1673

121

In default of native teachers we must have resort to those
from other States. If there be any subject that is peculiarly
and essentially catholic, it is education, and State lines will
neither fit nor unfit one for the business of instructor.
Wherever talent can be bad for our schools, then those hav-
ing them in charge should unhesitatingly seek for assistance
in this grand work of educating the rising generation.
Wherever talent is united with an honest, enthusiastic love
of our Country and its free institutions, then we ran predict
successful teachers will be found who shall be ready to per-
form what is laid down in the school law as the duty of all
teachers—"to impress upon the minds of youth committed
to their instruction, the principles of piety and justice, loy-
alty and sacred regard for truth, love of their couniy, hu-
manity and benevolence, sobriety, industry and chastity, and
those virtues which are the basis upon which a Republican
Constitution is founded,"—to lead their pupils into a clear
understanding of the tendency of these virtues, to preserve
the blessings of liberty, promote temporal happiness and ad-
vance the greatness of the American Nation."

During the year our teachers have formed an Association,
which has already held some very enthusiastic meetings, an
effort has been made to render these instructive and piacti-
cal. It is proposed to secure the benefits of an Institute with-
out adopting the name. The attendance is optional with the
members, but this feature is very valuable as it enables the
Commissioners to find out what teachers are anxious to im-
prove themselves. Such teachers will never be found absent
from these meetings unless the best possible reasons prevent
them.

In closing this report I feel gratified that I can say much
Las been done during the past year; but it will still be
a task of great magnitude to perfect the school system so that
every child shall have the advantages of a thorough educa-
tion offered it gratuitously, such education being provided for
by the property of the State. It has been well said by the
State Superintendent, that the support of Jails and Peniten-
tiaries, or of Public Schools must rest upon the wealth of the
State, a lover of his country will speedily decide which he
would prefer to support.

LEWIS H. STRIKER,
President of Board of School Commissioners.

HINTS TO TEACHERS.

Prepared for the teachers nf the Public Schools of Frederick County, Md.

You have entered upon the duties of a most important
profession. The responsibility in great, the labor exhaust-
ing, and the pecuniary reward but small. It is fair to pre-