orders could be taken separately, as in certain ecclesiastical bodies. The great object should be to assemble so large and dignified an assemblage as to draw out men of talent and ability. He trusted that towns would be fully admitted, and when necessary, vote separately.

Mr. McKoon said that the town superintendents, by a large majority, approved the resolution.

Mr. Hamilton, of Geneseo, spoke earnestly in favor of admitting the towns.

Professor Davies, of West Point, thought if the project were fully understood, it would find more favor. It would be desirable to get a full expression from all parts of the state-an expression from the masses. And in order to get this, it would be necessary to extend the organization of the convention. He did not think it would be necessary, once in ten years, to take a vote to protect the convention against local influence. He was happy to say that sectional feeling had hitherto found no place in the convention, nor did he think it would.

Mr. Wright, of Washington, spoke of the dif. ficulty of town superintendents, from a distance, attending conventions.

I. F. Mack, of Rochester, took ground against the resolution.

Mr. Randall, from the committee, offered a resolution, approving the establishment, by the state, of a Normal School, and pledging the cooperation of the convention in the experiment.

Resolved, That the passage by a unanimous vote of the legislature of this state, of the act providing for the establishment of a Normal School at the seat of government, is a source of unfeigned gratification to the members of this convention: that to such an institution, organized upon enlightened principles and conducted under the immediate supervision of the State Superintendent, and the Regents of the University, the friends of education may reasonably look for the elevation and advancement of the character and qualifications of teachers, and consequently for a decided improvement in the standard of elementary instruction, and that we will cheerfully and cordially co-operate with the department and the friends of education generally, in the efficient accomplishment of so desirable an object.

Mr. Ely made the following report in favor of Union Schools in convenient localities:

The committee appointed to report upon Union Schools, ask leave to submit the following for the consideration of the convention :

Whereas, the establishment of schools of several departments in large districts and densely populated sections of the country, by affording increased facilities for proper classification and a suitable division of labor among the teachers, awakens a deeper interest in the various branches of elementary science, and more clearly and fully develops the resources and energies of the pupils;

Mr. Olmsted was of opinion that the convention was one of the friends of education, all of whom should participate in discussion. He thought the voting should be entirely confined to the counties. The town superintendents might, perhaps, be too tenacious of their rights. Dr. Potter thought this the great-the vital question. They were not legislative bodies. Their measures were only recommendatory. Therefore, Resolved, that we recommend the and the less formality the better. There should opening of Union Schools in such villages and be less talk about rights, and more kindly feel districts of the state as are possessed of a popuings. Too many resolutions were passed pre-lation sufficiently large to warrant the employcipitately. The less we said of organization the better. Legislative bodies had lost, in a great measure, the respect of the people, by the abuse of the privileges of debate. The wrang. ling, violence and personalities of many conventions, were such that their recommendations inspired but little respect. He was of the opinion that numbers would operate as a restraint. He was in favor of the organization proposed by the resolutions.

Mr. Johnson moved the previous question, which was ordered.

Mr. Sprague called for the ayes and nays which were ordered.

The main question was taken by ayes and noes, and was carried-33 ayes, 15 noes.

ment of two or more teachers.

Messrs. Randall and Van Ingen called for information on the subject. The resolution was laid aside for further consideration.

The Chair stated that so far as his county was concerned, the experiment had been attended with very happy results.

Mr. McKoon, from the committee of town superintendents, submitted the following communication:

The committee of town superintendents, to which was referred the duties of these officers,. communicate the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted by the gentlemen of the committee, about thirty in number, and for which, though not proper subMr. Fonda, to do away with all the complica-jects for the action of this body, they would reted machinery of organization, moved the fol- spectfully ask a place on the minutes of this lowing resolution : convention, as an expression of what they beResolved, That it is inexpedient to call ano-lieve to be the prevailing feeling of the town ther Convention of County Superintendents, as superintendents: such, but that Annual Conventions of the Friends of Education throughout the State, be recommended.

'Dr. Potter thought there should be some nucleus around which to form a convention.

Dr. Thomas spoke in favor of the resolution, because he did not wish to bear the responsibility of the acts of others, as we should surely have to, if the towns were admitted to full rights.

Mr. Curtiss followed in opposition, and moved to lay the resolution on the table. Carried.

Whereas the success of the common school system of this state depends materially upon the co-operation of all officers concerned in its administration; therefore

Resolved, That we regard the office of county superintendent as an important feature in our school system, as an intermediate tribunal between that of the town and state superinten dents, and affording facilities for the more prompt and efficient administration of the system by the residence of the officer in the immediate vicinity of the schools under his charge.

Resolved, That we entertain a great respect tion that superintendents exert themselves for the office of state and county superinten- spread educational intelligence. dents, and that we will cordially co-operate with these officers in their meritorious efforts to advance the interests of common schools, and that we will cheerfully vindicate their character, if necessary, from any unmerited aspersions, prejudicial to their influence or success.

Resolved. That the town superintendents ought in all cases to be chosen in reference to their peculiar fitness for the office and not in reference to their political opinions, in order to secure the services of the best talents in each town, and render the office more permanent, respectable and useful.

Resolved, That we approve of the organization of the future state conventions of superintendents, as reported by the committee on that subject.

Mr. Shumway spoke in favor of renewed ex ertions for the diffusion of sound and correct intelligence, the more so on account of the great spread of worthless information.

Mr. Henry pledged himself to send fifty paying subscribers to the Journal within three months.

Mr. Hawley, of Buffalo, did not agree with the strictures (by Mr. Mack,) upon the political press. He was not aware that papers of any party ever took any part against the cause of education, but had frequently been of very great service to the cause.

Dr. Potter spoke of the great services of the political press. He thought it had been very liberal. Educational papers should be miscellaneous in their character, and partake of the Mr. Henry spoke in complimentary terms of vivacity common to newspaper publications the spirit that prevaded the communication in in order to compete with the other press. reference to the office and duties of county su Mr. Mack explained, that he did not mean to perintendents. He alluded to that as an evi-censure generally the political journals. They dence of the harmony existing between the two had frequently lent their assistance to the cause bodies. of education, and when they took up the subject they did it in the right way. He wished they were more frequently enlisted in the service. He was happy to say that two papers of this city, although they contradicted each other almost every day, generally agreed to do all they could to advance the cause of education.

The paper was placed on the minutes. Mr. Fonda offered the following resolutions, commending the District School Journal, which has lately been greatly enlarged and improved, to the support of the public:

Resolved, That the recent enlargement of the District School Journal to twice its former size, without any increase of price, entitles its editor to the approbation of the friends of education generally, and to a liberal support on their part, and that we commend it to the regard of all who feel an interest in the eleva tion and advancement of our system of public instruction and popular education.

Resolved, That more fully to enable its editor to maintain its usefulness, we pledge ourselves by all means in our power to extend its circulation in our respective counties.

The previous question was ordered and carried, and the above resolutions were passed unanimously.

[It may not be known to all that Mr. Mack, at the opening of the convention, excused himself from voting because he had the use of but one eye-the other being laid up for the present by disease-and he would be likely to see only on one side of the question. We, therefore, excuse his oppugnation to the political press on account of his infirmity.]

The discussion-if discussion it can be called, all the speakers taking the same side of the question-was continued up to the hour of adjournment.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON.

PUBLIC SCHOOL CELEBRATION. Mr. Mack spoke of the great apathy of the According to previous arrangement, the vari. people on the subject of educational papers. Heous public schools of this city assembled yester thought them superior to the political and news day afternoon at the Fitzhugh-street Methodist journals, which were filled, he said, with hum- Chapel, to hold their annual celebration. The bugs, stories, lectures on demonology, &c. The children did not go through with all the exerciDistrict School Journal, although as ably con- ses usual on such occasions, the superintendent ducted as any in the country, was but little read. wishing them to hear addresses from various inHe suggested that every superintendent should dividuals now in this city in attendance on the make personal exertions to extend its circula common school convention. tion. Men did not hesitate to pay $8 or $10 for a scurrilous political paper which taught every thing but good morals.

Mr. Patchin spoke at length, of the value of the Journal, he said it was eagerly sought for in the districts of Livingston, and suggested that the superintendents read portions of it frequently in schools and families, He was sorry to say however, that some trustees were too penurious to pay the postage on the Journal.

The exercises were opened with prayer by Prof. Dewey.

tion, presented a brief report on the history, Dr. Hawks, president of the board of educa present condition and future prospects of the public schools.

The children were then appropriately addressed by S. S. Randall, state deputy superintendent, Mr. Henry, superintendent of Herkimer Dr. King, of New-Jersey, Professor Davies, of Mr. Wheeler, of Yates, was happy to find West Point, Wm. C. Parsons, of Penn Yan, that his county was in advance of the city of Francis Dwight. editor of the District School Rochester. The Journal was punctually taken Journal, Professor Dewey, Mr. Cobb, of Newfrom the office, but was not read so much as he York, Mr. Hawley, city superintendent of Buf could wish. He thought the diffusion of infor- falo, Mr Hazen, of Baltimore, Mr. Fowle, of mation a very efficient agent in reforming soci- Boston Mr. Stevens, of Wyoming, and Dr. Potety. He was warmly in favor of the sugges-ter of mion College.

to for the complete attainment of this very desira-
ble object. With such a plan, the books being
purchased in larger quantities, they would be
obtained at wholesale instead of retail prices
The necessity of purchasing for each scholar eve-
studies is obviated, and it is plain that about
or of the whole number of books which are
now required, would then be sufficient. Under
the present system, the books often become use-
less when they have been but little used; but
under the proposed one they would be used until
worn out.

Mr. Brown exhibited to the convention some very beautiful specimens of map drawing. We noticed maps of New-York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Livingston county, from the schools of Mr. Jones, of Caledonia, Mr. Mclntyre of York, and Mr. Wood, of Geneseo. Alry book he must use in the whole course of his so, maps of the world, the United States, and of Monroe county, drawn by a lad twelve years of age, in the school taught by D. D. T. Brown, at Mumfordville, in Monroe county. Most of these maps were so finely executed and colored, that they could scarcely be disitnguished from engrav. ings. The map of Monroe county was very neat and beautiful in execution. Mr. Brown when he The common school fund was intended to beexhibited them said, that while we had such nefit all the people equally, but in practice, it is specimens of "home manufacture," we need the greatest proportional benefit to those who not go abroad to purchase maps. Mr. Tidd, of Chemung, submitted the follow-tricts. In some of these large and strong dis least need assistance, the thickly populated dising report on district school organization, re-tricts, the public money pays nearly all the excommending that districts be sufficiently large to support well at least one school: '

pense of teaching, whilst in some weak districts,

districts, too which are so circumstanced that The committee on school district organization they cannot be enlarged, the expense of mainrespectfully report: That the experience of the taining the school eight, or even six months in a past has fully proved that many difficulties arise yeur, is a real burden to those who pay rate from the too frequent division of districts, turn- bills. But in every district, the expense for ing into several channels the emoluments, text books, per scholar, is nearly the same, prointerests and influence, which if permitted to vided they are equally well supplied. An aprun in an unbroken stream, would enable one propriation of money to this purpose then, would school to be conducted in a healthful and proper equally relieve all from expense and perplexity, manner, when by a division they just enable and would in fact be the most just and suitable two, or at times three, to enjoy a temporary and distribution of public money yet made." But feeble existence-thus destroying the intentions there is another point of much greater conseof the law, and defeating a most desirable ob-quence to be considered, an evil to be corrected ject, the improvement of common schools and the diffusion of education among every class of society: Therefore

which can be obviated only by adopting a measure embracing these principles. Some of the children of the indigent, and of those who in orResolved, That in all cases where practicable, der to pay their rate bills, must now deprive the districts of a town should be so arranged as themselves of one or more of the common comto embrace a sufficient population and extent of forts of life, now often go to school without any country to support in a good and healthful con- books, and all of them must generally be restrictdition one good school, and not as is too frequented to the most simple elements of education, for ly the case, from the kind but mistaken wish of accommodating the distance to the feelings of the small children, to organize two or at times three feeble districts.

Adopted.

Mr. Cooper, of Cayuga, moved a committee to report on the qualifications of teachers. Laid aside.

TEXT BOOKS.

Mr. Arnold, of Dutchess, presented the fol. lowing report on laws and applications to the legislature:

The committee on laws and applications to the legislature, to whom was referred the consider ation of the resolution, on exclusively devoting a portion of the moneys distributed to school dis. tricts to the purchase of text books, respectfully report:

For many years great efforts have been made to secure to our schools uniformity of text books, though thus far with small success. Various plans have been proposed, several have been fairly tried, but the expense to the guardian of the scholar, has almost always been the insupe. rable obstacle which has prevented the hoped for result. A plan which shall make the districts, instead of individuals, the purchasers of the books, and which shall entrust their selection to those who have examined and investiga. ted a very large number of different works in every branch, is the only one which we an loo

want of suitable ones. Should this plan be adopted these poor children will, as they of right should, enjoy an equal opportunity to share in all the benefits their respective district schools are capable of affording.

A sum annually distributed equal in amount to the library money now apportioned to the districts, would probably be amply sufficient to secure these advantages, if each district be re quired before it should be expended to add to it from its own resources, a sum equal to that which it shall have received. This last condition it is believed would be cheerfully and promptly complied with by almost every district, and the provision will have a tendency to interest all the inhabitants in taking good care of the books.

There is however, no danger that the books would be carelessly or wantonly injured, for experiments already tried in some of the schools of this state, as well as in others, have fully demonstrated that the scholars are quite as careful, and many think much more careful, of books furnished by the school managers, than of those purchased by their parents. The books belonging to the school, only go into the hands of the scholars for actual use, and at all other times may be under the care of the teacher, safely deposited in a case.

Would the limits of this report permit your committee to enter upon a full discussion of the

Resolved, That inasmuch as an important change has lately been made in the school laws in regard to the tenure of the office of trustees, and inasmuch as the change meets general approbation, it is inexpedient to recommend any alteration. TEACHERS INSTITUTES.

Mr. Stevens, of Wyoming, presented the following report in favor of establishing temporary normal schools or teachers' institutes:

improved methods of teaching it would enable instructors to adopt, its advantages would be still more apparent. Even now, in some schools, the scholars of a class subscribed for a periodical, every copy of which is by general consent placed in the care of the teacher, who allows them to have the papers but for the purpose of reading in the class, until they are ready to com. mence the next number; thus keeping them constantly highly interested in their reading lessons. This plan will enable teachers to use a series of reading books in a similar manner. Then,ject of teachers' institutes, beg leave respectfully too, might be generally introduced many branch es, which could be profitably taught in our schools by oral instruction, were a single book or set of books furnished for the use of the teach ers; which now are not obtained, as from the small compensation generally paid teachers, they are not able, even if willing, to furnish them at their private expense.

The committee to whom was referred the subto report, that having given to the subject referred to them, the little consideration the time allowed would permit, submit to the consideration of the convention their views upon a subject, which they deem very important. The committee deem the subject important for various reasons. Among the most weighty that have influenced the mind of the committee, are the suggestions that they believe these institutions among the most valuable and effective auxiliaries known for the improvement of all the teachers of our common schools, and if the saying is true, that

Notwithstanding these and other reasons for the adoption of such a plan, your committee would scarcely have ventured to recommend it, did it necessarily involve any considerable alteration of the common school laws: for it is unas is the teacher so is the school," it is impordoubtedly the desire of the people that they tant that our teachers be properly prepared.should be seldom disturbed. A very brief addi- These institutes, or temporary normal schools, tion will be sufficient to carry into effect this are of recent origin, and but little understood in plan, whilst the existing law will be in no res many of the counties of this state. The object pect changed. Nor could your committee have of these associations or institutes, is improveexpected any good could arise from the recomment in the art of teaching; and it is believed mendation of such a plan did they not know that an enlargement of the sum annually distributed to common schools in this state was car nestly urged last winter in the legislature-did they not understand that the condition of the fund would justify it; and believe that it will not be long ere such an enlargement will take place. Your committee therefore propose to the convention the adoption of the following resolu

tions:

Resolved, That in order to attain uniformity of text books, and to secure to the indigent an equal participation in the benefits to be derived from attending school, it is expedient that a portion of the public moneys distributed to school districts, be exclusively devoted to the purchase of text books, which shall be the property of each district for the use of its school: that to entitle a district to a share of such text book money, it should raise and add to it an equal amount, to be expended with it: and that the selection of such text books should be made by the trustees, subject to the approval of their respeetive town superintendents.

Resolved, That the state superintendent be, and hereby is, respectfully solicited to call the attention of the honorable the legislature of the state to this important subject, at their next ses

sion.

Mr. Henry concurred generally in the views of the report, but it contemplated such great changes and the time for discussion was so limited, that he would move a recommittal.

Mr. Randall thought the views of the report sound and judicious. He hoped, as it was only recommendatory, that it would be adopted. Laid aside for further consideration.

Mr. Johnson submitted the following: The committee on laws and applications to the legislature, to whom was referred the resolution offered by Mr. Curtiss, respectfully report the following resolution:

by your committee, that greater improvement
can be made among all the teachers of the state,
in this important and necessary art, during the
same given time and for the same amount of mo.
The schools of New-York have heretofore been
ney, than by any method heretofore adopted.
isolated communities, strangers to each other in
the great cause of education, not acting with
sufficient uniformity. Your committee believe
that the introduction of state conventions of
county superintendents, of town superintendents,
associations of teachers and friends of educa
tion together with normal schools and county in-
stitutes, are destined to change the aspect of our
schools in this particular, to bring about an im-
portant improvement, and a saving in time and
school or schools may do much good, but it can-
expense not yet anticipated.
not, in the opinion of your committee, in any
reasonable period, extend the desired benefits to
all the districts scattered over all parts of the

state.

A state normal