BOSTON FREE SCHOOLS. According to a report of the City Council of Boston, the number of Primary Schools is 83. They contain 2,440 girls, and 2,607 boys. The schools of East Boston and the Western Avenue, contain 159 children. Total, 5,206. There are 13 grammar and writing schools, containing 2,538 girls, 2,424 boys, beside 92 in the English High school, and 88 boys in the Latin school. Total in these schools, 5,142. Thus it appears that all the pupils in the Boston Free Schools, are 10,348. The expenditures the past year, including repairs, have been $83,350. THE WORCESTER COUNTY Ms. MANUAL LABOR HIGH Contains 150 pupils. The connection of manual labor with study, is highly desirable in every institution for education, if it can be effected on a good plan. It is gratifying to learn of one in which manual labor has been successfully introduced. The occupations of the field and garden are most conducive to health, reflection, the observation of the works of the Creator, and the security of the heart and manners from bad examples and practices. Where the leisure hours of school children are partly occupied with domestic, agricultural or mechanical work appropriate to their age, great benefits may be expected from the arrangement, both physical, moral and intellectual. Several men of wealth might be mentioned, who have adopted decided views on this subject, and placed their children in retired country situations, expressly to secure to them the advantages of agricultural labor, with its accompanying benefits. JOURNALS OF EDUCATION. In addition to those we have before mentioned, the following have been recently commenced in the United States. THE PESTILOZZIAN, at Akron, Ohio. THE EDUCATOR, published at Eaton, Pa., and conducted by Dr. Junkin, President of Lafayette College, and Prof. Cunningham, of the same institution. THE COMMON SCHOOL ADVOCATE, published by Messrs. Truman and Smith, Cincinnati, Ohio. Another Journal at Jacksonville, Illinois. THE COMMON SCHOOL JOURNAL, by Marsh, Capen & Lyon, Boston, and edited by the Hon. Horace Mann, Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education. We have just received the first number of this Journal. It is full of interesting articles, well calculated to advance the great cause of which the Editor is so eloquent and successful a champion. We extract a few passages of the closing article. of those great principles which lie under the whole length of existence. to be the master, instead of the slave, of accident and of circumstance; Let them be educated to be above pride, as well as above abasement ; to live less in the region of the senses and appetit s, and more in the serener and happier sphere of intellect, of morals, and religion. Then, though you leave them no patrimony, they will never be poor; though temporal adversity befal them, they cannot be deprived of the substantial part of all happiness. LECTURES TO FEMALE TEACHERS. A weekly course of lectures has been commenced in Boston, by some of the most distinguished friends of education, and chiefly practical instructors. Among them are the Rev. Jacob Abbot and Horace Mann, Esq. Secretary of the Board of Education. A MODEL PRIMARY SCHOOL. The Frimary School Committee of Boston are about to establish such a school. This measure can hardly fail to produce important results, both in that city, and ultimately in other parts of the country. MUSIC IN THE BOSTON COMMON SCHOOLS. At a recent meeting of the Boston Common School Committee, it Grammar and Writing Schools, and in the Latin and High Schools, as was unanimously resolved, that Vocal Music be taught in the several soon as the respective sub-committees shall think proper to introduce it. The expense was limited to $120 for each school, and the time occupied not to exceed two hours a week. WINDHAM COUNTY ASSOCIATION. "Of all the means in our possession-for raising up improved menthe common school has the precedence, because of its universality; because it is the only reliance of the vast majority of children; because We are glad to learn that the Association in this county for the imit gives them the earliest direction, and an impulse whose force is sel-provement of Common Schools, is to hold a meeting at Brooklyn, the dom spent until death. Whatever advances the common school, then, 12th inst. and that an address will be delivered before it by Dr. Hutchwill enhance individual and social well-being for generations to come. ins. We had every reason to believe, at the time of the Convention History must be written and read with different emotions of joy or grief, there, that this county would continue to move on the cause which as they rise or decline. We would go back, therefore, to the fountain was taken up with so much vigor and unanimity-and we are glad to of youth. We would act upon the great truth, which led one of the see in this and other movements, an evidence of an increasing general master painters of Italy to begin, in his art, back to the very grinding interest in the subject. and mixing of his paints, that no unskilfulness in the preparation of the colors should be found on completion to have marred the beauty or dimmed the clearness of works which were to challenge the admiration of posterity. Hence, to improve the places where the business of education is carried on; to better what may be called their outward and material organization; to att nd to arrangements merely mechanical; to adapt with a nicer adjustment, the implements and the processes, and to arrange more philosophically the kind and the succession of studies; to increase the qualifications and the rewards of instructors, and to advance them to that social position they deserve to hold; to convince the community that their highest interests are dependent upon the culture of their children,-is the sphere of action to which this periodical is dedicated. BLANKS FOR WINDHAM AND NEW LONDON COUN- vious to 1st of March next, have been forwarded to the several school Citizens of Massachusetts,—Will you proffer your aid for the promotion of this object? It appeals to your patriotism. It appeals to your philanthropy. None of you is so high as not to need the education of the people as a safeguard; none of you so low as to be beneath its uplifting power. To be emulous of the good name of your ancestors may be an honor; but to be devoted to the welfare of your posterity is a The French Academy of Moral and Political Science, have duty. The one may be founded on selfishness; the other is allied to recently proposed for discussion, the following question, on religion. We invoke your co-operation, not so much for the outward which several memoirs have been received: "What improve and perishable good of your children, as for their inward and abiding, not for a temporary object, but for the interminable future. We seek ments may be introduced into the seminaries for primary teachless for their external and mutable interests, than for the establishment ers, for the moral education of youth ?" The Companion for Youth," is a small sheet published every week at New-Haven, and edited by Mr. S. A. Thomas. Terms, 50 cts. a year; 25 cents for six months; 12 cents for three months. Richard Rand, Selden G. Ely, C. S. Brainard, Secretaries. EZRA S. WILLIAMS, WILLIAM E. CONE, REED, GEORGEER G. HUBBARD, The meeting was then addressed by Rev. Mr. Gallaudet, who was listened to with deep interest, the effort being a very happy one. The Convention was then adjourned to 2 o'clock, P. M. At the opening of the Convention in the afternoon, the following resolutions were adopted. 1st. Resolved, That it is expedient to organize an Association in the county of Middlesex, for the improvement of Common Schools. The officers to consist of a President, nine Vice Presidents, one in each town, a Secretary and Treasurer. 2d. Resolved, That the Vice President in each town, with the friends of Education in each School Society in the towns, respectively be requested to organize an Association auxiliary to the County Association, and to procure one or more lectures annually to be delivered before the inhabitants on the subject of Common School Education. 3d. Resolved, That it be recommended to the School visiters in each School Society in this county, to take prompt and efficient measures for the circulation of the Common School Journal. 4th. Resolved, As the sense of this Convention, that the present system of Common School Education is greatly defective, and that improvements are loudly called for, especially in respect to the location and construction of School Houses, to the qualification of Teachers, to the organization and classification of the Schools, and to the manner in which the elementary branches of Education are taught. The Convention was then addressed by the Secretary of the Board of Commissioners for Common Schools, H. Barnard, 2d. Esq. in a very able and appropiate address. The following resolutions were then adopted. That the Vice Presidents of the County Society be requested to use their influence in their several towns for the circulation of the Com mon School Journal. Noah A. Phelps, Secretary. Executive Committee.-Richard Hubbard, Charles Woodward and Samuel Russell. The following Constitution was then adopted: Art. 1. This Association shall be styled "The Middlesex County Association for the Improvement of Common Schools." Art. 2. All members of auxiliary Associations in this county, shall be deemed members of this Association; and any inhabitant of the county may become a member by subscribing the Constitution, and complying with the rules and bye-laws of the Association. Art. 3. The officers of the Association shall consist of a President, nine Vice Presidents, (one from each town in the county) a Treasurer, Secretary, and Executive Committee, consisting of three members; all of whom shall hold their offices till the next annual meeting, and until others are appoirted in their places. Art. 4. The Executive Committee shall be authorized to call special meetings of the Association whenever they may deem it expedient, or whenever requested by fifteen members in writing. Art. 5. The anaual mectings of the Association shall be held on the Friday succeeding the third Tuesday of October in each year, at such place as shall be designated by the Executive Committee; and all no It is pleasant and encouraging to notice that the citizens of the State here and elsewhere, have entered into this measure without distinction tion to this subject, it is hoped every citizen will inform himself, and be of party. As the present is a movement designed to call public attenprepared to co-operate in any measure which the united wisdom of the State shall deem important for the improvement of our schools. In conformity with the second resolution of the Convention, a meeting of the citizens of Middletown, will be held at the Town Hall, on Friday, the 9th inst. at 2 o'clock, P. M. for the purpose of organizing a town and society association. SAMUEL D. HUBBARD. NEW LONDON COUNTY. From the Norwich Courier. The Convention was temporarily organized by the choice of the venerable Dr. Samuel Nott, of Franklin, as Chairman, and Calvin Tracy, Esq., of Norwich, as Secretary. After the reading of the Address of the Board of Commissioners to the people of the State, and an explanation of the measures of the Board by their Secretary, the following nomination of officers was made by a Committee of one from each Town in the county, and accepted. Hon. CALVIN GODDARD, of Norwich, President. PEARLY B. FULLER, Esq. JOHN W. HAUGHTON, Esq. VicePresidents. ISAAC NEWTON, Esq. JEREMIAH S. HALSEY, Esq. ALVAN ABEL, Esq. and Rev. DAVID N. BENTLEY, The following Resolutions were presented by a Committee, chosen for that purpose-and, after an animated discussion, were passed: 1. Resolved, That this Convention regards the subject of the Common School Education of this State as of the highest importance, and most cordially approve of the efforts now making to awaken increased interest in the subject, and pledge to the Board of Commissioners of Common Schools our hearty co-operation in their valuable labors. 2. Resolved, That it is important, in order to embody the necessary information in relation to public education, and as an organ of communication between the Board of Commissioners of Common Schools and the community, that a periodical journal should be sustained, devoted exclusively to the subject of Common School Education, and that we approve of the Connecticut Common School Journal, and recommend that it be extensively circulated in every school district in this county. 3. Resolved, That as education is the life of liberty, as well as of morality and religion, we will not cease our exertions in the good cause of Common School Education, until the Common Schools become the best Schools in our land, 4. Resolved, That parents and guardians are the persons who must first be made to take an interest in the matter of Education, and that all our exertions should be directed to awaken in them a spirit of enterprize and a determination to promote Education in our Primary Schools. 5. Resolved, That, in order to produce united and vigorous action on this subject, a County Association be formed, with a President, a Vice President from each Town in the County, a Recording and Corresponding Secretary, whose duty it shall be to form Auxiliary Associations in their several Towns. Adjourned until 2 o'clock, P. M. AFTERNOON. addressed by Henry Barnard, Esq. of Hartford, the Secretary of the The Convention met pursuant to adjournment, and was immediately Board of Commissioners of Common Schools, who vindicated the cause of Popular Education in a most masterly manner, fully sustainin the high reputation which his exertions upon this subject had previously secured to him. A numerous audience, gathered from all parts of the county, were assembled to hear him, and were richly rewarded for coming. The Committee appointed to prepare a Constitution for the County Association, and make out a nomination for officers,-reported as follows: ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION. Art. 1. This Association shall be called "An Association of New London County, for the Improvement of Common Schools." Art. 2. The officers of this society shall be a President, a Vice-President from each Town in the county, and a Corresponding and Recording Secretary. Art. 3. Any gentleman who shall subscribe his name to this Constitution, shall be a member of this Association. TOLLAND COUNTY. Delegates from every town in the county, met at Tolland, on Friday the 9th of November-Elisha Stearns, Esq. was chosen chairman, and a committee, of which L. P. Waldo, Esq. was chairman, was appoint Art. 4. The meetings of this Association shall be held semi-annually, on the last Wednesdays in April and October, at such place as the President shall direct; and at the latter meeting the officers of the Asso-ed to nominate officers for the Convention. ciation shall be appointed. Art. 5. The President, or, in his absence, the first Vice-President, may call a special meeting of this Association, at such time and place as he shall deem advisable. President, CHARLES W. ROCKWELL, of Norwich. Rev. Abel McEwen, New London, Rev. Joseph Ayres, Lisbon, The Constitution was adopted, and the officers appointed. After the adoption of the above Constitution, the attention of the Convention was called to the three remaining Resolutions, reported by the Committee to prepare the business of the Convention, which were severally taken up and passed. 6. Resolved, That the Vice Presidents of the County Association, or some suitable person by them designated, be requested to procure subscriptions for the Connecticut Common School Journal, and forward the sums collected, and a list of the subscribers, to the publisher at Hart ford. 7. Resolved, That it is respectfully recommended to the clergymen of the different denominations to present the subject of Common School Education to their respective congregations on the approaching day of Public Thanksgiving. 8. Resolved, That we recommend to the Teachers in the several School Societies in this county, to form Associations, to meet at stated times during the winter, for the purpose of mutual improvement in their noble calling. The Convention was addressed during the day, by the Hon. Judge Lanman, Thomas S. Perkins, Esq., Rev. Thomas L. Shipman, George Perkins, Esq., Allen Harris, Esq, of Plainfield, and the President of the Convention. After adopting the last named resolution, the Convention adjourned, o meet at the same place at 7 o'clock in the evening. EVENING SESSION. We have not received any official account of the Evening Session.There was, however, one of the most interesting debates, which this movement in behalf of our Schools has called forth. The suggestions of Mr. Foster, as to the difficulty, if not the impracticability, of making onr School System as thorough as that of Prussia-of Dr. Hooker, on the importance of linking our schools in with our town policy, so as to make it the interest of all to look after their management, as after the expenditures for roads and bridges—of Mr. Rockwell, on the necessity of making our common schools better, before we can expect parents who are able and willing to support private schools, to give them up-of Dr. Eaton, on the improvement which a gradation of schools would effect, so as to bring the younger children, where it is practicable, under female teachers, and the older and more advanced under a competent male teacher, and on the importance of creating a County Board, or Senatorial District Board, of School Examiners and Inspectors-of Mr. F. A. Perkins, on the necessity of going up to the fountain head in our plans of improvement, and providing tseminaries where teachers could be specifically trained for their arduous employment-of the Rev. Mr. McEwen, of New London, in his searching inquiries into the manner in which the duties of school committees had been performed-of Mr. Breed, as to the miserable policy of hiring cheap teachers, &c.:-these, and other suggestions, were well calculated to interest and instruct all. And if the speakers would but go out into the assemblies of their fellow citizens in the several towns about them, and give utterance to the same sentiments, with the same eloquence, the public mind would be better prepared to appreciate what common schools might be made among us. The President of the Convention, in acknowledging a vote of thanks which was enthusiastically passed, said he had never presided over a meeting characterized by greater harmony, and interest; or where he had more occasion to be proud of the ability and eloquence of the speakers. During the absence of this committee, the Rev. Mr. Gallaudet, of Hartford, addressed a large assembly of parents, teachers and children, in reference to their respective duties in the great cause of Common School Education. He was listened to with profound interest, and the children who were there assembled, will, we doubt not, be the better for his suggestions, in all their future studies. The following gentlemen were nominated and appointed officers of the Convention. JOHN HALL, Esq. President. Vice Presidents.-Jeremiah Parish, Tolland; Rev. Ezekiel Marsh, Ellington; Allyn Talcott, Vernon; Zebra Sweetland, Bolton; Elea zer Pomeroy, Coventry; Zalmon Storrs, Mansfield; John J. Moulton, Willington; Jonathan Clark, Somers; Rev. G. H. Woodward, Stafford; I. Richardson, Columbia; S. W. Moore, Jr. Union. Secretaries.-Oliver R. Isham, Alvan Talcott. Before the adjournment, a committee to bring business, was appointed, and Mr. Barnard explained the measures pursued and to be pursu ed by the Board to enable them to make to the General Assembly the Report required of them by the law, under which they were created, exhibiting as far as practicable the condition of each Common School in the State; with plans for their improvement and better organization. To enable them to do this, they must rely very much on the faithfulness with which the school visiters made out the returns which the Board was authorized to call for, and for which blank forms were prepared, and ready here for distribution; and also on the suggestions of the wise and experienced of their fellow citizens, made here and elseAfternoon.-The committee reported the following Resolutions, which were adopted: where. Resolved, That the permanency of our free institutions depends upon the virtue and intelligence of the people; it therefore becomes our duty as patriots, to lend our influence in the support of the cause of popular education. Resolved, That we approve the late legislative action of this State upon the subject of Common Schools, and the course pursued by the present Board of Commissioners, and we hail these and other causes, as sure indications that the attention of the community is awakening to its true interests. Resolved, That the evils attending our present system of education, are mainly attributable to the want of proper qualifications on the part of teachers; of faithfulness and perseverance on the part of visiting committees, and of attention and interest on the part of parents and guardians; and to correct these evils and carry into operation the objects of the Board of Commissioners, we recommend that this Convention form a County Association, under appropriate regulations, for these purposes and the advancement of the common cause. Resolved, That the general diffusion of facts among all classes, is School Journal as an important auxiliary in our cause, and would renecessary to our ultimate success, we therefore look upon the Common commend its circulation among all the friends of Common Schools, and sincerely hope it may find its way into every family, and the hands of every teacher in our county, and that it shall be the duty of the Vice Presidents of this Association to carry this object into effect. After an address from Mr. Barnard, a County Association for the improvement of Common Schools, was formed with the following constitution and officers: CONSTITUTION. This Association shall be called the Tolland County Association for the Promotion of the Welfare of Common Schools. 1. The officers of this Association shall be a President, and a VicePresident in each School Society in the County, a Secretary, and Treasurer, and shall hold their offices one year, or until others are appointed in their places. the Association, and to call meetings at such times and places at he may 2. It shall be the duty of the President to preside in all meetings of think proper, upon the request of any three of the Vice-Presidents; and in like manner to designate the time and place of holding the annual meeting for the choice of officers. 3. It shall be the duty of the Vice-Presidents to call meetings of the friends of common schools in the several School Societies in which they reside as soon as practicable, for the purpose of forming associations auxiliary to this association. members of this association, and also all prersons who are willing to 4. All members of the several associations in the county shall be associate with us in our common object. 5. It shall be the duty of the members of this association to collect and circulate facts respecting the present condition and future prospects of common schools; to endeavor to raise the standard of education; to excite a general interest among parents and children, teachers and visiting committees; and, in short, to advance the cause of popular education by every laudable means. 6. This Constitution may be altered and amended at any meeting of this association. CONNECTICUT COMMON SCHOOL JOURNAL. reported by the committee, and after a full discussion they were adopt over our whole country, which hails Connecticut as its birth-place, it Resolved, That in view of the great amount of mental power spread becomes this "mother of men" not to rest contented with her present condition while the whole world is hastening on in the march of im JOHN HALL, Esq. President. Vice Presidents.-Elisha Stearns, Tolland; Miner Grant, 1st schooled as follows: society, Stafford; Nathan Bartlett, 24 ditto; William Carter, Union; Ebenezer Clarke, Somers; John H. Brockway, Ellington; George Kellogg, Vernon; Rev. Dr. Chaplin, Willington; Zalmon Storrs, 1st school society, Mansfield; Norman Brigham, 2d ditto; Rev. Chauncey Booth, 1st school society, Coventry; Rev. George A. Calhoun, d ditto; Rev. Israel Daggett, 3d ditto; Rev. M. Loveland, Bolton; John Richardson, Columbia; Hon. John S. Peters, Hebron; Rev. Mr. Nichols, Gilead society. L. P. Waldo, Secretary, The For President-NOAH WEBSTER, LL. D. of New Haven. Which report was accepted, and the persons therein named appointed. The committee appointed to draft articles of association and nominate officers, reported the following CONSTITUTION. Art. 1st. This association shall be called the "New Haven County Association for the Improvement of Common Schools." 2d. All members of auxiliary associations, and others, friends of Popular Education, who will co-operate in promoting the objects thereof, shall be members of this Association. 3d. The officers of this Association shall be a President, a VicePresident from each town in the county, and a Secretary, to be appointed annually. 4th. It shall be the duty of the President to call meetings of the Association, at such time and place as he may appoint, and to fill all vacancies occurring in the offices, with assent of three or more of the VicePresidents. 5th. The Vice-Presidents' duty shall be to call meetings of parents, School Committees, Teachers, and others, friends of the cause, in their respective towns, and to organize, as early as practicable, auxiliary associations therein. Which Constitution was approved and adopted. provement. ion made by our ancestors for the better education of each successive Resolved, That the Connecticut School Fund is a munificent provisgeneration of their descendants; that it has been instrumental of incalculable benefit, and if wisely employed must continue to be the source of inestimable blessings, not to the people of our State only, but to our country at large; and that it is, therefore, the sacred duty of the people of this State to cherish their School Fund as no inconsiderable part of their common inheritance, to see that its avails are applied in a manner which will produce the greatest good; and promptly, though cautiously, to adopt such improvements as the spirit of the age shall sɩggest, and experience approve. Resolved, That it is to be feared that the School Fund is too much relied on as the only moving power of our whole system of Popular Education, whereas it ought to be regarded only as an auxiliary to the efforts of the people. rests with the people; and that unless the people take the subject into Resolved, That it is worthy of serious consideration whether the principle of classification and graduation of schools ought not to be introduced into our system to a greater extent, so that teachers of a higher order may be employed for children more advanced, while females invisit the schools, and thus impress upon the minds of pupils the imporstruct the younger;-whether parents may not be induced frequently to forts;-and whether associations of teachers may not be formed, and tance of Education, and stimulate both pupils and teachers to higher ef stated Conventions of Schools be held with benefit, in the several towns. Board of Common Schools is important to the cause, as a medium for Resolved, That the Journal published under the direction of the public feeling on the subject of Popular Education; and that we will the circulation of intelligence, and for the full and free expression of the therefore endeavor to promote its circulation. Resolved, That the efforts of the friends of education, and the recent with the hope that this important portion of our public policy is about action of the Legislature on the subject of Common Schools, inspire us to receive the attention it deserves, so that while other states and countries are redoubling their efforts, Connecticut shall henceforward be as she once was, in respect to the education of all her children, the model State of the world. Resolved, That inasmuch as the prosperity and happiness of a republic depends upon the virtue and intelligence of the people, and virtue and intelligence can be expected only where public schools are well forts of the people, our common privileges in this respect may be the subject of our grateful contemplation on our festal anniversary; and shall see fit to make this subject the theme of their discourses on that that it may tend to a good result, if the ministers in the churches of day. For President-LEONARD BACON, of New Haven. For Vice-Presidents-Wm. P. N. Fitzgerald, New Haven; Hezeki-sustained, and Education is made a chief object in the feelings and efah Thomas, Bethany: James D. Frisbie, Branford; Clement Peck, Cheshire; Daniel S. Holbrook, Derby; Wm. K. Townsend, East Haven; Ralph D. Smith, Guilford; Jared Bassett, Hamden; Walter P. Munger, Madison; Elisha Cowles, Meriden; Jacob Lindsley, Middlebury; Jasper Monroe, North Branford; Moody, North Haven; Josiah M. Colburn, Orange; Samuel Wire, Oxford; John Peck, Southbury; Elisha M. Pomeroy, Wallingford; Archibald Miner, Wolcott; Wm. H. Scovell, Waterbury; Isaac Goodsell, Woodbridge. For Secretary-Sidney A. Thomas, of New Haven. Which report was accepted, and the nomination approved. Adjourned to 2 o'clock, P. M. EVENING SESSION. Mr. Fitzgerald offered several resolutions upon the subject of the Lancasterian or Monitory System of Common Schools, which, after a lengthy discussion, were, on motion of Mr. Bacon, modified and adopted, as follows: Resolved, That in the opinion of this Convention, it is highly important in order to the improvement of our Common Schools, that the principle of mutual instruction be more extensively employed; and that the operation of that principle, as manifested in the Lancasterian School in New Haven, is recommended to the attention of Teachers and School Visiters. Resolved, That to the successful improvement of our common schools, it is important that larger bodies of pupils be placed under the direction of competent teachers, which cannot be done without the more extensive adoption of the Monitorial System. The Convention then resumed the consideration of the Resolutions On motion, Resolved, That the several Vice-Presidents of the association for the improvement of common schools, act as agents for circulating the Common School Journal. FAIRFIELD COUNTY, The Convention met on Friday, the 16th of November-appointed Col. Enoch St. John, chairman. During the absence of the committee the people of the State, was read by the Rev. Edward Ingersoll. Mr. for nominating officers of the Convention, the Address of the Board to Barnard explained at some length, the measures the Board were purearnest and active co-operation of parents, school committees and teachsuing to carry out the objects of their appointment, and invited the other counties, and thought that the friends of popular education in the ers in the work. He stated what had been done in the Conventions in spirit manifested, by men of all views as to politics and religion-that State could congratulate themselves that thus far there had been but one of enlightened zeal to promote the elevated character and extended usefulness of Common Schools. In compliance with Mr. B.'s request several gentlemen gave an account of the condition of Schools in their re spective towns. The following gentlemen were appointed officers of the Convention. Secretaries.-Timothy T. Merwin, Esq. Eli T, Hoyt, Esq. Dr. Uriah Turner. A committee was then appointed to prepare a plan for the organization of a County Association, and report a nomination of its officers. Afternoon Session.-Hon. R. M. Sherman in the chair. The committee to whom was referred the preparation of a plan for a County Association, reported " Articles of Association," which, together with the accompanying nomination of officers, was unanimously adopted. Officers for the ensuing year: Hon. CLARK BISSELL, President. Vice Presidents.-Hon. Rory Starr, Danbury; Hon. Cyrus H. Beardsly, Monroe; Dr. Rufus Blakeman, Fairfield; Philo Hurd, Bridgeport; Rev. J. H. Lindsley, Stratford; George A. Foot, Newtown; Rev. Abner Brundage, Brookfield; Alvan Mead, Greenwich; Dr. Uriah Turner, Stamford; Holly Bell, Esq. Darien; Rev. Edwin Hall, Norwalk; William Hawley, Ridgefield; Charles Marvin, Wilton; Rev. Mr. Smith, New Canaan; Levi Corey, Weston; Thomas B. Fanton, Redding; Alvah Gray, Westport; Jedediah Graves, Sherman; Amzi Rogers, New Fairfield; Samuel Beardsley, Trumbull; Rev. Mr. Runderson, Huntington. Thomas B. Osborne, Esq. Fairfield, Secretary. The Convention was then addressed by Mr. Barnard, * * HARTFORD COUNTY. The Convention met at the North Baptist Church, on Tuesday, the was called to the chair. A Committee of Nominations and A range22d of November, at 10 o'clock, A. M. The Hon. JoHN M NILES ments were appointed, who reported the following officers of the Convention, who were chosen. His Excellency, WILLIAM W. ELLSWORTH, President. The President then stated the general objects of the Convention; after which the Rev. Charles Brooks, of Hingham, Ms., who was present by invitation of the Secretary of the Board of Common School Commissioners, delivered a very interesting lecture on the Proper Topics of Study in Common Schools, the requisite Qualifications of Teachers, and the Necessity of Teachers' Seminaries. The Convention then adjourned until 2 o'clock, P. M. AFTERNOON SESSION. On enquiry being made whether the Convention was to be favored with an address by the Secretary of the Board of Commissioners of Common Schools, explanatory of the condition of our schools, and of the measures pursued by the Board, Mr. Barnard stated, it would be out of his power to address the The Resolutions reported by the committee were then called up and Convention at any length. He had come into the house to day from a unanimously adopted. RESOLUTIONS. Resolved, That the measures pursued by the Board of Commissioners of Common Schools, are well calculated to ascertain the actual condition of our Common Schools-to awaken a lively interest throughout the community, in these all important institutions, and to gather from the suggestions of the wise and the experienced, in every section of the State, the most efficient and acceptable plans for their improvement; and that we pledge to them our warmest sympathy and personal efforts to aid them in the discharge of their most responsible duties. Resolved, That as the health of our children, their proficiency in study, and the success of the teacher, both in government and instruction, are inseparably connected with the accommodations of the schoolroom-we earnestly recommend to parents and school committees, to look more carefully into the provisions made for the ventilation, the warming, the seats and the desks of all our school houses. Resolved, That as the teachers of our Common Schools, by the direction they may give to the moral and intellectual character of most of the children of the State, hold in their hands, in a measure, the future destiny of the State and the country-they ought to be eminently qualified for their arduous duties and responsible trusts; and should be such in their own moral nnd intellectual qualifications and attainments, as to deserve and receive a higher social consideration and more liberal comper sation than is now accorded to them. Resolved, That the instruction communicated under our system of Common Schools, should be such as to embrace the harmonious development of the physical, moral and intellectual powers of every child in the State-to best prepare him, in strength, morality and intellect, to enjoy his own existence, and to render the greatest amount of benefit to others. Resolved, That to secure the successful operation of such a system, requires the constant and cordial co-operation of parents, and the thorough supervision of wise, energetic and responsible school visiters and superintendants. sick bed, and nothing but an imperious sense of duty kept him here this afternoon. He however stated the objects of the law of the last legislature, and the motives which induced the Board to call this and other Conventions in the several counties in the State. These Conventions had thus far been characterized by one spirit-that of enlightened zeal for the cause of Common School Education in our State; and he hoped and believed the same spirit would prevail here, and be carried out into efficient action in the several towns of the county. The following Resolutions were then submitted by the committee of arrangements. 1. Resolved, That this Convention highly approve the measures adopted at the last session of the Legislature, with regard to the subject of Common School Instruction, and recommend to their fellow citizens of Hartford county, to aid with their efficient co-operation the plans of the Board of Commissioners and their Secretary, for carrying the designs of the Legislature into effect. 2. Resolved, That in the opinion of this Convention, our dearest interests are indissolubly connected with the cause of Popular Education, and that, while we have great cause of gratitude to a superintending Providence, for the benefits that have flowed from our present system of Common School Instruction, it is an object of the highest importance to remedy any deficiencies that may attend its operations, and to connect with it such improvements as will make it an honor to the State, and a blessing to the whole community. 3. Resolved, That provision should be made for the better encouragement of young persons of both sexes, of the right character and talents, to devote themselves to the work of Common School Instruction, and to prepare themselves for this responsible field of labor, and that by the establishment of Teachers' Seminaries, or by annexing a department for this purpose to some of the academies, or in some other way, immediate and efficient efforts should be made for the accomplishment of this object. 4. Resolved, That the establishment of libraries for the use of teachers in the several School Districts, would greatly promote their improvement and usefulness, and that it be recommended to the friends of Popular Education throughout the State to see that this measure is carried into effect. Resolved, That the Connecticut Common School Journal, published under the direction of the Board of Commissioners of Common Schools, may be made a most successful instrument in promoting the elevated character, the increasing prosperity and the extensive usefulness of the 5. Resolved, That it be recommended to the Teachers of the ComCommon Schools of Connecticut: and that the measure of its success mon Schools throughout the State to form associations for mutual immust be the extent of its circulation among all classes of our fellow cit-provement. izens-and we recommend to parents, school committees and teachers, to become subscribers, and to give energetic and early aid to promote its circulation in this county, [Here follow two resolutions, requesting the Vice Presidents of the County Association to take early and efficient steps for the circulation of the Common School Journal, and to the clergy of the State to address their several congregations on the subject of Common Schools on Thanksgiving day.] The Convention then adjourned till half past 6 o'clock. Evening Session.-Judge Bissell, on taking the chair, expressed his thanks to the Convention for the honor which they had accorded himcongratulated the audience upon the interest with which the whole community were now investigating the causes of the deterioration of our public schools, and after some pertinent suggestions upon the subject, pledged his hearty co-operation in any measures that might be adopted for their improvement. The Convention was then successively addressed by Messrs. Wilson of Fairfield, Starr and Irwin of Danbury, R. M. Sherman of Fairfield, Dr. Hill of Norwalk, and Mr. Barnard. The Convention then adjourned without day. We intend to present an abstract of the very interesting and instructive remarks of Mr. Sherman on this occasion. The topics embraced in these resolutions were then discussed by Gen. Nathan Johnson, Rev. Mr. Bushnell, Mr. Melvin Copeland, and Mr. Normand Smith, of this city; Col. Wright, of Berlin; and Mr. Marks, of Burlington. Prof. Davies then offered a Resolution recommending the Common School Journal as a means of diffusing useful information on the subject of Common Schools, in exciting a common sympathy and a common interest among parents and teachers; which was adopted; and also the following Resolution of the Rev. Mr. Goodrich : Resolved, That the frequent visitation of our Common Schools by parents would tend to the encouragement and fidelity of teachers, and to the good behavior, diligence, and improvement of pupils. Gen. Nathan Johnson presented resolutions declaring the expediency of forming County Associations for the improvement of Common Schools, and for organizing the Convention into such an Association. The Convention then adjourned until half past 6 o'clock. EVENING SESSION. Committee of arrangements reported a Constitution for the 'Hartford County Association for the Improvement of Common Schools,' with the following nomination of officers: President-NATHAN JOHNSON, of Hartford. |