Los Angeles herald., 1906-12-23
LAST SESSION IS HELD AT
POLYTECHNIC
Few Teachers Who Remain Hear a
MasterfuI Address by John w.
Cook on Modern Tend
encies of Education"

mic n1gn SCnOOl duulJOTluul dI J'fO
o'clock there were but few teachers
who responded to the call. The main
educational features of the numerous
sections had been closed on Friday
and many of the teachers had left the
city for their homes. 1t was a formal
closing of the institute with business
meeting, including the election of the
officers and an able address by John
w. Cook.
Mr.. Cook spoke on "Modern Tenden-
cies in Education" He said in part:
can Irishman and newcomer i'm
New York sent back word to his home
i'm this fashion, Come over, they only
kill people here by elecution.' He was
we'll pleased with the outlook of this
country.
"There are many peculiar tendencies
in modern education and other things.
A negro without money or friends
knocked at the front door of a farm
house. The owner answered the call,
and having been informed by the negro
that he wanted something to eat in
dignantly said: Why did you knock
at the front door? Go back to the
back door in Georgia fashion and you
shall have something to eat The
negro complied, saying, 'Fo' th' Lo'd's
sake, I'm glad to go to de back do an
see a good ole Georgia home!'
"Our modern education is inclined to
be much on the move, and it is much
better that way. 1t is entering into the
culture of modern ideas and the spirit
of individuality is of much Importance.
Each man must be his own individual
priest and turn in the direction of the
church as well as the school.
THE growth of Democracy is incum-
bent upon the welfare of the nation.
We admit that the government is the
greatest in way, but it is no better
than the individual member with the
proper comparison. But there is al
ways a greed for power and i'm
portance. We like to teach school, so
we can boss others.
Haste Not Essential
1--WE have many betrayals of democ-
racy in the various walks of life, but
we. have men to rise up and settle
them. Our wills run into habits and
it is no small task to change some of the
old methods engrafted into the very
hearts of men. And in many cases
there should not be too much haste
made to throw educational features out
of the line of individuality, for this in
Gividual culture is the problem IN
which to take advantage for personal
achievements.
THE education of young women (and
they are all young, you know is sort
of modern invention They are cer-
tainly great acquisitions to our modern
tendencies and their names ought to
be inscribed on the altar of fame and
industry.
1.-The question has arisen, DO the
schoolmarms ever get married?' Ger
tainly they do and they make the best
kind of helpmates, for they are always
young, attractive and educated up to
the requirements desired.
"When we spoke of the conditions of
the educational features forty years
ago we can comprehend their capacity,
but when we try to calculate upon their
great magnitude today we feel like
putting frame around the universe.
Men must be deep thinkers these times
and delve into the realms of science,
art and the many other accomplish
ments of the age to keep up with the
moving procession.
"a controversy arose between n
London and a New York man regard
ing the difference of the aptness of
the boys in England and those of this
country. The Englishman denying the
statement of the New York man that
the American boys were far ahead of
those in the old country, a New York
newsboy was called and was asked,
What time is it by your nose, my boy?'
The BOY looked up with a keen, quick
eye and replied, Don't know, my nose
isn't a-runnin'! This satisfied the
much less prompt in spontaneous repar-
tee.
"Anotber case was regarding a
bishop who was noted for the preface
of his remarks with, Ordinarily l
would make n distinction His host
one time anticipated some fun with
other guests at the expense of the
bishop, knowing well that he would
say his customary words and asked
him, is it proper to baptize with a
bowl of soup?' To which the bishop
answered, Ordinarily l would make
distinction, but as your soup is so near
being water I don't think it would
make much difference
Americans Fit Anywhere
'"The fact is you can throw an Amer
lean in almost any position and he will
strike on his feet AM look around for
more"
Following the address a business
session was held. Officers were elect
ed as follows: II. A. Adrian of Santa
Barbara, president; j. B. Nichols, first
vice president; II. o. Williams, second
ing secretary; VIII Angler, financial
secretary; Charles e. Taylor. trans
portation secretary, and Thomas j.
Phillips, treasurer. 1t was decided that
a salary of $50 year be allowed the
recording secretary.
line Question Oh Tree leAIbOOhS was
discussed and it was decided to ask
the legislature to pass an amendment
to the school laws providing for the
books.
A resolution was adopted to send
an invitation to the National Educa-
tional association to meet in Los An
geles the ensuing year; also an invi~
tation will be sent to the California
Teachers association to meet here dur
ing the present school year.
Other resolutions favorabl received
were for the transportation of children
from one school district to another at
the expense of the district; for the
change In the school census age limit
from to Is years OF age instead of
to II years; that the English teachers
of Berkeley and Stanford universities
hold meeting during this present
school year and that the district school
trustees be given the same power to
levy tax as the high school districts.
At the close Of the institute Super
intendent Graham presented y. valuable
clock to Martin Keppel in behalf of