The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-07-12

fractions were synonyms of all that was
hard. but which Mrs. Barbee's wonder
full manner and her tooth-picks and draw
ings. one marvels that there was ever
time when fractions appeared to be any
more difficult than the A, b. C.'s Every
subject she teaches she treats in its same
earnest way.
Miss Redford. SO well known, not only
in our own city, but in Chapel Hill and
in the Summer school in Virginia. has
charge of the sound spelling and reading.
1t is wonderful to see her work with the
little tots. She illustrates her method
with a beginning class-a class somewhat
higher-using old Greek stories as text
book, and one higher still, with Gods and
Heroes as a text book. This particular
method is gotten up by Mr.. e. p. Moses,
superintendent of the Raleigh public
schools.
1t is somewhat of a development of the
old blue back spelling book, and revolu-
tionizes the manner of teaching spelling,
making the work of teaching pleasant to
the teacher and easy to the little child.
1t is a great pity that ali who are preju-
diced through ignorance, against this
method can not have the practical dem
onstration of it.
Not only are these things taught, but
there are also practical classes in Latin,
German and French taught by skilful
teachers.
One of the manifold aims of education
is to lead a pupil to express himself in
the very choicest language possible How
shall this be done is the question
To give him, as early as possible, q
knowledge o at least one modern Ian
guage, other than his own. is certainly
one means of accomplishing this end, ana
the sooner this power is presented to him
the better.
We must acknowledge that the best ap-
preciative and understanding of all litera-
ture is enjoyed only by those who are
familiar with several languages.
The understanding of words, even those
of daily use. is often made clearer by
recognizing the same in another tongue.
Even with very young children recog-
milton of himself and of likeness between
certain words in any two languages af-
fords intense delight, and stimulates to
greater zeal in study In time this power
leads on to higher, nobler things, for as
Lowell has so well said: 1T gives love
of something apart from and above the
more vulgar association of life."
Mrs Williamson's French classes. espe-
cially the beginners, are intensely inter
esting. Mrs. Williamson is the principal
of the Murphy sehool-a lady of rare iE-
telligence and one who makes the study
of French delight. To see the little
children interested in recognizing the
French words and writing French sen
tences on the black board in spite OF con-
slant visitors and distracting piano next
door is remarkable
The classes in German are taught by
Miss Bryan of the Wiley school, and in
Latin by Mrs Terrell, of the Centennial
school, The work of these charming
ladies shows for itself. The growing de-
mands for the foreign languages is a
healthful sign of the future culture of the
State.
BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL.
1t might not be out of place in this
connection to tell the story of the con-
ception of the idea of the Summer School
and something Of its history thus far.
Superintendent E. p. Moses, of the Raj
eigh graded schools, conceived the idea,
and County Superintendent w. G.. Glenn
ents, who thought of holding a local sum
mer school for Wake county teachers and
those OF such adjoining counties as might
be interested. Superintendent Moses
asked Mr.. Charles j. Parker of this city,
to take charge of the business side of
the undertaking. Not a cent of money
was IN sight at that time, but it was
thought that sufficient advertising might
be secured from the business houses of
the city to defray the expenses of publish
ing circular matter, and to cover post
age, etc.
About that time Mr.. Parker learned a
summer school at the A. and M for
teachers who desired courses in agricul-
ture, nature study, etc. At Mr.. Parker's
suggestion the two were brought together.
After two or-three conferences between
Messrs. Winston, Burkett and Parker and
the teachers who had been spoken to about
it, they agreed upon that proposition, and
the Raleigh Summer School was formally
organized by electing DIR. Winston presi-
dent; Prof. Burkett, Dean of the Indus
trial Department; Superintendent Moses,
Dean of the Normal and Literaty Depart
ment and Mr.. Parker, secretary and busi-
ness manager.
The next question was where to get the
money to push the enterprise on the scale
it was proposed to be conducted They
applied to the Southern Education Board
and the Peabody Board, but neither would
make any appropriation for this school.
because it was new thing, unknown and
untried, and its success was uncertain.
Then they appealed to the Chamber of
Commerce of the city. but that body was
unable, to its regret, to be of any imme-
date material assistance.
So they went to work to secure faculty
with the distinct Understanding that they
were to be paid out of the receipts for
tuition. This of course meant that the
faculty must be composed of home people,
and with one exception they are from Raj
eigh and the college.
The management secured a liberal ad-
vertising patronage from the publishing
houses and half dozen Raleigh firms.
This enabled them to publish an edition
of 5000 copies of the handsome pros
pectus. and the enterprise was launched. |
It's success is all the more gratifying in
the light of this story of difficulties en-
countered and surmounted in the outset.