The Minneapolis journal., 1903-12-29

Ideas of value to the large body of
educators present at this mornings s
session of the Minnesota Educational
association, in the Central Presby
terian church, ST. Paul, came thick
and fast. Mayor Robert Smith Of St.
Paul sounded a note that met a
prompt response in his Endorsement
of better pay for teachers. President
Northrop Endorsed the higher salary
idea and then urged an investgation
Of the complaints against the high
school system, with these as starters,
and President McIntyre's pithy ad-
dress those in attendance had much
to think of.
The opening exercises of the first gem
eral session showed an attendance
which indicated plainly that the con-
vention of 1908 would set a new rec
ord, the main floor Of the Central
Presbyterian church being crowded.
A song by the schoolnasters' Glee
club, led by Professor G. H. Congdon,
opened the program, and Rev. John
ton.
Mayor Smiths Hit.
Mayor Robert Smith ingratiated
himself with his audience by his
declaration in his address of welcome
that he had a long established convic-
ton that the cities and counties Of
the state did not pay adequate sal
aries to qualified teachers. The
marked difference between the sal
aries Of public officials ana those Of
presidents or professors of colleges
and universities was pronounced a
rank injustice. (. The only remedy seen
by the speaker was to impress legis-
lators and politicians that teachers,
as a body, were important factors in
managing the affairs of the country.
Judge Jaggard gave an impromptu
address of welcome, representing T. F.
Smith, president Of the Commercial
club and o. E. Holman, president of
the board Of education Of st. Paul.
John w. Olsen in his response spoke
in behalf of the rural schools.
DR.. Northrop's Ideas.
DR.. Cyrus Northrop's welcome
bristled with practical ideas. He de-
sired the schools to stand for good
English, written or spoken. To meet
the criticism that high schools prepare
for college, but do not fit for life, the
president of the state university asked
as a, favor that the high school teach
ers appoint committee to meet in
conference with a committee from the
faculty to consider the justice of this
criticism and to suggest remedies.
DR.. Northrop made an eloquent plea
for. compensation for teaching accord
ing to it's actual worth. He also en-
phasized the need of more men in
the profession.
A Criticism Answered.
S. j. Race answered Judge Jaggard's s
statement of the criticism of the busi-
ness world that the schools do not
teach essentials by calling attention to
schools and to the hindering influence
of the home.
The Presidents Address.
Mr.. Race presented the president E.
e. McIntire, as the man to whom the
great attendance was largely due.
President Mcintyre questioned
whether the complaints as to high
schools were supported by substantial
facts. He thought it should be ad-
mitted that the true mission of the
high school might have been misun-
derstood in measure. and that it
might not be entirely in line with
the demands Of the times.
In the feeling of unrest towards
what is taking place in the educa-
tlonal field was found one Of the most
favorable indications Of the times.
The schools do not lead" he said
They are the attendants and hand
maids of civilization. They are the
servants of the common people, and
their office is to uplift the masses.
When the masses have been brought
to higher plane, the position to be
taken by those whom the age pro-