State of NeweBork,
No. 149.
_ IN ASSEMBLY, APR. 12, 1852.
REPORT
Of the committee on colleges, academies and common
schools relative to the causes of the panic attending
the late public exercises of the State Normal School.
“Ty Asseusiy, March 11, 1852.
“Resolved, That the committee on colleges, academies and
common schools be and hereby are instructed to inquire into the
causes of the panic attending the late public exercises of the State
Normal School, and that they cause such examination to be made
ag shall satisfy them of the safety or unsafety of the building for
the purposes to which itis devoted.
“ Resolved, That said. committee be instructed to inquire into ©
the internal administration of the affairs of the institution, the
duties and salaries of the board of instruction, the representation
of pupits from the various counties of the State, together with all
such other matters as they may deem proper, and that they be
required to report the result of such investigation to this house
with the least practicable delay. _ :
‘ “By order; ‘
“R. U. SHERMAN, Clerk.”
[Agsembly, No. 119.] pen [un &1000]
2 [Assemmny
In accordance with the instruction contained in the foregoing
resolutions, the committee on colleges, academies and common
schools,
REPORT :
That the panic attending the semi-annual exhibition of the
State Normal School arose from the settling of the floor of the
room in which the exercises were held, caused by the breaking
of one of the main timbers which supported the floor; and your
committee feel called upon to express their decided opinion that
from their own personal observation, from the statements of the
principal and teachers, which are annexed to this report, and
“from the statement of membes of the executive committee made
after a careful examination of the building, that the room occu-
pied for the exercises and the stairway leading to the same are
in an unsafe condition for an assemblage as large as was conven-
ed.on that occasion. That the alarm was not causeless ‘is quite
evident,.and the executive committee are about to. make some
necessary improvements which will render the building more
secure. But asa panic of this kind as often arises from imagi-
nary as from real danger, your committee believe that the situa-
tion of the room on the highest: floor of the building renders it
“decidedly objectionable as a room. for public exhibitions, and
therefore recommend that the executive committee be restrained
from using the same except -for the ordinary purposes of the
school. The steep and’ narrow staircases leading. to this apart-
ment, rendering it not improbable that in case of a sudden alarm
an accident might occur here similar to that which has recently
occurred in one of the ward schools of the city of New-York.
‘The Normal School was established in’ 1844 for the instruction
and practice of teachers of common schools in the stience of
education and the art of teaching. Until 1849 the school occt-
pied rooms furnished gratuitously by the authorities of Albany.
in 1848 an act was passed by. the Legislature “for the perma-
nent establishment of the State Normal School,” appropriating
$15,000 towards the erection of a suitable building. The follow-
ing year, an additional appropriation of $10,000 was made for its
No. 119.] ; 3
completion. Fo this building the school was removed on the
Bist of July, 1849. © a dt
Each county in the State is entitled to. send to the school.a .
number of pupils (either male of female) equal to twice the num-
ber of members of the Assembly in such county. The pupils
are appointed by the. town superintendents, at a meeting called
by the superintendent, of the county town for that purpose.
Pupils once.admitted to the school will have the right to remain
until they graduate ; unless they forfeit that right by voluntarily
vacating their place, or by improper conduct.
All pupils are educated and. furnished with books: free of
charge, and are allowed three cents. mile for travel from Albany
to their homes and return. A good philosophical apparatus and
a small library belong to the institution. An experimental school
is also connected: with it.
The object of this school is to afford each Normal pupil an
opportunity to practice the methods of instruction and discipline
inculeated at the'Normal School: . Each member of the gradua-
ting class is required to spend at least two weeks in this depart-
ment. fas
In the expetiniental school there are eighty-eight pupils be-
tween the ages of six and sixteen years. A portion of these are
free pupils; the remaining pupils are charged twenty dollars
per year for tuition and use of books. The school has been in
_ Operation for seven years. From the last annual report, present-
ed December 22, 1851, we Jearn that the whole number of pupils
connected with the school since its organization is 1,638.
The following table will show the number of pupils during.
each term, and also the number of graduates :
4 . [Assempir
GRADUATES.
Pupils. Males. Females. Total.
First year,.. 1st term.. 98 0 0 0
2d 185 29 5 34
Second year, 8d “ 30 WW 44
4th « 387 26 63
Third year,, 5th “ 27 1946
6th 37 25 62
Fourth year, 7th “ 25-25 50
8th « 17 29 46
Fifth year,.. 9th « 22 kf 48
10th « 19 18 37
Sixth year,.. 11th 12 20 32
. 12th « 21 13 34
Seventh year,13th. « 12 14 26
14th « U1, 88°
2,771 299 249 «548,
The following are the rames of the teachers with their salaries
and the several departments of instruction in which they. are
“ engaged:
George R: Perkins, A. M., Principal, $1,700.and house.
William F. Phelps, A. M:, Superintendent of the experimental
school, $1,000, paid out of tuition received of pupils of experi
mental school.
Silas T, Bowen, A. M.; teacher of Intellectual and Moral Sci-
ence and Rhetoric, $1,000.
Sumner ©. Webb, teacher of Arithmetic and Bookkeeping,
$750, $50.as. librarian, $50 as. master of order and $25 as post
master. : F : 7
: Truman ‘H.- Bowen, ‘teacher of the Science of Government,
Grammar and. Vocal Music, $750 as instructor in music in exper-
imental school. : ,
Dr. James H..Salisbury, teacher of Physiology, Natural Phi-
“losophy and Chemistry, $800. . :
John Felt, Jr., teacher of Grammar and Algebra, $700.
Elizabeth C. Hance, teacher of Reading and History, $500.
Ann Maria Ostrom, teacher of Drawing, History and Geogra~
phy, $500.
No. 119.] 8
In the testimony of the principal which is annexed to this re-
port, will be found a full statement of the internal administration
of the affairs of the school, with the duties performed by the
board of instruction. Also a tabular statement of the represen-
tation of the pupils from the various counties of the State. For
the causes of thé present inequality of representation, the com-
mittee refer to the statement of Mr. William F. Phelps and Mr.
William W. Clark, and for further information relating to the af-
fairs of the schools to the statements of Mr. Silas T. Bowen and
Mr. Sumner C. Webb, which are also annexed to this report.
The facts developed by the investigations ‘of your committee
lead them to the following conclusions:
1. That the Normal School when organized and conducted ac-
cording to the true design of such institutions, is an invaluable.
if not indispensable aid to the advancement of the cause of popu-
Jar education, by training up a class of well qualified teachers,
educated with special reference to the wants of our.common
schools.
2. That although there has been some departure from this true
design; and a misdirection of the energies of this'school, your
committee feel it incumbent upon them strongly to recommend
these institutions not only to the fostering care of the State but
to the confidence and kindly sympathies ‘of every citizen, while
they would beg leave to suggest that such means may be devised
as will in future prevent'the recurrence of such’ misdirection of
the energies of the school as this investigation has demonstrated
to exist: Facts have come to the knowledge of your committee
which conclusively prove that the Normal School is gaining in
the estimation of the people every where. Five States of this
Union have already not only acknowledged the soundness of the,
proposition that. to have good teachers we must establish institu-
tions for their special training, but have practically: adopted it by.
the establishment of one, two or more Normal Schools for the
‘supply of their educational Wants.
6 [Asseomry
Tn-accordance with these convictions your committee beg leave
to submit the following suggestions, which they earnestly com-
mend to the sérious attention and prompt action of the Legislature:
..1, That an appropriation of six thousand dollars per annum
be made to the Normal School located in this city, and that the
same amount. be given for the support of a like institution in such
city or village west of: and including Syracuse as shall provide
within one year from the passage of the act submitted by your
committee, the best accommodations for such institution.
The wisdom of this policy: must, in the view of your. commit-
tee, be obvious to every intelligent citizen.. One.Normal School
for so large a territory as is embraced within the limits of our
State cannot supply a tithe of the teachers necessary for our eom-
mion schools. “This was never expected. ‘Our present institution
was established’ as an expériment. Its wise founders have placed
the fact'tpon’ reciitd- that did’ this experinient prove successful,
othérs'would be called for by the people. This call ‘has already
been made. The friends of education in western New-York have
for more-than a year been discussing through the public press
and otherwise their claims to such, facilities as are now. enjoyed.
by their more fortunate brethren at the east... ‘The Normal School,
at Albany is ina great, degree becoming local in its character, as
might naturally enough be expected in.a State embracing so much ,
_territory.as‘our own. These considerations, therefore, as well as
many others which a comprehensive survey of the subject would
indicate, but.which your committee cannot. now dwell upon, lead.
them:strongly. to urge upon the attention of the Lesisiature. # the,
foregoing suggestion:
“This change can’ be sa i ci increasing the
expense to the State, while the advantages derived will be more
than doubled. Your ‘committee beg leave to subjoin an estimate!
of the ‘expenditures necessary to ‘the support of these two insti-
tutions, which they are confident, after a’ careful examination of
the subject, will be sufficient for the purposes indicated.
No, 119.] 7
STATEMENT.
For salary of Principal, exclusive of house rent,...... $1,200
Two professors, each $1,000, 2,000
Three male teachers, $700, 2,100
Onefemale “ — «-, 500, 500
One « oo 400,00. 7 400
For stationery, library, apparatus, text books, &e.,..... 300
Insurance, fuel, cleaning, and janitor’s-work, ..... 1,000
Totaly cece icdeceeeceeecegec eee vee eees $7,500
To meet these expenses, there will be'the following sums:
By anaual appropriation of Legislature,.... ves $6,000
Tuition of 100 pupils in experimental school, at
$10 per term,... vee 2,000
Tuition of literary students, estimated ........ 1,000
$9,000
Ytwill be seen by reference to the tables of salaties first given,
that the: principal of the present institution receives, as compared
with:the other professors, an enormous salary ; being $700 per
annum, together with house rent and other perquisites, over and.
above the amount paid to any of those who, as the investigation
shows, bear the burden and heat of the day in the labors assigned °
it.’ By the above estimate, these salaries ave ‘more neatly equal~
ized—two hundréd dollars: with the rent of his ‘house, being
deemed by the committee a sufficient award ‘for the difference-of
Jabor and ‘yésponsibility between the principal, : and the pote
and ‘teachers: £
I will also: be perceived that the salaries of the teachers have
been graded according to the degree of labor: and responsibility
devoted upon each, your. committee. being . fully persuaded: that
well qualified: persons may.easily be Depa der. the amounts
above specified. : A
With reference to the item of $2,000, mentioned ‘ahdve as, ating
collected from the experimental school, it may be well to temark
8 [Assemeiy
that in the Institution already established there are 100 pupils in
this department. About 60 of these pay a tuition of $20 per
year, each, and the committee are informed that at these rates
there are constantly more applications for seats.than the depart-
ment is able to accommodate ; 46 of these pupils are free; but
the committee are of opinion that since the public schools in our
cities are all free, no reason now exists why those who prefer the
normal mode of instruction should not be willing to pay for the
same, thus rendering available, for the support of the Normal
School, the full sum of $2,000 per year as above stated.
In the estimate of expenses as given above the committee have
rejected the item of mileage to the students, which, by the last
report of executive committee amounts to nearly $1,000 per
year. If another institution be established, no reason remains
for holding out this inducement to students, since both sections of
the State will thus enjoy equal advantages ‘in having a Normal ~
School in their neighborhood.
Your committee have also been informed that, from the organi-
zation of the present establishment in this city, applications have
been numerous for admission from those who were unwilling to
pledge themselves to teach: . This class of ‘persons your commit-
zee have judged it might be proper to admit‘on their paying in
advance a tuition of $15 per term, which would realize an addi-
tional sum to aid in the support of the Normal School.
In conclusion, your committee beg leave to state that in the
present system, a simple declaration of intention to teach com-
mon schools, is all that is required of a student as a guarantee
of his fidelity to the cause of education in this State, by actually.
engaging in the service of our common schools. Your commit-
tee would, therefore, recommend that an actual pledge he re-
quired of ‘all who receive gratuitous inst:vietion in the State Nor-
mal Schools, that they shall actually teve): common schools.in
this Staté ‘one-year for every term‘of such instruction, or in de-
fault thereof, that’ they shall pay a tuition of $15 per term. as re-
quired in the case of literary students. Your committee cannot
forbear in closing, again to, recommend these’ institutions to. the
fostering eare of the Legislature | as pres eminently worthy ‘of tat
No. 119.] 9
« material aid,” so necessary to advance every human interest,
and none more than that of diffusing universal intelligence
through our common schools, with well trained teachers at their
head, such teachers as these seminaries are adapted to supply.
Your committee have weighed carefully the changes now pro-
posed by them, fully assured that if adopted, the interests of -
education will be greatly advanced. They are of the opinion
that without any material increase of expense, the annual ap-
propriation of $12,090 can be made to sustain two schools each,
- as large in numbers as the present one, by allowing said insti-
tutions to receive pay pupils under such regulations as the trus-
tees may provide, and without interferring with the interests of
the pupils of the State. It is believed that more than one of our
western towns will be found willing to provide all necessary
buildings for ‘such a school, in case the same shall be located
within their borders. “
H. L. WEBB,
WILLIAM TAYLOR,
GEO. M. COPELAND,
D. W. LAWRENCE,
J. P, CHAMBERLIN,
Commitiee.
QUESTIONS TO PRINCIPAL.
1. When did you first become connéctéd with the State Normal
school ?
2. What is the object of the Institution ¢
_8. What are the internal arrangements for securing this object ?
4. Upon whom does the duty of instructing in. the art of teach-
ing devolve?
5. How: many. pupils are there in the sehol at the o present
time 4 band
6. Do these come from the several counties of the state in ac-
cordance with the proper apportionment? :
».7.. What. counties send the, largest number? fie
8, Ave any counties not represented, and if'so what ones?
9: What number of pupils have graduated from the school since
it was institnted, and how do they stand divided among the seve-
ral. counties of the state?
10. What number have entered who haven not graduated, and -
how are they divided among the counties?
11. In case any county has sént a larger number of pupils than
is now ‘entitled to. send, have they bee changed for tuition and
how much ?
12. What method.do. you adopt to. keep up the ropresentation
from. the different: counties of the state?.:
13. Are you: or the dxecutive committee in the practice ‘of fll.
ing*the vacancies of distant eure sith: ‘Albany or other neigh-
boring Students? °
VW
15. Do the pupils ‘educated at this schoo! all pursue teaching
as their avocation? What proportion do not, if any?
if so, do the : puipils 80 selected usually “become teachers: pe
12 | Assemary
16. How many hours is each teacher employed in school du-
ties per day? How many days per week? and weeks per year?
Have any of these teachers extra school duties to perform? Are
all these teachers exclusively employed in school duties duying
the regular sessions? Is it customary for any of your teachers to
be absent for any considerable period during their time ?
17. Have any of the pupils been charged with, or proved to
have committed any. gross immorality during their connection
with the school? and how many? How many have been ex-
pelled ?
1 Do you frequently visit the boarding houses of your pupils
and ascertain whether the laws regarding visits are faithfnlly car-
ried out? Do your teachers do so? |
19. Are you personally acquainted with all persons receiving
pupils to board? and are they, in your opinion proper Pereonete
be entrusted with these pupils?
-20. Are any of'your pupils in the habit of attending places of
public amusement ? .
21. Do you require your pupils to attend some stated place of
worship on the'sabbath ? and are, they in the habit-of so doing?
22... Mave you any means of ascertaining whether or not your
pupils are out late at night? a
23. Do you receive any reports. concerning their conduct from
the persons with whom they board? and if so, what disposition
do you make of these reports ? :
ANSWER OF GEO. R. PERKINS, PRINCIPAL OF STATE
NORMAL SCHOOL.
1, Ihave been connected with ‘the State ‘Normal School from
its first organization, on the 18th of December, 1844. ‘I discharg-
ed the duties of Professor of Mathematics-until the death of the
Principal, David Perkins Page, January.1, 1848, at which, time.I
was elected his successor, and have continued to discharge the
duties of the Principal, and also, in part, my former duties as
Professor of Mathe ati
No.l19 .] 18
2. The Act of the Legislature for the establishment of a Nor-
ma! School, passed May 7, 1844, declares that the money appro-
priated by that act “shall be expended in the establishment and
support of the Normal School for the instruction and practice of
teachers of common schools in the science of education and in
the art of teaching.”
The above, I believe, expresses the true object of the Institu-
tion. :
8. The whole organization and arrangement of the Normal
School is made in direct reference to its primary object, as above
expressed.
The experimental school which was first established during
the second term, is taught by the pupils of the senior class.. The
design of this experimental school is to afford the Normal pupil, -
under the eye of the Principal, an opportunity to practice the
methods of instruction and discipline inculcated at the Normal
School, as well as to exhibit his “.aptness to teach,” and to. dis-
charge the various other duties pertaining to the teacher’s respon-
sible office.
Uniformity of instruction is Sbeentell by the appointment of.a
permanent teacher, or superintendent of this school.
I consider the experimental department of great importance
and value in connection with the Normal School. It is a sort of
workshop where each teacher has an opportunity to work at his
profession.
Afternoon exercises and lectures are given by the different
teachers of the Normal School, which have for their object the
elucidation of the best methods, not only of imparting instruc-
tion, but of discharging other usual and necessary duties of the
eommon schoo] teacher.
During six weeks of each term, the seniors have a daily recit-
ation in theory and practice of teaching, using, asa text book,
a work prepared by our late Principal, shortly before his death.
This recitation was conducted by myself about two years after
Mr. Page’sdeath. It is now conducted by Mr. William F’. Phelps,
4 " [Asseasny
the superintendent of the experimental sehool, who is not at. the
present time required to hear class exercises in his department.
4. The duty of instructing in the art of teaching devolves, to a
considerable extent, upon all the teachers. The pupils of all the
classes are frequently ealled upon to give the whys and where-
fores, and are ask how, in their opinion, they could best impart
to others the knowledge which they are at that particular time
receiving. g . 3
This knowledge of the art. of teaching is also imparted by
those teachers who give afternoon lectures. Also in the other .
exercises of the afternoon, such, for instance, as in the instruction
given by the. teacher of vocal music. The pupil is not only
‘taught the elements, of music, and how to sing, but he is also
* taught how to teach music to others.
5. The number of pupils of the present term is two ‘thundred
and twelve.
6. Of the 212 pupils of this term 100 have received regular
appointments from the town superintendents of their respective
counties, 105 have received their appointments at large, by our
Executive Committee, and 7 Indians have been admitted by vir-
tue of an act of the Legislature, passed March 23, 1850.
No. 119.]
15
The 212 pupils, of the present, or sixteenth term, are divided
among the different counties as given in the following table :
2./. 1 {4 ff E
elP |2 )8 | 2.
22/38) 2 Eel ef
‘COUNTIES. © Balas | 2 a 4
7 : i 2 2 z b
% 2/3 3
BIE | ale) 2
Albany, 38) 135
Allegany, on 6 4
Broome, .... 2; 4
(Cattaraugus, . 6 5
CayUga,..ceceees 10) 20
Chautauque,... : 10 9
‘Chemung, . os 5: 10
Chenango,. see Oe 16
Clinton;.... 02665 2) 6
Columbia, ..... sp 84
Cortland,...... 10 4
Delaware, . 13, 9
Dutchess, 10
i 16 QF
aernes 8 6
Franklin, . sede BB
Fultom and Hamilton, 5 4
Genesee, 13) 10
Greene, TO 23
Herkimer, . 9 17
Jefferson... 22] 92
Kings, .. 7 “8
Lewis, .... 06 1 7
Livingston, .. 14 ll
Madison, .... 16. 1a
Monroe, .. 16 25
Montgomery, 7 21
New-York, 9 62
Niagara, . 6 14
Oneida, . 14 36
Onondaga, 29) 27
Ontario,.... ve 14) 12
Orange, ...... ll ~30
Orleans, .. 3 6
Oswego, iy 9
Otsego, . 14) 28
Putnam, . Bp 8
16
TABLE—(Cowrinvzp.)
|e ern ere ee EE PTT ETS SCRE EELS AT
2.f. lea 14
ayeyiliy 2
safe 2 13,| 34
COUNTIES. eee | 2122 a
feig2) 2]2 | 2
aig | ale |4
2"|4 |B Ee | é
Queens, ees
Rensselaer,
Richmond, .
Rockland, 88
St. Lawrence, ...
Saratoga, ..
Schenectady, :
Westchester, .
“Wyoming, ..
Yatesy:. 0...
Totals
7. By reference to the foregoing table, it. will be seen which
counties have sent the most pupils, the present or sixteenth term ;
also during all the sixteen terms. |
8. The above table also shows which counties are not repre-
~ sented in the present term, viz: Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus,
Delaware, Orleans, Putnam, Queens, Tioga and Tompkins. *
9. The whole number of -pupils which have graduated from ‘
. the school since. it was ‘instituted, is five hundred and seventy-
four.. ‘They are:divided among the different counties as given. in
© the foregoing table. Q
No. 119.] 17
10. The number of pupils who have entered the school and
have not graduated is 1,006. The table already referred to, —
shows how this number is divided among the different counties.
11. No tuition money has ever been charged any of the pupils,
except inone single instance. A regularly appointed pupil, after
graduating, desired to be released from his pledge to become a
teacher. On application to our Executive Committee, they con-
sented to‘ release him by his paying a certain sum, which they
supposed to bea fair equivalent for the instruction he had re-
ceived. —
12. Near the close of each term, we publish in a cireular form,
a statement of the number of vacancies to be filled by the re-
spective counties, for the next term. A number of copies equal
to the number of towns in each county, is sent to the town su-
perintendent of the county-town, who is authorized to call a meet-
ing of the town superintendents of his county, he acting as chair-
man At such meetings the appointments are made. When we
had county superintendents, our ciculars were sent to those
officers.
That portion of our circular, giving the number of vacancies,
is published in four of the Albany city newspapers, also in the
. District School Journal. During the session of the Legislature,
copies are placed upon each member's desk. We also distribute
copies among the Normal pupils. .
13. Since the abolition of the office of county superintendent,
eur Executive Committee have given appointments at large to
Such applicants as complied with the same regulations as are re-
quired of the rgularly appointed pupils. The following, in re-
gard to appointments at large, is copied from our cireular : “ Per-
sons failing: to receive appointments from their respective
counties, should, after obtaining testimonials of a good moral
character, present themselves the first day of the. time, for ex-
amination by the Faculty. If such examination is satisfactory,
* they will receive an appointment from the Executive Committee
without being placed in any particular county, provided any va-
cancies exist.” i
[ Assembly, No. 119.] “eg
18 | Assemeiy ©
The pupils so appointed by the Executive Committee, have
never been considered as filling the vacancies of any of the coun-
” ties, neither have they ever received any mileage. The vacan-
~ cies of the different counties have never been affected by such ap-
pointment. Pupils appointed at large, are liable-at any time to
be required to withdraw, to make room for regularly appointed
pupils.
I think the regularly appointed pupils are more disposed to go
throngh with our whole course, and not to leave us until they
have graduated, than are those appointed at large. Such as do
graduate are pretty sure to become good teachers. I should pre-
fer to have all the pupils regularly appointed. My opinion is
that the pupils appoizited by the Executive Committee are quite
as likely to become teachers, as’ are those regalarly appointed,
provided we except those appointed from the city of Albany and
its immediate vicinity.
15. I have-no certain means of knowing what proportion of the
pupils whom we educate, fail to engage in teaching. I believe
the number is very small, however; compared with the whole.
Of those who go through with our entire course and graduate,
there are scarcely any who do not teach:
All the pupils, on’ entering the school, since theopening of the
second term, have been required to subscribe to the following
declaration: E
“We the undersigned, hereby declare that it is our intention
to devote ourselves to the business of teaching district schools ;
and that our motive in resorting to the Normal School,-is to pre-
pare ourselves the better to discharge that important duty.”
In 1849, the graduates of the State Normal School organized
themselves into an Association, for the purpose of keeping up a
system of correspondence between the Institution and its grad-_
tiates, and furnishing schools with well. qualified teachers, and
well qualified teachers with schools. By the Constitution of this
-association, the Treasurer, Recording Secretary, and Correspond-
ing Secretary are to be elected from the Faculty of the Normal
School. Mr. Sumner C. Webb, is at the present time’ Treasurer
No. 119.] 19
and Recording Secretary, and Mr. William F. Phelps, is the Cor-
responding Secretary.
” The Executive Committee, in their report made to the Legisla-
ture on the 8th of January, 1851, speak of the advantages of this
association as follows: “ During the past year, nearly two hun-
dred applications for teachers have been made from all parts of
the State, which fact may tend to show more strongly perhaps,
than any other, the estimation in which the Normal School is
held. The call, at the present time, for Normal graduates, ig so
great, that it is impossible to supply the want; and this difficulty
will probably remain, until another class is graduated in the
spring. In addition to the above facts, it may be well to men-
tion, that the call for Normal teachers is not liniited to this State
alone; frequent applications. from other States, and from the
British Provinces, are received, but it has-not been deemed pro-
per to recommend the graduates to places without the boundaries
of our own commonwealth since the Normal School was estab-
lished and is supported by the State for the supply of its own ed-_
uéational wants.”
_ This association still eoutinwe’ im a prospérons arid flourishing
condition. * ‘
Strong pecuniary ‘inducements are offered to our teachers to
continue in their profession. Some of.our last graduatés receive
from $400 to $600 per annum, and some receive still larger sala-
Sles. -
16. Since the first organization of thie school, many changes
have taken place as to terms, vacations, course of study, number
of teachers and duties required of each,
At the present time we have each year two terms ‘of twenty
weeks each. The first week of each term is consumed in exami+
nation, classification, &¢., of the new pupils. “All: the teachers
assist in this work except the teacher of the experimental school.
The last week of each term is devoted to public class examina-
tions, closing exercises, &c. In these exercises, each teacher con-'
ducts the examination of his own classes. “Thus we have, in
each term, eighteen weeks of recitation, of five days in each
week, |
4 20 [Assemauy
As principal of the Normal School, I have the supervision of
all the departments connected with the institution. I have one
recitation each day with the gentlemen of the seniors, five days
in each week during each term.
I give to the gentlemen of the seniors, each term, from three
to six field exercisés with engineering and surveying instru-
ments. I give during the first week of the term a lecture to the
old pupils on the relations they sustain to their teachers, and te
each other, and on deportment in general. I also give them lec-
tures.on Mathematical Geography. There are many other duties
out of regular school hours and in vacations, which must of ne-
eessity devolve upon me.
Mr. William ¥. Phelps has the superintendence of the Experi- -
mental School ; he has one recitation each day for six weeks of
each term with the seniors ; he also gives five afternoon lectures
during each term.
Mr. Silas T Bowen.has five rectitations each day for six weeks,
‘and four recitations each day for the remaining twelve weeks of
each term. During the fifth hour of the twelve weeks, when
not engaged-with a class, he is employed in correcting the rhet-
oric exercises of one of his classes. He gives during each term
seven afternoon lectures. He corrects the regular compositions
of the:seniors, and also the usual essays and poems for the elos-
ing exercises of each term.”
Mr. Sumner ©. Webb has five recitations each day for the
whole eighteen weeks of each term; he gives eleven afternoon
exercises or lectures, and corrects the compositions of the juniors,
No.1.
Mr.’ Truman H. Bowen has four recitations each day ‘for
twelve weeks of each term, and then each day for the remaining
six weeks. .He is employed four days each week in the after-
noon, in giving instruction in vocal music. He arranges for the
music at the public reading of compositions, alsofor all the
music used at the closing exercises of each term. During each
term he gives eight afternoon lectures; he also corrects the
regular compositions of sub-seniors No. 2.
No. 119.] a1
Dr. James H. Salisbury has four recitations each day during
six weeks, three during the remaining twelve weeks of each
term. He corrects the regular compositions of sub-seniors No. 1.
He also has all the care of the apparatug and articles belonging
to the departments of natural philosophy, chemistry, and human
physiology. .
Mr. John Felt,Jr., has five recitations each day for the whole
eighteen weeks of each term. He corrects all the compositions
of juniors No. 2. He also gives eight afternoon lectures.
Miss Elizabeth C. Hance has. five recitations each day for
twelve weeks, and four for the remaining six weeks of each term.
She corrects the-compositions of sub-juniors No. 2. She also has
charge of the public reading of the selected compositions.
Miss Ann Maria Ostrom has five recitations each day during
the eighteen weeks of each term. - She corrects the compositions
of sub-juniors No. 1.
Our forenoon session of five recitations is of five hours dura-
tion. The afternoon exercises are each one hour long.”
Many of our exercises require, on the part of the teacher, much
labor when not with his classes, such as making ready for reci-
tation and lectures, by preparing diagrams and tabulated matter
on the black-board or otherwise; also the subsequent examina-
tion and correction of the pupils’ abstracts of the recitations and
lectures.
The only extra duties required of our'teachers are as follows.
Mr. Sumner C. Webb, bas been selected ‘by our executive com-
mittee as librarian, as master-oforder of study room, and as
postmaster for the institution.. They have also requested Mr.
Truman H. Bowen to give instruction in vocal music to the pu-
pils of the experimental school. _ For these extra duties they re-
ceive extra compensation over and aboye their salaries.
Our teachers are all exclusively employed as a general thing,
during the regular sessions of school, in duties connected with
the interests of the school. The superintendent of the experi-
mental school, Mr. Phelps, attends, however to the duties of
22 fAssemenx
corresponding secretary of the association of graduates, during
the time of the regular sessions. And I have myself sometimes
found time to attend to such letters as circumstances would seer:
to require an, immediate answer. :
It is. not customary for any of the faculty to be absent for. any.
considerable period during term time.. Except in eases of sick-
ness of a teacher, or of some near relative, I. do not think any
‘one of our faculty has ever been absent more than two or three
days at atime. When a teacher has unavoidably heen, kept from
school on account of illness, the other teachers have so far as
they could do, generously heard:the classes ofithe absent, teacher.
In.some instances. the teacher, has. temporarily. supplied his or
her place until sufficiently restored to health to resume his.on her,
duty.
1%. Iam sorry to.say. that since the first organization of:this
institution our. executive committee: have. deemed: it necessary to
expel three male pupils, and two female pupils. Gf the male.
pupils, one was expelled for noisy and indecorous conduct at his
boarding place, and for indulging in spirituous liquors; one for
passing a. counterfeit coin, and the other for persisting in break~
ing a rule ofthe institution, which, prohibits. the gentlemen: of
the school: from calling upon: the young ladies of: the same, after
6.o’elock, P. M. The two female pupils.were-both expelled fon
theft;. they having been detected-in. purloining small articles of
dress, &c., from.their schoo] mates, These. are the only cases of
expulsion that I know of. “
The committee have. also dismissed-one Indian pupil for draw-
ing a knife in a quarrel with another pupil. This is. the only.
ease-of dismissal that.I. know. of.
Twonld add, however, that in several instances the faculty,
haye advised pupils to withdraw from the'school, on the ground
that they were not believed to haye sufficient, intellectual strength,
or were too giddy, or indifferent in regard to their studies, to
promise much as teachers,
i
_ lam not aware that,any gross immorality has. been committed
.as above, specified.
Wo. 119}, ; 23
48. I do make it a point to visit our pupils at their boarding
places as often:2s my time will admit of; especially, am:I parti-
eular to visit such pupils.asare sick. My: teachers also frequent-
ly call upon our pupils. at. their boarding places. Miss Hance
and: Miss Ostrow. have-for several terms made it a point of calling
at all the boarding houses of the young ladies at least once du-
ring such term. During the present term, the duty of visiting
“pupils has been assigned to the different teachers by classes. ,
19. I am not personally acquainted with-many of the persons’
who take our pupils'to board. When I am not acquainted with
any who propose to take boarders, I-require them to give good ~
and satisfactory testimony of moral worth and purity. Many of
the boarding places for our female pupils. have been kept by the
same persons for four, five or six years. A large proportion of
‘our male pupils club together, and board themselves at the ave-
rage price of $1.50 per week, including room; rent, and all other
expenses chargeable upon board. Of the gentlemen of our pre-
sent senior class; all except one board themselves.
I do believe that all the persons boarding our pupils are pro-
per persons to be entrusted with them.
20. None of our pupils are, to my knowledge, in th habit of. «
attending places of public amusements.
21. We do not require our pupils.to attend.any. stated place:of
worship on the Sabbath. _ But.so far as 1 have been able.to-learn,
a very large majority are in. the habit of attending divine worship
on Sunday.
At the opening lectures of-each:term, as given by. Mr. Silas:T.
Bowen to the new pupils, and by myself.to the old pupils, we
usually make an earnest request that they should attend each
Sunday some place of divine worship, leaving it to them to se-
lect such place as would be most agreeable to themselves, or’ to
their friends at home.
22. We have no special means of ascertaining whether 0 our pu
pils are out late at night. ‘
z PN
24 | Assempity
23. The only reports which we receive from persons keeping
boarders are voluntary on their part. When such reports have
been received, we have. invariably acted upon them as the eir-
cumstances.of the case seemed to require.
GEO. R. PERKINS.
City and County of Albany, ss: George R. Perkins, of said city
of Albany; being duly sworn, deposes and says, that the forego- .
ing statement by him subseribed is true, according to the best of
his knowledge, information and belief.
GEO. R. PERKINS.
Sworn this 5th day of :
March, 1852, before me,
J. B. Brinsmapx, Jx., Com’r of Deeds.
QUESTIONS TO MESSRS. PHELPS, BOWEN AND WEBB.
1. Are you inany way. connected with the State Normal
School?
2. How long have you been connected with the same?
3. Were you present at the publie exercises of the school, held
on the 5th day of February last ?
4, Was there any unustial excitement on that occasion ?._
5. What. were the causes of this?
6. How were these sounds produced % +
7. Do you consider this portion of the building safe for the
purpose to which it is appropriated ?
8. In what part of the building is this room located 7
9. Aré the means of ingress and egress safe and convenient?.
10. Do you consider this building well constructed and sub
stantial ?
11. Were the foundations well jaid?
12. Are the walls all. sound yet?
13. How long has it been built? >
14. Do you know any reason why it was not more substantially
constructed 7
No. 119.] 25
15. How much money has been appropriated to the construc-
tion of the building ?
16. Was this money all expended for the construction of a
building to be used exclusively by the school ?
“17. For what other purposes was money expended ?
18. Were these appendages necessary to the welfare of the
Institution?
19. Do you think the money expended on the principal’s resi-
dence, had it been expended on the school building, would have,
been sufficient to have insured its stability ?
20. Were not. the best interests of the school ina measure
sacrificed by the building of this residence?
21. Under whose advice and direction was the building
planned? é
+22. By whom were the contracts given out?
23. Was there opposition to this plan on their part?
24. Is this building as well ventilated and conveniently ar-
’ ranged as such a building should be?
25. When did the Institution first go into operation, and what
is the object of the Institution ?
26. What are the internal arrangements for securing this ob-
ject %
27. Upon whom does the duty of instructing in the art of teach-
ing devolve?
28. Does not the Principal personally engage in this duty ? and
“if not why?
29. Do you think him capable of doing so profitably. to the stu-
dents? (i. e.) is he an educational man?
"30. Is not this the appropriate field of labor for the Principal
of stich an institution ?
31. How many pupils ake there in the school at the present
time? ‘
32. Do these come from the several counties of F the state in ac-
éordance with the proper apportionment ?
~ 33. What counties send the largest number ?
26 [Asoumeny
-- 84. Has this always been so since the establishment of the
school? When was it different ?
35. Who was the Principal of the school at that time?
36. How did he keep up the proper-representation from dis-
tant counties?
38. Do-these pupils from Albany generally become teachers?
39. As far as this surplus of pupils from Albany and’ adjoining
counties. is. concerned do you think the objects for which:the
“school was. established are fulfilled?
40. Do you think this difficulty could be remedied? andi in
what: way ?
41. How many teachers:are engaged in the school, and: what’
are their names, duties, salaries, &c. ?
42. How many hours is each employed in school duties: per
day? This question is answered: by: the:programme as published “
jn the report just, referred. to.
_ 43. Have any. of these. persons extra school; duties to perform?
44, Are all these teachers exclusively: employed:in school du-
ties. during, the.regular session.?: ‘
45. Has not the Principal, since his connection with the school,
been, much occupied in authorship ?
46. Has he used his time daring school hours to prepare these.
books. and to correct bis proof sheets?
47. Do you know that he has ever employed students. to aid
him in so doing to their detriment as scholars ?
48. Has he ever employed students as agents?
_ 49, Has he-ever used his position.to urge his. own, books and
those of his publishers into the:school contrary-to: the opinions:
of many. of his associates ?
50. What do you think of the utility of. this school and of its.
jmportance in our common school system %.
51. Does the principal ever. absent himself from the Institue.
tion during term time ?
52. Do you know of the.teachers, at any. time, complaining, or.
conversing about the absence of the Principal from duty?.. Name
them if so.
No. 2] 27
ANSWER OF MR. PHELPS.
Am connected with the State Normal School, as superintendent
of the experimental department or model school; have been con-
nected with. the school since its organization, Dec. 18, 1844; was
present at the closing exercises held on the 5th of February
there was an unusual excitement on that occasion, it was caused by
a sudden sinking or settling of the floor and by sounds as of break-.
ing timbers. I have been informed by the principal, these sounds
were produced by the breaking of one of the timbers on which
the floor rests. Ido not consider this portion of the building.
safe for the purposes for which it was designed. This room is
located in the 4th story’above the basement. I do not consider
the upper flight of the central stairssafe, they are narrow and very.
steep, have frequently known individuals to slip several stairs at,
once, when no crowd was present; have slipped two or. three
times thus myself. I do not consider-this building well and sub-
stantially constructed; however, I am neither a mechanic nor,
engineer, and may not be considered a competent judge. I do
not know whether the foundations were well Jaid or not. ‘The,
walls are cracked both within and without. The cracks of the
inner walls have been plastered up; it has been built nearly :
three years; it was not substantially built, I suppose, because
built in haste, and for want of funds sufficient to carry out the.
plan of the whole building ; do not know the full amount of, the
several appropriations for the building, I believe they amounted,
fo from $25,000-to $28,000. These funds were not all used for,-
the erection of a building to be used exclusively ‘for, the school.
A. residence for the principal and the janitor were included;
these appendages were not perhaps necessary, but convenient in
many respects; had these been: left out, I think the funds
would: have been sufficient to ensure the stability of the buil-
ding; the interests of the school, in my opinion; suffered
by. this diversion: of the funds; it was plannéd by Mr. Geo:
S Pénchard; as architect, under: the’ direction, as I understand,
ofthe principal, subject, tothe approval of. the: Executive Oom-)
mittee. I,do.not: know by whom the contracts.were given: out;
I. understood; there was: opposition: to: this: plan’;: think this:
28 [Assemeny
building is not as well ventilated as is desirable for a Normal
School; the school opened in December, 1848; its objects, as
defined by its founders, are “the instruction and practice of
teachers in the science of education and the art of. teaching.”
To secure these objects there is a course of study, which all who
graduate are required to master; the students likewise receive
lectures on the details of teaching, and on general education.
The special instruction upon these subjects is given by the super-
intendent of the experimental school, to which every member of
the graduating class is sent to practice. A recitation is also
_ heard daily for six weeks, in the “theory and practice of teaching.”
The principal does not engage in this duty. -I do not know his
reasons. This is as faras my knowledge extends, generally re-
garded as the appropriate field, of the head of such an In-
stitution; there are about two hundred pupils now in the
school; I have not in mind the exact number. The repre-
sentation from the various. counties is not, in general, in
accordance with the prescribed ratio. The eastern counties have
the largest numbet of pupils in the school. ‘The county of
Albany has had the largest representation for several terms past.
This has not always beer the case; it was different in the earlier.
period, during which the school has existed.. The principal, at —
that time, was the late David P. Page, The representation was
then better kept up I suppose by the agency of the county super-
intendents and by that of the late principal, who was abroad
much of the time during the vacations lecturing to the people.
This course is not now pursued. Some of the pupils from Al-
bany county have not been employed as teachers; some have
taught for short periods; others are now engaged in the schools
of this. county. This inequality of representation might be re-
medied, I think, by the operation of the same causes which
formerly secured a’ more general representation. The number,
names and duties of the Board of Instruction will be found by
reference to the last annual: report of executive committee. now
before the Legislature. The number of hours during which the
teachers are engaged is, on the average, about five. The pro’
gramme in the. report exhibits the time table of' the school
Some of these teachers have extra duties to perform, for, which
No. 112.] 29
they are paid. The teachers, as will be seen by reference to the
programme, are generally wholly occupied in-school duties at the
regular hours. The principal has published several books on
mathematical science since his connection with the institution.
- Ido not know whether he has employed students to correct his
proof sheets or not during school hours. I have seen the princi-
pal himself engaged. in this at sucha time. I do not know
whether he has ever employed students as agents. He has used
the influence of his position to secure the adoption of his own
books into the school contrary to the opinions of some of his as-
sociates. I think Normal Schools, for the special training of |
teachers, to be of the highest importance to the State. I deem
them the mos¢ important of the higher institutions of a State, and
indispensable to the efficiency and success of common schools.
The principal is sometimes absent from the institution during
term time. I do not know.on what business ; sometimes I know
he has been absent on account of the sickness of his friends. I
have heard several of the teachers complain of his absence, dur-
ing session hours and daring term time. Mr. 8. T. Bowen and
Mr. Clark so complain. Ihave so complained myself. I haye
, heard Mr. 8. T. Bowensay he should speak to the principal about
his absence. — ‘
The above are true answers to the questions proposed by the
committee of investigation, to the best.of my knowledge and be-
lief. Wm. F.. PHELPS.
ANSWER OF MR. W. W. CLARK.
Mr. Clark-answers the inquiries of the committee on. colleges,
academies and common schools as follows: Is not now connected
with the Normal School; was from the commencement for about
six years and a half with Prof. Page and Perkins ; was not pres-
ent at the public exhibition, but has been there several times at
closing exercises; Is. acquainted with the room used. on such
occasions and. does not consider it.a suitable room for such occa-
sions; ingress and egress unsafe in case of panic: ‘The contracts
80 [Assemaiy
‘were let to responsible contractors, but the contracts were defec-
tive in not specifying for such a sized building; don’t think the
‘building was well built; foundation was laid in blue clay, and
for that sized building don’t think the foundation was sufficient.
Prof. Perkins drew a plan afterwards corrected by an architect;
bids were asked and contract was let for $25,000 and from $3,000
to $5,000 was appropriated afterwards. The building was built
expressly for a Normal School building ; the plan for Professor’s
Tesidence was at his own instance submitted to by the executive
committee; don’t think the State contemplated furnishing a resi-
dence for the Professor; thinks it would cost about $5,000 extra
for making such residence; occupies two stories of the building;
is of opinion that these extras for benefit of Professor was. an
improper diversion of the funds of the institution, and that the
‘school has suffered in consequence thereof; executive committee
gave out contracts. Says he opposed having the residence con-
nected with the institution; executive committee urged same, but
the Professor would not consent, and induced executive commit-
tee to consent to same. Perkins got up the plan of ventilation;
thinks it not properly ventilated and the plan is a failure; walls
are hollow.
The design of the institution was to educate teachers for the
common schools of the State of New-York. Plan of representa-
tion is for each cotinty twice as many scholars as representatives
in Assembly. Principal-has but little comparatively to do with
teaching ; does not consider him an educational man; only as a
mathematician ; has only one class occupying 45 minutes; has
nothing else to do with school duties; thinks he has more: lei-
_ sure hours than he ought to have ; thinks ihe ‘éther teachers oc-
eupy or are engaged.in school duties fall time. Als6; that Prof.
Ps health is not sufficient for his position, and considers hita wn- -
fit for the place, and that the haracter of the school is depreci-
ating under the present tanagement,; &e:; and that the charde-
ter of the school under a more competent principal would be of
great importance to thé common sehool system. _ In the first sta-
ges or history of the school, néarly every county was represented 5
they are not now: Individuals were not admitted formerly with-
out being duly appointed.
No. 119.] 31
Prof. Perkins, to keep up the credit of the school, proposed to
executive committee to fill up vacancies from Albany county, or
other counties that desired to send; greater proportion of ap-.
pointments were from city and county of Albany; Perkins has
never made extra efforts to induce students from distant parts of
the State ; Prof. Page formerly done so, and endeavored to keep
a legal representation; thinks scores of pupils from Albany
county have received instruction from said Institution and never
have been or designed tobe teachers ; large proportion ofsame are .
females, and have not the inclination or ability to go through the
rigid course of under teachers and graduate. In their attempts
at classification the under teachers have ever strove more for
rigidity than the principal. A just ratio of representation can
only be remedied by the principal’s going into the country and
meeting with common school teachers’ institutes, &c.. At the first
stages of the school there was a greater proportion of intelligent
pupils and practical teachers, more advanced in years, than at
present; are nine teachers in school, and thinks a less number
would not be sufficient ; thinks the Professor occupies term time
of school in Kis own private business; thinks he urges his own
productions upon the school unwarrantably ; thinks it has not
now the character as a school that it had under its former prin-
cipal. His (Perkin’s) absence from school caused the under-
teachers trouble, and was a cause of some remark; was rarely to
be found in his room, except about the time for his recitation ;
it is not the habit of the present principal to visit the pupils, or
their boarding-houses. °
WM. W. CLARK.
ANSWERS OF MESSRS. BOWEN AND WEBB.
Answers to questions proposed by the committee and sent to
Mr. Phelps by the Hon. D. M. Lawrence, one of the members of
the committee. The answers are numberéd as the questions are.
1. Tam. 3
2. Since its first organization, December 18, 1844,
3. I was present.
32 [Assempiy
4. There was.
5. The settling of the floor of the room in which the exercises
were held, accompanied by some sounds.
6.1 supposed at the time, by the settling together of the tim-
bers. Ihave since been informed that one of the timbers had
partially given way.
8. In the fourth story above the basement.
9. I should think sufficiently so for ordinary occasions.”
12. The walls of the building are cracked in some places.
13. It was first oceupied by the school ia July, 1849. Tt was
completed about that time.
16. I suppose if was not.
17. For a residence for the principal of the institution, and
rooms for a janitor and his family.
18. The exeentive committee must have deemed them 3 neces-
sary. If not necessary, they are certainly. convenient.
19. It might perhaps have rendered. the building more sub-
stantial had it been employed for that purpose, and not for orna-
ment or other purposes.
20. Iam not aware that they were.‘
24, The ventilation and arrangement of the building perhaps
mmight be improved, but I think they will compare favorably with
those of most buildings designed for a similar object.
25. The school went into operation on the 18th of December,
1844. Its object as defined by its founders, is “the instruction
and practice of teachers in the science of education and the art of
teaching.”
26. All the pupils who graduate are required to complete a
prescribed course of study. They also receive special instruc-
tion in the art of teaching, by means of lectures on’ methods of
teaching, and recitations in Page’s “Theory and Practice of
Teaching.” Connected. with the Institution is an experimental
school, composed of nearly one hundred scholars of various ages.
This school is taught principally by the members of the gradu-
No. 119.] 4 33
ating class. Here all who graduate are requited to test their
.ability to apply to practicé the instructions they have received:
27. In a measure upon all the teachers. Pupils, during reci-
tation, are frequently asked how they would impart to the young
* the facts and principles they are acquiring. Sorne of the teachers
lecture on methods of teaching. The special instruction on this
subject is given by the superintendent of the experiméntal school.
28. The principal is not much employed in giving instruction
in this dgpariment, One reason I suppose is, that that duty fs
assigned to others. If the priticipal exercises a supervision over
all the departments of the school, he cannot wel be confined to
elass exercises.
29. I do think him capable of ¢ giving profitable instruction to
the students in this department.
30. It depends, I think, upon circumstances.
31. Two hundred and twelve.
34. Lbelieve the counties haye never been equally sepnessiit
ed since the organization. of the school. The representation, I
think, was formerly more equal than at present. om
35. The first principal of the school was the late David P. Page-
36. The county superintendents in connection with Teachers’
Institutes doubtless contributed materially towards a@ more fall
and equal representation. ae
38. Most of those who graduate do.
39. Doubtless the object for which the school was established,
“ would be more effectually secured if all the counties were prop=
erly represented. It is trae, however, that. the graduates do not,
as a general thing, teach in the counties from which they: come.
They go wherever there is a demand.‘ Some- from. Albany: coun-
ty have gone to other counties to teach, while a-few from.other.
counties are teaching in Albany. _
[ [Assembly No. 119.] 3
34 . [Assemeny
40. The best. remedy J know.of would be the restoration of the
office of county-superintendent, or ,the substitution of the office
of assembly district superintendent.
. “41, For the number, names, and duties of the present board of
instruction, I beg leave to refer you to the annual report of the .
executive committee now before the Legislature.
42. The ‘program, as published in the report aboye,referred to,
answers this question. .
. 43. Some have extra duties,
2 44. I think,.as a, general thing; ter, are colnet in duties
connected with the-school..
45. I believe he has prepared some mathematical works for
publication.
46. Ido not know that he has.
47. I do not. Se
48. I do not know. —
49. Not to my knowledge.
“60. Tregard th Normal Schoo! éssential part of the com-
mon school systém ‘of our State—a ndispensable t
ey of our schools. Institutions devoted exclusively to the prepa-
ration of teachers.I consider, the only means of elevating the char-
acter of common school instruction throughout the State.
B1..The principal: is seldom absent from. the school. Except
in cases of sickness of himself or family I think he has never been
absent to exceed three days at’a He:
52. Ido not know that I have ever “poard any of the Hache
domplain of the prineipa! ibseniée ‘from duty: Thave’ heard Mr.
Phelps: ‘coitiplain that‘he could: riot ‘find him’ inthe building: °F
have in one or two instances" so” compli ied yself.” He might,
however, havé been enigaged with the éxécutive committee, or in
procuring Books ‘for the institution; or’ in ‘directing carpenters in
repairs, or in’other’ ‘duties connected | with’ ihe institntion: ‘
f would like to be excused from answering questi
21 and 23, relating to the construction and’ stability of the build.
ing, the amount of money appropriated, &c.;as Iam not informed
o the efficien- ,
No. 119.] 35
in regard to those matters ; also, the 82d and 33d, relating to the
distribution of pupils among the different counties. The register
is in possession of the principal, who can more easily give you
the desired information.
To the truth of the above answers I am willing if desired, to
certify before a commissioner.
. SILAS T. BOWEN.
I fully concur in the above answers, and am willing to certify
to the same.
SUMNER C. WEBB.
