Edited Text
SR hs ‘
Latest from Europe,
London, Mareh i4
Ic is stated that the European Powers
have tailed to agree on the Eastern Ques-
Russia demands additional conves-
sions tor the Christian subjects of the Sul-
tan, Vespatches irom Constantinople
state that the Turkish Government is de-
termined to continue the war in Candia,
audis preparing to send fvesh batallions
of troups to that Island, under the com-
nuand of Tassin Pacha,
Liverpool, March 12.
tion
The American Chamber of Commerce |
ju this city gave a grand banquet to-night
in honour ot the heroes of the AUantic
Cable, at which five gold medals were pre-
sented to Cyrus W. Field, Capt. Anderson,
ali, Cauni and Mr, Willoughby Smith.
‘The entertainment was a splendid alfai
London, March 16,
The Servian question has been settled,
Earl Derby says officially that the forces of
the Sublime Porte are to leave Belgrad
the vian eapital city, and that the coun
try will be practically tree.
of the ‘Lurks there will be merely nominal,
Lord Lyons, ambassador of Great Britain
at Constantinople, writes that the ‘Turks
will hasten reform in tavor of the Chris-
tinns in Candia and elsewhere in their do-
minions,
Vienna, March 16.
Despatches have been received from the
South which announce that the ‘Turkish
torces have been successful in a battle with
the rebels at Thessily.
London, March 16.
Large bodies of troops have been sent
tu, Liverpool to prea’ the peace—an
arising ot the Irish in that city being ap-
prehended, Large numbers of Penians
have been captured in many parts of Ire-
land, and many haye been comunitted for
high treason,
London, March 17.
Emigration to America from Cork for
the past few days us been extremely large.
Many of the emigrants have been recog-
nized as haying been connected with the
recent Fenian uprising near Killarney.
It is supposed that the unusual exodous
iscaused in part from the anticipated
bluodshed in Ireland,
Paris, March 17.
The Uoniteur to-day in an official article
says Marshall Bazaine and the last of the
French troops left Mexivo on the 10th of
March,
Consols 91; 5-20's 744.
Gold 844,
According to report, it has at length
Deen decided that a Bill for an Imperial
sruarantee of a loan of ££,000,000 to the
Confederated Government of Canada, for
the construction of the Interoolonial Rail-
way, Will be brought by the Government
into the House ef Commons in the course
of next week. he disappointment ¢x-
perieuced by the absence of any such pr
vision in the Confederation Bill, which
wis read a second time in the House of
Lords on Tuesday, is explained by the
jact that such a clause would have render-;
edit a Money Bill, and have necessitated
its introduction in the first instance into
the Iouse of Commons, while it was thought
desirable that Lord Cavarven should be
enabled primarily to give the explanation
ofa measure belonging to his own depart-
ment. ‘The Guarantee Bill, itis said, will,
as at present arranged, be brought in by
Mr. Disracli. It appears that nearly Vv
Aiovernment, as represented by suc
Colonial Ministers, from Lord Grey in
I8d1 to Mr, Cardwell in 1866, has been
committed to a certain extent to this mea-
_ sure. ‘Lhe original estimate of the cost ot
construction was £7,000 per mile; while
the present guarantee will cover £9,000,
sv as to afford a good margin, It is com-
puted that the whole ling, running from
thy terminus of the Grand ‘Trunk Railway
at Riviere du Loup to Halifax, may be
completed yithin three Yew London
Limes,
Ottawa, March 15.
, Rumors are in circulation of Fenian
movements in the neighborhood of St. Al-
bans, Vt. tis said that the Government
is in possession of important information
on the subject, and that the Hon, Mv. Blair,
the only Cabinet Minisier here, intends to
Jeaye for Montreal immediately.
Montreal, C. E., Mareh 15.
125 regulars under the command of
Capt. Bolton, with a full supply of ammu-
nition, lett by train this morning for Cham-
plain. A strong fores of the Royal Artil-
ery, with 8 field pieces, will be sent on
frontier duty to-day. Frequent conferren-
ces took place yesterday, between the
regular authorities and stall of the militia
dupurtinent. :
A Macniwicen Girr.—Business men
who think it won't pay to advertise, are
“requested to read the following item, and
then put their thinking caps on:
A celebrated wholesale merchant in
Loudon, England, has presented the pro-
prietors of the ‘* Telegraph” with a press
which cost $25,000, as a token of appreci-
ation. In doing so, he uecompanied the
yitt with a letter, which said: ‘In your
paper, by judicious advertising, I first
vuilt the foundation of a fortune—and in
your paper by judicious advertising, 1
amassed the fortune which enubles me to
offer this testimony of regard und good
will.”
Sream Communication witn tHe Low-
ER Provinces.—To-day, Capt. Davison,
und Mr, William Barbeur, Engineer of
the Lady Head, leave town for Halifax, to
inspect two steamers lying there, which
the newly-formed company intend to pur-
chase, should they appear suitable for the
route, The first malt on the shareholders
for 10 per cent, of the capital stock has
been met.—Quebec Mor. CU honicle.
Siantricant.—Iin Kansas the people are
to vote upon the female suffrage question,
by ordering of the Legislature. In Bos-
ton Rey. De. Huntingdon favors the es-
tublishment of an order of deaconesses.
‘The female’seulptors of this city take the
highest rank among artists in Rome, Fe-
nivale teachers are in such demand in Cali-
fornia that *!none others need apply.”
Female telegraph operators* manipulate
the instrament with wonderful skill.” Fe-
minine clerks in the Treasury Department
are suid to accomplish more in a day than
those of the opposite sex. There sre se-
yeral professional female barbers in New
York who handle their razors with great
dexterity, These are certainly significant
evidences of the tendencies of things.
Advices from St. Thomas state that the
cholera had completely abated. Over 850
persons, mostly uegroes, had died of the
epidemic.
An Eastern editor snys that a m:
N. ¥. got himselt into trouble by mar
two wives.’ A Western editor replies,
miany/uen in that section had done the
sajuu by marrying one: A Northern ed-
jtor retorts that quite a number of his ac-
ajuaintances found trouble enough by bare-
dy promising to. marry, without going any
further. A Soupghern editor says that a
friend of his wa bothered enough when
simply found in eémpany with another
‘The authority |
SUMM
Correspondence,
TEACHERS MEETING, :
Pursuant to notice, a large number of the
teachers of Queen’s County met in dhe Normal
| Scheel, Chariowetown, on Friday, the 15th
j inst, for the purpose of urafting a petition to
j the Legislature, praying for the redress of
| certain grievanc caused by the defective
state of the present Education Act,—grievan-
| ces, which though more directly affecting the
| teachers of the Island, are the cause of much
| trouble and inconvenience to the community
| at large.
i Mr. Jonathan MeWilliams to the. chair,. and
‘the undersigned as Secretary,
| ‘The chairman, in announcing the object of
| the meeting, said that he had been chietly in-
| tluential in calling it. He considered that it
| was tine that teachers were becoming alive to
* their own interests, and that, unless (hey took
{the matter in hand, it was not at all probable
| that any other body of men would do it for
| them,
A lengthy discussion ensued, of which the
following is an outline:
Mr. McLeod was the first who addres-
sed the meeting. He spoke at considerable
length. bringing to the notice of the meeting
the most oppressive grievances which have to
be borne by the teachers of this Islind at the
present day. He sai
of that portion of a teacher’s salary which is
expecisd to come from the inhabitants of a
school district, contained so many contradic-
tions that it was next to impossible to under-
| stand or obey it. He advocated a complete
| change in the system of Edueation, arguing
| that the engagements of teachers should all
commence at the same time, and advanced the
idea that all schools should be considered as
one institution, of which the Prince of Wales
College or Normal School should be the head,
and all other schools branches of said College
or School. He said that the Professors of said
College should have power to engage or dis-
miss a teacher at the request of the “Trastees
of any school district, He also denouneed
the law requiring the teacher to certify on
oath to the correctness of his journal, main-
taining that it was a piece of the most unpar-
allelled injustice of which ourLegislature had
ever been guilty,
Mr. E. Roche, in speaking ef the small
average attendance at schools, said that it was
unjust that the teacher should lose a part of
his sulary because people neglected to send
their children to school. He thought that
some means should be employed to compel
parents to keep their children in more regular
attendance at school. lle advocated a greater
difference between the salaries of First and
Second Class teachers, adding that the quali-
jivations were, in his opinion, high enough,
but that teachers were, in many instances,
very deficient in the branches in which they
are required to instruct others, and maintain-
ed that, as female teachers were required to
possess the same qualifications as males, the
| salaries of the former should correspond more
nearly with those of the latter. He said that
the School Visitors should be better paid than
| they are at present, and required to perform
‘their duties in a more satisfactory manner.
He spoke of the national series of school
| books as being unfit for the youth of our Is-
‘land, He said that candidates, fur ihe office
| of teachers, shottid be examined in, and found
qualified to teach the several branches re-
quired, before entering the Normal Schosl, in
order, that while there, instead of spending
their time in acquiring a knowledge of these
| branches, they should rather spend it in
‘learning the art of teaching. Me also advo-
‘ cated the lessening of the term of attendance
hat the Normal School from five to two, or
‘at most, three months.
| Mr. Robert Robertson said that teachers
should petition the Legislature for an increase
of salary—that they should receive, at least,
| the sum of £55 from Government, and that a
| Committee of the Legislature should be ap-
| pointed to inquire into the state of Education.
Ile also maintained that it was almost impos-
| sible for teachers to swear to’the correctness
| of their journals, as mistakes might inadyert-
| antly be made.
| Mr. John MeDonald said that it was unjust
' that boys, just trom the Normal School, should
receive 28 large an amouut of remuneration
for their servic men who had spent some
[eens at the business:
|" Mr. John MeNeill, froni King's County,
) said that he was an old raan, and had pas
| an examination before every Board of Educa-
tion since the institution ot that body in the
Islind. He said that, according to his opinion,
teachers of the Iirst Class should receive at
least £60, and those of the Second Class £70,
annually. Grammar Schools, he considered,
were pretty well provided for. Mo also argu-
ed that the salaries of teachers should be im-
creased every year, for a number of years,
and then to becowe fised, and after having
spent twenty or thirty years ot the occupation,
that he should receive a retiring allowance to
assist him in old age,
Mr.James McDonald advocated the appo{nt-
ing of a Committee, whose duty it should be
tu confer with the leaders of the Government,
and asedrtain what could possibly be done for
the teachers. He did not agree with the per-
son who said that high salaries was not the
best way to advance the Education of a coun-
try, arguing that * scandalous salaries would
make scandalous teachers.” Lt was his opin-
ion that some means should be adopted to
produce a more regular attendance of scholars
at school. Ie advocated the granting of a
salary of £55 at the very least, and approved
of the yearly increase of salary, but still
would not ignore'the efficiency of yourlg teach-
ers. : te
Mr. Joseph II. Webster said that it was just
that a difference should exist between the
sulury of a young teacher and that of a person
of experience, alleging that persons who had
spent years at the business should be consider-
ed more eupable than boys from the Normal
School, and that whilst all remained on the
same level it was an encouragement to ineffi-
cient persons to continue the occupation. He
advocated the classification of teachers’ salaries
in full. He applauded the framers of Educa-
tional system, and said that, until the late
alteration, it was the best in all the British
Colonies.
Mr. William McGregor advocated the ex-
amining of teachers for the purpose of ascer-
taining whether or not they lad improved in
their occupation; if they had, he would advise
an increase of salury, and gave it as his opin-
ion that every school district should be com-
pelled, by law, to provide a house and small
piece of land for the accommodation of the
teacher,
Mr. B.Balderston siid that other gentlemen
had been valuing themselves too low by ofter-
ing their services for the sum of £55, annual-
ly. He, for one, thought himself worth more
than that. High salaries, he said, by bringing
forth many aspirants, would be beneficial, by,
in the end, causing that none but the most
competent teachers would. be retained, and
suggested that salaries should range from £75
to £100.
A communication from John MeNeill, Esq.,
Secretary of the Board of Education, was now
read, setting forth that gentleman's views on
the several questions before the meeting, and
offering a fuw suggestions, but having tuken
no notes of the said communication, l am un-
able to insert even the substance of it here.
His ideas, however, were pretty nearly in
unison with those of some of the before-men-
tioned gentlemen.
| Mr. William McPhail, from Orwell, read
minutes of a meeting of Teachers held at that
place, setting forth their views on the subject
of Education. He advocated the lengthening
of the Spring vacation to four weeks, and the
Autumnal to six weeks. He suid that for a
considerable time in the fall and spring, al-
though schools were kept in operation, no one
sitin’s wife,
receives any benefit, except, perhaps one or!
‘The meeting was organized by appointing |
1 that the present Educa- |
eation Act, so far-as it relates to the procuring
ERSIDE JOURNAL,
THURSDAY, MARCIL 28
mitic rh p not voted by the dei wal to the Nova Seotians and Aimeti- | ;
Claas of he wan: cvarten OF enue be cabely to be attributed to our want of | Farmer,” and T would remind him not to for- Jf; js, we hear, the intention to raise the
business of the season; observing that the
average attendance was often redaced below
that required by law, by theee means,
John Sharp, Esq. from Prince County,
spoke at considerable length, and introdueed
sume very good ideas.
| Mr, E. Rielly said that the salaries ofteach-
ers should be raised, and the standard of edu-
ication kept as high as possible, and that
candidates for the office of teacher, who have |
| attended a college, should be exempt from at-
tandance at the Normal School. The present
salaries of School Visitors, he eaid, were too;
\low. He argued that the office of School |
| Visitor should be non-political, and concluded
his speceh by making some remarks not very
complimentary to the Clergymen who com-
pose our Board of Education
At this stage of the proceedings, a number
of gentlemen briefly addressed the meeting,
tut their ideas generally coincided with those
of previous speakers.
Rey. G. Sutherland, being present, was
called upon for an expression of his senti-
ments. He expressed himself much pleased
with the remarks of those who had spoken.,
observing that he believed Educstion was
progressing in this country, DV. EB. Tstand had |
done as much, till recently, as any of the
British Provinces in support of Estueation,
He reviewed the educational institutions of the
country for a number of years past, ale
y
the progress which had been made, espe!
since the introduction of the system ot
Education, to the introducers of which he gave
great praise, He agreed with other speakers
in saying that the salaries of teachers were
tev low, and that it would tend to the udvance-
ment and honor of P. E, Island that her te:
ers should be well paid. He advocated a
longer term of attendance at the Normal
School, as the time at present spent there by
students was, in his opinion, too short for
them to acquire a thorough knowledge of
teaching, He would not advocate the lenytl-
ening of the vacations, but said that there
should be a non-exacting of the average dur-
ing the busy weeks. ‘The culling of this mect-
ing was, in his opinion, a move in the right
direction, and its effects would some time be
felt in the country .
Mr, McKinley said that in ease the Educa-
tion Act should be amended, this meeting
should petition the Legislature that the in-
creased amount of salary, granted by suid
amendment should be paid to teachers from
and utter the passing thereof.
It was then moved, seconded and
Resolved, 'Vhat it is the opinion of this meet-
ing, that the Legislature be petitioned for the
sum of £75 as the yearly salary of first-class
teachers,
Resolved, That 2 committee be appointed to
draw up a petition to the Legislature, praying
for the redress of grievances, and that the
following persons compose said committee,
viz: Jonathan McWilliams, Artemus Morrow,
Wm. McPhail, James McDonald, Robert
Robertson, F, H. Coffin, Archibald McKenzie,
Alexander McQueen,
Resolved, that all the Island papers be re-
quested to insert a notice of this meeting.
Fxupk. H, Corin.
March 18, 1867.
nN Do
Toe rue Eprrok ov THE JOURNAL,
Sin i—
In your number of the 7th inst., is a com-
munication signed ** A Farmer.” I have en-
deayored to understand Farmer’s meaning,
but the only conclusion I could arrive at was
that the greater part of his remarks are mere
quibbling; this is evident from the manner he
has garbled the meaning of some of the state-
ments [ made, or else ** A Farmer's” intelli-
gence and discernment are not of a very high
-| order, for he appears not to know that a man
may be deficient in the knowledge of any art,
withoutbeing subject to the charge of indolence
stupidity, and want of intelligence. Also; his
comments on the remarks [ made on the po-
tuto illustration, he takes it for granted that
I said farmers here cannot cultivate potatoes.
Now if **A Farmer” had read my letter with
only a small degree of attention, he must have
seen that the point of my remarks proves
something altogether foreign from what, he
appears to take out ef them. But the pre-
cocious ‘ Farmer,” in the heat of his indigna-
tion at such afoul slander on his brother
furmers, rushed to their réscue, and with a
flourish proclaimed that he will show that
Pp. E. Island farmers can raise potatoes.
Now at this stage of his perturbation he ap-
nears to have subsided into a profound reverie ;
Jno doubt but that he soared away into the
sublime regions of #iry nothingness, from
which, when he awakes {9 consciousness of
sublunary things, he exclaims '‘ 7’haé he can
cultivate turnips, and if farmers ave not too
lazy they may raise potatoes.” Very logical
indeed, Mr. Farmer. Most profound reason-
ing. O shade of ‘ Aristottle,” thou couldst
not have expected to have sucha disciple.
And for terseness even Artemas Ward is put
into the shade. But as the gist of the whole
matter, he emphatically expresses his: honest
abhorrence of any government aid, even to
furmers. Well this beats Barnum. Does
+ 4 Farmer” know, or has he forgotten, the
many thousands of pounds granted at various
times out of Ue public revenue for agricultur-
al purposes, and is if possible that he does not
know that every fiumer on the Island has
had a direct benefit from these grants in the
improvement of cattle, sheep) 8nd hogs,
choice seeds, and improved fap.uiit¢ imple-
ments. Now ‘+ A l'armer’s” meaning is €¥-
dently this: That class Legislation is 2
class Legislation when furmers are the recipi-
ents of the benefits, which is of a piece with
hs former reasoning. Now to be a little
more serious on the matter, I would not do
the furinerss generally such injustice as to
think that the above is a true specimen of
either their intelligence or discernment, for
I know to a certainty that very many do see
clearly the very great benefit agricultural
interests have received by the timely aid of
government grants of money, and the different
order of things such grants have been the
direct means of bringing about. Nor do I
believe there is one intelligent man in the
Island regrets the assistance thus rendered to
the farming interests, although it may be just
possible there may be a few that do not fully
appreciate the value thus received, because a
few dollars have not found their way direct
from thé public chest into their pockets,
imagining they have not participated in the
least from public grants; all the while oblivi-
ous of this fact, thut perhaps then our stock
has been enhanced three fold in value, be-
sides the benefit of other improvements which
they cannot help having a share in.
But the question may be asked, what have
the money grants for agricultural purposes to
do with fishing bounties? Well just this, if
the principle is right to apply a part of the
public revenue in order to forward the inter-
esta of agriculture, it follows as a natural
consequence that it is not wrong to apply a
part for the encouragement of fishing, where
there is a probability of developing that
branch of industry thereby.
Again, if the monies granted for the en-
couragement of agriculture have been pro-
ductive of such beneficial results, will ‘* A
Farmer” take upon hitn to show that a similar
result would not follow monies applied for the
encouragement of fishing. 1 give “A
Farmer” these propositions to work out for
his own especial benefit, and I dare say he
would liked te have them named. Well I
shall call them problems of Fishology, so that
if any“of his friends should ask him what he
is studying he can tell them. ‘A Farmer”
seems wonderfully offended at so gross a
slander as that our Island mechanics cannot
build a suitable fishing craft~if hé does know
of one vessel suitable in all respects, built on
the Island, before the last two years, will he
have the kindness to point itout. I would
just here repeat agam, that the strength and
sailing qualities are only a part of what is
required, and I also repeat what I said in my
former letter, that our success'in fishing, not
| Hishing fur a l
skilfulness in the art of fishing, together with |
unsditable vessels and outfits, and that we
are far in the rear in thewe respects, Our
fishermen have a painful knowledge of the
tact, and freely acknowledge it; but such
being the case, does not by any means prove
any incapacity in our young men, for We lave
almost daily proof to the contrary, They
generally take the lead in whatever branch of
business they engage in when they go to!
other places, and it only requires to giv
them encouragement at home and orf will
prove themselv: intelligent, proficient,
and as successful as any other class of men in
America. Batit isa painful fuct that num-
bers of our young men leave our Island yearly
because they can get that encouragement
abroad which they cannot find at home, In
our house of Parliament, in the public press,
and in our social circles, we often hear this
regretted, and the almost hopeless question
asked, what can be done to alter this state of
things? Now, Mr. Editor, although T may
not be able to point out a remedy, yet I think
Ivan point out clearly one of the causes.
Many of our young men make a choice of
yelihood, and such being the
case, | would wish to draw’ particular atten-
tion to the following statement:
Let us take aventy barrels of Mackerel as
the average catch of a fisherm and the
average price at $12. The American gots his
fish intu market free of cost, while our fisher
inen hive to pay a very barge pec centige on
the whole vefore his tis is miurketed. “Phe
relative position will stand is follows, = low
ing the dollars to be at five sinilings :
Island vessel, 20 bbls. Mckl. at $12, £60 0 0
Duty at 125. 6d. on 20 bbls, Mackerel,
£12 10s,
Freight by Str. from Ch’towa at 3s.,
£3.
Freight coust wise to Ch’town at 2s.,
=F,
Commission of Insurance at 74d.,
£4 105,
Incidental expenses at 1s., £1. - - £22 00
Net proceeds on 20 barrels, - - - - £38 0 0
Now the Ame. fishermen receives fur same
amount of fish, just £60, making a difference
in his favor of £22, Now every Islinder on
bourd of an American vessel, stands on equal
footing with themselves, and gets the same
amount. Is it much to be wondered at that
our young men prefer to go where they re-
ceive over one third more for the same
amount of fish, and added to this the almost
certain fact that our Islunders on board of an
American vessel will take more fish than in
in Island vessel, on account of their superior
outfits, &c, The above statements show that
the American vessel has much the advantage
of us in the Mackerel fishing.
But we have an offset in our fayor that brings
matters alittle more equal. We can build
vessels nearly a half cheaper, and also get
some of our outfits cheaper, and above all,
we have the fish at our doors, and we must
not overlook the consideration,our living does
not cost as much asthe Americuns. ‘The con-
ventionalities of the American society required
more money to keep up to the mark than
with us,—so that every thing considered, the
case is not so hopeless; and I do believe we
could fairly cope with them if a wise and ju-
dicious encouragement was given by the
‘ ture, It would be well for our Legis-
to take a leaf from ‘ Uncle Sam's,”
Book on this subject. He sets no small
value upon a thrifty population: their laws
with respect to foreign emigrants have a
special view to their encouragement, and also
every branch of trade receives its due atten-
tion. The mackerel fisheries have been
maibly built up by Legislative encouragement,
and what is the result? just this, no nation
either ancient or modern had made an equal
progress,—while the colonies alongside of
them have remained in a comparative quies-
cent state up to within a very short period.
At present there appears to be an awakening,
and if the right men are only put into the
right place, we may Ivok for a more prosper-
ous future. Our local advantages, with an
unfettered trade, must bring better times, and
not till we can find profitable employment for
our men at home, will they be content to re-
mun,
Now I leave it to the calm judgment of
candid men to say whether a few thousand
dallars would be inisapplied if it would have
the effect of developing a hitherto neglected
branch of industry, and giving profitable eim-
ployment, and adding to the general wealth
of the colony ; and, as a natural consequence:
an increased revenue; so that there is every
‘probability that the money given would be
more than repaid by the increase of trade. I
lsaw a statement that was made by a gentle-
man vile winter, showing the cost and equip-
ment &c., of a first class fishing vessel, show-
ing that such vessel would pay into the
revenue about £160, and the average bounty
would be at $1 per barrel, about $400 or £120.
Now according to this statement the revenue
would be $40 gainer,—and a further remark
he also made was that this winter there was
no more thin five or six vessels building for
the fishing, where if a bounty had been given
last year, or a certainty of » bounty for 1867,
there would be over twenty vessels building
for the trade. Now if such would have been
the result, the revenue would be the gainer
instead of the loser. But Lean imagine liow
some of our sagacious ones will shake their
heads very knowingly and look wise at this
statement. Well, one thing Ido know, that
that gentleman is as competent to judge in
this matter as any other man on this Island,
|} —haying been largely engaged in the fishing
for wbout twenty years. But we frequently
hear it salt! thata bounty would not miterially
increase the fishing business, and as nt proof,
reference is made tO the bounty given fifteen
years ago without ainY favorable results, That
effort was merely spas.210¢ anid its failure
of being of any material ben. fit Gan be clearly
traced to its origin. ‘The reasyn i788 simply
this, we did not then know the first principles
, 1867.
ing, 1 wieh to eonvey my kind regards to “A |
4 to answer the question I have put t© him.
le may alvo show at the same time where
any of the romarke T made in my former letter
says “that a bounty will raise the intelli-/
gence of fishermen,” and 1 promise him that
hiistavor shall be duly noted,
Lam &&.,
A FISHERMAN,
Alberton, March 16, 1807.
To rue Eviron or ras Jounnan
Sin:
T see by the last Pafrvod that a teacher who
writes over the signature * Nova,” has been
finding fault with the Secretary of the Board
of Education, Well, Sir, | have been em-
ployed as a district teacher for the last sixteen
years. During nearly the whole of that time
I have had official connection with Mr, Mav-
Neill, and can truly say that I have invariably
tound him kind, considerate and obliging, 1
an firmly convinced that the te i
Island have not to-day a warmer friend, o1
one who would rejoice more heartily in seeing
their condition improved, than the present
Secretary to the Board of Education.
ffthe Editor of the Patriot would give these
few hurried lines « place in his valuable paper
le would greatly o lige
A DISTRICT TEACIIER.
Prince County, March 26, 1867,
Suwvverside Hournal.
CMU ASVAY, MARU 28, 1887
is No notice ¢an be taken of anonymous
communications. We must know the names
and addresses of our correspondents as a gua-
ranty of their good faith. We cannot under-
take to return communications thatare not used
OUR SCHOOLMASTERS.
Weare much pleased to see that the
teachers have commenced to agitate for
reform in matters educational. If that
useful, but ill paid class of men, look for
any amelioration of their present hard
lot, they must not expect every thing to
be done for them by government, with-
out any assistance from those who will
benefit most by the anticipated improve-
ments, ‘The teachers have done right in
putting their own shoulders to the wheel,
—they have done right in letting our
rulers know what improvements they, as
a class, wish to see made in the laws
relating to education, and they have done
right in holding out for a higher remu-
neration than they have hitherto received.
A little self assertion is a very good thing
sometimes. If the world sees a man
contently bowing down beneuth an unfair
burden, it not unnaturally concludes that
since he who carries the load does not
complain, it is quite unnecessary for any
one else to make a fuss in order to re-
lieve him of a portion of it; and the
poor, contented plodder, may think him-
self very well off if ia is not still further
imposed upon, ‘The teachcrs of Queen's
County held a meeting in the Normal
School room on the 16th inst., a report
of which may be seen, in another column,
for the purpose of ** drafting a petition to
the Legislature praying for the redress
of certain grievances caused by the de-
fective state of the present education
Act.” Several matters were discussed
at this meeting, but the insufficient. pay
given to teachers of all classes occupied
the greatest share of attention, and
seemed, in the opinion of all the speakers,
to be the grievance that called most
loudly for immediate redress. It was
admitted by all that the salaries at pre-
sent allowed to teachers on the Island
are far too small. No one, we believe,
in these days, denies this.. The time
has gone by when a man would be con-
sidered ‘ passing rich on forty pounds a
year.” ‘Twenty-six pounds thirteen shil-
lings and four pence sterling money of
Great Britain per annum, is certainly a
very scant pittance to offer any one who
is capable of imparting a sound, common
English education to the youth entrusted
to his care, Yet many of our teachers re-
ceive not one shilling more than the above
mentioned sum as yearly wages. It is
true that the law allows him fifteen
the law is too frequently evaded, Nar
row-minded, close-fisted trustees,
foolish and not over honest teachers,
legislator in this particular.
great many people look on the sum
performed,
set down in the subscription list, but the
some paltry pretext. ‘The teacher dis-
likes going to law, indeed such a pro-
ceeding in most districts would ruin his
chances of re-engagement, and he in
consequence, loses much that is equit-
of Mackerel catching, But still it was at
few to examine closely the reason why our
success was not equal! to the Yankees,—and
Mr. Editor, it is generally allowed that a
knowledge of the discase is half the cure,
I shall close this rather lengthy epistle by
giving a short sketch of the history of our
fisheries to the North, although itis not im-
mediately connected with the subject of boun-
ties, yet may interest some. Our fisheries
commenced here about thirty-five years ago,
prosecuted in small boats, and all our fittings
were of rather a primitive kind. (Such Mr.
Editor as you will see at the present time
frequently used in Summerside harbor by
amatuer fishermen.) The catch of fish was
about 200 quintals yearly, on the averoge,
and this state of things continued up to the
year 1851. In that year our fisheries re-
ceived an impulse through the means of Am-
erican cupital, and a groat improvement was
the consequence. ‘The capital on fish that
year was more than five fold on any previous
year. Up to this period, Mackerel had
scarcely ever been taken, nothing more than
was required for home use. I believe the
number of barrels exported in the year 1850
was twenty-eight, in 1851 the catch of Mack-
erel was about 150 barrels. Since 1851 the
catch of fish has steadily incrensed. Last
year, (1866) the catch was about the tollow-
ing i—
Cod and Hake, 4,500 quintals; Mackerel,
8,500 barrels. The proceeds with the oil
added, may be stated at about £14,000 in
value at invoice prices; but the probability is
that more was obtained when marketed, and
L have not the smallest doubt that in the next
een years the last named sum will be in-
creased over three fold.
I may remark that the fishing did not come
up to an average last year, as itis generally
known that fishing was a partial failure
throughout all the Gulf.
I dare say, Mr. Editor, you will deem my
yarn about lengthy enough; but before clos-
altogether without good effect, it taught ao |
ably and legally his due. It cannot be
expected that men of ability and respect-
able attcinments will enter so ill paid a
profession with the intention of remuain-
ing init. But tie efficient teacher must
be a man of more than Ordinary mental
endowments, and he must po$sS8 4 more
than ordinary share of education. Such
men cannot be had and retained wnlcss
they receive at least as high wages as
are given to men of equal attainments in
other walks of life. Men cannot be ex-
pected to remain in any profession, no
jmatter how agreeable it is to their tastes,
jor how well suited it may be to their
peculiar bent of mind, if it affords no
reasonable prospect of yielding them a
decent maintenance, and of rearing a
family in comfort and_ respectability.
A profession almost’ wholly composed of
young men who have not the remotest
intention of remaining in it, who for the
most part dislike its duties, and who
are ever on the watch to escape from it
for some more lucrative occupation, can
never bea flourishing one. Its members
can never possess that love of their work
and feel that pride in its successful per-
formance which enable men to become
eminent in other employments, to execl
in which it is their glory to devote the
whole of their energies mental and bodily.
In order that we may possess an efficient,
an energetic, and an experienced staff of
teachers we must pay them well: Such
a staff cannot of course be created in a
day or in a year. We can, however,
begin the process of securing it at once,
pounds more to be raised by the district
which engages him, but this provision of
and
combine to defeat the intention of the
Indeed a
which they subscribe towards a teacher’s
salary as a charitable donation, and not
as pay hardly earned for work honestly
Too frequently is a name
sum set opposite it meanly withheld on
ox Cae i a I MNS
jon, make any very sweeping changes.
salaries fifteen pounds in the comii
session of the Logislature, or, to spea
more correctly, to pay every teacher
his present nominal salary wholly out of
the public treasury. This, if carried into
effect, will no doubt be a very wise
measure, and as great an improvement
as the teachers and the public could
reasonably expect to be made in so short
atime. We, however, have a erotchet
of our own which we would like to see
carried into effect. It is a matter of
reasonable complaint that all teachers,
the young and the experienced, the com-
petent and the incompetent, are,-as re-
gards public remuneration, placed upon
the same level—that there is not sufficient
inducement offered to teachers to en-
deavor to excel in their profession. We
would endeavor to create these induce-
ments, We would give the young
teachers forty pounds for the first year.
If at the end of that year he, in the opin-
ion of the Schvol Inspector, the ‘Trustees
of his school, and the Clergymen of the
parish,had been diligent and had evinced a
capacity to teach. his salary tor the second
yer should be torty-tive pounds, and so
on, increasing each year as he improved
in the art of teaching until it reached the
maximum salary for his particular class.
If on the other hand he proved indolent
and incapable, his salary would remain
stationary. By adopting some such sys-
tem as the one which we have rudely
outlined, a very considerable incentive
woul l be given to industry, good conduct,
and professional excellence. We quite
agree with those who consider that a
cump-tent teacher should receive a salary
of a hundred a year, and that a cottage
and garden should be provided for him
by the district. We believe that capable
men cannot be procured for a lower
salary. We hope to see the day when
our Island teachers will be much better
paid than they are at present. Wo
think, however, that it is hardly fair to
expect that all the deficiencies of the
Education Laws will be remedied by the
present government w thout delay. We
firmly believe that Mr. Coles will make
every exertion to put in good working
order the educational system, which so
much credit is due him for establishing,
and we are persuaded that the best men,
both of the majority and the nrinority,
will heartily second his endeavors to at-
tain so desirable an end.
It will be scen that a meeting of the
Teachers of this County will be held in
Summerside on the 6th of April. We
fear that the notice is rather short, and
that the state of the roads at that time
will be such as to render it impossible
for teachers from a distance to attend.
We, however, would urge upon eyery
teacher the importance of being, present
if 4e can, by any possibility get to Sum-
merside on the day appointed.
UNITED STATES.
Tue ‘ Impeachment” of the President
is gtill the topic in the lower branch of
Congress. On the 7thinstant, the House
referred the Impeachment question to the
Judiciary Committee. Gen. Butler made
his maiden speech in that body,—ait was
uspeech of cight minutes duration. He
replied to the charge that Congress was
not competent to impeach. because States.
Were unrepresented, und expressed the
opinion that the majority of the members.
ofthe House could vote in favor of im-
peachment. Judge Spaulding, ot Ohio,
spoke in strong terms aginst impeach-
ment, as did also Messrs. Brooks and
Woods, of New Yerk. The Sevate seems
little disposed to faver any farther agita-
tion of the impeachment question.
In the Maine Senate the other day, the
following Resolutions woxe: reported frou
Committee —
Resolved. Ehat any atcempe on the part of
the imperiat government ef Greut Britain to»
establish monarchial government in North
America, oe to place a vice royalty by act. of
parliament over her several North American
provinces, woald. be an implieé—infiaction of
those principhes off gorenmmene whiel this na-
Nees has ussumed to. maintain upon this. con-
inent.
Resolved. That the people of Maine, deeply
interested in the preservation ef peave and of
friemily relations with the peeple of British
Nortls America, respeetfutty appeal to the
United States government to interpose its le-
gitimate iutluence in friendly and earnest
remoustrince witls the British Government
uguinst ¢stublishing any systemofguvcrament
in North America, the intluenee of which
wonld endanger the triemdy relations ef the
people of the British Provinces with the people
of the United States. y
Resolved. That the Governor be requested
to trinsmit copies. of the foregoing report and
revolves to the President of the United States
and to each AMouse of Congress.
The coins to be sent by the United States
Government to the Paris Exhibition, have
just been finished at the mint in Philadel.
phia. ‘They consist of sets in duplicate of
each of the coins of the country—gold, sil-
ver, nickel and bronze.
It is stated that negotiations haye, for
some tine past been on foot, on the part
of the Emperor Napoleon with certain
parties in the United States, with the sanc-
tion of Government, to lay an Atlantic
Cable between Brest and New York,
A Washington despatch says there is a
delegation there representing the Fenian
organization, urging an impression on the
part of Congress of sympathy with the
present troubles in Ireland. Resolutions
to that effect were introduced into the
Senate und laid over, ‘This, no doubt, will
be the end of them.
We learn that several small crafts are
building in different parts of the Island
this winter for the Fishing trade. . Some
of those that were sent out last year. did
very well, others: did-nething. We have
not heard what dividend the Summerside
Fishing Company declared.
IN all localities where new Post Offices
are required, we would recommend the
inhabitants at once to get up petitions, and
have them sent in before the 5th of April.
We learn that the British Government
have commenced to build a number ot
vessels, in order to give employment to
The Government need not, in our opin-
the thousands of ship carpenters in that
| country, and to keep them from starving,
As
Latest from Europe,
London, Mareh i4
Ic is stated that the European Powers
have tailed to agree on the Eastern Ques-
Russia demands additional conves-
sions tor the Christian subjects of the Sul-
tan, Vespatches irom Constantinople
state that the Turkish Government is de-
termined to continue the war in Candia,
audis preparing to send fvesh batallions
of troups to that Island, under the com-
nuand of Tassin Pacha,
Liverpool, March 12.
tion
The American Chamber of Commerce |
ju this city gave a grand banquet to-night
in honour ot the heroes of the AUantic
Cable, at which five gold medals were pre-
sented to Cyrus W. Field, Capt. Anderson,
ali, Cauni and Mr, Willoughby Smith.
‘The entertainment was a splendid alfai
London, March 16,
The Servian question has been settled,
Earl Derby says officially that the forces of
the Sublime Porte are to leave Belgrad
the vian eapital city, and that the coun
try will be practically tree.
of the ‘Lurks there will be merely nominal,
Lord Lyons, ambassador of Great Britain
at Constantinople, writes that the ‘Turks
will hasten reform in tavor of the Chris-
tinns in Candia and elsewhere in their do-
minions,
Vienna, March 16.
Despatches have been received from the
South which announce that the ‘Turkish
torces have been successful in a battle with
the rebels at Thessily.
London, March 16.
Large bodies of troops have been sent
tu, Liverpool to prea’ the peace—an
arising ot the Irish in that city being ap-
prehended, Large numbers of Penians
have been captured in many parts of Ire-
land, and many haye been comunitted for
high treason,
London, March 17.
Emigration to America from Cork for
the past few days us been extremely large.
Many of the emigrants have been recog-
nized as haying been connected with the
recent Fenian uprising near Killarney.
It is supposed that the unusual exodous
iscaused in part from the anticipated
bluodshed in Ireland,
Paris, March 17.
The Uoniteur to-day in an official article
says Marshall Bazaine and the last of the
French troops left Mexivo on the 10th of
March,
Consols 91; 5-20's 744.
Gold 844,
According to report, it has at length
Deen decided that a Bill for an Imperial
sruarantee of a loan of ££,000,000 to the
Confederated Government of Canada, for
the construction of the Interoolonial Rail-
way, Will be brought by the Government
into the House ef Commons in the course
of next week. he disappointment ¢x-
perieuced by the absence of any such pr
vision in the Confederation Bill, which
wis read a second time in the House of
Lords on Tuesday, is explained by the
jact that such a clause would have render-;
edit a Money Bill, and have necessitated
its introduction in the first instance into
the Iouse of Commons, while it was thought
desirable that Lord Cavarven should be
enabled primarily to give the explanation
ofa measure belonging to his own depart-
ment. ‘The Guarantee Bill, itis said, will,
as at present arranged, be brought in by
Mr. Disracli. It appears that nearly Vv
Aiovernment, as represented by suc
Colonial Ministers, from Lord Grey in
I8d1 to Mr, Cardwell in 1866, has been
committed to a certain extent to this mea-
_ sure. ‘Lhe original estimate of the cost ot
construction was £7,000 per mile; while
the present guarantee will cover £9,000,
sv as to afford a good margin, It is com-
puted that the whole ling, running from
thy terminus of the Grand ‘Trunk Railway
at Riviere du Loup to Halifax, may be
completed yithin three Yew London
Limes,
Ottawa, March 15.
, Rumors are in circulation of Fenian
movements in the neighborhood of St. Al-
bans, Vt. tis said that the Government
is in possession of important information
on the subject, and that the Hon, Mv. Blair,
the only Cabinet Minisier here, intends to
Jeaye for Montreal immediately.
Montreal, C. E., Mareh 15.
125 regulars under the command of
Capt. Bolton, with a full supply of ammu-
nition, lett by train this morning for Cham-
plain. A strong fores of the Royal Artil-
ery, with 8 field pieces, will be sent on
frontier duty to-day. Frequent conferren-
ces took place yesterday, between the
regular authorities and stall of the militia
dupurtinent. :
A Macniwicen Girr.—Business men
who think it won't pay to advertise, are
“requested to read the following item, and
then put their thinking caps on:
A celebrated wholesale merchant in
Loudon, England, has presented the pro-
prietors of the ‘* Telegraph” with a press
which cost $25,000, as a token of appreci-
ation. In doing so, he uecompanied the
yitt with a letter, which said: ‘In your
paper, by judicious advertising, I first
vuilt the foundation of a fortune—and in
your paper by judicious advertising, 1
amassed the fortune which enubles me to
offer this testimony of regard und good
will.”
Sream Communication witn tHe Low-
ER Provinces.—To-day, Capt. Davison,
und Mr, William Barbeur, Engineer of
the Lady Head, leave town for Halifax, to
inspect two steamers lying there, which
the newly-formed company intend to pur-
chase, should they appear suitable for the
route, The first malt on the shareholders
for 10 per cent, of the capital stock has
been met.—Quebec Mor. CU honicle.
Siantricant.—Iin Kansas the people are
to vote upon the female suffrage question,
by ordering of the Legislature. In Bos-
ton Rey. De. Huntingdon favors the es-
tublishment of an order of deaconesses.
‘The female’seulptors of this city take the
highest rank among artists in Rome, Fe-
nivale teachers are in such demand in Cali-
fornia that *!none others need apply.”
Female telegraph operators* manipulate
the instrament with wonderful skill.” Fe-
minine clerks in the Treasury Department
are suid to accomplish more in a day than
those of the opposite sex. There sre se-
yeral professional female barbers in New
York who handle their razors with great
dexterity, These are certainly significant
evidences of the tendencies of things.
Advices from St. Thomas state that the
cholera had completely abated. Over 850
persons, mostly uegroes, had died of the
epidemic.
An Eastern editor snys that a m:
N. ¥. got himselt into trouble by mar
two wives.’ A Western editor replies,
miany/uen in that section had done the
sajuu by marrying one: A Northern ed-
jtor retorts that quite a number of his ac-
ajuaintances found trouble enough by bare-
dy promising to. marry, without going any
further. A Soupghern editor says that a
friend of his wa bothered enough when
simply found in eémpany with another
‘The authority |
SUMM
Correspondence,
TEACHERS MEETING, :
Pursuant to notice, a large number of the
teachers of Queen’s County met in dhe Normal
| Scheel, Chariowetown, on Friday, the 15th
j inst, for the purpose of urafting a petition to
j the Legislature, praying for the redress of
| certain grievanc caused by the defective
state of the present Education Act,—grievan-
| ces, which though more directly affecting the
| teachers of the Island, are the cause of much
| trouble and inconvenience to the community
| at large.
i Mr. Jonathan MeWilliams to the. chair,. and
‘the undersigned as Secretary,
| ‘The chairman, in announcing the object of
| the meeting, said that he had been chietly in-
| tluential in calling it. He considered that it
| was tine that teachers were becoming alive to
* their own interests, and that, unless (hey took
{the matter in hand, it was not at all probable
| that any other body of men would do it for
| them,
A lengthy discussion ensued, of which the
following is an outline:
Mr. McLeod was the first who addres-
sed the meeting. He spoke at considerable
length. bringing to the notice of the meeting
the most oppressive grievances which have to
be borne by the teachers of this Islind at the
present day. He sai
of that portion of a teacher’s salary which is
expecisd to come from the inhabitants of a
school district, contained so many contradic-
tions that it was next to impossible to under-
| stand or obey it. He advocated a complete
| change in the system of Edueation, arguing
| that the engagements of teachers should all
commence at the same time, and advanced the
idea that all schools should be considered as
one institution, of which the Prince of Wales
College or Normal School should be the head,
and all other schools branches of said College
or School. He said that the Professors of said
College should have power to engage or dis-
miss a teacher at the request of the “Trastees
of any school district, He also denouneed
the law requiring the teacher to certify on
oath to the correctness of his journal, main-
taining that it was a piece of the most unpar-
allelled injustice of which ourLegislature had
ever been guilty,
Mr. E. Roche, in speaking ef the small
average attendance at schools, said that it was
unjust that the teacher should lose a part of
his sulary because people neglected to send
their children to school. He thought that
some means should be employed to compel
parents to keep their children in more regular
attendance at school. lle advocated a greater
difference between the salaries of First and
Second Class teachers, adding that the quali-
jivations were, in his opinion, high enough,
but that teachers were, in many instances,
very deficient in the branches in which they
are required to instruct others, and maintain-
ed that, as female teachers were required to
possess the same qualifications as males, the
| salaries of the former should correspond more
nearly with those of the latter. He said that
the School Visitors should be better paid than
| they are at present, and required to perform
‘their duties in a more satisfactory manner.
He spoke of the national series of school
| books as being unfit for the youth of our Is-
‘land, He said that candidates, fur ihe office
| of teachers, shottid be examined in, and found
qualified to teach the several branches re-
quired, before entering the Normal Schosl, in
order, that while there, instead of spending
their time in acquiring a knowledge of these
| branches, they should rather spend it in
‘learning the art of teaching. Me also advo-
‘ cated the lessening of the term of attendance
hat the Normal School from five to two, or
‘at most, three months.
| Mr. Robert Robertson said that teachers
should petition the Legislature for an increase
of salary—that they should receive, at least,
| the sum of £55 from Government, and that a
| Committee of the Legislature should be ap-
| pointed to inquire into the state of Education.
Ile also maintained that it was almost impos-
| sible for teachers to swear to’the correctness
| of their journals, as mistakes might inadyert-
| antly be made.
| Mr. John MeDonald said that it was unjust
' that boys, just trom the Normal School, should
receive 28 large an amouut of remuneration
for their servic men who had spent some
[eens at the business:
|" Mr. John MeNeill, froni King's County,
) said that he was an old raan, and had pas
| an examination before every Board of Educa-
tion since the institution ot that body in the
Islind. He said that, according to his opinion,
teachers of the Iirst Class should receive at
least £60, and those of the Second Class £70,
annually. Grammar Schools, he considered,
were pretty well provided for. Mo also argu-
ed that the salaries of teachers should be im-
creased every year, for a number of years,
and then to becowe fised, and after having
spent twenty or thirty years ot the occupation,
that he should receive a retiring allowance to
assist him in old age,
Mr.James McDonald advocated the appo{nt-
ing of a Committee, whose duty it should be
tu confer with the leaders of the Government,
and asedrtain what could possibly be done for
the teachers. He did not agree with the per-
son who said that high salaries was not the
best way to advance the Education of a coun-
try, arguing that * scandalous salaries would
make scandalous teachers.” Lt was his opin-
ion that some means should be adopted to
produce a more regular attendance of scholars
at school. Ie advocated the granting of a
salary of £55 at the very least, and approved
of the yearly increase of salary, but still
would not ignore'the efficiency of yourlg teach-
ers. : te
Mr. Joseph II. Webster said that it was just
that a difference should exist between the
sulury of a young teacher and that of a person
of experience, alleging that persons who had
spent years at the business should be consider-
ed more eupable than boys from the Normal
School, and that whilst all remained on the
same level it was an encouragement to ineffi-
cient persons to continue the occupation. He
advocated the classification of teachers’ salaries
in full. He applauded the framers of Educa-
tional system, and said that, until the late
alteration, it was the best in all the British
Colonies.
Mr. William McGregor advocated the ex-
amining of teachers for the purpose of ascer-
taining whether or not they lad improved in
their occupation; if they had, he would advise
an increase of salury, and gave it as his opin-
ion that every school district should be com-
pelled, by law, to provide a house and small
piece of land for the accommodation of the
teacher,
Mr. B.Balderston siid that other gentlemen
had been valuing themselves too low by ofter-
ing their services for the sum of £55, annual-
ly. He, for one, thought himself worth more
than that. High salaries, he said, by bringing
forth many aspirants, would be beneficial, by,
in the end, causing that none but the most
competent teachers would. be retained, and
suggested that salaries should range from £75
to £100.
A communication from John MeNeill, Esq.,
Secretary of the Board of Education, was now
read, setting forth that gentleman's views on
the several questions before the meeting, and
offering a fuw suggestions, but having tuken
no notes of the said communication, l am un-
able to insert even the substance of it here.
His ideas, however, were pretty nearly in
unison with those of some of the before-men-
tioned gentlemen.
| Mr. William McPhail, from Orwell, read
minutes of a meeting of Teachers held at that
place, setting forth their views on the subject
of Education. He advocated the lengthening
of the Spring vacation to four weeks, and the
Autumnal to six weeks. He suid that for a
considerable time in the fall and spring, al-
though schools were kept in operation, no one
sitin’s wife,
receives any benefit, except, perhaps one or!
‘The meeting was organized by appointing |
1 that the present Educa- |
eation Act, so far-as it relates to the procuring
ERSIDE JOURNAL,
THURSDAY, MARCIL 28
mitic rh p not voted by the dei wal to the Nova Seotians and Aimeti- | ;
Claas of he wan: cvarten OF enue be cabely to be attributed to our want of | Farmer,” and T would remind him not to for- Jf; js, we hear, the intention to raise the
business of the season; observing that the
average attendance was often redaced below
that required by law, by theee means,
John Sharp, Esq. from Prince County,
spoke at considerable length, and introdueed
sume very good ideas.
| Mr, E. Rielly said that the salaries ofteach-
ers should be raised, and the standard of edu-
ication kept as high as possible, and that
candidates for the office of teacher, who have |
| attended a college, should be exempt from at-
tandance at the Normal School. The present
salaries of School Visitors, he eaid, were too;
\low. He argued that the office of School |
| Visitor should be non-political, and concluded
his speceh by making some remarks not very
complimentary to the Clergymen who com-
pose our Board of Education
At this stage of the proceedings, a number
of gentlemen briefly addressed the meeting,
tut their ideas generally coincided with those
of previous speakers.
Rey. G. Sutherland, being present, was
called upon for an expression of his senti-
ments. He expressed himself much pleased
with the remarks of those who had spoken.,
observing that he believed Educstion was
progressing in this country, DV. EB. Tstand had |
done as much, till recently, as any of the
British Provinces in support of Estueation,
He reviewed the educational institutions of the
country for a number of years past, ale
y
the progress which had been made, espe!
since the introduction of the system ot
Education, to the introducers of which he gave
great praise, He agreed with other speakers
in saying that the salaries of teachers were
tev low, and that it would tend to the udvance-
ment and honor of P. E, Island that her te:
ers should be well paid. He advocated a
longer term of attendance at the Normal
School, as the time at present spent there by
students was, in his opinion, too short for
them to acquire a thorough knowledge of
teaching, He would not advocate the lenytl-
ening of the vacations, but said that there
should be a non-exacting of the average dur-
ing the busy weeks. ‘The culling of this mect-
ing was, in his opinion, a move in the right
direction, and its effects would some time be
felt in the country .
Mr, McKinley said that in ease the Educa-
tion Act should be amended, this meeting
should petition the Legislature that the in-
creased amount of salary, granted by suid
amendment should be paid to teachers from
and utter the passing thereof.
It was then moved, seconded and
Resolved, 'Vhat it is the opinion of this meet-
ing, that the Legislature be petitioned for the
sum of £75 as the yearly salary of first-class
teachers,
Resolved, That 2 committee be appointed to
draw up a petition to the Legislature, praying
for the redress of grievances, and that the
following persons compose said committee,
viz: Jonathan McWilliams, Artemus Morrow,
Wm. McPhail, James McDonald, Robert
Robertson, F, H. Coffin, Archibald McKenzie,
Alexander McQueen,
Resolved, that all the Island papers be re-
quested to insert a notice of this meeting.
Fxupk. H, Corin.
March 18, 1867.
nN Do
Toe rue Eprrok ov THE JOURNAL,
Sin i—
In your number of the 7th inst., is a com-
munication signed ** A Farmer.” I have en-
deayored to understand Farmer’s meaning,
but the only conclusion I could arrive at was
that the greater part of his remarks are mere
quibbling; this is evident from the manner he
has garbled the meaning of some of the state-
ments [ made, or else ** A Farmer's” intelli-
gence and discernment are not of a very high
-| order, for he appears not to know that a man
may be deficient in the knowledge of any art,
withoutbeing subject to the charge of indolence
stupidity, and want of intelligence. Also; his
comments on the remarks [ made on the po-
tuto illustration, he takes it for granted that
I said farmers here cannot cultivate potatoes.
Now if **A Farmer” had read my letter with
only a small degree of attention, he must have
seen that the point of my remarks proves
something altogether foreign from what, he
appears to take out ef them. But the pre-
cocious ‘ Farmer,” in the heat of his indigna-
tion at such afoul slander on his brother
furmers, rushed to their réscue, and with a
flourish proclaimed that he will show that
Pp. E. Island farmers can raise potatoes.
Now at this stage of his perturbation he ap-
nears to have subsided into a profound reverie ;
Jno doubt but that he soared away into the
sublime regions of #iry nothingness, from
which, when he awakes {9 consciousness of
sublunary things, he exclaims '‘ 7’haé he can
cultivate turnips, and if farmers ave not too
lazy they may raise potatoes.” Very logical
indeed, Mr. Farmer. Most profound reason-
ing. O shade of ‘ Aristottle,” thou couldst
not have expected to have sucha disciple.
And for terseness even Artemas Ward is put
into the shade. But as the gist of the whole
matter, he emphatically expresses his: honest
abhorrence of any government aid, even to
furmers. Well this beats Barnum. Does
+ 4 Farmer” know, or has he forgotten, the
many thousands of pounds granted at various
times out of Ue public revenue for agricultur-
al purposes, and is if possible that he does not
know that every fiumer on the Island has
had a direct benefit from these grants in the
improvement of cattle, sheep) 8nd hogs,
choice seeds, and improved fap.uiit¢ imple-
ments. Now ‘+ A l'armer’s” meaning is €¥-
dently this: That class Legislation is 2
class Legislation when furmers are the recipi-
ents of the benefits, which is of a piece with
hs former reasoning. Now to be a little
more serious on the matter, I would not do
the furinerss generally such injustice as to
think that the above is a true specimen of
either their intelligence or discernment, for
I know to a certainty that very many do see
clearly the very great benefit agricultural
interests have received by the timely aid of
government grants of money, and the different
order of things such grants have been the
direct means of bringing about. Nor do I
believe there is one intelligent man in the
Island regrets the assistance thus rendered to
the farming interests, although it may be just
possible there may be a few that do not fully
appreciate the value thus received, because a
few dollars have not found their way direct
from thé public chest into their pockets,
imagining they have not participated in the
least from public grants; all the while oblivi-
ous of this fact, thut perhaps then our stock
has been enhanced three fold in value, be-
sides the benefit of other improvements which
they cannot help having a share in.
But the question may be asked, what have
the money grants for agricultural purposes to
do with fishing bounties? Well just this, if
the principle is right to apply a part of the
public revenue in order to forward the inter-
esta of agriculture, it follows as a natural
consequence that it is not wrong to apply a
part for the encouragement of fishing, where
there is a probability of developing that
branch of industry thereby.
Again, if the monies granted for the en-
couragement of agriculture have been pro-
ductive of such beneficial results, will ‘* A
Farmer” take upon hitn to show that a similar
result would not follow monies applied for the
encouragement of fishing. 1 give “A
Farmer” these propositions to work out for
his own especial benefit, and I dare say he
would liked te have them named. Well I
shall call them problems of Fishology, so that
if any“of his friends should ask him what he
is studying he can tell them. ‘A Farmer”
seems wonderfully offended at so gross a
slander as that our Island mechanics cannot
build a suitable fishing craft~if hé does know
of one vessel suitable in all respects, built on
the Island, before the last two years, will he
have the kindness to point itout. I would
just here repeat agam, that the strength and
sailing qualities are only a part of what is
required, and I also repeat what I said in my
former letter, that our success'in fishing, not
| Hishing fur a l
skilfulness in the art of fishing, together with |
unsditable vessels and outfits, and that we
are far in the rear in thewe respects, Our
fishermen have a painful knowledge of the
tact, and freely acknowledge it; but such
being the case, does not by any means prove
any incapacity in our young men, for We lave
almost daily proof to the contrary, They
generally take the lead in whatever branch of
business they engage in when they go to!
other places, and it only requires to giv
them encouragement at home and orf will
prove themselv: intelligent, proficient,
and as successful as any other class of men in
America. Batit isa painful fuct that num-
bers of our young men leave our Island yearly
because they can get that encouragement
abroad which they cannot find at home, In
our house of Parliament, in the public press,
and in our social circles, we often hear this
regretted, and the almost hopeless question
asked, what can be done to alter this state of
things? Now, Mr. Editor, although T may
not be able to point out a remedy, yet I think
Ivan point out clearly one of the causes.
Many of our young men make a choice of
yelihood, and such being the
case, | would wish to draw’ particular atten-
tion to the following statement:
Let us take aventy barrels of Mackerel as
the average catch of a fisherm and the
average price at $12. The American gots his
fish intu market free of cost, while our fisher
inen hive to pay a very barge pec centige on
the whole vefore his tis is miurketed. “Phe
relative position will stand is follows, = low
ing the dollars to be at five sinilings :
Island vessel, 20 bbls. Mckl. at $12, £60 0 0
Duty at 125. 6d. on 20 bbls, Mackerel,
£12 10s,
Freight by Str. from Ch’towa at 3s.,
£3.
Freight coust wise to Ch’town at 2s.,
=F,
Commission of Insurance at 74d.,
£4 105,
Incidental expenses at 1s., £1. - - £22 00
Net proceeds on 20 barrels, - - - - £38 0 0
Now the Ame. fishermen receives fur same
amount of fish, just £60, making a difference
in his favor of £22, Now every Islinder on
bourd of an American vessel, stands on equal
footing with themselves, and gets the same
amount. Is it much to be wondered at that
our young men prefer to go where they re-
ceive over one third more for the same
amount of fish, and added to this the almost
certain fact that our Islunders on board of an
American vessel will take more fish than in
in Island vessel, on account of their superior
outfits, &c, The above statements show that
the American vessel has much the advantage
of us in the Mackerel fishing.
But we have an offset in our fayor that brings
matters alittle more equal. We can build
vessels nearly a half cheaper, and also get
some of our outfits cheaper, and above all,
we have the fish at our doors, and we must
not overlook the consideration,our living does
not cost as much asthe Americuns. ‘The con-
ventionalities of the American society required
more money to keep up to the mark than
with us,—so that every thing considered, the
case is not so hopeless; and I do believe we
could fairly cope with them if a wise and ju-
dicious encouragement was given by the
‘ ture, It would be well for our Legis-
to take a leaf from ‘ Uncle Sam's,”
Book on this subject. He sets no small
value upon a thrifty population: their laws
with respect to foreign emigrants have a
special view to their encouragement, and also
every branch of trade receives its due atten-
tion. The mackerel fisheries have been
maibly built up by Legislative encouragement,
and what is the result? just this, no nation
either ancient or modern had made an equal
progress,—while the colonies alongside of
them have remained in a comparative quies-
cent state up to within a very short period.
At present there appears to be an awakening,
and if the right men are only put into the
right place, we may Ivok for a more prosper-
ous future. Our local advantages, with an
unfettered trade, must bring better times, and
not till we can find profitable employment for
our men at home, will they be content to re-
mun,
Now I leave it to the calm judgment of
candid men to say whether a few thousand
dallars would be inisapplied if it would have
the effect of developing a hitherto neglected
branch of industry, and giving profitable eim-
ployment, and adding to the general wealth
of the colony ; and, as a natural consequence:
an increased revenue; so that there is every
‘probability that the money given would be
more than repaid by the increase of trade. I
lsaw a statement that was made by a gentle-
man vile winter, showing the cost and equip-
ment &c., of a first class fishing vessel, show-
ing that such vessel would pay into the
revenue about £160, and the average bounty
would be at $1 per barrel, about $400 or £120.
Now according to this statement the revenue
would be $40 gainer,—and a further remark
he also made was that this winter there was
no more thin five or six vessels building for
the fishing, where if a bounty had been given
last year, or a certainty of » bounty for 1867,
there would be over twenty vessels building
for the trade. Now if such would have been
the result, the revenue would be the gainer
instead of the loser. But Lean imagine liow
some of our sagacious ones will shake their
heads very knowingly and look wise at this
statement. Well, one thing Ido know, that
that gentleman is as competent to judge in
this matter as any other man on this Island,
|} —haying been largely engaged in the fishing
for wbout twenty years. But we frequently
hear it salt! thata bounty would not miterially
increase the fishing business, and as nt proof,
reference is made tO the bounty given fifteen
years ago without ainY favorable results, That
effort was merely spas.210¢ anid its failure
of being of any material ben. fit Gan be clearly
traced to its origin. ‘The reasyn i788 simply
this, we did not then know the first principles
, 1867.
ing, 1 wieh to eonvey my kind regards to “A |
4 to answer the question I have put t© him.
le may alvo show at the same time where
any of the romarke T made in my former letter
says “that a bounty will raise the intelli-/
gence of fishermen,” and 1 promise him that
hiistavor shall be duly noted,
Lam &&.,
A FISHERMAN,
Alberton, March 16, 1807.
To rue Eviron or ras Jounnan
Sin:
T see by the last Pafrvod that a teacher who
writes over the signature * Nova,” has been
finding fault with the Secretary of the Board
of Education, Well, Sir, | have been em-
ployed as a district teacher for the last sixteen
years. During nearly the whole of that time
I have had official connection with Mr, Mav-
Neill, and can truly say that I have invariably
tound him kind, considerate and obliging, 1
an firmly convinced that the te i
Island have not to-day a warmer friend, o1
one who would rejoice more heartily in seeing
their condition improved, than the present
Secretary to the Board of Education.
ffthe Editor of the Patriot would give these
few hurried lines « place in his valuable paper
le would greatly o lige
A DISTRICT TEACIIER.
Prince County, March 26, 1867,
Suwvverside Hournal.
CMU ASVAY, MARU 28, 1887
is No notice ¢an be taken of anonymous
communications. We must know the names
and addresses of our correspondents as a gua-
ranty of their good faith. We cannot under-
take to return communications thatare not used
OUR SCHOOLMASTERS.
Weare much pleased to see that the
teachers have commenced to agitate for
reform in matters educational. If that
useful, but ill paid class of men, look for
any amelioration of their present hard
lot, they must not expect every thing to
be done for them by government, with-
out any assistance from those who will
benefit most by the anticipated improve-
ments, ‘The teachers have done right in
putting their own shoulders to the wheel,
—they have done right in letting our
rulers know what improvements they, as
a class, wish to see made in the laws
relating to education, and they have done
right in holding out for a higher remu-
neration than they have hitherto received.
A little self assertion is a very good thing
sometimes. If the world sees a man
contently bowing down beneuth an unfair
burden, it not unnaturally concludes that
since he who carries the load does not
complain, it is quite unnecessary for any
one else to make a fuss in order to re-
lieve him of a portion of it; and the
poor, contented plodder, may think him-
self very well off if ia is not still further
imposed upon, ‘The teachcrs of Queen's
County held a meeting in the Normal
School room on the 16th inst., a report
of which may be seen, in another column,
for the purpose of ** drafting a petition to
the Legislature praying for the redress
of certain grievances caused by the de-
fective state of the present education
Act.” Several matters were discussed
at this meeting, but the insufficient. pay
given to teachers of all classes occupied
the greatest share of attention, and
seemed, in the opinion of all the speakers,
to be the grievance that called most
loudly for immediate redress. It was
admitted by all that the salaries at pre-
sent allowed to teachers on the Island
are far too small. No one, we believe,
in these days, denies this.. The time
has gone by when a man would be con-
sidered ‘ passing rich on forty pounds a
year.” ‘Twenty-six pounds thirteen shil-
lings and four pence sterling money of
Great Britain per annum, is certainly a
very scant pittance to offer any one who
is capable of imparting a sound, common
English education to the youth entrusted
to his care, Yet many of our teachers re-
ceive not one shilling more than the above
mentioned sum as yearly wages. It is
true that the law allows him fifteen
the law is too frequently evaded, Nar
row-minded, close-fisted trustees,
foolish and not over honest teachers,
legislator in this particular.
great many people look on the sum
performed,
set down in the subscription list, but the
some paltry pretext. ‘The teacher dis-
likes going to law, indeed such a pro-
ceeding in most districts would ruin his
chances of re-engagement, and he in
consequence, loses much that is equit-
of Mackerel catching, But still it was at
few to examine closely the reason why our
success was not equal! to the Yankees,—and
Mr. Editor, it is generally allowed that a
knowledge of the discase is half the cure,
I shall close this rather lengthy epistle by
giving a short sketch of the history of our
fisheries to the North, although itis not im-
mediately connected with the subject of boun-
ties, yet may interest some. Our fisheries
commenced here about thirty-five years ago,
prosecuted in small boats, and all our fittings
were of rather a primitive kind. (Such Mr.
Editor as you will see at the present time
frequently used in Summerside harbor by
amatuer fishermen.) The catch of fish was
about 200 quintals yearly, on the averoge,
and this state of things continued up to the
year 1851. In that year our fisheries re-
ceived an impulse through the means of Am-
erican cupital, and a groat improvement was
the consequence. ‘The capital on fish that
year was more than five fold on any previous
year. Up to this period, Mackerel had
scarcely ever been taken, nothing more than
was required for home use. I believe the
number of barrels exported in the year 1850
was twenty-eight, in 1851 the catch of Mack-
erel was about 150 barrels. Since 1851 the
catch of fish has steadily incrensed. Last
year, (1866) the catch was about the tollow-
ing i—
Cod and Hake, 4,500 quintals; Mackerel,
8,500 barrels. The proceeds with the oil
added, may be stated at about £14,000 in
value at invoice prices; but the probability is
that more was obtained when marketed, and
L have not the smallest doubt that in the next
een years the last named sum will be in-
creased over three fold.
I may remark that the fishing did not come
up to an average last year, as itis generally
known that fishing was a partial failure
throughout all the Gulf.
I dare say, Mr. Editor, you will deem my
yarn about lengthy enough; but before clos-
altogether without good effect, it taught ao |
ably and legally his due. It cannot be
expected that men of ability and respect-
able attcinments will enter so ill paid a
profession with the intention of remuain-
ing init. But tie efficient teacher must
be a man of more than Ordinary mental
endowments, and he must po$sS8 4 more
than ordinary share of education. Such
men cannot be had and retained wnlcss
they receive at least as high wages as
are given to men of equal attainments in
other walks of life. Men cannot be ex-
pected to remain in any profession, no
jmatter how agreeable it is to their tastes,
jor how well suited it may be to their
peculiar bent of mind, if it affords no
reasonable prospect of yielding them a
decent maintenance, and of rearing a
family in comfort and_ respectability.
A profession almost’ wholly composed of
young men who have not the remotest
intention of remaining in it, who for the
most part dislike its duties, and who
are ever on the watch to escape from it
for some more lucrative occupation, can
never bea flourishing one. Its members
can never possess that love of their work
and feel that pride in its successful per-
formance which enable men to become
eminent in other employments, to execl
in which it is their glory to devote the
whole of their energies mental and bodily.
In order that we may possess an efficient,
an energetic, and an experienced staff of
teachers we must pay them well: Such
a staff cannot of course be created in a
day or in a year. We can, however,
begin the process of securing it at once,
pounds more to be raised by the district
which engages him, but this provision of
and
combine to defeat the intention of the
Indeed a
which they subscribe towards a teacher’s
salary as a charitable donation, and not
as pay hardly earned for work honestly
Too frequently is a name
sum set opposite it meanly withheld on
ox Cae i a I MNS
jon, make any very sweeping changes.
salaries fifteen pounds in the comii
session of the Logislature, or, to spea
more correctly, to pay every teacher
his present nominal salary wholly out of
the public treasury. This, if carried into
effect, will no doubt be a very wise
measure, and as great an improvement
as the teachers and the public could
reasonably expect to be made in so short
atime. We, however, have a erotchet
of our own which we would like to see
carried into effect. It is a matter of
reasonable complaint that all teachers,
the young and the experienced, the com-
petent and the incompetent, are,-as re-
gards public remuneration, placed upon
the same level—that there is not sufficient
inducement offered to teachers to en-
deavor to excel in their profession. We
would endeavor to create these induce-
ments, We would give the young
teachers forty pounds for the first year.
If at the end of that year he, in the opin-
ion of the Schvol Inspector, the ‘Trustees
of his school, and the Clergymen of the
parish,had been diligent and had evinced a
capacity to teach. his salary tor the second
yer should be torty-tive pounds, and so
on, increasing each year as he improved
in the art of teaching until it reached the
maximum salary for his particular class.
If on the other hand he proved indolent
and incapable, his salary would remain
stationary. By adopting some such sys-
tem as the one which we have rudely
outlined, a very considerable incentive
woul l be given to industry, good conduct,
and professional excellence. We quite
agree with those who consider that a
cump-tent teacher should receive a salary
of a hundred a year, and that a cottage
and garden should be provided for him
by the district. We believe that capable
men cannot be procured for a lower
salary. We hope to see the day when
our Island teachers will be much better
paid than they are at present. Wo
think, however, that it is hardly fair to
expect that all the deficiencies of the
Education Laws will be remedied by the
present government w thout delay. We
firmly believe that Mr. Coles will make
every exertion to put in good working
order the educational system, which so
much credit is due him for establishing,
and we are persuaded that the best men,
both of the majority and the nrinority,
will heartily second his endeavors to at-
tain so desirable an end.
It will be scen that a meeting of the
Teachers of this County will be held in
Summerside on the 6th of April. We
fear that the notice is rather short, and
that the state of the roads at that time
will be such as to render it impossible
for teachers from a distance to attend.
We, however, would urge upon eyery
teacher the importance of being, present
if 4e can, by any possibility get to Sum-
merside on the day appointed.
UNITED STATES.
Tue ‘ Impeachment” of the President
is gtill the topic in the lower branch of
Congress. On the 7thinstant, the House
referred the Impeachment question to the
Judiciary Committee. Gen. Butler made
his maiden speech in that body,—ait was
uspeech of cight minutes duration. He
replied to the charge that Congress was
not competent to impeach. because States.
Were unrepresented, und expressed the
opinion that the majority of the members.
ofthe House could vote in favor of im-
peachment. Judge Spaulding, ot Ohio,
spoke in strong terms aginst impeach-
ment, as did also Messrs. Brooks and
Woods, of New Yerk. The Sevate seems
little disposed to faver any farther agita-
tion of the impeachment question.
In the Maine Senate the other day, the
following Resolutions woxe: reported frou
Committee —
Resolved. Ehat any atcempe on the part of
the imperiat government ef Greut Britain to»
establish monarchial government in North
America, oe to place a vice royalty by act. of
parliament over her several North American
provinces, woald. be an implieé—infiaction of
those principhes off gorenmmene whiel this na-
Nees has ussumed to. maintain upon this. con-
inent.
Resolved. That the people of Maine, deeply
interested in the preservation ef peave and of
friemily relations with the peeple of British
Nortls America, respeetfutty appeal to the
United States government to interpose its le-
gitimate iutluence in friendly and earnest
remoustrince witls the British Government
uguinst ¢stublishing any systemofguvcrament
in North America, the intluenee of which
wonld endanger the triemdy relations ef the
people of the British Provinces with the people
of the United States. y
Resolved. That the Governor be requested
to trinsmit copies. of the foregoing report and
revolves to the President of the United States
and to each AMouse of Congress.
The coins to be sent by the United States
Government to the Paris Exhibition, have
just been finished at the mint in Philadel.
phia. ‘They consist of sets in duplicate of
each of the coins of the country—gold, sil-
ver, nickel and bronze.
It is stated that negotiations haye, for
some tine past been on foot, on the part
of the Emperor Napoleon with certain
parties in the United States, with the sanc-
tion of Government, to lay an Atlantic
Cable between Brest and New York,
A Washington despatch says there is a
delegation there representing the Fenian
organization, urging an impression on the
part of Congress of sympathy with the
present troubles in Ireland. Resolutions
to that effect were introduced into the
Senate und laid over, ‘This, no doubt, will
be the end of them.
We learn that several small crafts are
building in different parts of the Island
this winter for the Fishing trade. . Some
of those that were sent out last year. did
very well, others: did-nething. We have
not heard what dividend the Summerside
Fishing Company declared.
IN all localities where new Post Offices
are required, we would recommend the
inhabitants at once to get up petitions, and
have them sent in before the 5th of April.
We learn that the British Government
have commenced to build a number ot
vessels, in order to give employment to
The Government need not, in our opin-
the thousands of ship carpenters in that
| country, and to keep them from starving,
As
