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

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

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

Mr. Henry spoke in complimentary terms of the spirit that prevaded the communication in reference to the office and duties of county su perintendents. He alluded to that as an evidence of the harmony existing between the two bodies.

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

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

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

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

Mr. Mack spoke of the great apathy of the people on the subject of educational papers. He thought them superior to the political and news journals, which were filled, he said, with humbugs, stories, lectures on demonology, &c. The District School Journal, although as ably conducted as any in the country, was but little read. He suggested that every superintendent should make personal exertions to extend its circula tion. Men did not hesitate to pay $8 or $10 for a scurrilous political paper which taught every thing but good morals.

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

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

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

Dr. Potter spoke of the great services of the political press. He thought it had been very liberal. Educational papers should be miscellaneous in their character, and partake of the vivacity common to newspaper publications in order to compete with the other press.

Mr. Mack explained, that he did not mean to censure generally the political journals. They had frequently lent their assistance to the cause of education, and when they took up the subject they did it in the right way. He wished they were more frequently enlisted in the service. He was happy to say that two papers of this city, although they contradicted each other almost every day, generally agreed to do all they could to advance the cause of education.

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

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

THURSDAY AFTERNOON.

PUBLIC SCHOOL CELEBRATION. According to previous arrangement, the vari ous public schools of this city assembled yester day afternoon at the Fitzhugh-street Methodist Chapel, to hold their annual celebration. The children did not go through with all the exercises usual on such occasions, the superintendent wishing them to hear addresses from various individuals now in this city in attendance on the common school convention.

The exercises were opened with prayer by Prof. Dewey.

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

Mr. Patchin spoke at length, of the value of the Journal, he said it was eagerly sought for in the districts of Livingston, and suggested that the superintendents read portions of it frequently The children were then appropriately addressin schools and families, He was sorry to say ed by S. S. Randall, state deputy superintend however, that some trustees were too penurious ent, Mr. Henry, superintendent of Herkimer, to pay the postage on the Journal. Dr. King, of New-Jersey, Professor Davies, of Mr. Wheeler, of Yates, was happy to find West Point, Wm. C. Parsons, of Penn Yan, that his county was in advance of the city of, Francis Dwight, editor of the District School Rochester. The Journal was punctually taken Journal, Professor Dewey, Mr. Cobb, of Newfrom the office, but was not read so much as he York, Mr. Hawley, city superintendent of Buf could wish. He thought the diffusion of infor- falo, Mr. Hazen, of Baltimore, Mr. Fowle, of mation a very efficient agent in reforming soci- Boston, Mr. Stevens, of Wyoming, and Dr. Potety. He was warmly in favor of the sugges-'ter, of Union College.

Challenges to produce at some future period, the best specimens in peamanship, were offered to the schools of Rochester by Mr. Dwight, on the part of the schools of Albany, Mr. Thomas, for the schools of Troy, Mr. Ilawley, for the Mr. Wetmore, of Oneida, thought the same schools of Buffalo, and Mr. Stevens, for the division of labor common to manufactories, was schools of Wyoming. These were all accepted.applicable to schools. In his own knowledge Many of the schools had beautiful and appropriate banners, with mottoes, some of which were as follows:

Mr. Brown exhibited to the convention some to for the complete attainment of this very desiravery beautiful specimens of map drawing. We ble object. With such a plan, the books being noticed maps of New-York, Connecticut, Mas-purchased in larger quantities, they would be sachusetts and Livingston county, from the obtained at wholesale instead of retail prices. schools of Mr. Jones, of Caledonia, Mr. Mcln- The necessity of purchasing for each scholar eve tyre of York, and Mr. Wood, of Geneseo. Al-ry book he must use in the whole course of his so, maps of the world, the United States, and of studies is obviated, and it is plain that about Monroe county, drawn by a lad twelve years of or of the whole number of books which are age, in the school taught by D. D. T. Brown, at now required, would then be sufficient. Under Mumfordville, in Monroe county. Most of these the present system, the books often become use. maps were so finely executed and colore.l, that less when they have been but little used; but they could scarcely be disitnguished from engrav-under the proposed one they would be used until ings. The map of Monroe county was very neat worn out. and beautiful in execution. Mr. Brown when he

The common school fund was intended to be. -exhibited them said, that while we had such nefit all the people equally, but in practice, it is specimens of "home manufacture," we need the greatest proportional benefit to those who not go abroad to purchase maps. least need assistance, the thickly populated disMr. Tidd, of Chemung, submitted the follow-tricts. In some of these large and strong dis ing report on district school organization, re-tricts, the public money pays nearly all the excommending that districts be sufficiently large to support well at least one school:

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

But

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

Adopted.

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

TEXT BOOKS.

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

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

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

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

There is however, no danger that the books For many years great efforts have been made would be carelessly or wantonly injured, for exto secure to our schools uniformity of text books, periments already tried in some of the schools though thus far with small success. Various of this state, as well as in others, have fully plans have been proposed, several have been demonstrated that the scholars are quite as carefairly tried, but the expense to the guardian of ful, and many think much more careful, of the scholar, has almost always been the insupe-books furnished by the school managers, than of rable obstacle which has prevented the hoped those purchased by their parents. The books for result. A plan which shall make the dis- belonging to the school, only go into the hands tricts, instead of individuals, the purchasers of of the scholars for actual use, and at all other the books, and which shall entrust their selec- times may be under the care of the teacher, safe. tion to those who have examined and investiga-ly deposited in a case. ted a very large number of different works in every branch, is the only one which we an loo

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

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

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

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

The committee to whom was referred the subto report, that having given to the subject refer red to them, the little consideration the time al lowed would permit, submit to the consideration of the convention their views upon a subject, which they deem very important. The committee deem the subject important for various reasons. Among the most weighty that have influenced the mind of the committee, are the suggestions Notwithstanding these and other reasons for that they believe these institutions among the the adoption of such a plan, your committee most valuable and effective auxiliaries known would scarcely have ventured to recommend it, for the improvement of all the teachers of our did it necessarily involve any considerable alter-common schools, and if the saying is true, that ation of the common school laws: for it is undoubtedly the desire of the people that they should be seldom disturbed. A very brief addition will be sufficient to carry into effect this plan, whilst the existing law will be in no respect changed. Nor could your committee have expected any good could arise from the recom mendation of such a plan did they not know that an enlargement of the sum annually distri buted to common schools in this state was ear nestly urged last winter in the legislature-did they not understand that the condition of the fund would justify it; and believe that it will not be long ere such an enlargement will take place. Your committee therefore propose to the convention the adoption of the following resolu

tions:

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

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

sion.

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

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

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

"as is the teacher so is the school," it is impor. tant that our teachers be properly prepared.-— These institutes, or temporary normal schools, are of recent origin, and but little understood in many of the counties of this state. The object of these associations or institutes, is improve. ment in the art of teaching; and it is believed by your committee, that greater improvement can be made among all the teachers of the state, in this important and necessary art, during the same given time and for the same amount of mo. ney, than by any method heretofore adopted. The schools of New-York have heretofore been isolated communities, strangers to each other in the great cause of education, not acting with sufficient uniformity. Your committee believe that the introduction of state conventions of county superintendents, of town superintendents, associations of teachers and friends of educa tion together with normal schools and county institutes, are destined to change the aspect of our schools in this particular, to bring about an im portant improvement, and a saving in time and expense not yet anticipated. A state normal school or schools may do much good, but it can. not, in the opinion of your committee, in any reasonable period, extend the desired benefits to all the districts scattered over all parts of the

hification of teachers, and we earnestly recom- the intellectual faculties of their pupils. In a mend that they be established in every county in large majority of our schools, the exercises are the state. far too mechanical, confined principally to the Resolved, That with the view that their bene-bare recitation, without an effort on the part of fits may be general and permanent, we respect fully suggest to the legislature to extend to them the munificence of the state.

Mr. Fonda objected to that portion of the report which invoked the munificence of the legis. lature, and also to that portion which proposed the establishment of those institutions in every county of the state. It would be asking too much.

the teacher to reach the intellect, and to make a distinct impression of ideas upon the mind. Should we attempt an elaborate enumeration of the defects at present existing, in the methods of teaching pursued in our common schools, we should be unable to do any thing like justice to the subject, from the small space of time allotted us; and we feel that we should trespass upon the time and patience of the members of this convention, in an attempt to present our views in full, inasmuch as the subject involves so many important items, and opens so wide a field for The resolutions were taken up separately. labor, that we should literally find ourselves The first resolution in favor of establishing nor-writing a book instead of a report. In taking mal schools or teachers' institutes in all the coun- this view of the subject, the committee beg leave ties, was lost on a division, by ayes 22 noes 24. to close by saying, that, as far as their information Upon another division, the words " tempora- extends, this state of things is slowly but surely ry normal schools," were stricken out, and the improving; and that, in their opinion, the interest resolution adopted as amended. of the cause can be best subserved, and these numerous defects best remedied, by the adoption of normal schools and teachers' drills.

Mr. Sprague spoke in favor of the resolutions. A running fire for a considerable time, was kept up for and and against the report.

The next resolution, invoking the aid of the state, was laid on the table.

Mr. Randall offered a resolution fixing the hour of adjournment at 2 o'clock, P. M. It was amended so as to read 5 o'clock, and adopted.

Mr. Sprague presented a report in reference to the studies proper to be pursued in common schools, which were as follows, viz: orthography, reading, definitions, mental and written arithmetic, penmanship, geography, history, grammar, analysis of the English language, science of government, vocal music, composition, elocution, mental and moral philosophy, physiology, anatomy, book-keeping, political economy, drawing, algebra, geometry, surveying, trigonometry, chemistry, geology and botany.

Resolved, That we regard it as the first and indispensable duty of the teacher, to ascertain the mental capacities, tastes and dispositions, as well as the habits of thought and action of his pupils, and make himself familiar with their moral, mental and physical wants and condition.

Resolved, That we regard the subsequent labors of the teacher as useless, or worse than useless, unless he succeed in arousing and fixing the attention of the pupil upon the subject of instruction, and exciting, and calling into healthful and vigorous action, all the requisite faculties of mind, and awakening, to a laudable extent, that love for learning which is deemed so essential to their improvement.

Resolved, That the subjects of instruction should be arranged and presented with the most scrupulous regard to the wants, capacities and

Mr. Temple of Madison, submitted the following report in favor of town and county associations, and of public examinations to be held in all the schools at the close of each term : The committee to whom was referred the sub-mental habits of the pupil, and accompanied ject of school celebrations and conventions, respectfully report:

That, as the people are the source of power without their cordial support and faithful co-ope, ration, the efforts made for the improvement of common schools, will fail of accomplishing the intended object.

That, to awaken among the people an interest in the cause of popular education, it is absolutely necessary that their attention should be frequenty called to the subject.

The committee therefore present for your consideration the following resolutions :

Resolved, That we recommend the organization throughout the state, of town and county associations for the improvement of schools.

Resolved, That public examinations of the pupils of the district schools, should be held at or near the close of every term of the school. Adopted.

Mr. O. W. Randall from the committee upon the "methods of teaching," begs leave respectfully to submit the following report, viz:

That during our supervision of the several schools under our charge, we have witnessed with pain the lack of ability and aptness on the part of teachers, to impart instruction in the way best calculated to enlighten the understand. ings, to strengthen the minds, and fully develop

with such familiar explanations and illustrations, and such a series of questions by the teacher, as shall fix and perfect, as far as practicable, the permanent impression of ideas upon the mind; and also, that from first to last, his instructions, both intellectual and moral, should be communi. cated in simple and artless language, adapted to the age and capacity of the scholar, in preference to his own, or that contained in his text book.

Mr. Dwight called up a series of resolutions on libraries, requesting returns to be made by the superintendents to the state department, of the condition of all the libraries; and that some alterations be made in some of the regulations. Also in favor of town libraries.

Mr. Randall spoke in favor of the resolution in favor of town libraries.

Mr. Wright suggested that it would divert the public money from the purchase of apparatus. The resolution in reference to town libraries, was laid on the table and the rest adopted.

The following communication was received from Mr. Slade of Troy, offering to furnish the districts with geological specimens.

Troy, May 9, 1844. To the President of the Common School Convention of the State of New-York:

SIR-Permit me through you to call the attention of all those of the intelligent body over