The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-10-21

RATIONAL SYSTEM IN RHODE 10
THE matter OF attendance at the ses-
s,ons OF the institute must come as
hard problem TO large NUMBER OF
teachers In out of the way corners OF
the state and the presence In Infantry
hall OF such n fun representation OF
Rhode Island educators is In itself
guarantee and assurance OF the en-
thusiasm which the teachers take In the
work OF the institute.
The usual brief organ recital preceded
the session this morning. Miss Emma j.
Williams rendering varied and attract
ave program.
M which hour President Valentine Almy
called the meeting TO order. AT ire
ouent periods during the session, now
ever. substantial additions were made
10 the audience and by the middle OF
the proceedings the hall was uncomfort-
ably full.
MR.. MAxwELLs ADDRESS.
The first speaker Of the morning was
Mr.. william H. Maxwell. superintendent
~ the public schools of New York city.
and one OF the most prominent educators
in the country.
Mr. Maxwell spoke on Preparation
FOR Teaching. or The Essential Qualinca-
tions OF the Teacher s~
In introduction he made an announce
ment relative TO the annual convention
OF the National Teachers association, OF
which he Is the president.
DR.. Maxwell urged upon the institute
the importance OF the work OF the great
national organization OF educators and
voiced the suggestion that every public
school teacher become a member OF the
association I'm order that each year the
proceedings OF the same might be added
70 the school library
The annual record OF the National
Teachers association. Mr.. Maxwell de-
clared 10 be the most complete and de-
sirable report OF educational progress
year by year that is possible TO be OBJ
tanned
The place of convention for the next
years sessions has not as yet been de-
cided, but Mr.. Maxwell assured the In
stitute that a city convenient 10 eastern
delegates would be chosen. and appealed
for the active assistance OF New England
teachers in making the sessions OF July
ST. 1905. inclusive, completely success
ful.
Mr. Maxwell then took Up the discus
sion OF his principal theme. Preparation
for Teaching"
His paper was a clear and logical con-
sideration of the problems which face the
teacher OF today In connection with an
exposition of the fundamental qualitca-
tions which the profession demands OF
those who elect to follow H.
Mr.. Maxwell treated his theme under
two distinct divisions: First, those quail
fications demanded OF teachers before en-
fering active service. and second those
which are essential In practical teaching
IA
upon three OF the more important re-
quirements: First, sound physical health;
second. sound and extensive scholarship;
third special professional training: physi-
cal training child study, acquaintance
with the history OF educational develop
ment. study OF the prevailing methods OF
instruction.
Upon all OF these various topics Mr.
Maxwell elaborated to considerable ex-
tent. the audience following him eagerly
and Enthusiastically applauding him at
frequent intervals.
In treating with the second division of
his theme. Mr.. Maxwell chose TO expound
code Of professional ethics for teachers
the several articles OF the code being as
follows: First all underbidding OF one
another In matters OF salaries shall be re-
garded as unprofessional; second. the
ethics OF the profession shall forbid the
use OF political. social or religious in
fuence OF any kind 10 secure appointment
or promotion; third the profession shall
be erjoined to diligently continue.
throughout its teaching career study and
preparation; fourth. that a belief In
progress be constantly fostered: hfth.
that spirit OF helpfulness and gentle
ness be continually striven for.
In conclusion, Mr.. Maxwell said: "The
~~hics OF The teaching profession may be
summoned up In three words, culture.
independence and gentleness. and the
greatest OF these three Is gentleness
REV. MR.. LONG SPEAKS.
After 10 minutes internission presIdan,
Almy introduced the Rev. William ]
Long OF stamford Conn, an eminent
naturalist. author and preacher.
MT Long Is chiefly known through his
various delightful books upon nature ana
.he World-out-of-doors His s,yVood
isno and The School OF the Woods"
are very popular with nature lovers
Inc STUDY OF Nature ana Animal
ltfe was the theme q Mr.. Lcns's tspt
e most attractive speaker, HAVING
s,ss psouhar manner of seeming. 10 hold
nihset In constant restraint les, ho
sect. 'ia'' sud
His talk was very informal ana uas
ar admirable defence OF nature st,,d,
lie deplored the short slghtedpess which
brings into the schools of TO-DAY Zoo
much science and too little nature.
Mr.. Long was literally fun Of his thena
and his enthusiasm was very usRnatic
spearding throughout the audience
which closely followed him as ne told
90 sympstheticaliy Of the creatures OF
the land. the water and the air.
AFTERNOON SESSION.