The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-09-24
Educational Tour of Ay-
cock and Winston.
CAROLINA AND MAINE
State Superintendent of instruction
Stetson Says That the Two Are Sit
ting Around the Same Hearth
stone in These
Days.


ent towns in Maine during the past
week was held in Harrington Tuesday
evening, say the principal papers of
that State. At the close of the addresses
Of Governor Aycock and Judge VIM
ston, State Superintendent Stetson was
called upon and spoke in part as fol-
lows:
"A week of most intimate associa-
ton with our distinguished guests fur
Inishes me with q basis for an apprecia-
ton of the service they have rendered.
1.-THE pleasantest remembrance that
remains with me is the fact that the
speakers have said no word that the
most sensitive could justly criticize,
and they have been most kind in their
expressions Of gratitude for the spon-
+taneous heartness of the reception
! rendered them.
Governor Aycock and Judge Win
stOn have made it possible for us TO
| have a just conception of the quality
ard character of the people of the
South. They have helped us to an I'M
derstandng of the temper and pur-
pose of the leaders that years OF read
| ing could not bring US.
| This experience has shown us how
scant reason we have for distrust or
disapproval of our brethren. 1t has
given us another proof that people are
| better than they are painted.
| This tour has assisted in cOnvinc-
| ing our visitors that our people have
| passed beyond the provincial stage.
at is gratifying to learn that We are
willing to give a prompt welcome to
The truth. although it may come from
| an unexpected source. The experience
or the past few days make it clear that
we are more anxious to find good in
others than we are ambitious to make
an exhibition of our astuteness by
| finding fault.
THE welcome that has been accord
ed the message delivered has been as
gratifying to these gentlemen as it
has been credtable to us.
Il rejoice that there have been so
| few expressions revealing narroWness
and so little misunderstanding of the
purpose of the meetings held or the
speeches made.
1.-THE words of praise that have come
from those who We're Skeptical have
double significance, and are peculiarly
acceptable to our guests. The almost
embarrassing cordially of these COM
mendationS attest the power and ap-
peal of these addresses.
ut makes one proud of his neigh
bors. to find that they are controlled
by their love for the best in people
and their teachings instead of being
dominated by unworthy and unfound-
cd prejudices.
"This past week has convinced US
that Governor Aycock is student,
scholar, a statesman and an orator in
the truest sense of that much misun
derstood word. He takes advanced
ground on all educational questions.
He is not only sane pedagogically, but
he is also a leader in exploring new
fields. He is one of the few men who
has arisen not only to, but above the
occasion. He breaches with an impas-
stoned eloquence the gospel of work,
appreciation and service-the trinity
OF the educational creed of the future.
He believes in training everybody and
everything. He insists that each child
shall be so educated that the good
within him shall be regnant His doc
trne is as sound as it is stimulating.
He convinces by his logic, inspires by
his earnestness, teaches through home
ly Illustrations and wins by his sweet
reasonableness. His ardor in cham
pioning the cause Of the child and
the weak assures the listener that he
has dedicated his splendid talents to
making it possible for everybody to
live the highest things OF which they
are acpablC.
"In every speech there were mo-
ments when the listeners were obliv-
iouS of everything but the words of
the speaker Fascinated by the spell
he cast over them, they saw only the
glowing pictures he painted heard
only the gracious words that found
such prompt response in their hearts
mo other speaker on educational
subjects in this State has ever so
aroused and Impressed his listeners
He has taught us needed lessons and
given us nobler views of our work.
I'VE respect him for his command
ing abilities, honor him for the great
service he is rendering and love, him
for his devotion to the cause that is
dear to us. tglsssaa N ~ 80
Governor Aycock faces the east and
stands for the best in the school, the
home and the church. He represents
the Newest South and believes in her
glorious future. His personal and Off
cial life are in harmony with the senti-
ments he voices. The past receives but
little of his thought. He has left be-
hind the things he mas gone by. No
bitterness finds nurture in his soul
but instead, he hunts for what he
wants to find-the best in every one.
"He is progressive in spirit, but con-
sentative in action. He is hospitabe
to new ideas and judicial in adopting
lleIn. lie sees OuucdIlOn from the
statesman's standpoint, hence he is
catholic and generous. He has been
every day as you see him tonight
magnetic, masterful, but always gentle
and anxious to make good things bet
ter. His candor has won our hearts
his teachings have enriched our lives
yet his best gift has been his great
personality.
we are glad to feel his shoulder
buttressing ours. 1t gives us courage
10 walk the pathway of struggle with
him.
North Carolina and Maine are Sit
ting around the same hearthstone in
those days. May eternity be too short
lii which to number the days in which
we are to stand as one in our love and
effort. to make the world better and
akin.
"And now may we bow our heads
while we saw in our hearts, God bless