The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-02
TEACHERS GATHER
 AT MONTGOMERY Nearly 2000 Attend Educa-
 tional Convention DQET IMINARV MEETC
PRELIMINARY MEETS
Convention Formally Opened at the Grand Theatre With President Butler of Huntsville
 Presiding

Montgomery, April 1.-fSpecia1) IT. each crs from all parts of Alabama are in Montgomery in attendance upon the thirty-fourth annual convention of the Alabama Educational association, which began a three-days session here today. Nearly 900 teachers are gathered here for the convention, and several hundred more are expected to arrive tomorrow.
 The convention was formally opened at the Grand theatre at o'clock this aft ernoon, with President $. R. Butler of Huntsville presiding. .tn enormous crowd of educators were present for the opening exercises, which included an in vocation by the Rev. pr. McCaslin, pas tor of the First Presbyterian church of Montgomery, music and welcome ad- dresses.
 William A. Gunter, Jr., president of the board of city commissioners, welcomed the teachers on behalf of the city and F. J. Meyer. president of the Montgom- cry board of education, delivered vel come address in behalf of that board. In well chosen remarks Dr. H. O. Murfee of Marion delivered the response.
 Following the introductory addresses, President Butler delivered his annual ad- dress before the association. Mir. But Ter spoke of the educational progress made in the state during the past year, and told of the hopes of the association for further advancement. He was warmly Hpplauded at times during his speech.
 Preliminary Sessions
 Preliminary to the formal opening of the convention, the several county super intendents of education and the various ifrh fA,ipa aif.al f1ati in sion in the auditorim of the Exchange hotel and the house of representatives re- spectively. Superintendent N. F. Feagin presided over the first meeting and Prof. J- w. Watson, principal of the Bibb Coun- ty High school. and president of the de- partment of high schools, presided over the session of that body.
 The meeting of high school principals and teachers was featured by an address by Dr. H. w Foght of Washington who has charge of rural education of the United States department of agriculture. Dr. Foght is considered one of the great est living authorities on rural education, and his address one of the most Interesting and instructive, that will be delivered at the present convention of educators.
 Dr. Foght is a native of Denmark, in which country rural education has reached higher degree of proficiency than in any
 
 spoke of the progress that has been made in the United States in rural education, and declared that each year marks steady improvement. He said agriculture and agricultural development is an important factor in building up rural schools.
 The meeting of high school principals and teachers was featured by several other addresses, President Watson speak ing on the subject of "Illiteracy." The speaker declared for compulsory educa- 1ion.
 "The Social Aspect of High School In- struction" was discussed by Prof. E. C. McGee, principal of the Selma High school Other speakers at this session were Prof. NJ. T. Pullman of Auburn, Prof. V. P. Mckinley of Troy. Prof R. c. Johnston of Huntsville, Prof. !. $. Thomas of Tuscaloosa, Principal J. B. Clark of Guin and others.
 Many Entertainment Features
 Various entertainment features have been arranged for the visiting teachers. A general reception was held at the Ex- change hotel tonight for the delegates and other social affairs have been arranged for later in the week, ending with Il banquet at the Exchange Saturday evening. The reception tonight was given under the auspices of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce.
 The session promises to be one of the most interesting that has yet been held by the association. Meetings will be held three times a day, and the various de- partments of the association will hold separate session. The general sessions will be held at the Grand theatre and the departmental sessions will be held ii the auditorium of the Sidney Lanier High