tween the ages of four and sixteen years, and at the late visitations, public money in consequence, let us lose it, as we ought to, if we do made between the 30th of October and the 4th of the present December, there were only 319 in the common schools-leaving 622, or nearly two-thirds of the whole, without benefit from the public money. Some of these attend private schools, and others, no doubt, have come into the public schools since the visiting. But, still, there are hundreds who go to school no where, and who do nothing useful at home. And these will soon become men and women, and have a share in the managing or mis-managing of public affairs. The wages paid to teachers, this year, cannot be far from $3,000, and all other expenses for books and stationery, for fuel, for buildings, repairs, &c. will bring the whole amount to $3,500. All of these expenses are now going on, and a set of unusually well qualified teachers are in their places, and yet through the carelessness or willfulness of parents and masters, or for some other cause, these hundreds are suffering a daily loss, and through them, the community, and posterity also, are suffering, or must eventually suffer, in consequence of the negligence and unfaithfulness of this year. The great diversity of books may have attracted attention, and it is well worthy of seri. "Let the report of the committee be published in the newspaper; ous notice. In the schools were found twenty-one different reading let the doings of the society and their officers, be reported; let the books, and geographies, also, differing so little from each other as community to whom they are responsible, judge; let an efficient and to leave little room for any choice, and yet, so far differing, as that energetic system be adopted, and if the community disapprove of they could not be used together without great disadvantage to both such a course, let them do so by appointing others, or instructing teacher and scholars. But the principal evils under which them how to act. If a man should receive the frowns of the public the cause of education is now suffering among us, arise from for too much zeal, it would be in a praiseworthy cause, and on an the negligence of parents, masters and guardians, and from improper honorable and liberal man it would not inflict a mortal wound." location, and from the uncomfortable, unprotected and unprovided condition of the houses where these teachers and children are sent not see that the laws are complied with. But I apprehend there is no danger of losing the money, if immediate measures are taken, as there is yet t me to carry out all the requirements of the law. If the committee who have been appointed refuse to act, let them resign, and others be appointed. If the duties imposed on the committee be too arduous for the compensation, let the School Society ask the select-men to warn a Town Meeting, and ask for such sum as would be necessary for carrying out all the requirements of the law, and all other regulations deemed necessary, and thereby save the society's committee the necessity of violating the law and their honor, in making out a certificate required to obtain the public school money. every day to suffer inconvenience and struggle with difficulty. But want of room compels us to leave these and other topics relating to schools, without further remarks at this time. STAMFORD. In a letter which we have lately received from the Vice President of the County Association, for this town, it appears that the good people of Stamford are at last "waking up from their slumber over the cause of common school improvement." 64 For this we are much indebted to the zealous and intelligent exertions of the Rev. W. W. Niles, "agent of the American Common School Union," who spent a week with us in visiting schools and addressed a public meeting of our citizens." At a meeting on the 18th of January, the Rev. Mr. Todd made a very forcible and pertinent address, urging to immediate, energetic and persevering action upon all, to redeem the character of the State, and place Connecticut in that enviable position she once held in the van of other States and countries, on the sub. ject of Common School Education. After the address, a "Town Association" was formed, of which the Hon. Charles Hawley was made President, and from the names of the several officers who compose the "Board of Education," we are satisfied that something will be done. The Board are to meet at stated periods, and to report semi-annually to the Association. We hope the Board will take immediate steps, in connection with the school visiters, to ascertain the condition of the common schools-how many are not at any school, &c. &c. DANBURY. "I say save the society's committee the necessity of violating the law and their honor, for as I understand it, the society's committee are required, and do make out a certificate, and send to the Comptroller of the State, that the schools in their society have in every way been kept according to law. In Newtown, as well as in other towns in the northern part of the county, public addresses have been delivered, and measures adopted to awaken a livelier interest in the whole subject of school improve. ment. Where are the friends of common school education in Bridgeport? Are all the children of that enterprising place enjoy. ing the means of a sound, intellectual and moral training? Are parents co-operating with teachers to bring about this desirable re. sult? Are the school rooms furnished with convenient seats and desks, &c. &c. MIDDLESEX COUNTY. We have received more encouraging intelligence from this county during the past month. The following communication from one of the tried friends of common schools, contains several valuable suggestions. MR. EDITOR: Though for several years past I have been comparatively a stranger to the state of common school education in Connecticut, I cannot, without feeling a lively interest awakened in the subject, learn, through your Journal, the late doings of the Legislature respecting it, and the still more recent county movements growing out of the same. It is evident that the minds of your leading citizens are preparing for still more systematic and efficient action in this all-important cause. Might it not be well, however, before the meeting of the Legislature, that any new measures likely to be proposed by the Board of Commissioners of Common Schools, or other friends of education, should be opened before the people? Perhaps, too, though your Journal should be more devoted to facts than theories, it may fall within its scope, to afford a corner to some such brief inquiries as the following, viz. At an adjourned meeting of the friends of Common Schools, in this town, it was decided, instead of forming a "Town Association," to appoint a committee of one from each School District" to invite some person or persons, to deliver as often as once a month, public Lectures, at such place as shall from time to time be provided, upon missioners for Common Schools should not be increased to two 1. Is it not worthy of inquiry, whether the Board of Comthe best method of improving the condition and elevating the character of our common schools, and adopt such other measures as they or three from each county, instead of one only, as it is at preshall deem expedient, to promote the interests of our common sent constituted, to hold their offices for two or three years; schools." This resolution may lead to the happiest results, if intel- one half, or one third, as the case might be, to be appointed ligent men will prepare the Lectures and the committee adopt all annually? The principal argument in favor of such inthe measures which are necessary to promote the interests" of crease, would be, to give more wisdom and greater permanenthe schools. This is all the friends of Associations elsewhere, aim cy to their plans; a single year not affording sufficient time to at, and it matters but little whether they meet together as an asso- make up one's mind judiciously on the many important quesciation, or in society meeting, provided men can be found, whether tions which will naturally come before them, or to carry into as "officers" or as "committee," who will devote time and thought successful action any system of measures which they may deto devise and mature intelligent plans of action. We like very much vise. The same object might likewsie be secured by suffering the suggestions of a correspondent of the Danbury Times, of the 23d the number of Commissioners to remain as at present, but of January, and hope he will follow up his communications with lengthening their term of office. In favor of the former course, others as spirited. We make the following extracts: it may be urged, however, that the services of more of these, peculiarly qualified by previous experience and interest in the subject, would be secured, as owing to accidental circumstances, several such might be residing in the same county. " Mr. Editor-As long as we have laws in our statute book, I am in favor of enforcing them. I propose that the society's committee call a meeting of the society; let the society call on the visit ing and examining committees for a report of their doings. Wheth. er they have performed their duty according to law, or not? What regulations they have imposed on the teachers? Or, if they have done nothing, to say so, and let the reasons why they have not, be reported. Let the report be particular and full, and such a one as they, as men of honor, would be bound to make; and if we lose the 2. Would it not be better to do by law, what it is understood some towns have already done by their own municipal regulations, viz. diminish the number of visiters in school districts, and pay them a reasonable compensation for their services, as some other town officers? In this way many worthy individu als would be induced to give efficient attention to the prescri- it. To carry it into effect, it will be necessary to erect a build bed duties of the office, which justice to their own families now ing at some convenient spot capable of accommodating all above prevents. ten years of age, the present school houses being deemed ade 3. Ought another session of the Legislature be suffered to quate to furnish the necessary accommodations for those ungo by without bringing before it a plan of a seminary for train-der that age, and place the entire management of the whole ing teachers in some central part of the state, under the direc- under the charge of individuals elected annually by the districts, tion of the Board of Commissioners of Common Schools? In- whose business it should be, not only to perform the duties deto this might be admitted gratuitously all who propose to make volving on the school committee under the present plan, but school keeping a profession. Perhaps, too, in coming time, also to designate what schools each scholar should attend, some system, adapted to our republican institutions, and bor- taking the entire management of them: should'the views of the rowing hints from Prussia and other European countries, society coincide with those of the committee, a meeting of the might be devised for transplanting to this public nursery the inhabitants of each district might be legally warned to make most promising shoots from our village gardens. application to this society to consolidate them into one, and also to appoint a committee through whom they may apply to the legislature at its next session to grant them the requisite power to carry the plan into execution. All of which is respectfully submitted. By order of the committee. Haddam, Dec. 17, 1838. MIDDLETOWN. XENOS. At an adjourned meeting of the First School Society of Middletown, the following additional steps were taken towards organizing anew the Schools for that society. In pursuance of the resolution of the last meeting of this Society, directing the Committee to present a plan for the reorganization of the four districts, and the improvement of the schools within the same, respectfully report: From the statistical facts presented to the last meeting it appears that of the $35 children who draw the public money, only about one third, or 276 attend the district schools at a charge of nearly five dollars for each scholar, and that of the remaining 559-311 attend private schools at a charge of a trifle over fourteen dollars each, and the remaining 248 are either taught at home or left in ignorance; it further appears that although only about one third of the 835 receive any benefit from the public money, yet that the schools are as large and in some instances larger than can under their present organization, embracing as they do scholars of all ages and various attainments, be properly taught. In reorganizing the four districts our object is not merely to provide schools for the whole 835, but also to provide such schools as will afford them the best facilities for obtaining an education at the cheapest rate. To effect this it is necessary in the opinion of the committee, to classify them,placing those of similar age and attainments in the same schools, and the whole as far as practicable under female instructors. Pursuing this principle, and assuming that the statistical facts before reported are correct, they offer the following as exhibiting the general outline of a plan, the alteration of which may be varied at pleasure. The returns made from the district schools of the relative ages of the 276 that attend them, shew that about one third only are above ten years of age. If this can be considered as a correct standard by which to judge of the relative ages of the whole 835, we shall have about 275 above ten and 560 under ten, the latter may be placed in ten schools of fifty six scholars each, under female instructors, at an average price of fourteen dollars per month, which at eleven months to the year, allowing of one month for vacation, would amount to 1450 dollars-of the 275 above ten, one half or 137 may be considered females, and divided into two schools at an expense of 600 dollars a year for instruction, the other half being boys, may also be placed in two schools under competent instructors at an expense of 1200 dollars a year. The expense of the whole would be as follows. All females over ten All Males over ten 600 1,200 360 $3610 Deduct the public money estimated at SAMUEL D. HUBBARD, Chairman. The following resolution was offered, read and adopted. Resolved, That it be and is hereby recommended to the Committee of the North, North Middle, South Middle, and South School Districts in this Society, to warn a school district meeting in their respective districts, to take the sense of the inhabitants on the expediency of consolidating the four districts into one: and also, to appoint a committee with power to take such measures on behalf of the districts they represent, in connection with the committee from the other districts as they may think best, to improve the schools and advance the course of education within the same. Voted, That a committee be appointed to apply to each District Committeeman in the four Districts within the City, to carry into effect the foregoing Resolution. And Samuel D. Hubbard, Harvey Treadway, Cha's Woodward, and John B. Southmayd, Esqrs. were appointed said Committee. Voted, That the clerk of this society cause the proceedings of this meeting to be published in the papers printed in the City of Middletown. Voted, That this meeting be adjourned without day. NEW HAVEN COUNTY. The following circular was addressed by the President of the county association, to the several gentlemen who are appointed by the county convention. Dear Sir:-You are hereby notified, that by the Common School Convention, held in this city on the 13th inst., you were appointed a Vice President of the County Association then formed for the im. provement of Common Schools. Permit me to call your attention to some of the modes in which your appointment will enable you to render efficient service to the cause of popular education. Will it not be expedient for you to call a public meeting in your town, of parents, school committees, and other friends of education, and to present at such meeting for consideration, the subject of im. provement in our public schools, and to obtain from gentlemen in the several districts, statements of the condition and prospects of each district school? Can you not, at such meeting, cause a town associ. ation to be formed, auxiliary to the county association, with a Vice President in each hamlet, or neighborhood in your town, whose du. ty it shall be to ascertain the names of the children between the ages of four and sixteen years, in the part allotted to him-how many at. tend the public schools-how long each attends-how many attend private schools-how many none at all-and what is the reason of such non-attendance in the case of each child of a proper age; and present to the town association the facts thus ascertained, and other facts on this subject, which may come to his knowledge? Will it And we have $2,233 not be practicable and useful for you, in connexion with the Vice together with the incidental expenses of the schools which President of the proposed town association, to ascertain the age, and would increase it probably to $2500,-to be provided in such a particular education of each teacher of a public school in your town, manner as the district might deem best, by a tax on the grand and the compensation allowed to each-the time which each school levy, or a capitation tax, or partly by both-a capitation tax of is continued, and the average attendance of the scholars-the branchthree dollars would raise $2,505,-but as there are some among books used-the condition of each school house, as whether provi. es of knowledge taught in each school, and the number and kinds of us to whom even this would be a burthen, and whose taxes it ded with adequate means of ventilation-with proper seats, out hou would be necessary to abate, the deficiency occuring under ses, and other conveniencies-whether the schools are visited by such abatement might be raised by a tax on the grand levy. parents and others, and also by the visiting committee at the com. The Committee would be understood as presenting the above merely as the general outline of a plan, exhibiting the principle of classification and the results that might be expected to attend mencement and close of each season of schooling-whether each teacher is thoroughly examined, and has a certificate before the school is begun, and to see that all such information having been first re. ported to your town association, be condensed and arranged by the By these, and other efforts which will readily suggest themselves, you will raise for yourself an enduring monument in the hearts of many, and may exert an influence in favor of popular education which in its results, will extend beyond the lapse of time. LEONARD BACON. enjoy the advantages of a specific course of study and of training for their future employments. This was the first provision ever made in this country by any state for the education of cominon school teachers-and although these departments cannot be compared with regularly organized normal schools, or teachers seminaries with moral schools attached, still they have already done much good, and their happy influence will be more and more felt as they become more widely introduced: We shall give a more particular account of what has been done for the education of teachers in this state in our next number-and shall here present a view of her school system, as given by Hon. John A. Dix, in his report as superintendent of common schools made in 1836, abridged in some particulars, and incorporating a few alterations made since the date of his report, together with some suggestions and information embraced in his circular explaining the law of 1838: we shall subjoin an extract of Gov. Seward's late message, exhibiting the present condition of the schools. Superintendence. The secretary of state is, by virtue of his office, superintendent of common schools. His duties are: 1. To submit to the legislature an annual report; exhibiting the conWe cannot even notice all that has been done or is now do-dition of the common school fund, and of the schools, and all such ing in the several towns of this county. In many of them, a matters relating to his office and the schools as he may deem expedient very lively interest is felt, and a judicious course of action is to communicate. pursued. In Woodbridge, Dr. Goodsell, who is a visiter and Vice President of the county association, has taken up the cause in the right-way. He causes public notice to be given from the pulpit on the Sabbath, what school the committee would visit during the week, with a general invitation to the teachers in the town to be present in the afternoon, and for all others interested in education, to meet the committee at the school house in the evening. These invitations were very generally complied with, and the evening meetings especially were very full and interesting. This course was continued through all the districts in the town, and with increasing interest on the part of the people. For the last three or four of the meet-parts of the territory in question should receive; and on the score of ings, the attendance was so large that the school houses were filled to overflowing. A deep interest has thus been excited throughout the town in favor of public schools, and upon the subject of education generally. A public examination of all the schools in the town will be held early next spring. TOLLAND COUNTY. It is in contemplation to call a meeting of the "county association," at three of the most convenient points in the county. We hope it will be done. The schools, even during the present winter, will feel the influence of such popular movements. The following topics were presented and commented upon, in a public meeting in Tolland. 1. The responsibility of teachers as connected with their daily duties. 2. The proper government of the school. 3. The manner of teaching, and care of books, school room, &c. 4. The moral influence of the teachers in the community. NEW YORK COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM. New York enjoys and deserves the high credit of having done more in a short time to build up an efficient system of common schools than any of her sister republics. She commenced later than Massachusetts or Connecticut, but she is now quoted throughout the country for a more liberal, and thorough patronage of all her institutions of learning, than either of them. Her academies and colleges are all brought under the active supervision of the state, and constitute a part of her system of public instruction. She has a fund set apart for the encouragement of their higher institutions, and a board of intelligent and distinguished men, called the "Regents of the University" to whom is entrusted its application. Their annual report, constitutes a valuable addition to the cause of education in our country. She engrafted by her law of 1834, and the ordinance of the Regents in 1835, upon eight of her academies, a teachers' department, where those who purpose to engage as teachers in the common schools of the state, may several towns and cities of the state. The apportionment is made ac2. To apportion the income of the common school fund among the cording to the ratio of their population, compared with the population of the whole state. The census is taken once in ten years by act of congress, and on every alternate fifth year by the state, so that a new apportionment is made once in five years. When a new town is created, an apportionment is made between it and the towns from which it was formed, according to the best evidence in the power of the superio tendent. The basis, which he has been accustomed to assume in such cases, is the number of children between the ages of five and sixteen children are annually enumerated in every town, it affords the most years, residing within each portion of the divided territory. As the ready criterion for determining the amount of money which the several equity, is as free from objection as the ratio of population. To this standard, however, all such cases must be brought after the next ensuing census is taken. 3. To prepare suitable forms and regulations, for making all reports, and conducting all proceedings, under the title of the statutes relating to common schools, and to transmit them, "with such instructions as he shall deem necessary and proper for the better organization and government of common schools," to the officers concerned in the administration of the system. Under this provision a very important question has arisen-whether it confers on the superintendent authority to give his advice or directions as to the course of study to be pursued, or the books to be used in common schools. The present superintendent, and his predecessor in office, have acted upon the assumption that it was not intended to confer such power. 4. The superintendent has an appellate jurisdiction in all matters of appeal arising under the statute relating to common schools. The suconcerning any "matter under the present title, (which includes the preme court has said that any person conceiving himself aggrieved whole of the school act,) may appeal to the superintendent of common schools, whose decision shall be final. This provision was intended for what it practically is, a cheap and expeditious mode of settling most, if not all the difficulties and disputes arising in the course of the execution of the law. A common law certiorari would no doubt lie from this court, to the trustees [of a school district] to bring up and correct any erroneous proceeding not concluded by an adjudication of the superintendent, or in a case where his powers were inadequate to give the relief to which the party was entitled." This construction is in accordance with the terms of the statute, which are very broad, and were probably designed to give him the power of putting at rest all controversies arising in the administration of the system of which he has the supervision. His decision in all matters of appeal is final, and every case brought before him is disposed of without expense to the parties, excepting such as is incurred in the preparation of their papers, which are, however, always received without regard to form, if they are in substance correct. In conferring this jurisdiction of the officer having charge of the common schools, the leading object was to provide for the regular execution of the laws by which the system is governed, and for a prompt settlement of all questions arising under them. When it is considered that we have more than ten thousand school districts, and that every disputed question is liable to be brought, and is in fact, almost always brought before him for a decision, it must be manifest that the constant attendance of the superintendent is necessary at the seat of government. In this part of the administration of the system, he can derive no aid als would be induced to give efficient attention to the prescribed duties of the office, which justice to their own families now prevents. 3. Ought another session of the Legislature be suffered to go by without bringing before it a plan of a seminary for training teachers in some central part of the state, under the direction of the Board of Commissioners of Common Schools? Into this might be admitted gratuitously all who propose to make school keeping a profession. Perhaps, too, in coming time, some system, adapted to our republican institutions, and borrowing hints from Prussia and other European countries, might be devised for transplanting to this public nursery the most promising shoots from our village gardens. Haddam, Dec. 17, 1838. MIDDLETOWN. XENOS. At an adjourned meeting of the First School Society of Middletown, the following additional steps were taken towards organizing anew the Schools for that society. In pursuance of the resolution of the last meeting of this Society, directing the Committee to present a plan for the reorganization of the four districts, and the improvement of the schools within the same, respectfully report: From the statistical facts presented to the last meeting it The expense of the whole would be as follows. All females over ten All Males over ten 600 Deduct the public money estimated at And we have 1377 $2,233 together with the incidental expenses of the schools which would increase it probably to $2500,-to be provided in such a manner as the district might deem best, by a tax on the grand levy, or a capitation tax, or partly by both-a capitation tax of three dollars would raise $2,505,-but as there are some among us to whom even this would be a burthen, and whose taxes it would be necessary to abate, the deficiency occuring under such abatement might be raised by a tax on the grand levy. The Committee would be understood as presenting the above merely as the general outline of a plan, exhibiting the principle of classification and the results that might be expected to attend it. To carry it into effect, it will be necessary to erect a build SAMUEL D. HUBBARD, Chairman. The following resolution was offered, read and adopted. Resolved, That it be and is hereby recommended to the Committee of the North, North Middle, South Middle, and South School Districts in this Society, to warn a school district meeting in their respective districts, to take the sense of the inhabitants on the expediency of consolidating the four districts into one: and also, to appoint a committee with power to take such measures on behalf of the districts they represent, in connection with the committee from the other districts as they may think best, to improve the schools and advance the course of education within the same. Voted, That a committee be appointed to apply to each District Committeeman in the four Districts within the City, to carry into effect the foregoing Resolution. And Samuel D. Hubbard, Harvey Treadway, Cha's Woodward, and John B. Southmayd, Esqrs. were appointed said Committee. Voted, That the clerk of this society cause the proceedings NEW HAVEN COUNTY. The following circular was addressed by the President of the county association, to the several gentlemen who are appointed by the county convention. Dear Sir:-You are hereby notified, that by the Common School Convention, held in this city on the 13th inst., you were appointed a Vice President of the County Association then formed for the im provement of Common Schools. Permit me to call your attention to some of the modes in which your appointment will enable you to render efficient service to the cause of popular education. Will it not be expedient for you to call a public meeting in your town, of parents, school committees, and other friends of education, and to present at such meeting for consideration, the subject of im provement in our public schools, and to obtain from gentlemen in the several districts, statements of the condition and prospects of each district school? Can you not, at such meeting, cause a town associ. ation to be formed, auxiliary to the county association, with a Vice President in each hamlet, or neighborhood in your town, whose du. ty it shall be to ascertain the names of the children between the ages of four and sixteen years, in the part allotted to him-how many at. tend the public schools-how long each attends-how many attend private schools-how many none at all-and what is the reason of such non-attendance in the case of each child of a proper age; and present to the town association the facts thus ascertained, and other facts on this subject, which may come to his knowledge? Will it not be practicable and useful for you, in connexion with the Vice President of the proposed town association, to ascertain the age, and particular education of each teacher of a public school in your town, and the compensation allowed to each-the time which each school is continued, and the average attendance of the scholars-the branches of knowledge taught in each school, and the number and kinds of books used-the condition of each school house, as whether provided with adequate means of ventilation-with proper seats, out hou. ses, and other conveniencies-whether the schools are visited by parents and others, and also by the visiting committee at the com. mencement and close of each season of schooling-whether each teacher is thoroughly examined, and has a certificate before the school is begun, and to see that all such information having been first re ported to your town association, be condensed and arranged by the By these, and other efforts which will readily suggest themselves, you will raise for yourself an enduring monument in the hearts of many, and may exert an influence in favor of popular education which in its results, will extend beyond the lapse of time. LEONARD BACON. enjoy the advantages of a specific course of study and of training for their future employments. This was the first provision ever made in this country by any state for the education of cominon school teachers-and although these departments cannot be compared with regularly organized normal schools, or teachers seminaries with moral schools attached, still they have already done much good, and their happy influence will be more and more felt as they become more widely introduced: We shall give a more particular account of what has been done for the education of teachers in this state in our next number-and shall here present a view of her school system, as given by Hon. John A. Dix, in his report as superintendent of common schools made in 1836, abridged in some particulars, and incorporating a few alterations made since the date of his report, together with some suggestions and information embraced in his circular explaining the law of 1838: we shall subjoin an extract of Gov. Seward's late message, exhibiting the present condition of the schools. Superintendence. The secretary of state is, by virtue of his office, superintendent of common schools. His duties are: 1. To submit to the legislature an annual report; exhibiting the conmatters relating to his office and the schools as he may deem expedient to communicate. We cannot even notice all that has been done or is now do-dition of the common school fund, and of the schools, and all such ing in the several towns of this county. In many of them, a very lively interest is felt, and a judicious course of action is pursued. In Woodbridge, Dr. Goodsell, who is a visiter and several towns and cities of the state. The apportionment is made ac2. To apportion the income of the common school fund among the Vice President of the county association, has taken up the cording to the ratio of their population, compared with the population cause in the right-way. He causes public notice to be given of the whole state. The census is taken once in ten years by act of from the pulpit on the Sabbath, what school the committee congress, and on every alternate fifth year by the state, so that a new would visit during the week, with a general invitation to the apportionment is made once in five years. When a new town is createachers in the town to be present in the afternoon, and for ted, an apportionment is made between it and the towns from which it all others interested in education, to meet the committee at the was formed, according to the best evidence in the power of the superio school house in the evening. These invitations were very gen- tendent. The basis, which he has been accustomed to assume in such erally complied with, and the evening meetings especially were cases, is the number of children between the ages of five and sixteen very full and interesting. This course was continued through children are annually enumerated in every town, it affords the most years, residing within each portion of the divided territory. As the all the districts in the town, and with increasing interest on ready criterion for determining the amount of money which the several the part of the people. For the last three or four of the meet-parts of the territory in question should receive; and on the score of ings, the attendance was so large that the school houses were equity, is as free from objection as the ratio of population. To this filled to overflowing. A deep interest has thus been excited standard, however, all such cases must be brought after the next ensuing throughout the town in favor of public schools, and upon the census is taken. subject of education generally. A public examination of all the schools in the town will be to common schools, and to transmit them, held early next spring. TOLLAND COUNTY. 3. To prepare suitable forms and regulations, for making all reports, and conducting all proceedings, under the title of the statutes relating "with such instructions as he shall deem necessary and proper for the better organization and government of common schools," to the officers concerned in the administration of the system. Under this provision a very important question has arisen—whether it confers on the superintendent authority to give his advice or directions as to the course of study to be pursued, or the books to be used in common schools. The present superintendent, and his predecessor in office, have acted upon the assumption that it was not intended to confer such power. It is in contemplation to call a meeting of the "county association," at three of the most convenient points in the county. We hope it will be done. The schools, even during the present winter, will feel the influence of such popular movements. The following topics were presented and commented 4. The superintendent has an appellate jurisdiction in all matters of upon, in a public meeting in Tolland. 1. The responsibility appeal arising under the statute relating to common schools. The suof teachers as connected with their daily duties. 2. The pro-preme court has said that any person conceiving himself aggrieved concerning any per government of the school. 3. The manner of teaching, whole of the school act,) may appeal to the superintendent of commen "matter under the present title, (which includes the and care of books, school room, &c. 4. The moral influence schools, whose decision shall be final. This provision was intended of the teachers in the community. for what it practically is, a cheap and expeditious mode of settling most, if not all the difficulties and disputes arising in the course of the execution of the law. A common law certiorari would no doubt lie from this court, to the trustees [of a school district] to bring up and correct any erroneous proceeding not concluded by an adjudication of the superintendent, or in a case where his powers were inadequate to give the relief to which the party was entitled." NEW YORK COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM. New York enjoys and deserves the high credit of having done more in a short time to build up an efficient system of common schools than any of her sister republics. She commenced later than Massachusetts or Connecticut, but she is now quoted throughout the country for a more liberal, and thorough patronage of all her institutions of learning, than either of them. Her academies and colleges are all brought under the active supervision of the state, and constitute a part of her system of public instruction. She has a fund set apart for the encouragement of their higher institutions, and a board of intel ligent and distinguished men, called the "Regents of the University" to whom is entrusted its application. Their annual report, constitutes a valuable addition to the cause of education in our country. She engrafted by her law of 1834, and the ordinance of the Regents in 1835, upon eight of her academies, a teachers' department, where those who purpose to engage as teachers in the common schools of the state, may This construction is in accordance with the terms of the statute, which are very broad, and were probably designed to give him the power of putting at rest all controversies arising in the administration matters of appeal is final, and every case brought before him is disposed of the system of which he has the supervision. His decision in all of without expense to the parties, excepting such as is incurred in the preparation of their papers, which are, however, always received without regard to form, if they are in substance correct. In conferring this jurisdiction of the officer having charge of the common schools, the leading object was to provide for the regular execution of the laws by which the system is governed, and for a prompt settlement of all questions arising under them. When it is considered that we have more than ten thousand school districts, and that every disputed question is liable to be brought, and is in fact, almost always brought before him for a decision, it must be manifest that the constant attendance of the superintendent is necessary at the seat of government. In this part of the administration of the system, he ran detive no aid |