The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-31
OVATION TO NELSON.
Retiring Superintendent Given
Great Applause and a Watch.

Frank Nelson, the retiring state
superintendent, was given a great ova-
ton by the teachers today when ne
appeared to speak on 1.-The Education
cheers as he was introduced and after
he finished D. A. Hemphill of Clay
Center, proposedSa rising vote in APP
probation of the work of Superintend-
ent Nelson.
After he had finished a friend called
him from the hall, and Immediately
President Hill announced that move
ment mad been set on foot to raise
funds to purchase Mr.. Nelson fine
gold watch as a token of the esteem of
the Kansas teachers. It was proposed
to raise 500 and Superintendent David
son of Topeka, j. w Spindler of VIM
field and W. NJ. Sinclair were appoint
ed as a committee to make the pur-
chase, and the necessarys amount was
| Immediately raised.
superintendent Nelson's address was
eNtemporaneous and it was received
with great enthusiasm. Among other
things he said:
1T is gratifying to observe that pub
lie sentiment in Kansas is shaping
itself in favor of the consolidation of
rural schools. We were fortunate two
years ago in securing a law permitting
the people, when they so desire, to dis
organize weak school districts and es-
tablish strong graded schools A great
deal of literature has been distributed
lnG features VI Tic la W.
many addresses have been made and
through the generous support of the
educators of the state this movement
has taken deep and permanent root in
many counties. One consolidated school
has been established this year in Dick
inson county and it is proving great
success. What we need is not more,
but better schools; not more, but better
teachers; not a larger course of study,
but a more thorough mastery of the
subjects already in the course. The
consolidation of schools will give us
larger educational eenters, better pre-
pared and better paid teachers and bet
ter school houses. It will ena BILE parents
to give their children a good education
under the helpful and restraining inf1u-
ences of home.
I'VE must stand firmly and souarely
for moral and religious instruction in
our schools. Every attempt to weaker,
the moral influence of the school is a
menace to society. Every attempt to
weaken the religious influence in the
school endangers the welfare of the in
dividual pupil and cripples the useful
ness of the school. Every attempt to
drive the Bible out of the school is al,
attack upon civic righteousness and So
ciai progress. No education is complete
that does not develop a sound character
and sensitive conscience. We must
get men to think rightly before we car
get them to live rightly. In this state
| teachers have a legal right to read the
this right should be exercised.
Careful attention should be given tt
patriotism in our schools Patriotism
is not snare-drum enthusiasm. It is
organized intelligent sentiment. Patriot
/ ism is the Durest sentiment that well:
up from the cleanest fountain of tbs
! human soul and finds expression in no
| BILE thoughts and deeds. This is the
patriotism that has established our re-
public and made secure the fabric o.
our social institutions If we hone tc
develop this patriotism in the child life
we must teach our pupils not only the
history of our own country. but thu
history of our own state.
I'VE must have a good compulsory at
| tendance law The lost child is the ex-
| pensive child. The state levies taxes
for the support of schools and it has the
same right to legislate to enforce atten-
dance at school. Every provision of the
state to encourage school attendance
should have the support of all good
| citizens"