The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-07-13
OUR PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.

Elsewhere will be found descriptive
article which deals in detail with the
School of Methods now in session at the
University of Virginia. 1t is shown
eonclusirciy In this article, and the iact
should he emphasized, that the cause
Of education in Virginia has received
wonderful impetus of late. Public SEN
H,ncnt was never before so thoroughly
aroused and there was never before
time when there was such general de-
mand and such an emphatic demand for
a first-class system Of public schools in
Virginia.
One of the most encouraging signs IS
that the teachers themselves are arous-
nd and are determined to take advantage
of every opportunity offered to improve
themselves 1t is true that only about
nnc-sixth of the teachers in the State
Are IN attendance, but it is also true
lihat there are more than one thousand
= NJ them in attendance, and this is nearly
Iouble the attendance even in the best
fears The increased attendance shows
n growing interest and we feel sure thas
never in the history Of Virginia has .nere
been a more earnest gathering OIL ear
hest and devout teachers.
These teachers are working at the Uni
Fersity of Virginia harder than they
hver worked when they were pupils. and
The great ma iority of them have gotten
III that it was possible in that time Tor
Them to receive in the way OF instruc-
lion. They have brushed UP their
fudies. they have learned great deal
about this subject and that; and. more
Than ALL they have learned valuable les
ions In the art of teaching. The meet
ing is in itself an inspiration to every
teacher who attends. and each and every
teacher has been profoundly impressed
With the dignity and responsibility of his
gialling.
These teachers as they go back to their
homes will carry with them the insplra-
ZION and enthusiasm which they have alb
torbed and each in turn will stimulate
The people in this locality and that,
In addition 10 this the superintendent
from all parts of the State met in con-
Ind devised ways and means of improv-
ing the schools. This conference had
tot been in vain if the superintendent
had done no more than resolve to con-
tentrate The schools. Under our sys-
len, a multiplicity of schools has grown
mn and we fear that in some instances
lhe schools have been multiplied to suit
The convenience Of certain patrons and
10 make additional places for teachers.
With the number of schools reduced there
will be better schools and the school
term will be prolonged.
But perhaps the greatest single accom-
blishnent of this educational rally is
lle complete union of the University OF
Virginia with the pubic schools of the
ttate The University was designed by
Ir jefferson to be a part and parcel OF
The public school system. but hitherto
I has been such only in theory 1t Is
hue that Virginia students are taught
Tree of charge but what we mean is
That there has not been that thorough
harmony and cooperation between tht
University as an institution and the Of
scers and teachers, OF the public schools
throughout the State that Mr.. Jefferson
contemplated But that harmony has
!onlc and that cooperation will undoubt
idiv follow The superintendent and
The teachers from the cities, towns and
counties haze been brought into init
mate relationship with the officers and
horo
learned 10 know each other and to like
bach other and a formulated agree
ment between the superintendent and
HE University management has been az.
sected by which the step from the high
tchoois 10 the University courses viii be
tasy. These two great departments of
public education have now been com
blctelv haraonized and brought into di.
rect and practical relationship.
The Times feels a deep interest in ths
lmbject of popular education. The pub,
lie schools are important not merely 10
rlasscs of our people and to every In
tcrest of the State Governor Montague
BOUNDED The keynote when he said that
In State where the people do the vot-
Ing there must be universal education
But education is not merely a necessity
of good government; 1t is a necessity OF
progress and prosperity. Education has
now become necessary factor In trade
and industry as well as In the profess
sions. The conclusion is. therefore. en-
tirely logical, and it is irresistible that
II Virginia is to prosper and keep abreast
with the prosperous States of the Union
the must educate.
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FOR A STATE BOARD OF TRADE
Experience teaches us to respect ex-
per4ence. We mus despise no know