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DEPARTMENT PUBLIC INSTRUCTION HARRISBURG, May, 1900. HERE seems to be some misapprehension in the minds of some persons in regard to the payment of State aid to Normal Schools. This misapprehension arises from not considering the fact that the school year ruus from the first Monday of June in each year until the first Monday of Jure of the succeeding year; consequently the first draft on the annual appropriation to State Normal Schools is for the purpose of paying the students and graduates at the close of the spring term, which term ends after the first Monday of June. Such being the case the annual appropriation for the year 1899 has been almost exhausted in paying the graduates and State aid to students in June 1899, and the State aid to students for the fall term ending in December, 1899, and winter term ending March, 1900. As the annual appropriation for the school year beginning on the first Monday of June, 1900 was vetoed, there is no fund upon which the Superintendent of Public Instruction can draw to pay the graduation fee of fifty dollars ($50) for those who graduate in June, 1900.

NATHAN C. SCHAEFFER,
Supt. of Public Instruction.

ANNUAL STATEMENT.

THE law entitled "An Act to regulate the

publication of the accounts and financial statements of School Boards," should not be disregarded by Boards of Directors, as has been the case in some school districts. The law is as follows:

SEC. 1. That it shall be the duty of each board of school directors in the several school districts of this commonwealth annually, at the close of the school year, to place in the hands of proper auditors a full certified statement, itemized, of their receipts and expenditures for the past year, including the assets and liabilities of the district, of all kinds, with all books, papers, and vouchers relating to the same, to be by said auditors examined, and if found to be correct, approved; such statement to be spread upon the minutes of the board of directors, and in a condensed but fully classified form published by said board in not less than ten written or printed hand bills, to be put up in the most public places in the dis trict, or, if deemed preferable, in the two newspapers of the county in which the dis trict is situated, having the largest circulation among the citizens interested; and for any neglect or failure to perform the duties enjoined by this act, the officers named therein shall be considered guilty of misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not exceeding three hundred dollars, to be paid into the school fund of the district in which the offense shall have been committed.

SEC. 2. That the publication of the accounts of school boards herein provided for shall be in lieu of all publication of said accounts now required by law; and all acts or parts of acts inconsistent herewith be and are hereby repealed. Provided, That the provisions of this act shall not extend to cities of the first class.

ITEMS FROM REPORTS.

ADAMS-Supt. Roth: We regret to announce the death of Mr. Joseph Tressler, member of the Liberty Twp. school board, and of Mr. Washington Metzger, treasurer of the Berwick Borough board. Mr. Tressler was an esteemed gentleman and took an active interest in the schools of the township. In the death of Mr. Metzger, this county has lost a distinguished citizen and the cause of education a loyal supporter and true friend; he was a member of the school board several terms. On March 24th, the final examination was held at Gettysburg by the County Superintendent, assisted by a committee of twelve teachers. Eightythree pupils of the county were examined in the common branches aud received the common school diploma.

ARMSTRONG-Supt. Wolfe: During the month I visited fifty schools, most of which I found doing good work. Local institutes were held at Rural Valley, Parker, Worthington, and Spece's Corners. These meetings were well attended and subjects of much interest were discussed by teachers and patrons. The schools of Apollo, Prof. Ira Smith, principal, are in excellent condition. Four additional rooms are much needed, and, I have been informed, they will probably be provided during the coming summer. The school has a library of more than 400 volumes.

BERKS-Supt. Rapp: At the ten central examinations for township graduation, 143 applicants presented themselves, of whom 59 succeeded in passing and were granted diplomas. The requirements for graduation were strictly adhered to. The foundation principles underlying the system of township graduation are sound both as to theory and fact. The Grammar and High School Teachers' Association of the county held a Round Table conference at Reading.

CHESTER-Supt. Moore: The local institute held at Avondale was a great success; and the one held at Phoenixville was largely attended and enthusiastic. The directors' semi-annual convention was held in the chapel of the West Chester Normal School.

CLEARFIELD-Supt. Weaver: On March 31st the county examination for pupils of the 8th grade was held all over the county. About 100 applicants were present. So far as I have examined the papers, there has been marked improvement made this year.

FRANKLIN-Supt. Zumbro: The examination of pupils completing the rural school course of study was held Saturday, March 24. Ninety-four applicants were examined, and ninety-two common school diplomas awarded. The work submitted was, on the whole, the best we have yet had.

GREENE-Supt. Martin: Most of the schools close with this month. An examination for the common school diploma was held throughout the county March 24. The applicants were not so numerous as hereto tofore, but there were very few failures.

HUNTINGDON-Supt. Rudy: March 31 was the day set for the examination of pupils who had completed the raded course of study. Seven districts were represented. The returns are not all in at this writing. In several districts the schools have closed. The work, generally speaking, has moved along very pleasantly during the term.

JUNIATA-Supt. Gortner: During the month of March our schools began to suffer, as usual, from the withdrawal of the larger boys and girls to help on the farm. Many of the schools have already closed. From the information now in the hands of the Superintendent, it is evident that our rural districts are not deriving the proper benefits of a seven months school term. During the month five local institutes were held as follows: at Waterloo, Bethlehem, Walnut, E. Salem and Black Log. At all but the last, four different sessions were held.

LACKAWANNA-Supt. Taylor: In March I visited the schools of Olyphant, Throop, Newton, Ransom, Madison, Dalton, La Plume, and Archbald-all doing fairly well except one school. The annual exodus has already begun in some of the country schools. The withdrawal of the older pupils before the close of the term, to begin work on the farms, is one of the greatest hindrances to good work in these schools. Four local institutes were held during the month at Milwaukie, Taylor, Elmhurst and Olyphant. All were well attended, with Olyphant in the lead in this respect. Here more than 800 persons at the evening session listened to an address from Prof. Geo. P. Bible, of the E. Stroudsburg Normal School. Dr. T. J. McConnan, principal of the Wilkesbarre High School, spoke on "Vertical Writing," and Miss May Black, of the same place, discussed the Pollard System of Reading. Scarlet fever and diphtheria have lessened the attendance in several districts.

LEBANON-Supt. Snoke: A successful institute was held at Bismarck. Our teachers never did more work in local institutes than they have done during this term. Local normal schools will be conducted at Annville, Lickdale and Albright College. The prospects are good for a large attendance.

LUZERNE-Supt. Hopper: During the month I visited the schools of ten districts and three boroughs. On March 8th, Ashley dedicated a new building to take the place

of one destroyed by fire. I was present and took part in the exercises.

LYCOMING-Supt. Becht: The midwinter meeting of the County Teachers' Association was held at Hughesville. Three sessions were held. Principal J. G. Dundore had charge of the local affairs and delivered the address of welcome. Among those who took part in the discussions were City Supt. Lose, W. W. Champion, E-q., G. B. Milnor, J. Harvey Shoem ker, C. P. Bostain, Edward Mansuy, M. W. Taylor, O. C. Shick, G. A Ferrell and J. H Ryder. Rev. C. W. Heisler, of Susquehanna University, delivered a lecture at the evening session on "Uncle Sam and the Twentieth Century." Four district institutes were held during February, which were all well attended; and in March interesting meetings were held in Washington, Gamble, Cascade and Moreland districts. March 24th, examinations for common school diplomas were held in all the districts of the county. Large classes presented themselves at every place. In several sections of the county the schools have had to be closed on account of sickness.

MERCER-Supt. Fruit: March has been a very busy month. Our county examination for pupils of the eighth grade was held in the different districts on March 31st. The returns thus far received are excellent. We require 80 per cent. to pass. Our sevenmonths schools are done. Not a single school meeting in any district this yearhow is that, for over 320 teachers? Our local institutes have had an excellent effect upon our young teachers. I have attended these meetings just as often as I could, talking on higher wages, school libraries, vocal music, and longer term.

NORTHAMPTON-Supt. Bender: A class of five was graduated from the Pen Argyl high school this term. Their second annual commencement was held on Friday evening, March 30th, in the M. E. church. There were fully 1100 people present, which shows the interest taken by the public in the Pen Argyl schools, under the supervision of Dr. W. A. Wetzel. Dr. Geo. P. Bible delivered the address to the class.

UNION-Supt. Stapleton: Two of the most interesting and profitable local institutes in the history of the county were held during this month-one at New Columbia, and one at Laurelton and Hartleton. The schools and citizens were aroused and greatly interested. The County Superintendent delivered the evening lecture at each place to full houses. An examination for the common school diploma for pupils of the grammar grades of Buffalo township was held at Mazeppa.

WASHINGTON Supt. Hall: With the month of March many of our schools close. In the main we have had a profitable year. We are approaching the day when failure as a teacher will find no excuse. Nothing gives us more pleasure than the realization that directors have only the good of the

children in view when employing teachers. The activity of patrons in visiting and looking after the schools this year far surpasses that of previous years. The demand for well equipped teachers is growing.

WAYNE-Supt. Hower: Two district institutes were held during the month. The Honesdale meeting was attended by about fifty teachers. Most of the papers were carefully prepared, and every feature of the programme was full of interest and instruction. A comparatively new school house was destroyed by fire in Dreher township. A defective flue was the cause assigned. Only one small school in the county has not been visited. A great deal of excellent teaching has been done this year.

VENANGO-Supt. Bigler: Šix local institutes were held this month-at Polk, Pleasantville, Burkeyville, Hannaville, Selina, and Rocky Grove. These meetings were all well attended and were very interesting and helpful. A noticeable feature of the one at Barkeyville was the singing by the children of the township schools, where they have had a special teacher in music for the past two terms.

Bethlehem - Supt. Twitmyer: On February 27th a literary and musical entertainment was given by the pupils of the high school. Humorous and dramatic readings were given by Miss Anna Belle Gray, of Washington, D. C., and the pupils of the senior class furnished the music, vocal and instrumental. The entertainment was of a high order, and was greatly appreciated by a small but select audience. The net proceeds were nearly twenty-seven dollars, which will be used for the purchase of books for the high school reference library.

Danville - Supt. Houser: Our Board supplied a new unabridged dictionary and smaller dictionaries for desk use, for each of the grammar schools and the high school. The latter was also provided with music books. Visits were made to the schools by a hundred patrons and four of the directors.

HARRISBURG-Supt. Foose: Two new schools have been opened to relieve rooms that were crowded. Instruction has been given to a large class of the younger teachers on the subject of phonics as an aid in teaching reading to primary classes.

HUNTINGDON-Supt. Cleaver: The schools recently observed Parents' Day. By the pupils' writing a special letter of invitation to their parents we had the pleasure of recording 366 visits. A part of the work for the afternoon was of a patriotic character, pertaining to the lives of Washington and Lincoln. With the view to encourage earnest endeavor in school work our teachers select, now and then, the work of the whole class to be placed on exhibition for visitors. The pupils do not know what set of papers will be thus set apart, and consequently each pupil trics to do his best at all times.

JEANNETTE-Supt. Anthony: We have just started a school library. Our schools

boasted of a library, but when examined it was found to consist almost entirely of old text-books. Through the liberality of one of our young merchants, we have been able to purchase about 100 books, mostly biography and history. We expect to add to this number considerably before the close of the school year. Our schools have suffered from epidemics of diphtheria and measles.

LOWER MERION TWP., (Montgomery Co.)— Supt. Robb: The Bryn Mawr schools now Occupy their new building, a ten-room structure erected at a cost of $30.000. It is heated by hot air and ventilated by a double system of fans. The temperature is regulated by thermostats. The Frick system of electric clocks and bells gives regularity to all school-work. The building has all the modern improvements. The large bicycle room in the basement is a necessary part of a school building in a suburban place. Addresses were made by Dr. Brumbaugh and Dr. Sharpless.

MAHANOY TWP. (Schuylkill Co.)-Supt. Noonan: Acting upon the suggestion of the superintendent, all of our teachers subscribed for The Pennsylvania School Journal. The school at Fowlers has been furnished with patent desks. We regret that a call to new duties has deprived us of one of our newly elected directors, Mr. John J. Eagan, who was elected by an almost unanimous vote. His acceptance of a highly responsible position under one of the large mining companies necessitates his removal to Shamokin. We feel that he would have proved a valuable member of our Board.

Middletown-Supt. Wickey: Institute convened in the high school. This district includes the townships of Conewago, Londonderry and Lower Swatara and the boroughs of Middletown and Royalton. Friday evening was made interesting by the High School Musicale and a lecture on "Little Brothers of the Air" by Dr. Schmucker, of West Chester.

PHOENIXVILLE-Supt. Leister: At our local institute the day instructors were Prof. Smith Burnham, Dr. S. M. Schmucker, and Dr. Geo. M. Philips-all of the West Chester Normal School. A very enjoyable musical entertainment was given on the first evening by the pupils of our schools, in charge of Prof. Jerry March, and on the second an excellent illustrated lecture by Rev. Prof. Wm. A. Freemantle, of Temple College.

SHARON-Supt. McLaughry: We have been holding Mothers' Meetings at the different ward buildings, and I feel satisfied that much good will result from them. It is surprising how little some mothers know about child training; but it is encouraging to observe that they are eager to learn more.

WILLIAMSPORT-Supt. Lose: Work has just begun on the new Lincoln School Building in the eleventh ward. The building will contain eight rooms and will be modern in every respect. It is expected to be completed in time for next September.

THE

and that is in doing something that will leave the world better than it was when we came into it. If you are content with three meals a day and something to wear, you are only freight, even though you are able to pay your way; move up to the head of the train and help move it. There are helpless thousands that have to be carried along for humanity's sake; but it is almost a crime to allow yourself to be carried when you are able both to carry yourself and help others.-Fowler.

In all study of English literature, if there be any one axiom which every one has accepted without question, says J. H. Gardiner in the May Atlantic, it is that the ultimate standard of English prose style is set by the King James version of the Bible. For example of limpid, convincing narrative we go to Genesis, to the story of Ruth, to the quiet earnestness of the Gospels: for the mingled argument and explanation and exhortation in which lies the highest power of the other side of literature, we go to the prophets, and still more to the Epistles of the New Testament; and for the glow of vehemence and feeling which burns away the limits between poetry and prose, and makes prose style at its highest pitch able to stand beside the stirring vibrations of verse, we go to the Psalms or the book of Job or the prophecies of Isaiah, or to the triumphant declaration of immortality in the Epistle to the Corin

No. 12.

thians. If one were to figure the whole range of English prose style in the form of an arch, one would put the style of the Bible as its keystone. We fold our hands in the comfortable feeling that here, at any rate, is one question of literature settled for good: the standard of English prose style is the standard of the authorized version of the Bible; that style is so clear and so noble that there is nothing more to be accounted for.

Are elective studies really elected at all? asks Professor Hugo Münsterberg, in the May Atlantic. I mean, do they really represent the deeper desires and demands of the individual, or do they not simply express the cumulation of a hundred chance influences? I have intentionally lingered on the story of my shifting interests in my boyhood; it is more or less the story of every half-way intelligent boy or girl. A little bit of a talent, a petty caprice favored by accident, a contagious craze or fad, a chance demand for something of which scarcely the outside is known,-all these whir and buzz in every boyhood; but to follow such superficial moods would mean dissolution of all organized life, and education would be an empty word. Election which is more than a chance grasping presupposes first of all acquaintance with the object of our choice. Even in the college two-thirds of the elections are haphazard, controlled haphazard, controlled by accidental motives; election of courses demands a