cannot refrain from copying from it a single paragraph. Mr. Harris says: "Your mention of the interest I have manifested in the success of the Normal school, is very gratifying to me. I assure you the only object I had in view, in my offer, was to secure the continuance and promote the success of the school, and to benefit our village. I know of no way in which a true philanthropist can do better than educate or contribute to the education of the people." Letters were also received from Rev. William Stowe, of Westerly; Rev. Thomas H. Vail, Gov. Questions. If on the way to or from school, two scholars get into difficulty with each other, has not the teacher authority and is it not his duty to attempt an adjustment of that difficulty? or would his authority, in this case, be no more than if a scholar should get into difficulty with some one not connected with the school? This question is a supplement to one lately published, and needs but a few words in addition. We should say, in both cases, that the teacher should converse with the scholars and exert a moral influence over them to prevent such diffibe justified in assuming or claiming power to culties. The only case when the teacher would punish a scholar for an act done out of school, would be when the case clearly grows out of the school exercises. In every other case he is bound, of course, to exert a moral influence. And while every teacher should remember how potent is influence, he should also remember that The American Association for the Advance- it is not government. He must do most that he ment of Education meets in Albany, August 1st. does for his scholars out of school by way of inThe American Association for the Advance-fluence, and much of what he does for them in ment of Science meets in Montreal the second school by way of government. week in August. EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS-THEIR ANNUAL MEETINGS. This is near the season when these bodies-so useful and profitable to teachers-are to assemble for their annual gatherings. The American Institute of Instruction meets in Manchester, N. H., August 18th, 19th and 20th. The New York Teachers' Association meets in Binghampton, N. Y., on the 28th, 29th and 30th of July. The New Hampshire Teachers' Association meets in Concord, N. H., August 4th and 5th. The National Association of Teachers will hold its first meeting in Philadelphia, August 26th. Hon. Geo. H. Calvert, of Newport, R. I., will deliver an address before the American Institute of Instruction, instead of Prof. Fisher, as announced in our June number, and we venture to say that there will be no sounder and more philo'sophical views than his address will contain. next. THE Seventh Annual Session of three days, of the Vermont Teachers' Association, will be held at Northfield, commencing on the 18th of August Addresses are to be delivered by J. S. Adams, Esq., Secretary of the Vermont Board of Education; Rev. Eli Ballou, Editor Christian Repository; Edward Bourne, LL.D., President Norwich University; Prof. M. H. Buckham, A. M., University of Vermont; Prof. M. A. Cummings, New Hampton Institution, Fairfax; Rev. C. W. Cushing, A. M., Principal Newbury Seminary; Prof. W. H. Parker, A. M., Middlebury College; and Rev. Calvin Pease, D. D., President U. V. M., and President of Association. In every case of difficulty growing up in the school, or during recesses, the teacher has a right to inquire about it and advise and assist the settlement; but whatever does not grow up out of the school and its proper exercises, he may not attempt much. We say that, as a general thing, therefore, the two cases supposed in the question are very dissimilar. In the first case, the cause of difficulty most probably would grow out of something in the school itself; in the latter case, most probably not. And this would make it the duty of the teacher to ask about the former, and generally not to ask about the latter. Yet the circumstances surrounding every such a case would be so different from those around any other case, that no general directions can be given. Every teacher must study for himself each case that arises, and it will be to his profit if he will write down in a book a report of every case of embarrassment that he meets with in his daily duties. This will beget a habit of thoughtful deliberation, and will be a useful store of practical knowledge. ACTS RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF RHODE ISLAND, WITH REMARKS, FORMS AND DECISIONS.-No portions of the Laws of Rhode Island are of more general interest than those relating to her Public Schools. They affect every voter and every family. On their character and administration depends chiefly the effi ciency of our whole system of public education. There is not a school district or school in which questions concerning them do not, in some form or other, arise. It is, then, of peculiar importance that they should be generally understood. To meet this want no less than four editions have been published, viz.: 1846, 1851, 1855, and now the last revised edition, 1857. These are all accompanied by explanatory remarks and forms, to meet the ordinary cases which may arise in their application. The present edition is by far more full and complete than any of the preceding. It contains the revised law passed at the January session of the General Assembly, and has been prepared with great care, with remarks and forms to meet all the changes which have been introduced. It contains, also, full reports of the more important decisions of the School Commissioners, and what adds greatly to its value, it has a copious index. It thus embodies a large amount of valuable information, so well digested and arranged for reference that it would seem that nothing but decided carelessness would cause serious errors in the application of the law. It is the most valuable edition of School Laws and the best exposition of practice under them we have seen, and reflects great credit on the industry and faithfulness of the worthy School Commissioner, who prepared it. D. WESTFIELD NORMAL ASSOCIATION.-The Fifth Triennial Meeting of this Association will be held at Westfield, on Thursday and Friday, the 30th and 31st of July next. A Business Meeting will be held at Normal Hall, on Thursday afternoon, at 2 o'clock. dence, present name of ladies who have married, and other interesting and valuable matter, ill be published previous to the meeting, and will be for sale at that time. Price, twenty-five cents. Single copies will be sent, postage paid, to any part of the country, on receipt of twenty-five cents, or five copies will be sent to one address for one dollar. For catalogues address J. W. Dickinson, Westfield. Any communications from those not able to be present at the meeting, may be addressed to J. W. Dickinson, principal of the Normal school, Westfield, Mass. By the kindness of the Superintendents, free return tickets will be furnished on the following railroads: Western, Boston and Worcester, Connecticut River, Worcester and Nashua, Providence and Worcester, and probably, Canal and Eastern. CHAS. HUTCHINS, Pres't. AN UNPLEASANT PARAGRAPH.-We find ourselves under the necessity of alluding once more to our unsettled bills; and though we feel very good-natured, yet we confess to being very much afflicted. Come now, good friends and readers of the Schoolmaster, do send us along that little amount of money belonging to us in your pockets. We want, we need, we shall suffer if we do not get it, and that pretty soon. But then, look here: we shall not suffer so much as you will. You are doing wrong, and that will hurt you more than it can hurt us. Come, send right along and let us make a better periodical for you, and pay our honest debts just when they become due. That's all. On Friday forenoon the Triennial Oration will WE ARE LATE AGAIN-And we ought to be be delivered by George W. Curtis, Esq., of New ashamed of it, we think we hear some one say. York. We are very sorry, and very sorry for the cause A Poem will be delivered by J. G. Holland, of it-the printer was sick. We do mean to be Esq., of Springfield. All who have been members of the school, whether at Barre or Westfield, are invited to be present and participate in the exercises. It is expected that this will be a general re-gathering -a jubilee of jubilees. We are assured that the hospitality of our Westfield friends-so generous and complete on former occasions-will be extended to all the former members of the school. Those desiring places will please report themselves at Normal Hall immediately on their arrival. up to the times, but somehow, the chances are against us this time. Pray, pardon us, and sympathize with us. BRIDGEWATER NORMAL ASSOCIATION.-The fifteenth anniversary of this association will be held at Bridgewater, on Wednesday, July 29th. The address will be delivered by William James ing for a large gathering of Normalites. Potter, of Cambridge. Arrangements are mak ILLINOIS NORMAL UNIVERSITY.-It gives us pleasure to learn that C. E. Henry, Esq., of A general catalogue, containing the names of Peoria, editor of the Illinois Teacher, is appointed all who have been members of the school, (in- principal of the Illinois Normal University. The appointment is a good one. He is just the man cluding the Barre school,) date of entering, time for the post. We predict for him and the Uniof attendance, time taught since, present resi-versity the highest success. OUR BOOK TABLE. THE FIRST AMERICAN ARCTIC EXPEDITION, by Dr. KANE, in one volume; and the SECOND AMERICAN ARCTIC EXPEDITION, by Dr. KANE, in two volumes, have been issued in uniform style by Childs & Peterson, of Philadelphia. These books are truly wonderful books to us in these warm latitudes; but still, they have such an evident air of truth and earnestness, such a plain purpose to make the best of everything, and do so modestly speak of the author's part in them, that no one can doubt the exactness of their de THE CONSTITUTIONAL TEXT-BOOK-a Practical and Familiar Exposition of the United States. By Furnam Shepard. This book contains a great many things besides the Constitution, that every citizen ought to know. The study of the Constitution and history of the country is of the greatest importance, and here these are so treated as to make a book of the highest interest and value. It ought to be in every house and in every school, if not as a text-book, yet, as an occasional textbook. CALKINS' GAME AT WORDS, for Home Amusetails. They exhibit the work of the philanthro- ment and Instruction, is a neat box of cards, pist as well as that of the mere sailor and adven- with letters, figures and points, intended to be used in spelling, reading and composition. It is turer, and are, above all fictions, most intensely bewitching. We advise our readers to read them a capital game, as our youngsters testify, and by all means; and if you have read them already, worth twice the money it costs. Every family a second reading will do no harm. Buy them if ought to have it, for the older, if not for the you can buy any books; hire them from the cir-younger members. It is a fine present, and can culating library if you have a couple of sixpences, be had of the publishers, Calkins & Stiles, 348 Broadway, N. Y. and if not, then buy the loan of them from a friend: and when you have done the reading, if you are not both wiser and better, we are mistaken both as to your sense and capacity. all. LITTLE DORRITT has been sent us by Peterson, of Philadelphia. It is enough to say that we regard it, in several respects, as the best of Dickens' FAMILIAR SCIENCE; or, The Scientific Expla- works. This publisher nor the public does not nation of the Principles of Natural and Physical need our advice or opinion on the book, as he has Science. By David A. Wells, A. M. Philadel-published already some eighteen different forms phia: Childs & Peterson, 124 Arch Street. This of it, and the readers have before this read them is a very useful exposition of ten thousand simple and yet wonderful things. Every one ought to know all that this volume contains, and the best way he can have it in a short time, is by buying the book and studying it carefully; for it contains almost all that men want to know theoretically about Mechanics, Acoustics, Heat, and a hundred other great topics of practical importance. WE have had No.'s 5 and 6 of the CYCLOPEDIA oF WIT AND HUMOR, by William E. Burton, from D. Kimball & Co., 17 Market Square, Providence. It improves as it goes on. The portraits that adorn the numbers are worth as much as the matter. FAMILIAR ASTRONOMY; or, An Introduction HARPER'S WEEKLY, put up in monthly parts, to the Study of the Heavens. Illustrated by Ce-is a remarkably convenient affair, and can be had lestial Maps and Engravings, with a Treatise on at the same place. We see it with more interest Globes. By Hannah M. Bouvier. Philadelphia: in this shape than in any other. Childs & Peterson, 1857. This is another fine work by these very enterprising publishers, and is worthy of all praise. We trust the time is not far distant when all men will know more of the stars than they now do, and we regard this book as a good pioneer in the way. SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF SCITUATE.-Wm. S. Kent, chairman; E. L. Phetteplace, clerk; A. Field, Dr. Nicholas, H. P. Angell, are the members of this committee for this year, and we have no doubt but that they will do their duties in this THE PRACTICAL ELOCUTIONIST AND ACADEMI-line-as they have done in all others-thoroughly CAL READER AND SPEAKER, by John W. S. and well. The Chairman's address is North Hows, Professor of Elocution in Columbia Col-Scituate, and he is a rare friend of the schoollege. Philadelphia: Childs & Peterson, 1857. This is, in our opinion, an excellent compilation. It is not too much encumbered with technicalities and rules; it has a fine and tasteful selection of pieces, and many of these are not mere fragments, odds and ends. We do heartily endorse it. teacher. They are about to make a thorough change in the old school books. They do not do this for the simple purpose of changing books, but to supplant those books that are old and worn out. We wish them abundant success. The R. J. Schoolmaster. VOL. III. AUGUST, 1857. From the German of Spindler. ONE day an aged citizen of Nuremberg came before the mayor, and submitted to him the request, that he would allow him to be shut up in prison for a short time, in order that he might there be able entirely to devote himself to his own thoughts without being disturbed. This application astonished the mayor not a little, and with great gentleness he asked the citizen, whom he knew very well, the cause of so singular a wish. "My wife and my sons worry me so dreadfully," answered the citizen. "I have a speculation of importance in my head, which I will at present discover to nobody. A wise man speaks only of deeds that are done. But my inquisitive family tease me with their questions, and their suspicions, and their reproaches, so that I have not one moment of peace. When I put them off, or if I go to work in my own little work-room, they disturb me incessantly, and worry me to death. I therefore want a few weeks of quiet, or I shall really die of anxiety and trouble of mind." This explanation astonished the mayor still more. NO. 6. break my door open, rummage all my things, and displace the work I have begun. I can bear it no longer." "I will inquire into this," said the mayor, after considering a short time; but put all thoughts of the prison out of your head. Leave that dismal dwelling to those who have deserved punishment. The place for honest people is their own homes." The tradesman made a sad face at this speech. "Then," cried he, "I shall never be able to finish what I have in my head! My life is a continual misery to me, and in the meanwhile the time is irretrievably lost. Ah! nobody knows how dear time is to me at this very moment!" The mayor now admonished him afresh, and advised him earnestly to visit the bloodletter, who would no doubt find some means of quieting him. Peter Hele shook his head, and wended his way home again. As the mayor kept his word, and caused the wife and sons of the good citizen to be brought before him, there arose a great disturbance on their return home, for the old man did not deny the request he had made to the mayor, or what he had related to him about them. Upon this the mother and sons went boldly into court, and declared that for some time there had been no living with the father. The wife said he had become very odd in his ways; that he was always murmuring to himself about things which had no sense; that he now never spoke a reasonable word to anybody; and that upon the slightest observation from her he got so angry as to be almost beside "But they do disturb me nevertheless; they himself, and often threatened to beat her. "My good man," replied he, "the trade of your sons, which you yourself carry on, is of itself rather a noisy one. Braziers and suchlike persons are not very gentle and quiet in their occupation; but still there must be some part of your house in which nobody can have a right to disturb you." Going on in this way, he did no work, al- second son, Josef, who was of as cool a temthough the sons were quite young, inexperi-perament as his brother Peter was choleric, enced lads; the business all went wrong, and and who was as inert as his brother was hot yet the father continued to eat the daily bread and daring, he made the following statement: he did not earn. "I have observed," said he, "that since 66 You talk very unfeelingly," said the Candlemas of this year my father has become mayor. 66 Unfeelingly, indeed!" answered the wife. "The domestic concerns are so heavy a weight upon me that I am quite borne down with care, and yet I married that I might have peace and escape trouble. You are a rich man, and do not know how hard it goes with poor artisans to carn their bread, when the master lays his hands in his lap, and sets an example of idleness to young men ". "So far as I can remember," interrupted the mayor, "Master Peter, your husband, has always been an industrious, well-conducted man." "Yes, your worship, so he always was, till about half a year ago." Here tears prevented her from going on. The mayor now turned to the eldest son, and learned from him that the father had, during the space of more than a year, given signs of a disturbed state of mind. He had talked to himself as if in a dream whilst engaged in the work belonging to his trade, and had got so bad at last as to spoil all he did. At last, he had quite given up attending to business, and had spent whole days and nights locked in his room. He was often heard to be counting out loud, but they did not know what he was counting; and he kept on tinkering and rattling with something, but they did not know what with. As he had now become more and more exasperated, and would no longer allow any questions or remonstrances, the sons had several times broken into his room, in order to discover his secret, but they had found nothing but useless pieces of wood and metal, and a little kind of machine rudely made by their father himself— a thing totally unknown to them, and, in their opinion, of no use in the world. He, the son Peter, thought his father must be wrong in his head, and that it was quite time to deprive him of the conduct of the affairs of the family, and put it into the hands of the mother and the sons. cross and melancholy. He sleeps, and eats, and drinks very little, but does as my mother and brother have already said—he looks at the stars, and reads books that tell of the planets, and failure of crops, and famine and pestilence. I think, however, that he has been acted upon by witchcraft; for at Candlemas-time, an Italian, a native of Florence, came to see him, and remained several days in the house, and he had a great deal of conversation with my father; then he went away suddenly, and no sooner was he gone than my father's strange conduct began. The Italians are very often sorcerers, even if my father has not given himself up to the black art. He very often says to us: Be silent with your teasing questions. I will say nothing to you about my secret, even if it cost me my life; but if you will be patient I will make you rich men some day. I must and will complete it."" 66 Yes, yes; he says that often enough,” chimed in the mother and brother; "but in the meantime, our affairs are going to ruin." "Are your children all here?" said the mayor to the wife. She answered in an indifferent tone: 66 I have one more, a daughter. She is married to the tailor, Willibald; but as she has left us for three years, she can know but little about her father's state." Upon this the mayor dismissed the wife and sons, admonishing them to treat the old man with respect and patience, and then he ordered the tailor's wife to be called before him. The young woman modestly and timidly obeyed the summons; but she no sooner heard that it was upon the subject of her father's supposed insanity, than she burst out crying. When she had recovered herself she made the following statement in a clear tone, and with an honest manner and countenance: Upon the same question being put to the ill treated. |