OF THE BUREAU OF EDUCATION. No. 2-1879. PAPERS, ADDRESSES, DISCUSSIONS, AND OTHER PROCEEDINGS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SUPERINTENDENCE OF THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, AT THE MEETING HELD AT WASHINGTON, D. C., FEBRUARY 4, 5, AND 6, 1879; THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SUPERIN TENDENCE OF THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION FOR 1877; AND THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PRESIDENTS AND OTHER DELEGATES OF THE STATE UNIVERSITIES AND STATE WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1879. 23-24 CONTENTS. Page. Address of Hon. John D. Philbrick on "Education at the Paris Exposition"... 93–99 Remarks of Hon. Josiah Dent relative to education in the District of Columbia.. Letter of the Department of Superintendence to Dr. Philbrick... Remarks of Hon. John W. Dickinson on the high school question Resolution of the Department of Superintendence respecting high schools. Address of Hon. James H. Smart on "The high school question". Memorial of Dr. Edwin Leigh respecting improved methods of teaching.. .174-175 APPENDIX B. 26 LETTER DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF EDUCATION, Washington, D. C., April 18, 1879. SIR: You are familiar with the fact that in the dark hours of Prussian history, when Baron v. Stein was determining those principles of administration which have been so important in establishing Germany's pre sent preeminence in Europe, he sought "to connect government with science" so that those charged with the direction of public affairs could avail themselves of the knowledge of experts in the several departments of philosophy when the public welfare would be promoted thereby. It is always a matter of regret to see officials (whether of the city, county, State, or nation) separated from the best thought of those citizens who may be specially informed on the several topics which are included in their responsibilities. In this country the best informed have excellent opportunities for the free expression of their ideas in many voluntary associations, but too often their ideas affect legislation only after they have instructed the general public and secured its emphatic approval. This Office, existing solely for collecting and disseminating educational information, has sought continually all possible aid from the voluntary as well as official opinions expressed by those most skilled in matters of education. More especially has it received aid from the organization known as the Department of Superintendence of the National Education Association; its members live and work in all parts of the country and deal with those general topics and interests which embrace in some form all phases of education; out of their action, indeed, this Office came into existence. Year by year it has been assisted by them in selecting its plan of work and conducting its inquiries. Their proceedings, as a rule, relate to the most vital problems of educational administration. Therefore, in presenting for publication the following papers and discussions, I am so far seeking to disseminate by means of this Office the information specially desired by those who administer the affairs of our school systems. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN EATON, Commissioner. Hon. C. SCHURZ, Secretary of the Interior. Approved, and publication ordered. C. SCHURZ, |