The Greenville Advocate

Educational Department.

THOMAS W. HYNES. EDITOR.

The Institute at Bethel

This meeting of the teachers, and friends of education came off according to appointment on Friday and Saturday, the 14th and 15th instant.

There was a fair, though not a full representation of the teachers from various parts of the county. There was also a good attendance of the citizens of the immediate vicinity, who manifested their well known interest in the cause of education, and their appreciation of the intellectual feast, not only by their presence on the occasion, but also by a patient, intelligent and interested attention to the whole services. We propose to give a brief outline of the exercises of this, the third Institute held in Bond county, which were interspersed at proper intervals with Anthem and Glee singing, in such excellent style and taste as the Bethel folks know how to provide.

The exercises were opened with prayer by the Rev. W. H. Bird, pastor of Bethel church. Mr. W. Cunningham, who was appointed to conduct the Institute, stated the objects of the meeting, and the character of the exercises on which we were about to attend.

Thos. W. Hynes delivered an address—subject, What we need in order to the highest success of our public school system. 1. A good school law. Our present law, while objectionable in some minor features and details, is right in its essential principle, viz: that the property of the State should educate the children of the State. 2. Good school officers. 3. An appreciative public sentiment. 4. Good school houses, suitably furnished. 5. Good teachers. 6. Parental co-operation. 7. The elevation of our schools above the routine of merely utilitarian branches, by the introduction of aesthetic and calisthenic exercises, such as music, etc.

Mr. Bard delivered a brief address on the interest which, as parents and citizens, we should feel in our public schools.

Mr. Edward Bigelow conducted a drill exercise in reading.

Mr. W. P. Wattles conducted a drill exercise in English Grammar, exhibiting the best method of teaching that branch. This was followed by a discussion of the diagram system, as employed by S. W. Clark, in his "New English Grammar."

Mr. Bigelow also read an excellent essay on school government, which we have requested him to allow us to publish. This led to a discussion in which there was a general and spirited participation, embracing in its range the following topics: rules, delayed lessons, perfect recitation, punishment, and the responsibility of parents and teachers for the conduct of pupils out of school hours. Next was a discussion of the subject of order in a school—how high should be the standard? What is an orderly school? Should whispering be regulated, or prohibited?

Then followed an excellent and deeply interesting essay, by Miss Margaret Andrews, on Geography. We earnestly request Miss A. to allow this essay to speak for itself through the Educational Department of the Advocate; and in the hope that our request will be granted, we forbear to give an abstract of the essay.

The following resolutions were offered, and after discussion by Messrs. Wattles, Hynes, Hunt, Bigelow and Cunningham, were adopted, viz: Whereas, there are many teachers in this county who are teaching for the sake of filling up the time, and being incompetent and but poorly qualified, are willing to teach for wages far below a fair remuneration: therefore,

Resolved, 1st. That the cause of education demands the elevation of the standard of Teachers' qualifications.

Resolved, 2nd. That our school commissioner be requested to co-operate with us in elevating the standard, by enforcing more rigid examinations, and by positively refusing certificates to all who prove themselves incompetent.

The closing exercise was a brief one in Arithmetic conducted by Mr. Cunningham.

Messrs. W. Cunningham, T. W. Hynes, Edward Bigelow, W. P. Wattles and Charles Ives, were appointed a committee of arrangements for the next Institute.

After a vote of thanks to the trustees of the church, for the use of the house; and to the people about Bethel for their kind and cordial hospitality, the institute