The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-03-25


Pleas for the abolition Of methods that
have brought commercial school teach
ing into disrepute and for the adoption
OF new standards that win gain public
confidence were themes OF addresses at
the opening session Of the thirteenth an
iiGal convention Of the Eastern CONNER
Cial Teachers Association at Business
High School yesterday afternoon.
A vigorous denunciation Of taking in
structors," who have injected an over
whelmlng spirit Of commercialism into
the business school teachings. was a fea-
ture Of the annual address OF President
Norman. His remarks were seconded by
other members Of the association
Hearty Welcome Extended.
Three hundred delegates, representing a
score Of States. were present when the
convention was opened by President E.
H. Norman. OF Baltimore, who introduced
Allan Davis. principal of Business High
School. Mr.. Davis extended a hearty well
come to Washington, and he was follow
ed by William F. GUIDE. president of the
Chamber of Commerce. and A. T. Stuart,
pEE4HlCEuci4L Vi 5ClOOAS- LIE AEEClbLl
OF the city. and especially the public
schools. was extended the visitors.
z. NJ. Huntsinger. OF Hartford, Conn,
2 pioneer In the business school educa-
ton system, responded 10 the welcome
He said:
This is an age OF specialties Tor spe-
oialists. But before the age OF the spe-
cialist was the era OF the generalists,
which produced men and women Of
marked ability. Formerly the pubic
school studies were planned for the great
est good to the greatest number. But
then, as now, the type and character Of
the teacher was the real secret to the
excellence or the lack Of excellence OBJ
tanned
Parents obey Children.
In those days the teacher had the full
support Of the parents to obtain careful
home study by the pupils. It is not so
now, for at the present time, most OF
the parents beautifully obey the children.
''The crux of the school question to-
day IS. In what way may we develop
courses OF study which will better f1t
the child for the battle of life? That
is your problem and my problem. The
teacher who can inspire the pupils until
they hunger and thirst for knowledge
is bound 10 succeed. The teachers strong
character and scholarship usually makes
strong character and thoroughness on
the part of the class. We must teach
more than mere words or even the
thoughts contained in the lessons. II we
know how to study we can teach others
how, but we must not guess. To q
large extent teachers Of the present are
responsible for the character and sue
cess Of the school Of the future
In his annual address President Nor
man attacked the present condition gov
erning admittance to business schools of
the country. and deprecated the spirit
of commercialism that has developed in
many institutions.
Stupid Students Enter.
'Just as long as the business schools
continue to be a dumping ground for
boys and girls whose dullness and stu
pidity keep them from progressing in
the public schools. just so long will the
business school be denied the privilege
Of being classed as worthy institutions"
said President Norman.
with some institutions the dollar is
enthroned and honesty and virtue groveI
in the dust. To me there is nothing as
as the hypocrisy practiced by
some taking educators when they take
money from poor people with the promise
OF making their children expert stenog-
raphers when they know such thing
is an impossibility.
Il can see the handwriting on the wall
and hear the voice of public opinion cry
Ing In clarion tones. IF you want our
support, you must raise your standards
and do what you profess to do.'''
The need Of department of English