Decatur Democrat, Volume 38, Number 25, Decatur, Adams County, 7 September 1894 — Page 8

TEACKEB »INSTITUTE. WEDNESDAY’S SESSION. B. F. Kizer, Principal of Linn Grove .schools, presented the next wor k—a paper on “Experience vs. formalism; or, the Self-taught ■Teacher.” Mr. Kizer’s paper set forth the idea that 100 much reliance can be placedhn methods and theory. Practical men, self-taught and experienced, are the best workers. Children are severe critics. The teacher’s first work should be his best school for preparation. The question was further discussed by Mr. G. VV. Hurless, Principal of the Pleasant Mills schools. Mr. Hurless also presented a paper, lie showed the value as the Normal iu awakening an enthusiasm in the teacher, the teacher’s responsibility in relation to progress, and the need of a broader preparation in pedagogy, rather than a knowledge of Latin. He showed the need of special preparation for teaching, that the teacher should realize that his is the noblest of all callings and maintain a high ideal toward which to strive. The gentlemen discussed the question well and in an interesting manner. The last subject on the program was “Development of the Ideas that Established Forms of Government,” by Dr. Urr. The work was a continuation of yesterday’s lesson. The doctor spoke today of the development of our own form of government. Blackstone says, “The essential elements of government are wisdom, goodness and power.” There are three forms of government—Democracy, Monarchy and Aristocracy. Democracy is the . best form, and represents the element of wisdom; the Monarchy, goodness, while the Aristocracy may represent power. The best idea of government is one which combines all these forms into one system. Such was the purpose of the founders of our Republic. Our House of Representatives being nearest the people, chosen by them and representing their wants in our lawmaking body, is the Democratic feature of the old forms. Our Senate being composed of members not chosen by the people, and for the longest term of office, represents the aristocratic feature. It does not represent the people as the fonrer, but virtually represents the State governments—Senators being | chosen by State legislators. Between the two forms we have a President whose voice is not supreme power . in all, but who is the highest Federal authority, and chosen for neither the longest nor shortest term oj office, represents the monarchial features of the old forms of government. Our government is composed of elements of all the old forms, yet is like none. Functions of government are jnade stronger, better and purer by differences of opinion. In the government we have what may be called “the survival of the fittest.” Many think Edward Bellamy’s idea is the goal in governments. There is no form of government worthy of the name which does not teach the governed to govern him self. The doctor’s two lectures on government were both interesting, instructing and well fitted to arouse an interest which will lead to a deeper study and a better understanding of that branch of our national life. Prof. George Hindley, President of Ridgeville College, was introduced to the Institute by Supt. Snow, who requested him to make a few remarks. Among other thoughts, he said the future hope of our country rested in the hands of the teachers of today. The teacher has done much who has inspired his pupils to look forward to a higher education. The teacher must have high ideals and a strong desire toward them to impart enthusiasm in his pupils. Be independent. We can not succeed by practicing, an imitation. Roll was then called and Institute adjourned to meet at 9 a. m. Thursday. Thursday’s session. True to the characteristic promptness iu beginning on time, the Institute was called to order at 9 a. m. by Supt. Snow. Rev. Gregg, who was on the program to conduct the opening exercises, was absent. Dr. Orr filled the place. The doctor suggested that in our schools a common error has been made of making Scripture lessons too long. He used Phillip ians, 4th chapter, Bth verse, as the morning Scripture lesson. The first subject was taken up by Prof. Starbuck. Psychology— Memory, and the laws of its development. The work was taken up in continuation of yesterday’s lesson on “Habit.” He explained that habit is a great safeguard in life. With illustrations the connection between the higher and lower

nervous centers, and their relation or dependence upon each other was shown. There is a power of mind which takes notice of the likeness and difference of the external and in ternal stimuli. This faculty is called apperception. Mind is so constructed as to constantly see the relation between experiences. If a series of processes have been aroused togetheF in an immediate any subsequent arousing of any one of them will tend to 'arouse the others in the same order. This is called the law of association. The recitation closed with questions by Miss Kite Jackson, Prof. Walters, Supt. %ow and Supt. Orr, which were answered by the instructor. The next subject was vocal music, conducted in a practical way, by Dr. Orr. Intermission of fifteen minutes. After intermission the roll call showed a membership of 77 uentlemen an! 76 ladies; total 153. The name ot J. F. Hocker, Principal of .Monroe schools, appeared next on the program for the discussion of “To What Extent Does the Teacher Make or Unmake the School?” Mr. Hocker being sick and unable to be in Attendance, the subject was passed.\ I)r. Orr took up the lesson on Grammar which was passed for; lack of time yesterday. The ad- | jective, with its relationships, was I discussed. Great interest was aroused in the comparison of adjectives. We are taught that certain adjectives cannot be compared, such as “round,” “square,” etc. It was shown that the objection to the comparison of such words is overdrawn, Since we have no perfection. It is the imperfect quality of objects that is compared; hence we may with propriety compare all qualities. We may rightly say the object A, is rounder, or squarer than B, and not imply that either is perfect in roundness or squareness. The doctor showed clearly that comparison is in the idea. It depends upon the relative degree of quality possessed by objects, perfection having no consideration in comparison. Examples were called for and given, in which other than the positive degree may be applied to the qualities supreme, blind, and dead. Had we no imperfection we would have no comparison.

After some general remarks by Supt. Snow, Institute adjourned for noon intermission until 1:30 p. m. THURSDAY AFTERNOON SESSION. At the appointed time the house was called to order and session was opened with music, after which Prof. Starbuck took up the continuation of his work in Psychology. He defined apperception as being the secret of building of percepts. The mind has power by natural endowments to comibine the relationship of various sensations and combine them. If a child’s knowledge be accurate his first impressions must be accurate. To obtain correct percepts the child should study the objects. Children may spell and recognize the names of objects, may even read without knowledge. Teachers make mistakes in supposing the child to have true ideas of sometimes the commonest words. Ideas of space, time and color should be the first to receive attention by the child. K General nations are formed from the combination of percepts. Progress in combination in concepts leads to reasoning. The professor concluded his work by giving the following definitions for inductive and deductive reasonng. Inductive reasoning is the process of drawing from many re-lated-objects or ideas that which is common and expressing that relationship in a general statement. Deductive reasonitig is the pro cess of seeing and expressing the relation ot some special fact or idea to a general one. The afternoon lesson in music was next, conducted by Dr. Orr; followed by 15 minutes intermission. Henry Lankenau, of the first district school of Preble township, presented the next in tbe form of a paper upon our “Spoken Language.” The treatment of the showed the change through which our language is constantly passing —even in the period of a hfe time many changes in speech forms take place. Idioms of our language are compared and contrasted with those of English people. That distinctions in rank are easily discerned by dialect was shown. The greatest desire should be to make English languish the best tool of all speech. Dr. Orr called attention to the peculiarity in our language as to the irregularity in formation of contractions, etc. After the conclusion of the dis-

cussious Dr. Orr conducted a lesson in written spelling using the institute as a class. His'purpose was to give a practical lesson in method of that work and to the person who presented! the manuscript with fewest errors would receive a prize. Fifty words were spelled. Tbe last subject of to day’s program was “The Enactment and Enforcement o's Law. The Tost as to the Necessity of Enforcement” by Dr. Orr. He said: There can be no law until there is sentiment to make it effective. Law is exponent of a people’s culture. If we have the laws and songs of a people we could tell their history. Test of law is its constitutionality. Any law-making body may pass on an enactment which shall be regarded as law until its constitutionality is tested. The difference of lawful enactment in the United States and England was shown. The present tendency is toward international control of geiierl welfare. . _ Announcements were called for and Prof. Walters asked permission to present a resolution. The request was granted, life read the reso lution representing . the teachers of Adams county petitioning our legislative body to enact such law as will require the teachers of our State to teach the, effects of alcohol and narcotic upon the human body. A motion for tbe adoption of the resolution was made by B. A. Winans, seconded by Mr. Walters. Remarks were made by Rev. 11. 11. Smith, after which question was called and the motion prevailed. There being no farther work institute adjourned to meet at 9 a. m. Friday morning. The following school officers were with us to-day: P. Soldner, Berne Corporation, Trustee Wechter, of Blue Creek toWnshrp, P. P. Ashbaucher, of Monroe townshij) and Fred Huffman, of Hartford township. Friday’s session. The institute was called to order at 9 a. m. by Supt. Snow. Rev. H. H. Smith who conducted the opening devotional service was introduced. Attention was called to the reading of the 33d Psalm. After devotional exercise, he gave a short talk by request upon “College Education.’, He set forth that failure is often the result of lack of fact mental development rather than the lack of fact information. That the purpose of the Normal is to impart facts and method rather than the natural development of mental growth. This has been called an Electrical day. The tendency is to rush into business or profession before we have due preparation. Nothing is more practical to teachers than coliegate development; if a comparison is allowable it is more important than a knowledge of facts. He advised teachers to go to college first, get the deyelopment then the Normal with its facts and methods. A person never gets too old to learn. There is nothing between the student and a college education. The only requisite is grit. Psychology—Memory — A continuation of yesterday's work m this branch was taken up by Prof, Starbuck. There are two elements considered in memory. The first is the power to retain impressions, the second to recall them. We can improve the mind in recalling impressions but we cannot improve its power of retaining them. To improve the power of recalling of impressions obstre the laws of mental activiiy. Facts are fixed by having many channels of association. Make deep impressions by awakening the child’s interest in the subject, and review often to make the impression more fixed. A unification of studies should be the aim of teachers. Following the laws of the mind will be the evolution of teaching. Apply natural association in tbe teaching of any branch. Have a natural plan then follow it. Example was given showing how the plan of association may be used in developing a lesson in geography. If we cannot improve the power of retention, can it be diminished? was asked. The Professor said that we become less able to perform mental acts by negligence in mental exercise. After some remarks by Supt. Snow enforcing the importance of careful observation, the subject was passed. Prof. W. A. Bell, editor of the Indiana School Journal, was present and was introduced at this time by Supt. Snow. The professor gave a very interesting talk upon “The Good is the Enemy of tbe Best.” In illustrating the meaning of the Spanish proverb, he alluded to the carpenter who learned his trade sufficiently to build a house and then is satisfied with his place as good enough stopping his progress, The lawyer who is satisfied when he feels he is receiving his sh are of

practice will never reach the best. The minister whose preparation entitles him a church is with that satisfied will fail to reach the goal of best, and the teacher who reaches a certain position in his profession and is then satisfied will likewise fail to do what he might have ac complished. All trades and professions are crowded with “Pretty well I thank i yofi, hew do you do?” and “getting along middlin’ well” people, There is a wide space between those “good enough” people. There is no limit to learning. Webecome old only when we stop growing. A great many people never grow old. Some are old at titty and some at twenty.- and some are born old. * The proverb may be translated. “The good is never admissable [ where the best is attainable.” Growth is beyond the line of “pretty well,” exertion is -what , makes strength. A teacher’s growth I depends upon his teaching better to-day than yesterday. By motion a vote of thanks was , tendered Prof. Bell sos his excellent talk. Intermission 15 minutes. After calling the house to order announcements were called for. Prof. Bell spoke of the Indiana School Journal. Dr. Orr took up the next subject, “Literature as a Subject of Study,” carried over from yesterday’s .program. He said we expect too much in teaching literature and language. Teach little things each day—we would accomplish much to learn one new word. . In teaching literature hold up the best examples and have pupils form highest ideals. The difference between example and ideal was shown. An ideal should constantly be raised as we approach it. My ideal orator might be a W ebster, were 1 a Webster, my ideal should be higher, my ideal poet might be Longfellow— Longfellow had a higher ideal. We may get example too high. We can not place the limit for all the same time. It would be unjust to demand the same work from a child in a rural district that would be required of a child of an aristocratic vicinity where the child’s environment has ever been that ot culture and refinement. Choose examples to place before children that will suit the work. Holdup lofty ideas—all may have the same ideal—make it pure and tfue. Questions from Lowell and Longfellow were used in j illustration, ’lhe following gem whose author is unknown was used: IDEALS. I wonder if ever a song was sung But the singer’s heart sang sweeter, I wonder if ever a rhyme was rung But the thought surpassed the meter. 1 wonder if ever the sculptor wrought Till the cold stone echoed his ardent thought; Or if ever a painter with light and shade The dream of his inmost heart portrayed. I wonder if ever a rose was found And there might not be a fairer; Or if ever a glittering gem was found And we dreamed not of a rarer. Ah I never on earth shall we find the best But it waits for us in the land of rest; And a perfect thing we shall never behold Till we pass the portals of shining gold.

AFTEENOON SESSION. The house was called to order at 1:30 by Supt. Snow. The first work of the afternoon was conducted by Prof. Starbuck. “Natural Tendencies of the Child.” The great aim in education that a teacher should have as the ever guiding star is the idea of growth. Growth is the natural course. It permeates all life both plant and animal. Even governments grow. Psychology treats of growth. A teacher is not ready to go into the school room until she realizes she is going into a garden. There are two schools advocating different lines for the child’s control. The first believes in stern disci-* pline—learning the child alone. The second would have all things interesting, which should be clean? We should remembqr the child mind is a germ that must be drawn out. The exercice of the child’s will is necessary for the accomplishment. The child exercises will when he first imitates an. example, when child is interested in anything he manifests will power. Tflen make things interesting. A diagram was presented which showed the natural development. There is a time in child lite when a trinket or candy will arrest the child’s entire attention, later he leaves these unnoticed for higher attractions. The course is natural. See to it that it is followed. Feel happy when you see the child taking great interest in its dog, it is a manifestation that latter it will love mankind. A discussion followed as to the propriety of awarding prizes as an incentive to greater effort. The next work taken up was a paper by C. D. Kunkle, Principal of Monmouth Schools, on “Special

Education.” Mr. Kunkle treated his subject as relating to the needs of farmers’ preparation. More young men should be interested in agriculture and industrial schools. Tbe freedom of the farm from temptation of deception, dishonesty and impurity was shown. If a young man is not a special genius in some line he had better stay on the farm. Friday’s session. Trustees remarks were called for. C. A Atigspurger, of Berne Cor poration, responded in expressing his pleasure to be present and believed the good instruction should be sufficient to enable tho teachers to do better work than they before I had been able to do. Trustee Brown, of Root, also re- | sponded, alluding to the increasing reward school officers may be able to give teachers for true worth. Intermission 15 minutes. Prof. B. A. Winans, Principal of? Geneva Schools, presented the next ■ work, a paper upon “Are my Read-1 ing and my Work in Parallel r Lines?” Among other things he spoke of the following: Ordinary men have become great ! because they have had tbe power of concentration. Men who succeed must keep in the line of their profession. Are we fitting ourselves for the place we desire? The work of the teacher is the systematic evolution of the mind. The last subject of to-day’s program was: “The Advisability of Materially Changing the Present National Constitution.” The exercise was conducted by Dr. Orr. The fickleness of publics* opinion, should not be depended upon. Our governtment was shown to be the combination of the elements of the three old powers of government. We should retain it so. Evils have appeared; but it is the machinery of the government at fault. It is in the failure to use it rightly. The form of representation of the people—township, county and State were explained. A fault is that the people do not attend primary elections hence fail to get their desired represented. The Doctor insisted that teachers teach politics but not party. The rise and fall of political parties from beginning of our National growth was well illustrated. Announcements were again called for. Dr. Orr announced the result of the spelling contest which is here given: No. teachers participating, 76. “ words pronounced, 50. ’ J * words spelled, 8800. words spelled correctly, 21)87. “ words spelled incorrectly, 792. “ defects, 762. Highest number of words missed by one teacher, (No. 55), 25. / Lowest number of words missed by one teacher, (No. 73), 0. Highest number of defects by one teacher, (No. 8), 62. Lowest number of defects by one teacher, (No. S 3), 0. Average grade, 69 1-3. Highest grade, (Nos. 84-5) 97. Lowest grade, (No. 8), 6. Honor due to Nos. 5 & 34. C. L. Walters, 1 Charlotte N. Malotte. -j Average of missed words only : Average grade, 78.70 Highest grads, Mo. (73). 100. Lowest grade, (No. 55), 50. Prof. Geo. Suman, a well-known educator at present of Marion, Indiiona, being present was called upon. He responded giving a very interesting talk to the teachers. Institute adjourned to meet at 9 a. m Saturday. Saturday’s session. Institute opened at 9 a, m. Supt. Snow officiating. The opening exercises were conducted by Rev. L. M. Sniff, President of Tri-State Normal College, Angola, Indiana, scripture lesson: James 3rd chapter. The first subject was discussed by Prof. Starbuck: Ways of imparting facts, cause, and effect, time, relation, <&c; He began by briefly contrasting the pciiools in America and Germany. In the former the pupils depend too much on the text-book, while the latter the pupils depend too much on the teachers; when the pupil comes to class without Geography or History. He says that we should supply pupils with the real material itself. Place yourself in close connection with the educational world so that you can supply your pupils with the best ot educational works. The hope of any teacher to succeed and to succeed yonderfully is to be interested in the children and community where you teach. “Lose your life for your school and community and you will find it after the close ot his instructions.” > Mr. Lankenau, that the Germans used the text-books; History and Geography in the common schools. After the conclusion of this subject, Supt. Snow gave the following figures, interesting to teachers: The length of United States coast

“ defects, 762.

line not including small bays ami inlets 2715 miles. It is divided ail follows: Atlantic coast, 2349 niilesl Gulf coast, 1566 miles; Pacificcoastl 1810 miles. £ Th« American Lake Shore linel iw 3450 miles in length; Alaska^ han approximately 4000 miles of line. * The qiierry box which was pre -I pared a few days ago was opened.! i A number of interesting questions! bearing upon the teacher’s wtyjk! answered. T ’i Trustees remarks were called for.l Trustee Bright responded, Spokel concerning progress ot school workj The general interest of patrons | Trustee Voglewede, spoke of the! promising outlook for tbe success of coming work. Trustee Wechter addressed the teachers next, lie spoke of the following: We are now facing the responsibilities of a new school year. Our County Superintendent has done well his part in giving U 8 assistance in the preparation of our work. Are we ready to meet thd demands? We are undertaking a great work, but from appearance we are ready for the battle, and will succeed. 1 < SATURDAY'S SESSION. Our instruction has been excellent In tills Institute, and we are continent j'ou have improved your opportunities. When I tlrst became Trustee I was sometimes doubtful about hiring- some teachers who entne tome, but experience has taught me that J am always safe iu employing any teacher who comes hearing the license issued by our Superintendent. Some are apt to think the fall term of our country school does not amount to much, but in reality it is of greatest importance. Give the children a start. Let us rake a greater Interest in our schools than we ever have done before.

The teachers of my township are all here. We are striving to accomplish the work we undertake. Intermisslon 15 minutes. ’ President Sniff was called upon and addressed the teachers in an interesting manner. He spoke of the necessity of there being a necessity of an affinity between the workman and hie work if he would succeed. Men can not be molded into professional men. Teachers to draw a good, earnest enthusiasm and a sympathetic nature are necessary if we succeed. Dr. Orr took up the last subject of the program. “The Teacher as a Citizen.” The following points were spoken of: There is a so cial side to the teacher’s works. Be but not fawning. Teachers should visit every family represented in his room. Have deference for opinions of others but maintain the opinion of right. Don’t mix in business affairs that do not nertain to school work. There is a political side—Have convictions but not radical in belief; be manly in expressing them—Don’t go out stump-speech making. Be manly and independent—We are all ideals for some one, after awhile among era some one will come out quoting you as authority. % The following resolutions were presented adopted; Resolved, That a vote of thanks lie tendered Mesprs Geo. Bowersand Bert Lower fortheir J efficient services as ushers during this Teacher’s institute Whereas. The institute of 18tM has been one of great profit, and the same has been due ( to the efforts of our Superintendent in secur J lag the best instructors possible. I Therefore be it Resolved, That we tender to Superintendent Snow for his eacnest labors in making the Institute a success, to Dr. Orr and Prof. Starbuck for the valuable lessons given during the week, and to the trustees for their presence and words of advice and encouragement our sincere thanks. Institute closed by singing “God be with you till we meet again.” Adjourned sine die. BWithin the session the following school officers were with us: Root, Brown; Preble, Dirkson; Hartford,Huffman; Wabash, Reisen; Monroe, Ashbaucher: Union, Erwin; Berne, Augspurger, Harruff, Boldner: Blue Creek, Weohter; Washington, Voglewede; Kirkland, Bright; Jefferson, Laughlin; Decatur, Miesse. We are glad to note that we were not disappointed in our anticipations of a pleasant and profitable week. Our attendance wasfgreater than ever before. The enrolled members reached 154 Much credit is due our worthy Superintendent for his supervision in the arrangements for the Institute and his unceas- 1 mg efforts for the best good of the schools of Adams county, J. A. Anderson, Sec’y.

G. A.oR. to Pittsburg. The Clover Leaf will issue one fare excursion tickets from all stations, via choice Os direct routes. Tickets on sale September sth to 10th. Usual return limit. Call on nearest agent or address, C. C. Jenkins, G. P. A„ Toledo, Ohio. N. B.—Famous Midway Plaisance the original people at Toledo, August 20th to September 4th. dll3-20w23-3 Boarding and lodging at the Peoples *' Bakery and Restaurant, three doors South of Post Office. 45 ts For the Best Bread, Pies and Cakes Call at the C. & E. Bakery. 8 ly Albert Schuroer Prop. PUBLIC SALK. The undersigned will offer for sale at the Farmer’s County Institute, September 13,1894, one and one-half miles southeast of Steele, Adams county, Indiana. Ten head of Jersey cofc>, ’ heifers, calves and a bull. They are full high grade, and half breed. De- • ' gress of breeding will be furnished at sale. They are of the best families ofp Kentuckey and Indiana, Will also offer forty head of full and high grade Shropshire sheep, ewes and buck lambs. Terms:—A credit of twelve months with approved note and security. 24-2 ' J. H. Beatty. We are closing out all our summer goods at cost. Also Buggies, Surreys, i Spring Wagons and Road Wagons, at cost. Ellsworth, Myers & Co. w24-t4