low your mother." He was for going forward-New-England were anxiously looking towards the cautiously, but still forward. If it was true that proceedings of this convention on this question, we must not move in the cause of virtue because and he trusted such a decided stand would be taken we may find opposers, our common schools are as would carry joy to their hearts. then established in vain. But such he hoped was not the feeling.

The discussion on the resolution was continued by Messrs. Cobb, Denman, W. Wright, Sprague, Henry, Davidson, A. Wright, Comstock, Woodin, Tooker and Mayhew, when the resolutions were unanimously adopted.

The convention then adjourned till 9 o'clock tomorrow morning.

Thursday, 9 o'clock.

Prayer by Rev. Mr. Abbott.

On motion of Mr. Randall, a committee of three was appointed to wait upon the Governor and other State officers, and invite them to take seats as members of the convention.

COMMON SCHOOL LAW.

The convention then proceeded to the consideration of the law passed by the Legislature of last winter, in relation to common schools.

The original law was read by one of the secretaries, and also the alterations by the new law.

A resolution was adopted, requesting the Superintendent of Common Schools to continue the exercise of the power vested in him, to appoint visitors of the schools in the several counties, and recommending the selection of clergymen of various denominations to perform such duties.

Incidental discussion arose upon several of the alterations of the law, but nothing of general interest was elicited.

On motion of Mr. Randall, the further consideration of the subject was postponed until this after

noon.

Mr. Randall offered a resolution providing that the next convention be held at Rochester on the third Wednesday in May, 1814, which was agreed

to.

Mr. Woodin, from the committee to which was referred the memorial of E. G. Squier on the sub Ject of the establishment of a Quarterly Journal of Education, submitted a report, concluding with the following resolution, which was adopted:

Resolved, That this convention deem it inexpedient to adopt any special action at this time in reference to the memorial relative to the establishment of a Quar. terly Journal of Education, beyond the expression of their general approbation of the object proposed to be accomplished.

Mr. Hopkins, of Ontario, reported the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted. Resolved, That the provision of the State law creating the office of Town Superintendent of Common Schools, is hailed as a most timely and important measure, and that the members of this convention hereby pledge themselves to co-operate zealously and cordially with the enlightened efforts which may be made by these officers.

Resolved, That in the estimation of this Convertion the importance in school of good manners and cleanliness, has not in all cases been sufficiently appreciated, and that it deserves the careful and vigilant attention.

of teachers, parents and school officers.

Resolved, That the usual practice of erecting school houses on the corners of the streets and on the sides of the highway, without play grounds for recreation, or trees and shrubbery for shade and ornament, is preju dicial to the health, enjoyment and proper mental culture of children, and ought to be reformed.

Mr. Comstock, from the committee on the subject of the best methods of teaching, submitted several resolutions, which were taken up separately, and first:

Resolved, That the system of instruction generally pursued in our common schools is radically defective, and that immediate and vigorous effort should be di rected to its improvement.

Mr. A. Wright remarked that if the system was still radically defective, the confession ought scarcely to be made by a convention of superintendents who had been in office about a year and a haif, and whose business it was to correct and reform. Though the system was not all that it should be, yet a change was visible, and a very perceptible improvement, as all acknowledged.

Mr. Tooker suggested that the resolution should read still defective."

Mr. Storkes said it was true we had been able to correct lefects, but after all, practices still prevailed which called loudly for reform. It was a subject which he regarded as one of the highest importance, and which he hoped would not be passed over withouta decided expression. He was content with the resolution as it was, and he be lieved it would be found to express the minds of the Convention, when understood.

Prof. Potter (of Union College) remarked, the none were more aware than members of the Convention, that there were some truths that it was not always best to announce in the special form of a vote of a body, especially when that body was composed of individuals whose duty it was to remedy the evils which they thus officially proclaimed. The existence of the Convention, and of all the great and noble efforts now making, under the Whereas, united and efficient action is the result of patronage of the Legislature and of private munimutual and free consultation, and whereas, the advan-ficence, having reference to the cause of educatages of such consultation have not as yet been adequately appreciated or enjoyed by the friends of education: therefore,

Resolved, That in the judgment of this convention, meetings or associations might be usefully held, as fol

lows:

1. Annual or more frequent meetings in each county of the several Town Superintendents in said county, together with the County Superintendent, for the purpose of concerting wise systems of operation, and giv. ing effect to such systems.

2. Frequent meetings of the teachers within the same town or vicinity.

tants.

3 Occasional town or county conventions of inhabiResolved, That it is our duty, as County Superintend. ents, within two weeks after the appointment of Town Superintendents, to call a meeting of those officers in our respective counties, for the purpose of marking out and adopting a uniform course of action in relation to the discharge of our duties in connection with theirs. PHYSICAL EDUCATION. Mr. Patchin, chairman of the Committee on Physical education, reported the following resolutions which were unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That the almost total neglect of Physical Education is an evil greatly to be deplored, and which calls

tion, proceeded on the supposition that the exist ing modes of instruction were defective. When we sent for a physician we did not want him to tell us we were s ck. That we knew before. But we wished that in all that he might say, at least, he hope. So the doctors in that Convention, when would address himself to the great spring of healthspeaking to the great patient-the people-should address themselves to that generous and buoyant principle, which was the great remedial power in the moral and social system-the principle of hope. It was the important principle that we always practiced upon in our individual capacities, and Which we should practice on in our collective capacity-and that was to give a cordial and energetic encouragement to improvement, to tell the people of the district that while they were doing pretty well, they might yet do better, and that it was our duty to suggest respectfully some mode in which improvement might be made. The resolu tions which followed this went on to suggest improvements, and with some verbal alterations would be seasonable and highly useful. But if gentlemen desired to be kindly received, or to have their suggestions so treated, by the people of

the districts for after all, the great reforming pow- Mr. Henry stated that the difficulty, after all, was er was in the minds of the people, teachers and that not one teacher in ten could lecture intelligitrustees if the object was to excite in them a no-bly, or in a manner to interest children. ble and generous spirit of improvement-the pro- The resolution was withdrawn, after a remark per course was to suggest reforms, not to set out from Colonel Young that the word lecture implied with denunciations. He knew this was not intend-more formality than he presumed was intended. ed by the committee which reported these resolu- Verbal explanations and conversation, with a view tions. He attributed the form of it rather to the to teach the pupil to think, might be useful; and current practice of stating broadly current evils. every teacher, though not qualified to lecture, This would do, provided you at the same time put might talk to his pupils to good purpose. your finger on facts. But in urging great reforms, The fourth resolution, denouncing the too early it was questionable whether we should deal in ex-application of the infant mind to study, as resulting aggerated statements. Put your finger on indivi- in mental imbecility and even death, drew out dual cases of abuse or error, and then suggest your some debate. remedy. But these ex-cathedra declarations as to the extent of evils were rather calculated to excite prejudice. Although he might accord with the sentiment of the resolution, yet he could not but feel that the evil was not chargeable on teachers or their employers. The difficulty was in the prevalent error as to what education should be. Means had been taken to enlighten the public mind on this subject, and all must acknowledge that results for the last year afforded grounds to hope that the moment the people became aware of the amount of the evil, they would rise cordially and spontaneously to the work of remedy.

Mr. Tooker suggested that the resolution should express the idea that though the system had been much improved, yet that it was still defective. He could not vote for the resolution in its present unqualified shape. It was very plain that there were defects of a deeply rooted character in the present system of elementary instruction--the grand difficulty being that scholars were crowded forward to higher and higher studies, before being thoroughly or even tolerably well grounded in the rudiments of learning. At the same time, the system was improving gradually, and by constant efforts might be made to approximate to the design of the framers of it.

Mr. Henry suggested the phraseology, "overtasking the infant mind."

Mr. Potter, after glancing at the new school law, and dwelling upon the importance and value of the change made by it, as well as upon the increased responsibilities thrown upon the Deputy Superintendents, went on to speak of the resolu tion itself; saying that the proposition intended to be asserted, was of more importance than seemed to be imagined. As a general rule, children were put to school too soon, and were kept there too long. For children of even eight years of age, he should prefer three hours' application to study to six. It was very easy to attract and hold a child's attention for a short time, and but for a short time. You might keep the body chained, but the mind you could not. The mind was made for careering about the universe, and any attempt to chain down the spirit that was given to soaring, would be futile. The effect would only be to make the child hate the scat, and hate the school. Infinitely more progress would be made by the pupil, with more extended personal liberty-a wider range for the body as well as the mind. There was much to be learned out of doors, and if a man was a farmer, with six or eight children, for at least half of the year his true course was to turn his chilProf. Potter did not mean to question the accu-dren out of doors, and they would educate themracy of the fact stated in the resolution. He only questioned the expediency of such a declaration from the Convention. The public would be apt to say that these fellows have an object in saying this, for if there were no defects in the system, 'Othello's occupation is gone." He knew the Convention were above such sordid considerations; but we should recollect what human nature was, and act accordingly. He proposed the following as a substitute, which was adopted:

Resolved, That while this Convention recognizes with pleasure and gratitude the improvements which are making in common schools. it is incumbent upon its members to keep clearly in view the evils and defects

which still exist.

selves. Some of the best students he had ever known, never learned their letters until they were seven years old. Whilst he would not lay this down as a rule, he would say that premature developmen's were not always followed by important results in after life. These prodigies of genius, set up at four years old to recite all the eloquent passages in ancient and modern rhetoric, and who are regarded by doating mothers as almost Ciceros before they had even got out of petticoats, as a general rule dwindled down afterwards to mere third or fourth rate men or women. This was the case in three-quarters of these instances, while the rest might be said to be actually ruined by overtaxing their bouyant minds. Such minds were active enough by nature. They did not need artificial fire thrown into them. The danger was that they would consume by their own The resolution was amended, as suggested by

The next resolution, declaring that course of instruction best which simu taneously develops the physical, moral and intellectual faculties, was adopted, with some alterations in its phraseology.intellectual heat. The third resolution, inculcating upon teachers the propriety of giving daily and familiar lectures Mr. Henry, and adopted. on the subjects of study pursued by pupils.

Prof. Potter opposed, saying that the knowledge which we dug up ourselves, and for which we worked hardest, was generally most valuable and least easily lost. His own experience in regard to the best mode of imparting knowledge, had taught him that that which was the most easily acquired was most easily lost. The mode which taxed the energies and efforts of the pupil the most, was the most effective. Lectures were well enough, combined with a thorough course of study, but he would not give them great prominence in the stages of education. Besides, small children would not attend to lecturers. The catechetical mode of instruction was the best adapted to their capacities. Their curiosity should be constantly stimulated.

Thursday 3 o'clock, P. M. On motion of Mr. Dwight, Mr. Palmer, author of the "Teacher's Manual," was requested to address the convention to-morrow morning, at 8 o'clock.

Mr. Mayhew laid before the convention a communication from the publishers of "Pierce's Grammar."

A resolution to appoint a committee of three, to report to the next meeting of the convention an uniform mode of teaching, was briefly debated by several members, and adopted.

Mr. Randall called the attention of the convention to the recommendation of the Superintendent, as to the selection of subjects to be embraced in the annual reports of the County Superintendents.

Mr. A. Wright moved that that subject be left

to the discretion of the Superintendent. Agreed and he had always found the effect to be highly beneficial.

to.

UNIFORM STANDARD OF ORTHOGRAPHY. The following resolution was adopted: Whereas, There is a variety of contradictory standards in orthography and orthoepy now in common use, causing much embarrassment and injury in our schools; and whereas, it is important that an uniform standard should be adopted : therefore, Resolved, That the County Superintendents prepare and report, at the next annual convention, what standards are in general use in their several districts, to the end that some expression of this convention may then be had on this important subject.

Messrs. Dwight, Fonda and A. Wright were appointed the committee to carry the above resolu

tion into effect.

On motion of Mr. Henry, the Rev. Mr. Abbott, agent of the New-York Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, was invited to lay before the convention a statement relative to the different text books now in use, at 8 o'clock this evening.

METHODS OF TEACHING.

A resolution offered by Mr. Rochester, that a committee of three be appointed by the chair, to report to the next convention upon the method of teaching, and the best manner of adopting a uniform system, came up.

Mr. Stevens suggested that as this was an important subject, the committee had better consist of five.

Mr. Dwight hoped not, from the increased difficulty of their co-operation. He was glad to see the subject introduced, as he was satisfied that there were several points on which the majority of teachers needed instruction, if he might be allowed to say so. He found that a system of oral instruction was coming more and more in vogue among those who devoted attention to the subject. One advantage to be secured by that system was, that teachers would be compelled to improve themselves.

Mr. Mayhew spoke of the necessity and usefulness of blackboards, maps, globes, &c. He alluded to several cases of gross ignorance of both teachers and scholars on the subject of geography. He had found those in Jefferson county, who knew ro that Geography had any relation to the Plane which we live upon. And in one case, he aske one of the scholars where the "Muscle Shoals were? The answer was given correctly. He ther inquired what they were? "She did not know." "Were they land or water?" "She did not know, but rather thought land." "Were they high or low land?" "High," she thought, "but she had not been used to have such questions asked. Such ignorance would not be found, if there was a sufficiency of scientific apparatus in our schools.

The debate was further continued by Messrs. Rochester, Mayhew, Dwight and Storkes, when the resolution was unanimously adopted.

On motion of Mr. Rochester, the thanks of this convention were presented to Prof. Davies, for his able address of this morning, and he was requested to furnish a copy of the same for publication.

DISTRICT LIBRARIES.

Mr. Rochester called attention to the subject of the place of keeping the district libraries. He deemed it very desirable that they should be kept in the school house, at least during term time. În his own experience, the statistics showed that the books were read, more or less, in the ratio that the library was near to or distant from the school house. As the Superintendent was present he should be pleased to hear his views.

Col. Young said, that was a subject to which he had given some reflection; but recently a letter had been addressed to Mr. Dwight on the same subject, by Mr. Wadsworth, a gentleman who took a very great interest in every thing connected with Mr. Rochester had no other objection to in- our schools. But there was a difficulty in the way creasing the number of the committee, than that of interference by the Department with the custoindicated by the gentleman from Albany-that dy of the books, inasmuch as the trustees were rethere would be more pieces to put together, and sponsible for them. If he should direct the books consequently less prospect of unanimity in the re-to be placed in the school room, under the charge port. He had the subject of oral instruction in contemplation when he offered the resolution. He desired to introduce a plan which would do away with the merely hearing of recitations by the book. Any one who could read, could do that; yet that was the way that most schools and most sciences were now taught in this state.

The resolution was adopted, and the President named Messrs. Rochester, Denman and Woodin as such committee.

Mr. Myers offered a resolution recommending the introduction into our common schools, of scientific apparatus, globes, maps, black-boards, &c.

Mr. A. Wright warmly advocated the resolution, and spoke of the good effect which the introduction of such apparatus would have. It resulted in benefit not only to the mind, but to the morals of the pupils. This subject was not sufficiently regarded by the inhabitants of the State. He hoped the resolution would be adopted, and that he would go home determined to carry it into effect.

Mr. Clement also advocated the resolution, and spoke particularly of the benefit of blackboards. He believed the want of such was one great reason why there was so little thorough and practical knowledge of the sciences, on the part of both teachers and scholars. A globe too, he considered as of great importance to be placed in the school room. Mr. C. stated some facts which had fell un der his observation, as illustrative of his position. Mr. Stevens was in favor of the resolution. He spoke of some of the frivolous objections made by some Trustees in his county against blackboards. But uniformly recommended their procurement,

of the teacher, and the teacher should be a transient person, and at the close of his three months' term, should carry away half of the library, 2 or 300 miles from the district, the trustees would be liable to be sued. If the loss had been incurred in consequence of obeying the order of the Department, the Superintendent would be placed in an awkward position. The control of this matter must be left with the trustees, and with the people of the district. He recommended that the deputies should, in their lectures and addresses to meetings of the inhabitants, bring the subject of the library before the people-inform them what stores of knowledge were there provided, for the benefit of themselves and their children. Where the trustees could place confidence in the teacher, it would be better, on many accounts, to appoint him sub-librarian, or, if he should be a resident of the district and a voter, he might be chosen librarian. As the law stood, the department could do no more than advise, as to the place of keeping the library.

Mr. Tidd said it was lamentable, considering the liberal provision that had been made by the state, of mental aliment, that so little use was made of it. He had made it a point, in the county of Chemung, to urge the keeping of the library in the schoolhouse, and he had succeeded in more than twothirds of the districts. The effect was manifest, in every instance, in an increased circulation of the books.

Mr. Patchin gave some interesting facts as to the effect in parts of Livingston county, of transferring the libraries from private dwellings to the schoolhouses. Libraries that had but from two to five

books in circulation, were found, after the trans- persuasion-of preaching, as it were; and when it fer, to have from eighty to one hundred. Mr. P. was known from history that false doctrines had urged the importance of making the rule as gene-been promulgated by preaching-that Mahommeral as possible. To obviate the objection of the irresponsibility of the teacher, he would recommend to the trustees to engage him upon the condition, that he should act as librarian, and any loss incurred through his neglect, should be deducted from his wages. Besides, was a man who could not be trusted with the charge of a few books, fit to be entrusted with mind?

Mr. Dwight offered the following resolution, which was adopted :

Resolved, That to increase the usefulness of the Libraries, and to facilitate the examination of their condition by the county Superintendents, and thus to secure their preservation, it is expedient that in all cases they should be kept in the district school-house, when by so doing, the safety of the books will not be jeop

arded.

Library.

Col. Young said if the teacher was a resident of the district and a voter he could be Librarian. But if he was not, he was not eligible to that office. The whole matter must be left with the Trustees, and if they have confidence in the Teacher, though he be not a resident of a district, they could make him a sub-Librarian.

danism had spread through that means-was it not incumbent upon us to use them for spreading the truth? There was much dependent on the manner of discharging such duties as devolved on the Superintendents. The manner should be conciliatory-far removed from any thing like dictation. There should be the utmost delicacy in examining teachers. Were he discharging that duty, even if he knew a teacher to be deficient, he would not tell him so before his pupils. Children, although very small, have keen perceptions, and the teacher might thus lose respect in their eyes.

The County Superintendents, by the exercise of great industry as well as discretion-by talking with and advising the teachers, but showing no dictatorial spirit-by convening the people, and awakening their interest in the cause of education Mr. Randall read from a communication of the-by assembling the teachers of a town, and interSuperintendent giving his views on this question. changing views and communicating improvements He thought the Department had gone as far as it could effect inestimable good. In this way, could go under the present law. The Trustees more could be effected than by any number of orwere made responsible for the safe keeping of the dinances of legislation, or rules issued from the Department. He felt that he was powerless compared with the County Superintendents. They could go to the houses of the inhabitants-rouse the apathetic-stimulate the lax-and advise and aid those who were disposed to be actively engaged. They could demonstrate to parents how much economy of time there was in employing a a good teacher rather than a poor one; that more could be learned in six months under one, than in eighteen under another; and that their children's daily expenses were the same in both cases. They could point out what great advantages the man will reap from the better education of the child. They could excite a spirit of emulation among the teachers, to excel in their high vocation. These were the daily duties of the Superintendents; and it must be a grateful reward to witness their sucMr. F. remarked, that this subject was so im- cess-to see the spirit which they have sent abroad portant, and the aspects in which it should be treat-caught by a few of the most intelligent inhabitants, ed so varied, that the committee felt the impossi-and rapidly spreading to others, and manifesting bility of doing justice to it in the time allowed for its beneficial results. making a report to the convention. They thought they would best discharge their duty by submitting a resolution in general terms.

DUTY OF CITIZENS, &c. Mr. Frazier, from the committee on the duties of citizens, reported in part, by offering the following

resolution:

Resolved, That all improvement in our common schools, very greatly depends on the inhabitants themselves; and that the best care and supervision cannot be of avail, if the inhabitants refuse their sanction and support.

He repeated-the weapon of the County Superintendent was persuasion. The law of the last session, depriving any county of the public money Messrs. Clement. Henry, Patchin, Mayhew, which shall not appoint a County Superintendent, Storks and Woodin each submitted some sugges-was probably sufficiently penal, and would, no tions, and gave illustrations of the state of public doubt, prove entirely efficient. It was natural that sentiment in their respective counties, on the sub-men should be attached to the customs to which ject of education.

Mr. Dwight said the subject embraced in the resolution was indeed an important one, and the convention would no doubt be gratified to hear the views of their honored Superintendent upon it.

they have been educated-or rather that they should be slow to appreciate the merits of new systems. Nor was there anything strange in the repugnance which some of the Superintendents had noticed, in men to visit schools. He had himCol. Young said he came into the convention as self been taught in the old style; he had sat for an auditor, being fully aware that it was composed hours on a slab bench, without a back. He was of men better qualified than he was to enlighten not at all surprised that men of 45 or 50 should anothers on the practical business of education. He ticipate no pleasure in going into a school house; knew that, not only from the fact that they were he felt an instinctive horror when he looked at one all men of experience in that pursuit, but from the himself. Col. Y. here alluded to the remarks of reports which he had received from them-re-Prof. Potter, this morning, on the subject of the ports which he was proud of, and which he re-too long confinement of children. Nature required garded as containing more actual knowledge-that all young animals should have exercise, withmore practical information on the subject of common schools in this State, than had been embodied before for years.

out which, the muscles cannot become hardened, nor the frame developed. As a rule, he had rather children should be kept in school three hours than a longer time.

On the important subject of public sentiment, however, he would say a few words. Public sentiment could be created. The County SuperinCol. Y. said he had thought that if the County tendents, by lectures and by conversations with Superintendents should classify the subjects conthe people, could diffuse a light which would go nected with education, and divide them among home to the bosoms and consciences of parents and each other, that this State could furnish a book of citizens. That influence had already in part been reports of great value, not only in this State, but in felt; and it would be found that where the Super-other States, and in Europe. He thought so, from intendents had been most industrious, it was felt what he knew the Superintendents could do. He in the highest degree. Their office was one of alluded to some of the reports made last winter,