';.
No.n.
Editouials.
385
attributed partly to enthusiasm and part
ly to pedantry. .Each professor is apt to
magnify the importance ot his depart
ment and hence to undervalue the others.
The result is that each strives to have his
department well represented in the pre
scribed course. And it would seem that
all have succeeded admirably while the
student, unheard, has been the victim.
Wo have no objections to all these
branches being taught, nay, indeed we
believe that they should bo increased
rather than diminished but let many of
them be elective. Let the aim be to grad
unto men vigorous and strong for the
work before them, rather than weakened
in body and distorted in mind.
DEPARTMENT OF PUD MO INSTUCTION.
Lincoln, Nun., Fed. 22, 1878.
To the County Superintendent:
Demi Sin: A state convention of coun
ty superintendents is hereby called to
meet at my oillce in Lincoln, on Monday
March 25, at 2 o'clock p. m. It is expect
ed that tho session will continue two days
and adjourn ut noon on Wednesday, the
27th, in time for the assembling of the
State Teachers' Association, which is ex.
pectcd to meet at 2 p. m. on that day.
The work of this convention will nut.
urally be divided into two parts:
I. Ways and means of rendering tho
administration of the school law more
effective and popular, especially in regard
to tho following:
1. Examination of teachers.
2. Visiting schools.
!J. Procuring and making reports.
4. Managing county and normal insli
lutes.
II. Needed amendments to tho school
law.
Tho general revision of tho statutes pro
vided for by tho last legislature will in.
elude the school law, aim will aflord an
opportunity to rectify a number of con
Hiding and embarrassing provisions. It
is believed that a careful revision of the
details of our school law without chang.
Ing its general plan or structure, may bo
made greatly to increase its effectiveness,
and render its working much more satis
factory. These details must be worked
out in harmony with tho results of cxpe
rienco and careful observations by persons
familiar with tho operation of our school
system. Three points at least need espo.
cial attention.
1. Division of district property.
2. Care and management of district
funds.
3. Best methods of supplying text
books.
It is very dcsireablo that there should
be a full attendance of superintendents.
Tho work of this county ofllce is intricate,
difficult and important, and no superin
tendent who is ablo to attend can afford
to miss this opportunity to gaiu from
tho experience and observations of oth
ers that knowledge which will enable him
to perform his duties with more satisfac
tion to himself and profit to tho commu
nity. Superintendents of city schools and
principals of graded schools arc cordial,
ly invited to attend this convention and
take part.
Persons who hare served as county su
perintendents, though not now in office,
are iiwited to attend and give the conven
tion tho benefit of their experience.
Two first-class hotels, tho Commercial
and tho Metropolitan, will entertain dele
gales at $1.50 per day regular rate $2.50.
Other hotels will board for 1 per day.
The usual reduction of faro on tho rail
roads is secured.
It is understood that tho convention
will not necessarily be confined in its de
liberation to tho topics mentioned above,
but will bo freo to take up and discuss any
subject desired.
Superintendents who design attending
this convention will pleaso notify the un
dersigned as soon as convenient.
This convention or " institute," called
under the provisions ot section 01 of tho
tswMWaas""!.
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