"

Were there any evils that could be traced to this union of the offices of Secretary of State and superintendent, which would counterbalance the greater weight which has thus been given to the head of the school department, this question would be one of much difficulty; but no such evil has existed. The keen eye of party enmity has watched with jealousy every successive incumbent, but no reason even for suspicion has ever been detected; on the contrary, the wise and impartial administration of the department has enforced the applause of political rivals and secured the undivided approbation of the people. Let us remember the maxim, that the theo-its retical better is ever the enemy of the practical well, and be content to let well alone. A TEACHER. Utica, August 7.

Addresses were delivered by C. W. Anthony Esq. of Albany, on school discipline; by Prof. Dewey of Rochester, on the New-York 1. school system; by Prof. North of Hamilton Mr. Cooper of Westchester, from the comCollege, on "the means necessary to elevate mittee on a teacher's periodical, reportedthe teacher's profession ;" and by Frederick disclaimed all hostile or rival feeling to any Emerson, Esq. of Boston, on the influence of educational journal; regarded a journal demere theorists on education, and the true po-voted to the improvement of teachers, and sition of the teacher. calculated to secure the efficient co-operation

of parents, demanded; recommends a weekly paper, not less than twenty eight columns, and that it be independent of official support, and political influence; concluded with resolutions recommending a State Association, and that a committee of three be raised to superintend the establishment of a journal.

Mr. Cooper of Westchester, reported a con stitution for an association, to be styled, "The Teacher's Association of the State of NewYork'

addressed the convention as follows-(we quote the gentleman's own report:)

Mr. May said-I have been pained, sir, by the frequent sneers that have been thrown out, during the session of this convention, against those who are called "moral suasionists." They have been ungenerous-unjust. I have observed, sir, that all those who have spoken in defence of corporal punishment, have quoted Solomon, seeming to forget that there is an infinitely wiser One than Solomon, to whom we should look for guidance. I have observed that all those on that side of the Mr. Hall of Monroe made a report upon the question, have made no allusion to the lan question of an editor for a teachers' journal- guage which the founder of the christian rerecommended. Mr. Edward Cooper of West-ligion used, respecting children-"Suffer litchester, and paid a high tribute to his talents and character. It also recommended Syracuse as the place of publication, and that Mr. L. W. Hall be the publisher.

The several articles were gone through with, and adopted.

The report was unanimously adopted. Mr. Cooper expressed his gratitude to the convention for the honor bestowed upon him, and the high confidence expressed; and pledged his best efforts to discharge, to the satisfaction of all, the high and delicate sponsibilities imposed upon him.

Mr. McCall, from the committee on "educational fallacies," made a report-which, an anomaly in all conventions we have ever heard or read of, was done up" in rhyme! In it, many absurdities, or " fallacies," which have been developed in the advancement of new ideas in education, were hit off with a good deal of point.

tle children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven." Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of Heaven."

Now, from the manner in which Jesus Christ has spoken of children, and from the instructions he gave respecting the treatment of the evil and the violent, some persons, who are called moral suasionists, have been led to be re-lieve, that all mischievous and ill disposed persons, especially children, might be overcome, subdued, reformed, by kindness, without the use of violence. We have seen and rejoiced over the great and happy change that has taken place in the management of all classes of persons, the inmates of jails, penitentiaries, and insane asylums. It has been supposed, if the view Jesus had of the nature of children were correct, that it would be still safer and better to treat them kindlyeven the refractory. The moral suasionists have been led to hope and believe this, all the more from the evil effects which have followed from the use and abuse of the rod. Were there time, I would adduce too many instances of gross misuse of the rod; instances of cruelty.

The report on educational fallacies was laid on the table-20 to 9. Adjourned.

AN INTERLUDE-CORPORAL PUNISHMENT.

At this stage of the proceedings, Mr. Burnett offered a resolution, that the sentiments put forth by Mr. Anthony, were not approved by this convention. Mr. Anthony begged to say that he regarded the resolution as in no way properly before the convention, and as an insult to himself; that he had been invited to lecture before that body-that he had discharged his duty as to him seemed fitting and proper, and that he alone was responsible for what he had uttered; and that if the matter was still to be pursued, he, for one, should be disposed to show fight. The resolution was briefly discussed by several gentlemen, during which time, Mr. Valentine moved to amend by striking the word "not" from the resolution: and, finally, after one or two unsuccessful motions to that effect, the resolution was laid upon the table, as a matter without the range of the duties of the convention.

Mr. Barnes thereupon offered a resolution involving the question of corporal punish ment in schools; the object of which, as understood by the reporter, was to afford the Rev. Mr. May an opportunity to express his views upon the subject, in accordance with a previous decision of the convention. Mr. M.

But the question between the defenders of corporal punishment, and the moral suasionists, is not whether there should be government or no government, in the schools-but whether the government of schools shall be secured and maintained by love or fear by the spirit of kindness or violence? All persons that I have ever heard speak on the subject, have insisted that order, subordination, must be had in schools; and I have known some of the best conducted schools, to be those in which there was no corporal punishment at all. By presenting such examples, and urging such considerations as the case has suggested, the moral suasionists have sought to awaken in the hearts of the teachers, con-i fidence in the power of love. But I do not know a single person, prominent among those who are urging improvement in the plans of education, who has insisted upon the entire disuse of the rod, under every circumstance, and in all cases. We discountenance it, however we discourage it but we do not positively prohibit it. Wes c say, we think children may

be governed without it. If teachers will go into their schools in the spirit of Christ, rather than of Solomon, we believe they will find no

need of the rod.

Mr. Cobb of New-York was in favor of the least possible use of the rod, but would not fake it from the hands of the teacher.

Mr. McElligott would repel the insinuation or assertion, that the use of the rod arose from the absence of the spirit of the Christian in the teacher. The scriptures tell us that "GOD IS LOVE!" yet the use of the rod, by human parents and teachers, when necessary, accorded with the government of the Supreme Being. He was in favor of having it distinctly understood, that the rod was in the hands of the teacher: the times and the manner of using it, must of necessity rest in the discretion of every individual teacher.

Mr. May did not wish to be understood as saying that no Christian could make use of the rod. Such was not his opinion. He knew of no person of prominence as a school reformer, who maintained the opinion that the rod should be taken out of the hands of the teacher.

After some further remarks by Mr. Henry, the resolution was withdrawn.

but it is peculiar. As joint superintendents of the common schools of a state, you stand where no other body of men, in past or present time, ever stood. No ancient nation, whose political arrangements at all resembled ours, ever thought of perpetuating them, by reating up the community of children to intelligence and virtue. The Spartans, however, demonstrated the force of education in perpetuating institutions, even though absurd and unnatural. Coming down to the ages of past modern history, Switzerland is the only nation with whose government ours bears any comparison; but Switzerland being in that part of the world where the feudal system took its rise, differs from our country in the very cle mentary principles of society-aristocracy prevailing there, and democracy here. For similar reasons your situation differs widely from that of the present educators of Europe-too widely for their course to be a guide to yours. The nearest approach to your position is found in that of the state secretaries, such as my honored compatriot, Mr. Barnard, present at this convention, and now superin tendent of the common schools of Rhode Island. But each of these pursues a solitary and undivided struggle with the indifference, On motion of Mr. Parsons, a resolution disorder, and error which must be overcome; commendatory of the District School Journal whereas, you have the strength and advantaYou can meet -recommending its cordial support, and ex-ges which result from union." pressing confidence in Mr. Dwight, its editor, as now to consult, and each be benefited by was unanimously adopted. the experience of the other; and agreeing on common measures, you can move forward in united force. The Secretary of State, your paternal head, is a man whose character inspires the confidence, that in him, you may from which you may derive light to guide— find what you need-a centre to your system, warmth to vivify-and gravitation to connect your common movement. And you have, too, still in life, a District School Journal, conADDRESS OF MRS. EMMA WILLARD, ducted by a fearless and enlightened chronicler. From what the Superintendent of Rhode Island To the Gentlemen composing the Convention said yesterday, you perceive how disheartenof County and Town Superintendents of ing is his task. Let every friend of education Common Schools for the State of New-feel the duty of sustaining him. Moses could York, read to them by her at the house of not pray, unless Aaron held up his hands. L. H. Redfield, Esq., where she was a guest. Let us not be discouraged by the fall of other GENTLEMEN:-The education of the ri-journals, but rather let us say, 'New-York sing by the risen generation, is every where can and must support a Common School Jourand at all times a first duty. But at this pe- nal.' riod, and in this country, it acquires peculiar | But to return from this digression. You importance. To our nation the lot falls to try see, then, Gentlemen, how important is your a great political experiment, not for ourselves position, and how peculiar. There are no only, but for mankind at large; and its suc-other American educators situated in all recess or failure rests with the common schools of our Republic.

We have thas presented a few of the details of this convention. In the Teachers' Journal, we expect to find a full account of the resolutions adopted, of the several reports and of the various addresses, from which we hope to draw freely for our next number.

spects like yourselves. You cannot obtain clear light to guide your course from those of New-York is, in several respects, the lead. Europe, because the source from which you ing state of the Union; and such are her re- derive your power, and the rocks from which sources, that it is in the rower of the state or-you are in danger of wreck, are different. ganization, which you, Gentlemen, represent, Your power comes from an opinion in the mato make her the leading state in common jority of the people, that such an organization school education. Think, then, how impor-will be useful to a cause which is dear to them, tant is your position, and how deep your re--that of their own schools; and in order to sponsibilities to God and man. sustain it (for its life depends not on the And your position is not only important, will of any monarch or minister of state) you

* 16h cord OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK vd

must serve and please the people. You must move on ; but you must not, in leading, ad vance so fast but that you keep the people with you.

best plan by which the provision made for their
relief might be applied: guarding, on the one
band, against the want of compassion, and on
the other, against the frauds of the applicants.
This required time and minute attention to
each case. He therefore proposed that the
common council should invite the ladies' to
hold a meeting, and choose them out faithful 't
and capable women in each ward, who should
take by weeks the duty of looking to the con-
dition of the poor, within their precincts:
more especially with regard to the distribution!
of wood, the store provided to be made sub-in
ject to the official order of this female.com-
mittee. The ladies felt honored by the confi-
dence thus reposed in them, and fulfilled in!
all things the wishes of the city authorities.
The poor were taken care of by the diligence.
of the women, at the least possible expense,
while the more valuable time of the men was
spared, so that they might be adding to the
fund from which society at large is main

Methinks that some of you at this moment wear almost the brow of perplexity. "We must move. If we stand still in education, where so much depends, we shall meet the taunts, that we do no good. This is certain destruction and we must please and satisfy the people, as well as do them service; and all this without any chart by which to guide our course.” Yes but like the great disco verer of your continent, you know to what point you would steer, and you have your compass, and the lights of heaven; reason is the one, and revelation the other. The wind is not, perchance, such as you expected or wished but the great skill is in finding out what it is which actually blows, and then so using it as to make it carry you on your course. Here, then, I introduce my main subject. Is there not in the education, the in-tained. Women in the days of our mothers, fluence, the time, and the pecuniary means of the patriotic and pious women of this country, a power which, if turned into this channel of effort, and skilfully directed, is sufficient to ensure a degree of success to the common school system heretofore unknown to the world.'

I distinguish among my sex, because I know that there are those who cannot serve

manufactured the greatest part of the clothing
in agricultural families. Now machines have
relieved them from that labor, and left them
It is to
with time, which they formerly had not...
worth the while of patriotic men to see that
this time is well employed.

If the women can thus aid the men in the care of the poor of their common political this noble cause, and especially are there two household, how much more could they assist them in the care of the little children-a classes, who, though they may do well by ac- charge, which God himself has, by physical cident, yet of whom no consistent good can reasonably be expected. These are the insane as well as by mental indications, made pecuand the ultra fashionable. Of these I do not liarly their own. In your families, gentlemen, speak; but of those who have wrought for suppose some hired person should come to the last twenty or thirty years as the right arm you, and inquire of you concerning your little what cup of the clergy, in that great movement of chris-children-"Where shall they spend their time? shall they drink from? shall these tian philanthropy which so honorably distinguishes our days from the former that of girls sew, or shall they study ? Would you Why do you come to me to regusending abroad the bread of life, instead of not say

the sword of death-of those who as benero ese minutiæ concerning my little chil

I must go forth to my business and earn lent societies have, epecially in cities, so efficiently aided in the care of the poor. Dr. money to support them-go to their mother. Corning, the mayor of Troy, says of the la- And in private families, would not the very dies of the Charity Association, who in our fact that the mother did not regulate these city have for thirty years past been the solace things, show, either that she was incapable of the widow, the orphan and the afflicted, through infirmity or vice, or that her husband that fifty cents in their hands goes as far as a unwisely kept her out of her proper place? hundred in the hands of men. And this so-For is there anything concerning the human ciety shows the value of educated and intelli-race more apparent, than that, in regard to the gent women, not only to add plus' to the great interests of the community, but to take away 'minus' in the cognizance by its proper officers, of the complaints of beggars; saving us, on the one band, from hardness of heart" and on the other, from that vilest of trades, street-begging."

bringing up of children, the father should be left free to go abroad and provide for them, while the mother, sharing that provision, should remain to watch over them, and see

that the things provided are economically put to their destined use. And if these little children are taken from their mothers in the family nursery, and put into that of the village, Such women are numerous in every part then it belongs to the united mothers to follow, of the state. Last fall the mayor of Utica, them personally or by their agents, to the vil in bringing before the city authorities of that place, the subject of the poor, addressed the lage nursery, and watch them there; the opecommon council, as I am told, to this effect:rations of the women being, however, in both That as winter was approaching, and the des- cases, subject to the supervision of the men; whose paramount authority they should teach titute to be provided for, he wished to devise the

17

to the children, both by precept and ex-own school by the knowledge that it is the ample.

But this principle of giving to associated women the charge of the community of children, has not heretofore been acted on. No nor have republics heretofore stood. We are seeking by new means, to effect new results. Your own organization, gentlemen, is itself a new measure, and we exult in it the more on that account; and if you bring to effect the farther step which is here proposed, you will have the honor of advancing towards its full perfection, the common school system. Could the American common schools command the organized and sustained co-operation of the American women, it would be in vain that any European common school system should seek to vie with ours. Before European nations could follow our example, they must first educate the great body of their females."

Allow me here to read to you, gentlemen, from the Connecticut Common School Journal, of Dec. 15th, 1840, an extract of a letter from myself to Mr. Barnard, then common school superintendent for that state:

proper sphere of woman to take care of young
children and by the consideration of the de-
ficiencies heretofore experienced, and the
need of united and efficient effort, as well as
of some additional pecuniary means to supply #
those deficiencies. We therefore determine,
in the fear and by the favor of God, to asso-
ciate ourselves in the solemn resolution that
we will do whatever may be in our power,
consistently with higher duties, to effect there!
object herein named ; and we conceive, that,
to no object, will our duty to our Maker more
distinctly point than that, as a body, the women!
of this district should see that the children.
within its bounds should be so trained as to
become the blessings of this world, and the
blessed' of a better."

8

The constitution adopted provided for three committees of our number: First, a committee of locations, whose business it was to re port the location and condition of every child of proper age, within our precincts, so that no one, through neglect of parents or poverty, should be kept from the school: as in the one "The condition of the common schools, in case we would endeavor to persuade, and in several respects, appears to me affecting, like the other we would assist by our needles, our that of a large young family of widower's family stores, or our purses. This, gentlemen, children. The father provides what he thinks is the way, and the only way, in which all the is necessary, and there is perhaps a hired maid children of a democratic republic may be or an older sister, who looks after the little gathered into the schools. Suppose the time to children, as well as she knows how. But arrive when the children of our whole country, where is the mother? Where is she whose within every school district, shall be under the watchful eye and yearning bosom would be care of enlightened and efficient women, the surest pledge of their growing intelligence operating systematically, and their actions Who would there be and virtue?—With her they were cleanly, sustained by the men. orderly and industrious. She felt their little to hinder the work, which they should thus wants, when the father did not; and her in-undertake? Would not, in this case, the very fluence with him, or her ownpurse, was drawn elements of opposition be made to propel the forth to supply them; and the supply was not car Our second committee was called a 'commitmonthly to be renewed, on account of unwatched waste and destruction; for she ad-tee of accommodations. This was composed monished the little squanderers; took care, or of our most thorough house-keepers. We sent obliged them to do so, of their minutest arti- them to look over the school-house and grounds, cles of necessity. All this the united mothers and see how the accommodations there commight do for the common nursery of their pared with those to which their children were children; and it is for the want of this super-accustomed at home. There is not time to vision, that the common schools are in the speak of the astonishment with which they forlorn condition in which many of them, now contemplated, what they had never throughout the country, are now found; and thought of before. By their report we were the best might be with it, far better than they to meet which, we taxed ourselves in a small led to make a number of new arrangements, sum, and those who were able and willing, made more ample contributions. Single ladies of property, had here an opportunity to serve their country, in serving their neighborhood, The articles purchased with our fund belonged to our association, and were looked after by "We, the undersigned, women of the east this committee. On the head of funds, I would district of Kensington, do hereby associate here remark that the ladies of a district in ourselves for the object of aiding, by our Hartford subsequently formed a similar socieunited exertions, the common school cause; ty, and they being more wealthy, raised by: especially by improving the condition of our taxing themselves, a sum sufficient to pay, own school. We are moved hereto by consider- among other things, the salary of a second ing the vital importance of elevating by right teacher; these mothers being led to see that. education, the common mind-by the endear-one teacher was not sufficient to do justice to ing ties which bind us to the children of our their children. From some of these ladies I

can be without it."

2.

By such arguments the ladies of Kensington* were persuaded to come together and to subscribe to a constitution of which the following is the preamble. Would that every female in our land felt the spirit which it embodies: