The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-10-20
R. |. TEACHERS IN
ANNUAL SESSION.
Continued from page One.

Continued from page one
Or. Garvin spoke favorably OF the de-
slres of the teachers for increased sal
aries and recommended that the matter
be pressed most vigorously here in
Providence.
The report of the committee on pro-
gress was submitted by Superintendent
Walter II. Small, chairman of that COM
mittee.
SUPT. SMALL'S REPORT.
The report spoke most enthusiastically
OF the progress of the past year. COM
menting upon the evident transition from
extreme experimentation" 10 more
sound and saner trying out processes"
The general agitation over the matter
OF teachers salaries was touched upon.
The report stated that Providence is one
of the richest cities in the country as
regards public funds proportioned per
capita and that the question OF increased
salaries for local teachers is being Wig
orously followed up.
A most satisfactory progress IN the
administration of the state schools our
ing the past year was commented upon
in the report.
CONTINUED from Page one)
The educational exhibit at the St Louis
exposition was spoken with commenda-
tion. though the absence of suitable and
adeouate educational commissioner in
connection with that exhibit was deplored
Teachers federations were also criu-
cised. not so much as regards the end
striyen for as by the means taken 10
attain that end.
The establishment Of state instEution
for feeble-minded children. advocated by
the Rhode Island Medical society, was
most favorably reviewed.
Progress" was the keynote of Supt.
SmalIs report and 1t was most enthu-
siastically received by the institute.
INTERMIsSIoN TAKEN.
At the conclusion of the reading OF the
above report an intermission OF 10 minutes
or so was taken
After the audience had ceased its busy
chatter and quiet was resumed President
Almy introduced the Hon Andrew s.
Draper commissioner of education OF the
state OF New York who delivered a
splendid address on The Demands Upon
the Schools
MIR. DRAPER's ADDRESS
In introduction Mr. Draper said: Rhode
Island is little, but mighty, not big. but
great" He elaborated upon that theme
pleasantly, placing the audience in de-
cidedly good humour
Continuing. the speaker dwelt upon the
straint which so characterizes the Ameri-
can public especially in its altitude
towards common school education
He illustrated the point by reviewing
with mild sarcasm the many different
"fads" which are perpetually being ad-
vocated by the many different people
whose interests are centred about gem
eral education.
Public sentiment" may well be taken
as. h.. q
dress, which required upwards OF an
hour for its delivery.
1T is the free growth and self-as-
sertiveness Of our aggressive public
opinion which is responsible for our re-
markable growth" said Mr. Draper
Commenting upon the American system
of popular election as applied 10 school
boards and similar administrative bodies.
the speaker said, the special strength
and glory Of our public schools arises
from the popular administration. so often
criticised by educators. 10 debars ex-
clusiveness and assures the maintenance
OF the school system as a truly living
factor I'm tho community life"
Particularly striking was Mr.. Diapers
assertion that the western schools arc
much In advance OF the eastern instltu-
tions as regards intergrade cooperation
and mutual sympathy between high end
low schools.
In substantiation OF this point. the
speaker said that IN the west the require
ments for entrance to college were less
rigorous and exacting than here IN the
east: that the work In the western uni
verslties was no less severe than that
prescribed I'm eastern halls Of advanced
learning and that the whole secret OF
the rapid growth Of the universities Ia
the western states was due 20 the degree
OF sympathy which exists between the
university and the lower schools
state administration Of the school sys-
tenn was commented upon most favor.
ably In the closing passages of Mr. Drap-
ers address.