Durango semi-weekly herald., 1905-09-18

lut DuTdUsO hrHDOlS ana nlteeH from
the country. 1t looks now as II dur.
ing the coming year this number
would be doubled. Probably never in
the course of our history have things
looked brighter for the school chill
dren so many forces are at work help
ing them to higher education.
Wendell Phillips says: "A man who
Is thoroughly Interested In himself is
interested in other people" and he
VINO studies to help other people
quickly reaches the conclusion that
the most hopeful people to help are
he little people" the boys and girls
who are the 'racoons" of men and
women.
If only the parents could all realize
that even one year from now II Will
make very little difference II they at
tend party more or less. or
If the dress of some child is stylish
or not, but will make great deal of
difference If the children are kept In
school. and not only enrolled but reg
| ular in attendance.
At the Normal institute Just held at
|
and for two weeks earnestly studied
the questions of vital interest to our
schools OF these subjects we believe
that three at least should be careful
| ~ Investigated by every one VINO
cares for the future of our country
the subjects of compulsory education,
forestry and agricultural education
with regard to the first and second
tho womens clubs of the state, act
ing through and with the teachers
are doing wonderful amount of good
With regard to the last II is now he
lioved that the next Legislature will
compel the teaching of the elements
of agriculture in all our schools.
The compulsory education law was
passed in 1899 and amended in 1909
We have the law. but in many places
il is a dead letter: of the % secretar
les reporting in this county only two
said the compulsory education law
was enforced in their districts. 1t Is
the purpose of the federated clubs Of
Colorado to help In the enforcement
of this law by investigating the con
ditions of child labor: to help al
worthy children TO secure homes
where they may attend school, where
they may work for their board II nee
essary: TO look after their clothing
and do all that is possible to see that
every child. whether of the age pro
vided for In the statute or older. re
ceive an education.
The destruction of our forests and
the climatic changes resulting there
from have alarmed all thinking people
and IL has been concluded that nc
channel will he as effective in dissem
mating knowledge of this subject as
our schools.
In southwestern Colorado this Is
especially needed. The fact that the
water does not stay in the mountains
TO be used In summer irrigation Is
largely due to the fact that our for
ests are being destroyed by nre ant
AK without new planting. 1t is calcn
lated that at the present rate it viii
take less than 100 years to get rid o
all our trees.
Then too, the reclaiming of the des
ert land by the planting of trees is q
subject that should he studied by ev
CRY child in our schools.
Many do not understand what Il
meant by elements of agriculture, and
cry, Here is new study for children
already overburdened." This subjec,
is presented usually in the form of q
reading lesson, its words are made
part of the spelling exercise. its truths
are enforced at recess on the play,
ground The subjects considered are
such as soil rotation of crops, weeds
grating. disease of plants. insects and
plants. domestic animals.
The teacher has for year3 been
urged To make the teaching practical {:
surely this is decided move In that
direction. Mr.. George Gould, super-
lntendent of the Durango schools,
gave the institute most interesting
'aily lectures on pedagogy; the sub.
iects treated were very helpful to the
eachers.
| Ihe talk about abnormal children
and their treatment in school was new
10 many and the subject was eagerly
studied by all Too many parents are
Snorant on this subject and should
learn to aid the teachers in their eff
lorts TO deal wisely. not only with the
child who is not as bright as his fel.
lows, but also with the child whose
brain is over active.
One word more, II You care for the
children visit the schools: show by
Your presence that you do care.
During the present school year three
county meetings are to he held at the
High school for teachers, parents and
school officers. Make up your mind
10 attend and know for yourself what
1 L. L..a.. L. IL