The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1903-05-06

lowship of such people is immensely
quickened and strengthened by the
noble purpose of education, which is
the supreme task Of craftsmanship and
the supreme need of the people,
Mr.. Ogden responded briefly in the
same happy spirit, closing by thanking
all the organizations and representa-
tive bodies Of the State for the cordial
invitation to meet here at this time.
His annaul address as president fol-
lowed Immediately.
DELIVERED FINE ADDRESS.
After referring to the migratory
character of the conference, its origin
and lack Of close and formal organiza-
tion, President Ogden said in part:
tQuite likely the inorganic char
acser of the conference has inspired
the expression of doubt concerning its
serious purpose. limitations have not
been wanting that it is only junket-
ing affair, a sort OF fad which the
imaginations of certain very good peo-
pie have translated into supposed
vitality and force, a solemn fancy that
affords a sober excuse for an affair
primarily social, Incidentally educa-
tional. Suggestions of this nature
originate quite beyond the circle that
have personal knowledge Of the facts.
Certainly the social environment of
the successive meetings has been I'M
portant and useful, as it has been de-
Iightful, yet it is completely subor-
.dinate and incidental.
g Nevertheless, the inquiry is legi-
innate; What is the theory of this
Conference?' The reply is clear and
sharply defined: The Conference
exists for the advancement and promo
tion of the education of all the people.
A brief analysis of the elements Of the
conference may clarity this answer.
All are perfectly familiar with the
sovereign demands-material, intel
Iectual spiritual-of educational in
terests, Executive conlbinatins Of many
sorts-land, buildings, taxation, legis-
lation, systems, method under
requisition for the service. It's infinite
details increasingly enlist the unremit-
ting toll of hundreds of thousands Of
painstaking teachers, men and women,
representing every grade of instruction
from the simplest to the most abstruse.
For the noment, in the center and
foreground of this vast perspective.
stands this conference composite
aggregation of men and women, in
teresting because SO varied in its per-
sonnel.
Some are profoundly ignorant of
the technicalities of educations, quite
unfamiliar by personal knowledge
with even the recitation rooms or the
methods of contemporary school life.
Others are within the sacred fraternity
of teachers, and in the group may be
found representatives of every rank
in the teaching profession. Still others
are charged with the official repsonsi-
bility Of educational management on
behalfo Of the State or corporate bodies.
But all. are here with one accord in one
place-offcials and citizens, professions
and laity-by reason of common be-
lief in the benefcent power of educa-
tion and because each distinct element
is essential to the spirit that must
vitalize the conference.
$50 much for the personnel.
THE INSPIRATION OF IT.
"Thessolvent, the fusing power that
creates the common point of contract is
the belief, perceived in varying de-
grees by all here present, that the
great social duty of our age is the saw
ing OF society, and further that the
salvation of society begins with the
saving of the child. Without faith in
the moral progress of the world we
are hopeless, indeed. This progress
begins with the little child, and
therefore, in very literal sense, we
are here today under the leadership
of childhood. From the kindergarten
of today to the university of tomorrow
is, as the years go by, a very short
step.
In this presence no apology is need
ed for the claims that the saving of
society, the progressive betGerment
of humanity, is demanded by divine
authority, manifested through the liv-
ing purpose clearly revealed in holy
writ, Providential guidance and human
consciousness. Neither should excuse
be asked for insistence that clear,
definite and exacting special demand
is made upon every man and woman
for personal service-self- lf-sacrifcin
devoted-in all things having to do
with the creation and promotion Of
human knowledge as a means of human
happiness.
So much for the moral. inspiration
of the conference.
Continuing the inquiry step fur
ther we notice that, from the founda-
tion of our government until now,
ringing out with true tone and clarion
voice, rising resonant and distinct
above the clamor Of politics-above
the loud barking of the dogs of war,
above the harsh controversies concern
ing the nature Of the national fedora
tion, above the strident debates upon
the ethics Of domestic institutions-the
note of democracy in catholic unison
has ever resounded dominant and uni
versal. Democracy is national intui-
tion, the fundamental political doc
trine of every American worthy Of
the name, the sacred trust confded to
our care and keeping to be preserved
for the healing Of the nations throuoh