The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-30
Thousands Assemble In C|eVe-
 land To Discuss Education
4 GREAT SPELLING CONTEST
While Not a Part of the Convention Programme the Spelling Match Excited Great Interest
 Among Educators.

Cleveland. O.. June os.-The largest and most varied programme in the history of the National Educational association marked the opening of the forty-sixth annual convention of the organization, which began a five-day session here to- day Thousands of delegates were kept busy taking part in the days events Cleveland bristed with entertainment The streets and buildings are gaily deco rated. The school teachers and Cleve- flanders filled the streets and public places
 The first session in connection with the convention was the meeting of the na- meeting of the directors, where the financial reports were made and resolu- tions adopted. The committee on educa- tional investigations proposed that their work be dropped owing to the general financial condition of the association, and the change in the policy of the railways throughout the country in the matter of passenger rates. The committee recom- mended that congress be urged to make dppIoprldtioHS ana ldhe up lHe Work ot educational investigation under the gov ernment bureau of education.
 Spelling Contest.
 One Of the interesting features of the programme, although not part of the official convention routine, was a spelling contest between eighth grade pupils, in which a team Of 10 representing each Of four cities entered. The Cleveland schools challenged the schools of the country. Pittsburg, New Orleans, and Erie accept ed the challenge. First there was writ ten contest of 100 words, and then oral spelling of about 25o words. Cleveland won, with total of only 3s'errors. Pitts burg was second, with 47 errors. New Orleans third with 66 and Erie was fourth, with S5.
 Two girls, Mae Thursby of PittsburS, and Marie Bolden of Cleveland, had per feet scores Miss Bolden is colored. When her record was announced she re- ceived cheers from all parts of the big theatre
 The first general session was held in conjunction with the national council, where addresses of welcome were made, responses heard and Charles F. Thwing, president of Western Reserve university, Cleveland, made a report upon "Educa- tional Progress of the Year.
 An exhibition by the United States gov ernment in the education of Indian chill dren was given for the benefit of the visiting teachers.
 Indian War Dances.
 This work is under the direction of Miss Estelle Reel, superintendent of In- dian schools. Real Indian war dances, with all of the mysteries and uncanny chants of the real Indian were given. The purpose of this ceremony is effort to show a contrast between savagery and what might be accomplished under com- prehensive governmental supervision of the education of the Indian children. The exhibition school is composed of chi- dren of the Neg Perce trbe
 The active delegates met in their re- spective state headquarters at 5:30 D. m, and selected a candidate for the nominat- ing committee This committee will meet Wednesday morning to nominate board of directors for the ensuing year.
 The new directors will organize next Thursday evening.
 The second general session met at s D. m. at the Hippodrome theatre, where all of the general sessions will be held.
 Cloudsley E. Brereton, divisional in- spector of the London county council, London, England, who has been suffer- ing from an attack of bronchitis, was much improved and was able to deliver his address in the evening.
 The musical numbers were the feature of the afternoon general session.
 Address of Welcome.
 Rev. Dr. H. R. Cooley delivered the of for ha cit nd T,r Charles Howe welcomed the delegates on behalf of the business men of the city, William O. Thompson president of the Ohio State university, responded for the delegates. At this point the national council took up the programme and President Joseph Swain of Swarthmore college. Swarth- more, Pa, introduced President Charles F. Thwing. At the evening session there was an- other elaborate musical programme and the annual address of Vice President Ma than c. Schaeffer, state superintendent of public instruction, Harrisburg, Pa. c. S. H. Brereton spoke upon the Prob lem of Vocational Education in London" He said in part: 1.-The ideal is the production of d cit izen with broad ideals, plus capacity, sharpened to the point of craftsmanship. The ideal aim is not to supplant the workshop, but to prepare for or cooper i ate with it to produce, not mechanical ] proficiency but enlightened dexterity." He advised that joint committees of trade unionists and employees regulate the supply of skilled laborers as an ef- fective safeguard against excessive pro- duction.
 MT. Schaeffers Address.
 Nathan c. Schaeffer, state superin- tendent of public instruction of Penn 1 sylvania, spoke of "Education for Avo- l cation." He said in parts
 What can the school do to fit the | lupils for the several callings by | wh ich they will earn their livelih ood ! is question which is now more tha 1 ever before engaging the serious at | tention of educators throughout the | civilized world. This question is 90 l important and all absorbing that thers 1, is danger of losing sight of the other l equally important question: What can the school do to make life worth liv- l ing during the hours in which the in- dividual is not engaged in the struggle | for bread? '"The laboring classes are striving ~~-----------~---------~>
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