said a very small number left school on account of financial stress at home; a slightly larger number early became wage-earners because the fathers felt that a common school education was adequate; a much larger number of boys were attracted from school because they could work and obtain spending money; a.considerable number left because they were discouraged, because they could not adjust themselves to the changed conditions of the high school, and the inertia that caused this condition of affairs was largely due to the use of tobacco and to worse habits, but by far the largest number left school because they are restless and averse to study, because they regarded the course impractical, and often objected to the studies regarded most necessary by their teachers.

Dr. W. E. Stone, president of Purdue University, spoke briefly from the point of view of the technical school. He said that the schools should be carefully examined to see whether they met the conditions of modern life, and that modern life should be examined, to see whether it afforded allurements to the boy to leave school. The question is fundamentally a social one, he said,

Mrs. Sarah Tarney Campbell, of Anderson, gave a practical and entertaining talk on the problem from the point of view of the home. She insisted that one reason why so many boys left school was the absolute inflexibility of the courses. She held that manual training, even in the early grades, was very valuable.

The members of the association had looked forward with particular pleasure to the exercises in honor of James Whitcomb Riley, held in Tomlinson Hall, Thursday afternoon.

Senator Beveridge acted as chairman of the afternoon. In his address to the association he said, in part:

"It would seem that Indiana and the Middle West, the center of the republic geographically, the center of the republic numerically, is becoming the center of the republic intellectually. Only in America could the center of culture follow close on the heels of the moving center of population; because only in America is learning equally distributed among the people, so that where the center of population is the center of intelligence must be.

"So Indiana at this hour is giving more creative literature to the English-speaking world than any single portion of the republic. Charles Major, the American Dumas; Meredith Nicholson, our latter-day Hawthorne; George Ade and Nesbit and McCutcheon, whose true humor sets the land aglee; Booth Tarkington, whose genius expresses itself in the most finished art of any contemporaneous novelist; David Graham Phillips, whose savage force and masterfulness are elemental and epochal-all these and more are children of Indiana.

"And dean of all, first of all and dearest of all is that American Burns, whom Indiana has given to the nation, James Whitcomb Riley. I say given by Indiana to the nation, for all that Indiana has and is belongs to the republic as a whole. And, besides, our joy and pride in this master singer of the people is too great to be provincial. Only the heart of the nation is great enough to share and hold it."

Mr. Charles R. Williams, editor of the Indianapolis News, made a pleasing address. He emphasized the thought that none are so alive as masters of song, and that dynasties may fall, hierarchies may yield place, science and philosophy may wither, art and architecture may be despised, civilization may decay and perish, but poetry remains with power to quicken and sweeten life. He said:

"And unto us of Indiana a poet has been born, who can enter the company of the world's true singers with confidence of gracious welcome and grateful acclaim. The fame and the wholesome cheer of Riley's minstrelsy have been blown about the world. The name of Indiana is spoken everywhere, with larger respect, because he has halocd it with song. But more to us even than the wide repute our poet has given to our commonwealth is the fact that he has revealed us to ourselves. Indiana did not seem a promising abode for the muses, any more than Holland, with its dykes and dunes and level reaches would seem to invite the landscape artist. But when the true artist came he saw the picturesque in every field and village and stretch of wave-washed beach. And when the poet came to

Love the brown earth where we are, he found in the lives and hearts of our

Indiana people, wherever he looked or listened, unheralded and unsuspected sources of song. We know ourselves better because of Riley; we know our neighbors better; we have truer sympathy with the great mass of our fellow citizens, because with loving, poetic insight and passion, he has revealed the mysteries of their hearts to us; and he has opened our eyes to see beauties and glories in our Indiana life which, except for him, we might never have guessed were there."

Mr. Meredith Nicholson, of Indianapolis, paid the tribute of a personal friend and admirer. He said, in part:

"We are engaged today in the agreeable business of saying to a man's face what we have for many years been saying behind his back. The occupation is unique. It is not a birthday celebration, nor a martyr's day, nor a saint's festival. It is just Riley's day.

"In his youth our young Aeneas knew many cities, but mainly those of his own State. Like Thoreau, he traveled much, but chiefly on the nearest pike. His Roman highway was the old National road; and as a result of this close contact with rural and village life, it is safe to say that no other people in this diverse nation of ours have ever been studied by any observer of life with so shrewd or sympathetic eyes. Bret Harte left California almost with his first success; and Mark Twain carried 'Huckleberry Finn' to strange New England airs.

"But our young Aeneas, cruising among Indiana cities, through those years of unconscious preparation, seeing everything, hearing the gossip of the county in the village market places, gathered a great store of knowledge not down in the books, that was to take form a little later, and become our truest history, whether set forth in literary English or in the pungent and illuminating vernacular now so rapidly disappearing.

He sought no high and strenuous key
To mark his new blithe minstrelsy,
Invoked no shrine on bended knee
In Greece or Rome,
But all ungyved his spirit free
Sang most of home.

"We are not here to discuss matters of literary workmanship, but one or two points we may heed. Charm, grace and melody

are Riley's obvious characteristics as an artist. His feeling for the inevitable word -the word that alone expresses his sense and feeling-this and an unerring sensibility to form stamped him early as one born to the singing robes. But even more important, because so rare, is his unerring dramatic instinct.

"Our friend affords a rare instance of an instructive and intuitive scholar. He became, without the act of any university, but by the investiture of the American people, a doctor of humane letters; and it is pleasant to think of him as indeed wise in the heart's affairs, with a physician's patient ear for man's grief and doubt, and a balm of song for world-sick souls."

Hon. Henry Watterson, editor Louisville Courier-Journal, after paying the common tribute to the place in American literature that has been accorded Mr. Riley, said:

"I rejoice with you in the name and fame of James Whitcomb Riley; but, within myself, I rejoice yet more in his personality. Like the poets of old, he looked into his heart and wrote, and what thirst-quenching drafts has he not brought up from that unfailing well; barefoot lays of the forest and the farm; the bygone time and the 'sermounts' of nature, 'made out o' truck 'at's jes' going to waste,' smiling godspeed on the plow and the furrow and the seed, as on man in his need

"Somepin' with live stock in it, and outdoors,

And the crick-bottoms, snags and sycamores.

"That is Riley, God bless him! and all his troop of loved ones, from the 'Raggedy Man' to 'Orphant Annie,' as God be thanked that his genius gave them shelter-that, in this our poet laureate, Thought grew tired of wandering o'er the world, and home-bound Fancy ran her bark ashore."

When Mr. Watterson was through speaking the chairman of the afternoon said that the audience had heard much of James Whitcomb Riley, but now wished to hear "Jim" Riley. When Mr. Riley appeared on the stage he was not allowed to proceed for some moments, the large audience greeted him with such loud applause. Mr. Riley made grateful return of thanks for the good things that had been said about him, but

modestly said that the compliments should be taken as paid to the common people, from whom he came. Mr. Riley ended his contribution to the program of the afternoon by reciting three of his own poems, "Old Glory," "Thought for a Discouraged Farmer," and "Little Orphant Annie."

He

At least two thousand teachers were brave enough to face the disagreeable weather on Thursday night to hear Governor J. Frank Hanly. The Governor's theme was "The Patriotism of Peace." He said that never before in the history of our country has a revival of the patriotism of peace been so much needed; that the inertia of wealth and the greed of gain have made us grow careless of the rights of the people. reviewed the conditions uncovered in the insurance investigations in New York city. Corruption and fraud, said the Governor, spread to all industries, and the patriotism of peace is at low ebb, else these conditions would not exist. "The most hopeful thing in the whole situation is the dissatisfaction that exists," he said in conclusion. "Yesterday we were a corrupt people and were satisfied; today we are a corrupt people and are dissatisfied."

On Friday forenoon, at 9 o'clock, State Superintendent F. A. Cotton spoke on "The Next Step in Securing Better Salaries for Teachers." He spoke at some length on the neglect of the rural schools, and said there was danger that the school would not be kept up to the standard of improvement enjoyed by the farm. "As soon as the people understand that education pays large returns they will be willing to tax themselves for good schools," said Mr. Cotton. He further held that the standard must be raised in order to eliminate those who are poorly prepared. "I do not know just what the qualifications ought to be," he said, "but something like this: (1) Teachers in the rural schools and in the grades of towns and cities should have scholarships equivalent to that of a graduate of a commissioned high school, with one or two years of professional training. (2) Teachers in high schools should have scholarships equivalent to that of a college graduate, with one year of professional training. (3) This would certainly require more adequate facilities for training teachers. These might easily

be provided in a system of training schools over the State, which would sustain short courses, graduation from which would en, title to teach in the district and grades three or four years without examination. Then those who remain in the profession might be required to pursue their work in the central graduate school at Terre Haute. Such a system of preparation would certainly raise the standard of teaching and do much toward making the calling the profession it ought to be."

The next address on the program was by Dr. Robert L. Kelly, president Earlham College, on "The School and the People." He spoke at some length on how the training of the schools often unfitted a young man or woman for real life; that this should not be, but that the school should catch the spirit of the time and try to direct it in the right lines.

The last address on the program was made by Bishop Vincent, on "That Boy and His Teacher," and consisted of a part of his well-known lecture, delivered many times in all parts of the country. The bishop spoke of the boy from babyhood to young manhood, developing from an ill-mannered, boisterous trickster to the man at last. Bishop Vincent presented the claim of three institutions in the boy's behalf, the church, the school and the home, and dwelt at some length on the influence of the public school on the boy's life.

A remarkable thing about the meeting of the association was the fact that when Bishop Vincent, the last speaker at the last session, closed his address, the assembly room of the Claypool was crowded.

The officers of the association for the ensuing year are as follows:

B. F. Moore, of Marion, president; A. J. Kinnaman, of Danville, chairman of executive committee; J. B. Pearcy, of Anderson, re-elected permanent secretary and treasurer; Miss Oda Brown, of Bloomington, recording secretary; E. H. Drake, of Bedford, J. W. Riddle, of Lawrenceburg, J. H. Scholl, of Rushville, O. R. Baker, of Winchester, E. G. Bunnell, of Laporte, and H. S. Hippensteel, of Auburn, vice-presidents; F. W. Cooley, of Evansville, S. L. Scott, of Jeffersonville, Charles R. Dryer, of Terre Haute, Daniel T. Weir, of Indianapolis, Edwin Dod

son, of Veedersburg, A. A. Campbell, of Peru, and William Clem, of South Bend, members of the executive committee.

The following committees were appointed for the ensuing year:

On nomination of members of reading circle board-Professor Edwin D. Starbuck, Richmond; Superintendent C. M. McDaniel, Hammond; Principal J. G. Collicott, Evansville; County Superintendent E. E. Robey, Kokomo; Superintendent W. A. Jessup, Westfield.

On resolutions-President Elmer B. Bryan, Franklin; Professor J. A. Woodburn, Bloomington; Superintendent J. A. Carnagey, Noblesville; County Superintendent George J. Richman, Greenfield; Principal Anna Wilson, Crawfordsville.

On legislation-Superintendent C. N. Kendall, Indianapolis; Superintendent W. A. Wirt, Bluffton; County Superintendent Finley Geiger, Hartford City; Superintendent B. F. Moore, Marion; County Superintendent Richard Park, Sullivan.

To audit books of reading circle boardSuperintendent H. G. Woody, Greencastle; Professor -W. A. McBeth, Terre Haute; County Superintendent Philander McHenry, Washington.

To audit books of treasurer-President H. B. Brown, Valparaiso; Principal George W. Benton, Indianapolis; County Superintendent Irvin Brandy berry, Decatur.

The motion was carried that a member of the association be chosen from each county in the State, to be organized in congressional districts, to form a sort of auxiliary or advisory committee to the legislative committee of the association.

At the close of the meeting members from the different congressional districts of the State met and selected those who were to represent the districts on the nominating committee, for the nomination of officers of the association for the ensuing year.

The following were chosen members of the committee: First district, Harold Barnes, Princeton; Second, Superintendent Buzziard, of Monroe County; Third, C. B. McLean, New Albany; Fourth, Superintendent Neal, Madison; Fifth, Howard Sandison, Terre Haute; Sixth, L. D. Coffman, Connersville; Seventh, M. H. Stuart, Indianapolis; Eighth, G. L. Roberts, Muncie; Ninth, H. S.

Kaufman, Covington; Tenth, S. C. Ferrell, Valparaiso; Eleventh, Mr. Kaufman, Peru; Twelfth, M. W. Deputy, Columbia City; Thirteenth, J. W. Dunn, Knox.

The selection of County Supt. Jesse M. Neet, Rockville, and Supt. Geo. L. Roberts, Muncie schools, as members of the Indiana Reading Circle Board, meets with very general approval as they are both thoroughly professional. They will be absolutely fair in their official relations, and the character of each is above reproach.

The County Superintendents' Association convened Tuesday afternoon, December 26th, in the Supreme Court room at the State House. J. M. Neet, of Rockville, Parke County, presided, and E. E. Helt, superintendent Vermillion County, had charge of the opening exercises. "Departmental Work in the County Institute" was the subject discussed by Charles A. Van Matre, Delaware County, who handled this subject in place of H. O. Buzziard, Monroe County. The discussion of Van Matre's paper was led by W. R. Armstrong, Jay County, and participated in by many of the superintendents present. Following this discussion, A. J. Reifel, Franklin County, spoke on the subject, "How to Determine the Relative Worth of the Teacher." E. E. Robey, Howard County, and J. M. Wilkey, Fountain County, discussed the subject, "How May the County Superintendent Best Help the Beginning Teacher?" and the afternoon session closed with a discussion on the "Library and the District Schools," led by James W. Frazier, Madison County, and W. H. Stone, Owen County.

On Wednesday morning there was a discussion of "The Public and the Public School," by W. E. Stipp, superintendent of Lawrence County; "The Tenure of the Teacher's Position," O. S. Baird, superintendent of Clinton County; "Problems of the County Superintendent," Irvin Brandyberry, superintendent of Adams County, and "Why Educate the Boys for the Farm?" Oscar Thomas, superintendent of Putnam County. The papers at the afternoon session were devoted to the problems of the county superintendent.

At the close of the afternoon session several resolutions were adopted. One of these provided for a committee to investigate the

duties and qualifications of the county superintendent and to report at the next session. Another provided for a committee to demand a majority representation on the Reading Circle Board. Superintendent Haines, of Hamilton County; Superintendent Frazier, of Madison County, and Superintendent Stipp, of Lawrence County, were appointed on this committee. Resolutions of condolence for the death of Frank E. Cooper, a former superintendent, were also adopted. The body defeated a resolution providing departmental institutes, which was introduced by Superintendent Van Matre. The question was the subject of heated discussion.

Pres. W. P. Dearing of Oakland City College has been in great demand this year for the lecture platform. For sincerity of thought and pure oratory he has no superior in the State.

Dr.

CENTRAL NORMAL COLLEGE.

Kinnaman's lectures have been in much demand this season. He has been called to attend institutes and associations, and to deliver evening lectures. His illustrated lecture on art was delivered before the Art Club of Franklin, Ind. The second week in December he lectured before the institute of Ohio County, Kentucky. He has been in a majority of the counties of Indiana, but not often in Kentucky.

The R. and S. Literary Society have decided to raise $300 for the purchase of law books, to be added to the college law library. A part of this money is already in the treasury, and the remainder will be raised this year by means of amateur theatricals.

Mrs. Mary T. Hadley lectured before the Parke County Teachers' Association, Deecember 1st and 2d, on art. Her lectures were much complimented by everybody there. She has taught drawing and art in the college here for a long time, and during the last two years has given much attention to drawing for the public schools. That work she will present during the coming spring and summer terms for the teachers that may desire it.

The first concert of the band and orchestral departments was given in the college chapel December 15th. A large audience

was assembled, and the program rendered was well received. Professor Fred Luscomb, the director, has been with us but a short time, but he had his forces so well trained that quite difficult music was rendered in a most satisfactory manner. The orchestra contains sixteen members, the band twentyfive members, and the choral club about thirty members. He is bringing about a great transformation in his department. The soloists for the concert were Professor Ebert-Buchheim, on piano, and Professor Luscomb, on the clarinet.

The chapel exercises of the college have been at 8:30 to 9 since the origin of the school until the past term, when the time of beginning was made ten minutes later. The time of closing was not changed, so that we have now but twenty minutes. This allows the earlier classes to meet a little later, and the change has proven to be satisfactory to all concerned. It will doubtless be the regular feature hereafter for the winter terms.

Vice-President Dunlavy was invited to address the Christian Association of Indiana University last term, and did so. It appears from reports that all concerned were much pleased with the meeting.

The college has been unable to supply all the teachers asked for this year. Every month calls have come when we had no graduates or others qualified for work, without positions. This ought to be encouraging to those preparing to teach. There have also been numerous calls for stenographers that could not be filled.

Professor Ebert-Buchheim spent his August vacation in Germany. The trustees gave him also the month of September, so that his work in the college did not begin until the first of October. This was his first visit there since his arrival in this country eight years ago. Mrs. Ebert-Buchheim and the children went over early in the summer. It was a great outing for all of them.

The two new members of our faculty this year are Professor Fred Luscomb and Miss Pauline Hilliard. The former is an eminent composer of band and orchestra music and a man of wide experience as a band master and teacher of all instruments of the above organizations. For many years he has been giving special attention to music for the