Resolved, That teachers should read books and papers devoted to the subject of common school education, and endeavor to keep pace with the onward spirit of the age. without implicit confidence and concert of action imparting those lessons so effectually as by the existing between its teachers, various officers, and teacher's constant example of kindness, justice, the people, as the true source of power: There-integrity, equanimity, sympathy and affection. fore, Resolved, That we believe it to be the duty of teachers, county and town superintendents, as well as all officers connected with common schools, in their individual and official capacity, to endeavor to conciliate the confidence and esteem of the people; to enlighten, mould and turn public sentiment upon the subject of education into its health-thanks for his indefatigible labors in advancing ful and proper channel. Whereas the term of office of the present county superintendent is about to expire, Resolved, That we tender to him our sincere the cause of common school education, for the efficient manner in which he has discharged the important and responsible duties of his office, and for his untiring zeal in promoting the advancement of mind. Whereas much dissatisfaction and discord have been produced among the teachers of this county, both by the past and present methods of establishing and conducting Normal Schools; and whereas we consider it absolutely essential to the pros- On motion of H. C. White, a committee was perity and utility of those schools that the influ-appointed to prepare business for the next meeting, ence and energies of the teachers be united in creating and sustaining one such institution:Therefore, consisting of Messrs. John Church, O. Wight, S. W. Marvin, E. Bacon, and N. F. Daniels. On motion of H. C. White, a vote of thanks was given to those in attendance from abroad, especially from the town of Yates. On motion of Mr. Penniman, towns superintend Resolved, That a committee be appointed to fix upon the time and place for holding such school, and provide instructors, &c. for the same; and that we consider it the duty of the county super-ent of Barre, thanks were voted to Messrs. Hall intendent, together with the superintendents of the and Rich for their able and appropriate addresses. several towns, to act as such committee: and we Resolved, That the proceedings of this conventherefore choose them to act in such capacity. tion be published in the county papers, District School Journal, and Teachers' Advocate. Resolved, That this association recommend the passage of a law making an appropriation to defray the expenses of a teachers' institute in each county of the state. Resolved, That this association recommend the adoption of the FREE SCHOOL system in this state. Resolved, That an annual examination of all our teachers, whether holding town, county, or state licenses, is an indispensable duty of school officers. The convention adjourned to meet again at the call of the president. N. W. BUTTS, President. WESTPORT, Nov. 21, 1845. MR. DWIGHT,-That the subjects of this comResolved, That in our opinion, a correct habit munication may be brought directly before each of reading can best be fixed by the frequent ex-school district in the county, it is respectfully soliample of the teacher-arithmetic by application cited that the Journal be the medium of communito the business of life-English grammar by frecation.co quently applying its principles to the art of composition-geography in connection with drawing -and spelling by writing upon slates. Resolved, That we recommend to teachers to statedly instruct their pupils in correct composition and declamation. Resolved, That it is the imperative duty of the teacher to endeavor to secure to his school the benefits derived from the frequent visitation of its patrons. SCHOOL DISTRICT MAPS. In order to raise the necessary tax for repairing school-houses, erecting wood-houses, &c., the trustees of school districts will find their labors greatly facilitated by having a map of their district, defining the taxable lands, and the residence of habitants. Where no such map is already formed, it will be economy in such district to call a meeting of Whereas a great amount of human suffering is the inhabitants, who, with the aid of the town induced by man's violation of the organic laws of superintendent, may accurately define their bounhis being, which might be avoided by the know-daries, and affix a district map to their account ledge of his physical construction, Therefore, Resolved, That the study of physiology ought to be introduced into every common school, and when it cannot be introduced, the teacher should give oral instruction. Resolved, That every teacher, so far as his opportunities may permit, should make himself acquainted with the philosophy of the human mind. Resolved, That every teacher should endeavor to awaken the minds of his pupils, and to prepare them for the active duties of life. book. This will prevent many errors and difficulties, which frequently add to the onerous duties of trustees. A copy of this map may also be affixed to the teachers' book, which trustees are required to provide for the record of the attendance of scho lars. Thus teachers can more readily comply with the statute regulations, and leave their record in a form which will lessen the task of making out the arate-bills. Resolved, That the teacher, in governing his school, should appeal to the higher sentiments of the scholars, only reserving the use of the rod as a dernier resort. Resolved, That every teacher should impart to nis school daily lessons on the much neglected ubject of morals; and that there is no way of S With these two books, required by statute, and a district map accompanying each, and a corresponding judicious record by the several teachers, the duties of trustees would be much more agreeable than they are at present esteemed. sidforg The town superintendent with the aid of the town clerk in each town, will thus be enabled to. complete a town map, which will save days and weeks of trouble and vexation to district and town officers, and the inhabitants generally. Again, these districts and town maps should be copied by every pupil, when he first commences the study of geography. Let the pupil begin with regions already known,-then progress to the study of a town map, a county map, a state map, a map of the United States, and finally a map of the world. This body held its annual session at Mexico ville, commencing on the 13th, and ending on the 24th About two hundred and seventy-five of the most efficient and successful teachers, and several of the most active and intelligent town superintendents of the county were in attendance. On Friday the 24th instant, a resolution of the board of supervisors, which appeared in the Os Thus while the study of their district and town wego Co. Whig, of the 21st inst., was laid before maps is attended with immediate practical utility, the Institute, whereupon it was, the pupils are forming just notions of geographi- Resolved, That a committee of five be appointcal terms and objects, and are the better prepareded to take the matter into consideration, and reto pursue their printed works with understanding port resolutions expressive of the sense of the inpleasure. Indeed, this preliminary step will se- stitute. cure an intelligent zeal in their future geographical labors. On motion, G. R. Jackson, John A. Place, E. A. Fish, A. H. Dunham, and E. B. Doolittle, were Moreover, the habit of intelligent study in geo-appointed such committee. graphy, will be followed by a corresponding effort in other departments of study. The attention of town superintendents and trustees is respectfully called to the subject of district and town maps. Minerva, Newcomb, Schroon, February 4 11 18 25 5 Wilmington, Thursday, March 11 After due deliberation, the committee reported the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted: Whereas, the Board of Supervisors, at their late annual meeting, passed the following resolutions, to wit: of the office of deputy superintendent of commo Resolved, That our faith in the usefulness and utility schools for the county of Oswego, is much shaken, fo the following reasons: 1st. That it is not conducive to that harmony and union among the several school districts of this county, that it was designed to produce. 2d. That it is an almost useless expenditure of money. 3d. That we firmly believe, if the same amount of money now paid as a salary to the deputy superintendent were placed in the school fund, it would produce far more beneficial effects. 4th. And finally, after having given the experiment a fair, impartial, and full trial, we sincerely say we are disappointed in its result. We therefore respectfully pray that the legislature at its next session, do abolish this office so far as the county of Oswego is concerned, Resolved, That the clerk of this board, forward at an early day, during the session of our next legislature, to the members of the assembly from this county, a copy of this resolution. And whereas, we believe the above resolutions are unjust, uncalled for, and have no foundation in truth, and are eminently calculated to destroy the hitherto successful efforts to elevate the standard One of the objects of these visitations will be of common school education in Oswego county, therefore, Teachers and the formation of district maps. pupils are invited to have several copies of their It is hoped teachers throughout the county will 3d. We believe the compensation of the county commence and pursue their labors on so thorough superintendent, is no more than a fair equivalent and philosophic a plan, that their daily studies and for the services rendered, and the same amount of recitations may be such in subject and manner, as-money could not be otherwise so beneficially exto render a union examination of the several schools in their respective towns, interesting and profitable to each other, and comparatively easy of execution on the part of the town superinten dents. fully demonstrates the success and utility of the present system. 1 Resolved, That the legislature could not strike a more deadly blow at the cause of education than by abolishing the present system of supervision. Resolved, That our confidence in the ability and usefulness of our county superintendent, Dr. O. W, Randall, remains unshaken; and we congratulate our fellow-citizens upon their good fortune in retaining in the field this champion of primary education. By his unswerving integrity, and straight forward course, he has acquired that popularity which is not run after, but follows the benefactor and philanthropist. Resolved, That these resolutions be signed by the chairman and secretary, and published in the papers of the county. On motion of Mr. Ferris," Resolved, That the chairman of the committee be instructed to transmit a copy of the above resotions to the legislature at their next session. S. R. SWEET, Ch'n. pro tem. A. HOLMES, Secretary. [For the District School Journal.] endeavoring to practice upon the enlightened Resolved, That teacher's associations be formed in each of the towns in this county, at as early a day as practicable; and that we lend our aid and influence to sustain them, by endeavoring to make them both interesting and useful. Resolved, That we recommend the organization of a COUNTY EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY, fo the improvement of our common schools; and that the county superintendents of this county be Ar an adjourned meeting of the board of super-requested to call a meeting of the friends of popuintendents of common schools of Washington lar education for that purpose, at the time and county, held at Argyle, Oct. 17th, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted, viz: Resolved, That in the opinion of this board of superintendents, a special education is no less essential to fit a man for the honorable profession of school teaching, than it is to fit him for that of law or medicine,-and that no person should be "admitted" to the responsibilities of either without this special training. Resolved, That one of the first duties of the state is to provide for the universal education of the people; and as the education of the people depends mainly upon the condition and character of their common schools, it becomes a question of the deepest moment, how these schools can best be made what the interests of all require that they should be-the dispensers of a thorough, practical, universal education. Resolved, That there is little hope of making these schools the almoners of such an education, until teachers themselves shall be more generally specially trained for their profession; and we believe that we have no right to expect that they ever will be so trained until schools shall be established for this express purpose, and until teachers, when thus qualified, shall be more liberally compensated for their services. Resolved, That the establishment of TEACHER'S INSTITUTES, in each of the counties of the state, and the appropriation of a portion of the proceeds of the common school fund, sufficient to sustain them without charge upon the pupil, is a measure of vital importance to the schools, and essential to the best interests of the state. place of the next meeting of the board of super visors. Resolved, That these proceedings be signed by the chairman and secretary, and published in the papers of the county, and also in the District School Journal, After resolving to go home, and practically to carry out the spirit and letter of these resolutions, the board adjourned. I. MCNAUGHTAN, Ch'n. ARCHIBALD GOw, JR., Sec'y. SCHOOL LIBRARY.-This is the title of an excellent series of Reading Books, by Miss E. Robbins. They are designed for the use of schools and families, both as a means of teaching the art of reading, and for the purpose of imparting useful knowledge on a great variety of subjects. The series comprises thirteen volumes. They display considerable skill and sound judgment. Miss Robbins possesses a highly cultivated mind greatly enriched by observation, which, with long experience in teaching, has enabled her to give to the public a series of well written and well arran ged works, affording much valuable information, and being well adapted to refine the taste and awaken a spirit of inquiry. The work entitled “ American Popular Lessons," cannot fail to exert a healthful influence on the formation of character. The principles of morality, manners of men, and a great variety of eminently useful topics, are Resolved, That in the examination and licens-treated in a simple yet dignified style, which will ing of teachers, duty to our constituents requires In the "Poetry for Schools," we find a discreet that we should be more thorough and critical than has heretofore been the practice, and that selection from the writings of the Poets, affording we regard evidence of "ability to teach," and a some of the best specimens of English Literature desire to elevate and improve the profession, as which have enriched the language from the Elizaindispensable prerequisites to obtaining a license. bethan age to the present time. To these selecResolved, That those teachers who are regular (tions are added explanations, involving a brief but readers of some one of the numerous educational comprehensive system of Rhetoric, as an illustrajournals of the day, and who have read, and are tion of the style of the poets.-Teachers' Adv. interest and improve the youthful reader. DISTRICT SCHOOL JOURNAL. his late residence; and notwithstanding the incle ALBANY, JANUARY, 1846. ESQ. DEATH OF FRANCIS DWIGHT, ES this IN place of the customary gratulations of festive season, our columns are this month clothed mency of the day, all classes of our citizens united in paying the last sad tribute of respect and affection to their deceased friend. The adjacent churches were thrown open for the accommodation of the pupils of the public schools, and such others as could not obtain entrance into the house: in the habiliments of mourning in consequence of and the procession of citizens on foot and in the lamented death of him who has heretofore and for so long a period been their guiding and inform ing spirit! On the 15th of December ult. that spirit took its flight from earth to heaven, leaving deso sleighs, was one of the largest and most imposing ever known in our city. In short on no occasion have we ever known a more deep and general feeling of sympathy and grief than that which pervaded all classes of our community on the receipt of the melancholy intelligence of the death of our distinguished friend. The day of his funeral by a singular coincience, was the anniversary of the opening of the Normal school-an institution in which he had uniformly manifested the deepest interest-and a few days preceding his illess, in a conversation with the princpal, Mr. Page, he had alluded to this approaching anniversary, and suggested that it should in some way be appropriately celebrated. How little did either then dream how mournful would be that celebration! lation, solitude and deep affliction to his bereaved family and a large circle of acquaintances and friends. The numerous and touching testimonials of the various public bodies with which he was connected at the time of his death, and which we take a melancholy satisfaction in transferring to our columns, shew the estimation and regard in which he was held by them and by the community in which he resided: but the loss which that community, and the interests of popular education have sustained cannot be adequately expressed in words. Although liberally educated and furnished with all the advantages which wealth and foreign travel could supply, Mr. DwIGHT had devoted Recognizing as we do the omnipresent supervievery energy of his fine talents and richly culti-sion of a pervading Providence, who "doeth all vated mind to the advancement of the interests of things well"-without whose permission or notice COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION. Industrious, inde. not a sparrow falls to the ground, and by whom fatigable, judicious, and discriminating, he had even the hairs of our head are numbered," we availed himself of every practicable source of in-bow in humble submission to a dispensation so formation and knowledge, which might in any way be brought to bear upon this great field of labor and usefulness; and "the cause he knew not, he searched out." He was a most efficient auxiliary in the establishment and organization of the existing common school system: and has uni. formly been one of its most ardent and enthusiastic supporters and defenders, through evil and through good report." In the discharge of thelities with reference to those by whom we are various public duties which were from time to surrounded, and those who are to succeed us on time cast upon him, he was accurate, thorough life's busy stag "one thing is needful "—that and efficient: and many an educator of youth will constant preparation of heart and life which can trace to the well filled pages of this Journal, while alone enable us to meet the final hour with comunder his immediate supervision, the germs of posure not only, but with triumph. This is only excellence and the materials of future progress in to be secured by the dedication of our best eneran arduous and laborious profession. As a man gies to the welfare of our species-with purity of and a citizen, he was universally beloved and re-heart, earnestness and sincerity of purposes, simspected and if a life of earnest and constant endeavor to be useful in his generation constitutes any test of Christian charity and religious hope, those consolations of the word of God which cheered his dying hours and illumined the "dark valley of the shadow of death" afford the most gratifying assurance that for him "to die was gain." inscrutable and mysterious. "It is not all of life to live, nor all of death to die." Length of days and external prosperity are neither the necessary concomitants of our well-being here, nor in any respect essential to the accomplishment of the purposes which Providence may have in view, in regard to us hereafter. Numerous and varied and far-reaching as may be our duties and responsibi plicity and humility of spirit, and an unfaltering trust in the Creator and Governor of the universe. Then may we hope to "die the death of the righteous, and our last end be like his." PROCEEDINGS OF PUBLIC BODIES.. At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the State Normal School, at the office of the Sec His funeral was attended on the 18th ult. from retary of State, on Tuesday morning, Dec. 16, the following resolutions were offered by Mr BENTON, and unanimously adopted: that a copy thereof be sent to the family of the deceased. Resolved, That these proceedings be published, and Resolved, That the proceedings of the Albany Teach-of Resolved, That the members of this committee have ers' Association, a copy of which have been presented heard with the deepest feelings of sorrow the melan-to this Board, be entered on the minutes and published choly intelligence of the death of their late associate, with the proceedings of this Board. G. V. S. BLEECKER, President,di Secretary and Treasurer, FRANCIS DWIGHT, Esq., and H B. HASWELL, Secretary pro. tem. appreciating, as they do, in the highest degree, his eminent services as an ardent and most devoted friend of Popular Education, and an active and efficient memAt a special meeting of the Albany ber of this Board, sympathize most cordially and deeply Association, held on Monday evening, December with his bereaved family and numerous friends, and with the community to which he belonged, in this afflic-15, the President having announced the death of tive dispensation of an overruling Providence. FRANCIS DWIGHT, Esq., Messrs. Steele, Janes and Bulkley, were appointed a committee, who reported the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted: Resolved, That in testimony of their respect for the character and services of the deceased, they will attend his funeral, and that a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to his widow, entered upon the records of the committee, and published in the several papers of the city, and in the District School Journal. - The intelligence of the death of FRANCIS DWIGHT, Esq., having been appropriately and feelingly announced by the Principal, at the opening of the Normal School this morning, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted: Teachers Whereas, the All Wise Disposer of events, has, in His mysterious Providence, removed from our midstn FRANCIS DWIGHT, Esq., the late able and devoted Secre tary of the Board of School Commissioners of this city, therefore Resolved, That, in this dispensation, we acknowledge. the hand of Him who doeth all things well, and who giveth not to man an account of His acts. Resolved, That to the Board of Commissioners we tender our sympathy, in the irreparable loss they have sustained, in the decease of one of their most active st and energetic members. Resolved, That we most sincerely tender to the family of the deceased our warmest sympathy in their deep affliction, and assure them of our prayers to Him who It having pleased the Almighty Dispenser of human events to remove by death our much esteemed and valued friend, FRANCIS DWIGHT, Esq., a member of the Executive Committee of the State Normal School, one of its earliest and most efficient patrons, and a dístin-has promised to be the Father of the fatherless, and guished and enlightened friend of Popular Education: Resolved, That we sympathise most deeply and cordially with the family and friends of the deceased in this most afflictive visitation, and desire to mingle our tears with theirs, and with the community of which he was a member, on this mournful dispensation of Providence. the widow's God and friend; that, in this hour of trial, He will be near to comfort and sustain them. Resolved, That as an Association of Teachers, we will, in a body, attend the funeral of the deceased, and pay the last sad tribute of respect to one who has been so long and so intimately associated with us. Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the President and Secretary, and presentedod to the family of the deceased, and also published in the JOEL MARBLE, President. T. W. VALENTINE, Secretary. Resolved, That in this melancholy and mysterious event, we recognize the frailty and mutability of earthly anticipations, and the importance of that constant pre-city papers. paration for the hour of death which can alone enable u fearlessly and calmly to meet that great and final change: And that neuer the most distinguished public sevices, nor the highest prospects of future usefulness, no. "troops of friends," nor high responsibilities and farreaching beneficence, nor worth, nor talents, can avet "the inevitable hour." [From the Albany Argus.] We peform a melancholy and painful duty in Reolved, That as a feeble token of our deep sympathy withthe family and friends of the deceased, and of our announcing the death of our much esteemed friend respet for his character and services, we will attend and fellow citizen, FRANCIS DWIGHT, Esq. This his fueral as a body; and that a copy of these resolu-event took place at his residence in Clinton Park, tions e transmitted to his bereaved widow, and be published in the newspapers of the city and in the Dis trict Sqool Journal. yesterday morning, at ten o'clock. His disease, we are informed, was inflammation of the bowels, proceeding from a severe bilious attack a few At a pecial meeting of the Board of Commis-days previous. sioners the district schools of the city of Albany, At the time of his death, Mr. DWIGHT was, as is held at the Mayor's Office, December 16, 1845, very generally known, a member of the Board of Present G. V. S. Bleecker, James Maher, John Simp. Education of the city of Albany, one of the Exeson, John). Cole, J. O. Flagler, D. Worthington, Elicutive Committee of the State Normal School, and Perry, H 1 Haswell. Editor of the District School Journal. He had The Pisident announced the painful intelli- previously filled, for several years, the office of gence of th sudden decease of FRANCIS DWIGHT, County Superintendent of Common Schools: and Esq., one the members and the Secretary of the perhaps no individual in the community was more Board; wereupon, on motion of H. B. HAS-ardently, enthusiastically and efficiently devoted to WELL, Esq.the following resolutions were unani-the promotion of the interests of popular educamously adoled: Resolved, Tat it is with emotions of profound sorrow we hear the death of our late colleague, FRANC13 DWIGHT; tlt by this dispensation of an inscrutable Providence thi Board has been bereft of a much esteemed and intimable member, and the cause of Popular Educaon a devoted and efficient friend. Resolved, Thafrom respect due to the memory of our departed frid and associate, the several district schools of this c be closed on the day of his funeral, and that the seval teachers of said schools and the children under the charge be requested to attend the 7 tion and public instruction. No man has labored |