrong in thinking that during the
last year there has developed IN VIZ
GINA greater disposition to 90 tnan
ever before? Are we not in the midst
of an educational revival? Is there NOT
a new interest? Is there not a different
ozone in the air? 1t certainly seems So
One evidence OF the coming OF better
times lis seen in the frequent mention OF
the names of Jefferson and Ruffner. Inc
consciousness of assured success OF an
institution and revived interest IN II al
ways leads to a new interest in its toun-
ders Besides, it is easier now to talk
to people on educational topics. You are
not looked upon as such bore. ne
hitherto sceptical, and even downright
SCORERS. are beginning to believe that
public school man may. after all. have
message worth listening to. The SELF
seeking politician has become just little
more afraid to lay hands on the sacred
art and the newspapers have pegun 20
deem the schools as worthy OF attention
as politics or prize fights TO my mlhu
the phenomenal attendance at the schoo'
Of methods this summer was "oHinous
of a good sign.
BETTER TIMES AND NEW LIFE
Many causes, it seems to me. have con-
spired to bring about an education a"a'>-
en.ng In the first place, the times are
better; in the second place, there Is ne"
life in the educational world everywhere.
soma breath OF which must have reached
us, and III the third place, our efforts
for the sbetterUlent OF the schools nave
begun to show themselves more ssn1i'-
cantly. Especially is this latter state
ment true, you will allow me TO say IN
ell inf of the
Virginia School of Methods. Within
fourteen years this school to my personal
knowledge has revolutionzed the work IN
the schools of -Lynchburg. How can II
be doubted that it has gradually brought
new life. new ideals, new zeal, and me-
thod in the schools of the entire state
Il could not have been otherwise For
four weeks every summer for fourteen
wears the teachers in Virginia IN large
numbers have been brought under the IN
struction of scores of the leading educa-
tors Of the world.
The teachers of no other State. Illinois
and MASSACHUSETTS excepted, have been SO
favored in this regard. Harvest tin.e
was bound to come and its song began
at the University this summer ADD 10
this the agita ton of matters educationt.
in the Constitutional Convention. the ef-
teCtS OF the oSUell Ill ,AS-----.
able stand taken by our new Governor
in empta sizing the paramount import
ance of tie schools. the revival of the
State Teachers League, the drawing
closer of business men by reason OF the
expectation that the introduction of the
new studies-manuaf training and Goues-
tic science-would at last make the school
more practical, mad it would be Won
der indeed if new zeal and activity mad
not taken hold of the people
But proba bly, the greatest single influ-
ence a work has been the newspapers OF
the State Every parent in Virginia owes
a debt of gratitude to your NEST excel
lent journal, especially for the htsa stand
Il has taken and the blows it mas deal.
of late In behalf Of the little children in
the schools Publicity is a great purifier.
Evils cannot stand before 1t. and all good
causes prosper by it. Newspapers cannot
like religion, reform the heart. but there
is scarcely a public evil they cannot de-
strov, or a good cause whose success they
cannot guarantee by a united and persist
ert support. Educators may have assign
ed them the task of making good embryo
politicians and newspaper men, but at
last it is the full-fledged politician and
editor that makes the wheels go round
OUR FINE OPPORTUNITY.
Now the question Is, What are we go
ing 10 do with it? Will the revival last?
Will the results be permanent. or evanes-
cent? Permanent, l believe Virginia may
sleep and creep, but she rarelyever goes
voluntarily backward. Heights once gain
| ed are ia rely shaTdonsd. There Is fine
opportunity bafore her, not only to widen
again The gap between ner and the other
Southern States. but to move abreast 49,
even ahead OF the leading ones. The
Old Dominion exceis in whatever she I'M
gdsrta kes with sole heart.
When sh@ es.-lreS a. orator she pro-