not fear to o advance them to be committees I in common schools, lest they should be elevating them above their sphere! heard the worthy sentiment, that the house at I will h home must wait for some desirable embellish ments, till the necessities of the school were first supplied. Will men be likely to attend An able lecturer on the past and present conto all the minutiae which fall within the pur-dition of America, †' has lately said: view of a The commodations on school committee of ac-educated women of this country are not living Can they as well take care of cups, and pails, and towels, and window curtains, and see that money goes far in the supply of these and similar articles of necessity? Our third committee in Kensington was on the literature of the school, and this committee was to act in concert with that of the men, of whom the Presbyterian pastor, the Rev. Royal Robbins, well known as an author, was at the head. This gentleman became so well satisfied of the utility of our scheme, that he afterwards lectured on the subject in some of the principal places of Connecticut. Through this third committee our Kensington association assisted to effect a proper classification of the school. That great stumbling-block and hindrance, the diversity of school books, we took out of the way, by purchasing and owning such books as by consultation with the male authorities it was agreed should be used in the school; and, unless parents chose to buy, we loaned the books to the scholars for a few cents per term on each volume. If parents either could not or would not pay this trifling sum, then we furnished books to their children gratis; but we did actually class the school, and made each scholar of the same class, study the text-book assigned. But though enough was here accomplished, as the report of the state secretary of Connecticut will amply show, to test the soundness of the principles assumed; yet, in the formation of these voluntary associations clearly saw that there was a defect, and that, before women could with tranquility and confidence take their proper place in the common school organization, men must call them to the post and sustain them there. Such importance, gentlemen, does the law of their nature oblige them to attach to your opinions. Women are afraid to come forward-afraid not of toil and watching but afraid they shall do something, or take some attitude, which will not please the men. But let them be called by invitations from the constituted male authorities, as were the ladies of Utica, and requested to choose certain officers for specific duties, and to make their regular reports to the proper male officers, and the service ex pected of them will be performed; the trust reposed will be fulfilled. This subject, gentlemen, contemplates a great step in the onward march of society. It indicates the means of pleasantly relieving the men from onerous burdens, of doing great good to the children, and of performing an act of justice to woman, by giving her a more dignified and a more improving place in society. And while despotic governments make women their sovereigns, democratic men up to their responsibilities." It is true, but give them the important occupations which have here been indicated, and they would then become the very cement of our political edifice. convention is so Occasionally, as in this place, where this common schools by means of good teachers hospitably entertained, the and zealous superintendents, are placed on such a footing, that the children are among the favored of the earth. There are women here who voluntatily pay much attention to the schools. But were it otherwise, exceptions do not disprove general rules. The fact that some single families have been found where motherless children are well managed, does not disprove the great general law, that no care is so good for the child, as that of the mother. In the family, how deep is the gloom which overshadows the members, when the wife and mother is withdrawn. Should, her removal be but for a season, how happy are the household when they again experience her unsleeping cares, bask in the sunlight of her eyes, and grow in virtue by the dew of her lips. Even like the return of the wife and mother to the family, so for order, for moral goodness, and for happiness, would be the irnity into that place in the common s ducting of the united women of the commu 'school system, which by the law of nature is theirs. to public feeling and action, which should en- central town of Connecticut. CELEBRATION AT BARTON. BARTON, July 17th, 1845. Mr. Dwight-We had a celebration in this town on the fourth of July, our "Nation's Birthday," in which several schools took an active part. There was no examination of the schools, but the various exercises of the day were highly interesting. The day was ushered in by the firing of cannon. At an early hour the front street of the village was thronged with a "living mass," which hourly increased until eleven o'clock, and every movement of our citizens proclaimed that something more than ordinary was about to take place. Athalf past eight the marshal of the day, accompanied by the music and the committee of ar." in "times that tried men's souls," amid the COMMON SCHOOL NOTICE. rangements, crossed the river Susquehannah | and spent the vigor of their days to maintain to the town of Nichols, and, at the distance of half a mile from the ferry, found District No. 1 in readiness to attend us to Barton village "with spirits as buoyant as air.” After recrossing the river, the committee, with the music, proceeded to wait on the delegation from District No. 6, which was ushered into the village to the sound of martial music, in "grand agony." The procession was then formed in front of N. Shoemaker's hotel, under the direction of Hiram Bloodgood, Marshal of the day, in the following order: 1, Marshal; 2, Music; 3, Riflemen; 4, Orator and Reader; 5, Clergymen; 6, District Schools, with their respective teachers, in the following order: No. 1, Nichols, Miss Kiff, teacher; No. 6, Barton, Miss Louisa Adams, teacher; No. 1, Barton village, Joseph W. Howard, teacher. 7, Committee of Arrangements; 8 Citizens and Strangers. The procession being formed, proceeded to the Methodist Chapel, where the order of exercises was as follows: 1, Singing by the Choir. 2, Prayer by the Rev. Erastus Smith, 3, Singing by the Schools. 4, Reading of the Declaration, by W. Smith, Esq. 5, Oration, by William R. Finch. 6, Singing, 7, Address to the Schools, by the Rev. Mr. Gibbs. 8, Prayer. 9, Martial Music. 10, Benediction. After which the procession again formed in the same order and marched back to N. Shoemaker's hotel, from whence the schools proceeded to the opposite side of the river, where a good dinner was prepared for them in a beautiful grove. After dinner the schools were seated in the cool shade, and diverted the attention of all present by singing, and then dismissed, some going to their places of abode, and others remaining to swing until sundown; and as the "shades of evening" approached, all became still where it had before been "hubbub and bustle." A place was assigned in the procession by the committee of arrangements for the county and town superintendents, who were invited, but, unfortunately for us, were other-1 wise engaged. Every thing passed off pleasantly, harmoniously, and satisfactorily to all; no accidents, no contentions, no disturbances occurring to mar the pleasure, the happiness and peace of the day. Never has the village of Barton witnessed a similar occasion; and never will its effects be eradicated. It has given an impulse to the vigor of the youthful patriots which will be handed down to succeeding generations. It has awakened a deep er patriotism in the hearts of her citizens, and inspired them with a loftier feeling, which will cause them to hail the annual return of the birthday of our nation, with every manifest token of joy." It will give them an increased anxiety to have their children more thoroughly acquainted with the history of their country, which will tend to inspire them with a patriotic ardor that will spurn with indignation ev ery attempt to fetter that freedom for which their forefathers fought, and bled, and toiled, At a recent meeting of the Town Superintendents of Common Schools of this county, it~ was resolved that the County Superintendents be requested to hold special meetings at as early a day as practicable, in the different sections of the county for educational purpo es, and that £ they call to their aid such literary gentlemen as they shall deem most expedient. In accordance with said resolution, the following arrangements. have been made, and are hereby announced to to the public, viz: A meeting at Sandy Hill on Monday, September 15th. A meeting at Fort Ann on Tuesday, Sept. 16. A meeting at Whitehall, (for Whitehall, Dres-> den and Putnam,) Sept. 17. A meeting at Middle Granville, (for Granville, and Hampton.) Sept. 18. A meeting at North, Hartford, on Friday, Sept. 19th. A meeting at West Hebron on Saturday, September 20th. A meeting at Salem on Monday, Sept. 228. A meeting at Union Village, on Thursday, A meeting at Argyle, on Friday, Sept. 26. The meetings of each day will commence at o'clock, P. M., and the afternoon will be devoted to remarks upon the duties, difficulties and responsibilities of teachers and school offi. cers; and the evening to public lectures on the general subject of popular education. Several distinguished literary gentlemen from abroad have been invited, and are expected to attend; and it is confidently anticipated that these meetings will not only be made highly useful and instructive to teachers and school officers, but peculiarly interesting and profitable to the public. It is confidently expected, therefore, that large audiences will be present at each of the above named places. The several Town Superintendents will see that the necessary arrangements for the accom-: modation of the meeting of their respective. towns, are promptly made; and that the teachinvited to attend. ers of our schools, present and prospective, are ALFRED WRIGHT, DISTRICT SCHOOL JOURNAL. VOL. VI. OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK. ALBANY, OCTOBER, 1845. COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT. Abraham Van Vechten has been appointed County Superintendent for Albany in the place of Rufus King, Esq. resigned. OFFICIAL. No. 7. under the supervision of Seabury Allen. county superintendent. The board of instruction will consist of Zalmon Richards, A. M. Principal, Reuben H. Bingham, late graduate of the State Normal School, associate teacher, and such other assistance as the Institute may require. Professors Page and Perkins, of the State Normal School, will be present and lecture to the Insti STATE OF NEW-YORK-SECRETARY'S OFFICE. tute, which will be a great additional induce DEPARTMENT OF COMMON SCHOOLS. TO COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS. The several County Superintendents are directed to forward to the Department an account of the several Teachers' Institutes held in their several counties since January last, specifying the number of pupils, the duration of the session, together with any other material facts. In those counties in which Teachers' Drills have been held, the county officers will furnish similar information. The returns should be made on or before the 20th of November. N. S. BENTON, TEACHERS' INSTITUTES. BROOME COUNTY. The Institute will open on the 5th October, at Binghamton, and will continue three weeks under the direction of J. Taylor Brodt, county superintendent, who will be assisted by Mrs. E. Willard, Albert D. Wright, Dr. A. Wheeler, Dr. N. S. Davis, E. M. Rollo, principal of the Binghamton Academy, and probably by Prof. Davies. ORLEANS. Will open on Tuesday, Oct. 7, in Yates Aca. demy, and continue from two to four weeks, under the direction of J. O. Willsea, county superintendent, and Messrs. Benj. Wilcox, Jr., A. M., Principal of the Academy, William F. Bascom, A. M., and L. Reubens. Lectures from the dif. ferent teachers on the science of teaching and best method of discipline, will be given through the course-also lectures from scientific gentlemen of the county may be expected on subjects relating to physiology, moral and mental philosophy, &c. &c. SARATOGA. The Institute will open at Ballston Spa on the Seventh of October, and continue three weeks, ment to the attendance of the teachers. STEUBEN. The Institute will open on the 13th October, at Bath, and will continue ten or twelve days, under the direction of Alanson S. Phillips, county superintendent. The arrangements have not been completed. COLUMBIA. SEMI-ANNUAL SCHOOL CELEBRATIONS. CHATHAM. On the 26th of August we commenced our common school celebrations at the Federal Stores in the town of Chatham. The large and excellent school at the four corners, in carriages, left the village and were joined by the school at the centre, and other schools, in all making a procession of some fifteen or twenty vehicles, containing the jewels of Chatham, and proceeded to the Federal Stores, where were a number of schools with their teachers assembled. Soon after, the school at Malden, and the schools from different parts of the town arrived; and "last, though not least," the school from Chatham Street. Thirty-three in one four-horse The exercises were opened with prayer by the Rev. wagon, with banners, appeared to complete the scene. Mr. Regg, and although the church was crowded, and the exercises continued from three to four hours, none appeared impatient, and all were highly gratified, and was frequently expressed by gentlemen in attendance, perfectly satisfied with the examinations. And surprise that children attending a coinmon school could sustain so thorough an examination, and that they were proud of the schools in Chatham. After a recess of ten minutes, able and excellent addresses were delivered to parents and teachers, by the Rev. Mr. Regg and the Rev. Mr. Porter; and after some remarks to of the audience were presented to the Rev. gentlemen the children by the county superintendent, the thanks for their very able and interesting addresses, and a committee of three appointed by the choir, to wait upon them, and request a copy of their addresses for publication. GHENT. On the 27th the schools in the town of Ghent assembled at the church near the Hon. Tobias L. Hogeboom's, and we soon found the place too small, and were obliged to have the aisles occupied, and every "nook and corner" filled with benches and chairs, and many had to stand during the exercises. After prayer by the Rev. Mr. Deyoe, the examination was commenced by reciting, then an exercise in arithmetic, next in grammar, then in geography; concluding with an exercise in physiology. The exercises were uncommonly interest-by answering in concert; next singing by the pupils in ing, particularly reading; to see children in the pre- No. 2. An exercise in grammar followed, then singing sence of thousands, not only reading correctly and un-by the pupils of No. 5. An exercise in geography closed derstandingly, but beautifully, must have been gratify the examination. The Rev. Dr. Strobel, of Valatie, ing, not to teachers alone, but to parents also. And spe- then addressed the children, after which the Rev. Mr. cimens of drawing and painting were exhibited that Shaffer addressed the teachers. The addresses were would have done honor to our State Normal School, and interesting and appropriate, inculcating sound and we challenge any school in the State of New-York to wholesome truths, in the practice of which, those for present as fine specimens as will be presented at the next whom they were intended will find their best interests State convention of Superintendents at Poughkeepsie, advanced. After some remarks from the county superfrom No. 8 in the town of Ghent. The different schools intendent, expressing his gratification at the result of were examined by their respective teachers, and all ap- the examination, the benediction was pronounced by peared highly delighted with the manner in which the the Rev. Mr. Van Zandt, the assembly dispersed, all examinations were sustained. After a recess of fifteen well pleased with the celebration. Too much credit minutes, during which we were favored with excellent cannot be bestowed upon the town superintendents of singing by the choir, the Rev. Mr. DeWitt delivered an the towns in which celebrations have been held. They able and interesting address, and was followed by the have labored with a zeal and ability truly commendaRev. Mr. Porter, of Chatham, in his usual eloquent ble. The result of our celebrations has been in the and happy manner of addressing parents upon the sub- highest degree animating and cheering to all engaged ject of education. The county superintendent then and interested in the cause of education, and undoubtad-Iressed the children, and the exercises were conclu- edly will give an impulse to our common schools which ded to the entire satisfaction of all present. will be permanent and salutary. An interest has been created never before known, and the schools in Columbia county were never in as flourishing and prosperous a condition as at the present time, affording abundant encouragement to us all to persevere in the course of enlightended humanity, devoted patriotism and practiRespectfully yours, HILLSDALE. On the 20th, the schools in the town of Hillsdale, at an early hour, assembled at the Methodist Church, and formed a procession and marched to the Baptist Church, nearly one-fourth of a mile, preceded by a band of mu sic. The schools had each its appropriate banner and motto, and generally a device. The banners were all well got up and added much to the beauty of the procession. One from No. 9 was peculiarly interesting, bearing for its motto, "Knowledge is Power," and bearing the school-house beautifully painted by one of the pupils. The body of the church had been reserved for the scholars, but it was soon found that the place was too strait for the pupils, and many had to stand, and not one-fourth of the people could enter the church. The aisles, gallery and hall were literally jammed. The windows and doors were opened, and as many as could approach them near enough to hear or see, filled them. Many were in wagons and carriages, eager to catch a glimpse of the scholars. The exercises were opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Jones. The first class of each school then ascended the stage erected for the purpose in frout of the desk, and gave excellent specimens of correct writing; then each school, accompanied by its respective teacher, occupied the stage, and well sustained a critical and thorough examination in grammar, arithmetic and geography, answering alternately and in concert promptly, evincing to the thou sands of parents present, that their children had not only been properly taught, but that their teachers were of a high order, and had faithfully discharged the duties of their profession. The exercises were enlivened by music from the choir, and from several schools, proving that the experiment has proved successful, of introducing vocal music into our schools. The schools were briefly examined by the county superintendent, and their answers clearly showed that the scholars under stood perfectly what they had been taught. Where all of the exercises were so well sustained, it would be need less to particularize. But the examination in the grammai manifested clearly, to the entire satisfaction of all present that the principles were well understood, appreciated, and applied in analyzing and constructing sentences. After the recess, able and impressive ad. dresses were made by the Rev. Mr. Brewer, and by the Rev. Mr. Fuller, and an address to the children by the county superintendent. And it was truly a delightful and noble scene to see four hundred children marching with music and banners, all delighted and happy, and sustaining a thorough examination, and then returning to their homes, contented and happy, and no accident to mar their felicity. It has been truly and well said, "the last month has been worth more to the schools in the town of Hillsdale than any six months which preceded it. KINDERHOOK. The schools in the town of Kinderhook assembled at the Baptist Church on Tuesday, the 2d of September, and being preceded by music, and clergymen representing four different denominations, marched in procession to the Brick Church, attended by their parents and friends, filling that large and beautiful edifice to overflowing. The exercises were opened with prayer, by the Rev. Mr. Smith of Pennsylvania, after which each school went through an exercise in reading; then the pupils of No. 1 sung a short and appropriate piece entitled "Try Again." Then an exercise in arithmetic cal virtue. DAVID G. WOODIN, FRANCIS DWIGHT, Esq. ESSEX. SEMI-ANNUAL EXAMINATION OF THE COMMON Agreeably to the invitation of the Westport Common School Association, the several schools in town, with beautiful banners, portraying a variety of scientific subjects, convened in the church at Wadham's Falls, on the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 3d. The exercises were opened with prayer, by the Rev. Mr. Wood, of Berson, Vt. The examining committee called for the writing books, having the progressive dates, showing their improvement in penmanship-the maps of Westport and atlases of other geographical maps executed by the pupils-the several letters setting forth the advantages of common school examinations, composed by the the teachers, the pupils, or their friends, and copied, folded and directed, by the pupils; and the books of trees, illustrating the principles of grammar. These specimens, and interesting proofs of efficient industry on the part of teachers and pupils, were passed for the examination of the audience. All that was attemptel, was well done; yet, many pupils felt grieved that they could not have the privilege to be questioned on what they imagined to be their most valuable parts; indeed, many teachers were expecting to have their schools questioned at two several times; but the hour for closing had arrived, and the second hearing was necessarily denied. At the close, the committee expressed themselves highly gratified-far beyond their most sanguine expectations. They confessed themselves sensible of the difficulty of their situation in adjudging and awarding premiums to a few, where all had done so well. interesting and lovely scenes ever witnessedAt this stage, was exhibited one of the most the unanimous vote of the children, directing the premium money which was to be given them, to be expended in the purchase of school books and distributed under the direction of the executive committee, to poor children in the next winter schools. Thus the pupils, in the day of their prosperity, remembered those less favored; some of whom were unable to be present on this happy examination day. During the proceedings of the day, remarks were made by Dr. D. P. Holton, town superin. tendent, and by E. S. Shumway, Esq., county superintendent. At the close of the examina tion, he addressed the scholars and teachers on the subject of education, and impressed the subject on the minds of the younger portion of the audience, by interesting anecdotes and happy illustrations, which were attentively listened to by all. We have been favored with the letters address. ed to the examining committee, two of which we give below: thus stimulating the hope and desire which exists in and usefulness in the world, the means of which are every youthful breast to occupy a station of celebrity found alone in the preparatory studies of common schools. These considerations, and others of equal importance that might be made, will fully justify the friends of education in meeting together from time to time, for the purpose of watching over the progress of universal education, which is the hope of our country and the salvation of the world from tyrants and impostors. It is a matter of astonishment that so little is done on this subject, and we may be allowed to hope that what is being done in this town, may be but the commencement of an interest on the subject commensurate with its importance, and universal throughout our country. Yours with respect, ROB'T R. STEVENSON. In behalf of district school No. 1, taught by Miss B. M. WARNER. WESTPORT, ESSEX COUNTY, N. Ÿ. The plan of giving premiums, proposed by this association, is questionable-in our judg[We can only give extracts from these letters.]ment bad. We should be glad to see it discus WESTPORT, Essex co., N. Y., Sept. 3, 1945. GENTLEMEN : As regards the utility of the scheme of common school examinations, there exists in our mind little or no doubt. We cannot speak from our own experience, yet from the experience and testimony of others more learned and better acquainted with men and things cause and effect-we infer that we may expect incalculably great advantages to be derived from such an effort. Who can calculate the bearing a word, a look, or an effort like this, may have on an immortal mind? It may determine its destiny for time-yea, more-for eternity. At these examinations, too, the teachers are expected to express their views and methods of instruction, with freedom, and whatever information one possesses more than another, in this way becomes common property. Here, too, the good teacher will be distinguished from the bad, and parents will be convinced that it is much better to hire a good teacher than a cheap one. Another argument in favor of examinations, is, that it always has been the practice, and has been deemed highly important, that there should be public examinations in the higher departments of education, as seminaries and colleges. Then surely, if it is important for those who have arrived at the age in which they ought or are expected to exercise reason, in retaining what they have learned, it is far more important for those so young that they cannot duly appreciate the advantages of an education. Then again, the Reports of the county superintendents of 1945, give an account of thirty-seven public examinations, all of which resulted well. To close, we add, that it is our sincere wish, that not only this examination may result in good, but that the system of common schools may proceed in developing new and important methods, until we shall have a perfect structure, and one which we shall not be ashained to present to the assembled nations of the earth. ANNA MCKAY, In behalf of school district No. 8, taught by Miss HELEN P. CARPENTER. GENTLEMEN : The scholars of the different schools are brought into competition and comparison with each other, and all the motives of the youthful mind are influenced and operated upon favorably to the increase of learning; no child is willing to be outdone by another of the same age: a spirit of emulation is thus encouraged the eye of the parents and guardians and others is upon them, and a wish to stand well in their estimation, is natural to every youthful mind. Again, children instinctively pay more attention to the communications of those about their own age, and thus they learn from each other; remarks are also made by the superintendents and their friends, showing the importance of the improvement of youth, and of their obtaining a good education, and the variety of ways in which it can be made useful in after life: sed in our columns--ED. We take pleasure in calling the attention of our readers to an association recently formed in this town for increasing the benefits of our com. mon schools. We would respectfully suggest that the hearty co-operation of parents is requisite to the success of this scheme, as, indeed, of any schemes de signed to improve our schools. COMMON SCHOOL ASSOCIATION. WHEREAS, Universal experience in teaching, shows the importance of occasional reviews and examinations AND WHEREAS, It is desirable to increase the utility of our schools, by encouraging a laudable spirit of emulation AND WHEREAS, The best means of effecting this, is believed to be, the assembling of the several schools at least once in each term, for a public examination by a suitable committee: Therefore, We, the subscribers, hereby pledge our co-operation, and an annual payment of 25 cents, for the period of five years from date, for establishing a PREMIUM FUND, out of which ten per cent shall be appropriated to defray the expenses of an annual celebration, July 4th, and the semi-annual examination. One-third of the remainder shall be awarded to the teachers of our summer schools, and the remaining twothirds shall be awarded to the teachers of our winter schools, as in the judgment of the examin. ing committee shall best express the compara tive efficiency of their labors, in view of all the circumstances which should be taken into account. This association shall hold its annual meeting for the choice of officers, in the Baptist Church at Westport, on the third Monday in July. The officers shall be |