SEE IE VOL. XAVI ‘ ES ae ‘ G he &xi : Print ¥ Monday Porenocn, ved ever ms Yorner Queon and King Stroets reERMS—Per Annem, Postage prepaid by ' E. Cc. NELSON, OF i CLUB RATES: Curiae EXAMINER Wit s core me Ste SEWING MACHINES t the fo wing rates pcr ycar— i eat advance :— Appnruss:—P. O. Box 803, Charlottetown. | Seelin's 2 < «a teahe Oct. 25, 1875.—ly “ e272 JOe0 it oo 00) MacKENZIE & STUMBLES, 1. =o A supe may bode up atany chne, but] ATGHONEGTS, Cominission Merchants, RATES of ADVERTISING MNiib foilowing are the I f Adv shers of newspapers cents per inch cents for each conti from this rate wi Advertisements continue Z discount continued for | » nt it recny it — Oe ee = > et Se et ee et _—— ) 2 O14 OSLC G83" e b t 00° FE 02 OF, 0 ec - Go = € rs rOL EO ¢¢'s ot , 1G VP}HO'89 08" Wesile rO'LLO 98°19 \ZQ'Fe OF'9E OSE = o - o | | | | All advertisements exceeding 12 will be subject to a discon additional, discount when they advert of $50 per year; 15 per c amount of $15; and 20 per cent when to the amount of $60 per anbum wise. The sum of 12 cents charged for each losertion of all “ Special and 25 ceuts for notices in edi- Notices ;” torial or news columns. The sum of 50 cents wil the insertion of all Marria tices. POST CEST ee, uation. r cent. if continued for 6 months; rcent if continued for 9 months: and 40 | if continued for one year. Auctioneers will be allowed 10 per cent. Svea Se ee in Cotton, Rates and Terms } an ' ertising as agreed to by the pub- | in P for first i . E. Island :-—50 insertion, and 20 Ten per cent. il be made on all 1 for 3 months; ntu ) vy = ail — —_ € v re 00'S ¢ 08's | , le > 99°9 ur ¢ \Ol'8 iLO F \£8°S | ‘g Opt w 9 nabivietedegalied Seljones tu pel 088 {| ut 6| v9 i129 o VE 'OUTO'LUOSEL eV S1 666 bS6T, G inches ut of 10 per cent. ise tp the amount ent when to the other- , and not per line will be 1 be charged fer ge and Birth no- ~ ALMANAC FOR MAY, 1876. MOON'S CHANGES. Full Moon, 8th day, 5h. 401 Last Quarter, 16th day, 9h. New Moon, 23d day, 11h. 13m., a. m., S. First Quarter, 30th day. 1h below horizon. ms, 6..m., W. 14m. a. m., S. W. . 36m., a. m., W. p.) ; ala ee DAY WEEK) MOON | HIGH |DAY’s M irise | sets rises water jlen’th uMAMM |M ja M i\Monday \{ 517 3.11 52) 4 8/14 12 2 Tuesday 49 4'A 1715 30) 15 3 Wedn'sd'y) 48 6 2 19) G 49) 18 +, Thursday 47 7i3 S117 49) 20 5 Friday 45 8’ 4 3018 387] 23 6 Saturday 44 9&6 4; 9 17] 25 7 Sunday 43} 10|6 52,9 51) 27 8 Monday 41; 12;}8 5610 28) 31 giTuesday | 39; 13;9 1111 8} 34 1o;\Wedn'sd'y) 38 1410 1711 338 36 l1iThursday | 36 1511 I1/A 21) 39 igiFridsy | 385) 17:11 53)|1 1 42 13) Saturday 34 (18M 1 42 44 14, Sunday 33 20,'0 27; 2 23) 47 15'Monday $2; 20 0 4613 12 58 16 Tuesday at a. ek Oe 50 17 Wedn’sd’y) 30° 22 1 27/5 9 52 \Tharsday | 29 241 48:6 15 55 19 Friday 28; 25'2 417.21 57 20 Saturday 27; 262 24:8 20 59 31 Sunday 26} 2712 406°9 12:15 1 22’ Monday 2 28'S «2110 «0 3 23' Tuesday 24, 298 36:10 48 5 2;Wedn's’dy! 23 30 4 ISM 28 7 25'Thursday | 22) 3115 28'M J 26 Friday 2ir 3276 48\ 6 17 il 37\Satuarday | 21) 348 12,1 2 13 28 Sunday 20; S4' 9 S71 46 14 29| Monvay 19; 35:10 56, 2 37 16 S30 Tuesday 18 236A 12/3 44 18 31)Wean'sd’y'4 18.7 37,1 30/4 4115 19 PRICES CURRENT. Ci’town, May 16, 1876. BREADSTUFYFS. Buckwheat Flour, per ib Flour, per bbl Flour, per 100 |bs Ostmeal, per 100 lbs . FISH. Cudfishs per qt 3.50 to 5.00 Herring per bb! 4.87 to 6.49 Mackerel per doz. 0.48 to 0.72 BOARDS. Hemlock, 100 feet. 0.81 to 0-94 wom do 1.€2 to 2.40 Spruce da m ¢ Sulngles, per ir. = ‘OULTRY. -tekens, per pair Ducks, (each ) Fowls, (exch) attridges, (each) Turkeys, (each) : Geese (eaeir) MEAT. Reet, (sinsi} pieces) per Ib f, per lib ( Harn, per ib b, per qu ; I * Quarter » per tb Matton, Per Ib ork, (smal; pieces) per ip ork, per lb Sal, per Ib MISCELLANEC Avples per bushel ey = bushel Bean fresh) per 1b rib by the tu, Cheese Creege » per ji, (new Milk) per ib “over Seed, per lb ber doz. pu » ber lb é i Fe : = &: =e =f i ; ‘ we dc) pe lb bushe. ( a, Hite a f an by the quarte r) (by the carcass) Men's wear)per yd. 0.65 t 1.00 nel, per yard 0.03 to 0.34 5.50 to 7.00 3.00 to 3.25 3.00 to 3.50 0.97 to 1.30 | 2.11 to 2.48 $0.50 to 0.76 0.24 to 0.35 0.25 to 0.40 0.00 to 0.00 6 80 to 1.75 6.50 to 0.75 $0.08 to 0.15 0.06 to 0.10 0.10 to 0.12 0.00 to 0.00 (206 to 0.09 0.07 to 0.12 0.08 to 0.12 0.64 to 0.09 0.04 to 0.08 US. 0.00 to 0.00 0.00 to 0.75 0.24 to 0.28 0.22 to 0.24 0.06 to 0,10 0.14 to 0.16 0.05 to 0.08 0.20 to 0.25 0.10 to 0.14 0.00 to 0.00 11.00 to 13 00 0.04 to 0.44 0.26 to 6.32 ryd 0.35 00°48 0.31 to 0.46 0.12 to 0.16 30 | oa WA, - sia Frat € CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE Os A y ry ind TUS, COOMBS & WORTH, ‘JOB PRINTERS & BOOCKBINDERS 51 WAT Dr SERIE sf, Charlottetown, - - - P, B. fs and, Jan.17'76 1y AND GENERAL AGENTS, \77 North Side Queen Square, Charlottetown. - - P. EF. Island. October 18, 1875.—ly | WILLIAM DODD, /Comumission Werchant and L\UCTIONTER QUEEN 8QUARE, CHARLOTTETOWN, P. E. ISLA 1. it Nib | CARVELL BROS., AUCTIONEERS, ‘Commission Merchants, AND GENERAL AGENTS. Lower Queen St. Charlottetown, P, E. 1. HASZARD BROS., Commission Merehats & Auctione2rs, FORWARDING, MANUFACTURERS, AND General Agents, G1 WATER STRELT, Opposite Merchants Bank, Charlottetown, J. E. Haszarp, | oan? © > REFERENCES: . Messrs. Greenshields, Son & Co., Montreal, Messrs. W. & R. Brodie, Quebec, Messrs. J. S. Fariow & Co., Boston, Henry Lawson, Esq., Halifax, N. 5. Ifon. Daniel Davies, Charlottetown, P. E. May 3, 1875. REVERE HOUSE, ADJOINING THE POST OFFICE, ALBERTON, P.. B..1 The subscriber has fitted up the above House in good style, and wishes to inform his friends, and the public gene- rally that he is prepared to accommodate Trausiext and Permanent Boarders, Good Stabling on Pp. E-L Horace Haszarp. _ Charges moderate. the premises. RICHARD GLADNEY, Proprietor. Alberton, Sept. 13, 1875. LVTERAATIONAL! CENTRAL STREET, Summerside, P. E.isiand, JOHN McKay, PROPRIETOR. MIS HOUSE, second to none on the Is- land for beauty of situation, comfort and convenience afforded, commends itself to the patronage of all whe may visit the Istand for business or pleasure. Choice Sample Rooms to let. Conveyances from Cars and Boats. Ladies and Gentlemen will find it to their advantage to patronize this Hotel. Feb. 21, 1876.—tf x INSURAN §T. LAWRENCE | Marine Insurance Jo. PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND. BOARD OF DIRECTORS: A. KENNEDY, esqQ., President. Joun F. ROBERTSON, ARTEMAS LORD, THOMAS Morris, GrorGce D. LONGWOrTH. P. W. HynpMAN, W. D. Srewakt. Risks taken dafly at their office, Exchange Building. ry OE. FRED. W. HYNDMAN, Ch’town, April 24, 1876.—ly Secrelary MARTIN INSURANCE COMPANY PEINCE EDWARD ISLAND. BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Ropert Loneworrnh, Esq., President, ilen. Jas. DUNCAN, Hon. L. C. OWEN, ion. A. A. MCDoNaALb, Hon. J. C- Porn, Tuomas HaNDRAHAN, Esq., Grorce R. Brrr, Esq. Risks taken daily at their office, corner Great George and Lower Water Streets. F. W. HALES, Seccrretay. Ch’town, March 22, 1875—ly THE LIVERPOOL & LONDON AND GLOBE |ASURANCE COMPAM FIRE AND LIFE. Invested Funds, Ist Jan’y., 1874, $21,628,356 Deposited with Receiver Gener- al of Canada, 162,800 Other Investments in Dominion of Canada, 367,091 FAI2 RATES. Prompt & Liberal Settlements. Insurance against Fire effected upon Pri- vate Residences, Household Furnitare und 0.34 to 0.40 0.40 to 0.45 | F Properties, for Gue, Three or wiore years, At Reduced Lates. Office—Great George Strect, Charlotie- town, P. E. Rk. R. FITZGERALD, Agent wer SEE Se “on : - + caine dit ce we SRF SPSL STR LS a Te SERIES PALE Sa SELES EE I eae ES ES SED sviner __PUSIess POETRY. a me tr et ete a er eee THE LETTER H, } was whispered in heaven, ‘twas mu LLer- ed in hel}, And echo caught faintly the sound as it! fell; ' On the coufines of carth "twas permitted to rest, | And the depths of the | confest, | Twill be found in th asunder, ecean 118 presence here w) ti ive sphere when’tis riven Be seen in the lightning, and heard in the thunder; "Twas allotted to man with his earliest breath, Presides over his happiness, honors and health; | ts the prop of his house and the end of his wealth; tthe heaps of the miser care, is sure to be iost heir. ‘\is hoarded with his prodig Ww ith gins every hope bound; With the husbandman toils arch is crowned. Without it the soldier, roam, But woe to the wretch that expels it home! eu [t be every wish it must ; With the mon- the sailor be found. Nor e’en in the whirlwind of passion be | drowned. "Twill soften the heart: though deaf be the : car, Twill make it acutely and instantly hear; But in shade let it rest like a delicate flower; Ol! breath on it softly-it dies in an hour. —_ Demme ~ CORRESPONDENCE. do the Editor of the Examiner, Six, —I take the following extract from a sketch of the life and character of the late A. T. Stewart in the Bxaminer of the 24th ultimo :— “ Grant, recognizing his splendid abilities | and integrity, offered him the position of Seeretary of the Treasury, but he declined it; in fact, not being a citizen of American birth, it was held impossible for him to accept it.”’ Will you give me space in your columns to correct two errors in this statement ? The first is simply an error of fact, con. cerning which you have evidently been mis-informed. The second is an error of a graver character; for, besides an ers ronecus statement of fact, it also conveys to your readers erroneous information on 2 point of American constitutional law. In the first place, then, Mr. Stewart did | not decline the exalted position tendered him. He was appointed by the President, | and promptly accepted the appointment. He came on to Washington and engaged a | suite of rooms at the Edbitt House, pre- | paratory to entering upon the duties of his office, when some one, delving among the Statutes at Large, dis¢overed an old fay, | that had been strangely overlooked by the President and Senate, merchant engaged in the importing line | for the office of Secretary of the Treasury. So anxious was Mr. Stewart to enter upon the duties of his office that he offered—at least so the Administration papers here stated at the time—to surrender his mer- cantile business into the hands of trustees during his term of office,and let the profits be applied to some object of public good. On consultation, however, it was feared that this arrangement might be regarded as ® mere evasion of the law; and the President was obliged to withdraw his nomination. I have not time to state what I conceive to be the reasons for the law referred to above. Those of your readers who are | engaged in mercantile pursuits, and who, at the same time, know the powers that are vested in the Secretary of the Treasury,can readily see how the head of a great import~ ing firm, occupying that exalted position: could, without any risk to himself, bring untold wealth to his firm, In the second place, it was no/ held im- possible for him to accept the office on the ground of his foreign birth. So far as I can remember, that objection to his nomina- tion was not mentioned even by the enemies of the Administration ; while regret at his necessary withdrawal was universally expressed by the Republican Press. Under our constitution, a naturalized citizen is eligible to any office in the gift of the Gov- ernment or people, excepting that of President of the United States. Of course under the provision of the constitution, disqualifying a foreign-born citizen for the office of President, the Vice-President must also be native-born, for, in the event of the death or impeachment of the Presi- dent,he succeeds him during the remainder of the term for which he was elected. 1 | would like to show your readers—as I pro. | bably shall when I have more leisure than at present—that the grounds for the exclu~ sion of a foreign-born citizen from the Presidency rest as much with foreign Gov- ernments themselves as with the people of the United States. I regret to have to take issue with my, old friend, the Examiner. I can assure you sir, that it is not in a spirit of criticism or fault-finding, or with a view of showing superior knowledge on matters, an igno- rance of which would be utterly unpardon- able in me, that I make this correction, but | simply because that I cannot find it in my | heart to permit such a serious piece of in- formation as that a foreign born citizen is ineligible to a seat in the President’s Cabinet to go to your readers uncontras dicted. disqualifying a | Yours very truly, Josian McLeop. Vi ashingion, D. €., May 9, 1876. ———$—— Dublin University has a four-oared crew in training tor Philadelphia. A life of Macaulay just published in Lons don, says that the eminent author was not able to earn more than $200 per annum when he was writing his finest essays. Mr. Conkling, of New York, and Mr. Blaine of Maine, are spoken of as likely to receiwe the nomination of the Republican ty -for the office of President of the | nited States. A number of prominent citizens of Mas~ sachusetts, Longfellow and Lowell among | the number, have petitioned the State Legislature to establish a * forest conserva- tory.’ This is explained to mean an area of five or six square miles of diversitied land, partly timbered and surrounded by a girdle of thick-set trees. The ‘ conservatory’ is to remain for ever in a primitive condi- tion, and in it all the native productions of the locality, save dangerous or nox ous ones, are to be introduced. A super+ intenvent, weil scquainted with natural history, is to take charge of it and to look after tbe plants, trees, animals, and birds enclosed within it. It will also be his duty ral j } may | . i from ] In the whispers of conscience its voice will | confirmed by the Senate, and he cheerfully | « | sweetness Or amiabilily of dispusition. EDWARD ISLAND MARA VV LRAVEF BODITLI Ty NET SEVEN REQUISIF£S OF FEVALE CHARACTER. One evening lately, in our family circle, the conversation turned on ‘'female char- | acter,” and the various elements of its composition. The subject narrowed by degrees, till the question came to be, what | were the main requisites in a good wife? 'There being considerable diversity of | opinion, and room for endless argument it was agreed that each should write on a slip of paper certain qualifications, in the order deemed most importgnt. The num< ber of points was to be limited in each list found in | greater number in all the lists were to be |; regarded as the decision of the company. When the papers came to be examined, | there was great variety in the elements to seven, and those which were noted, and still greater in the order, as | might be expected from the different ages | and characters of the writers, But bya | very decided majority, the following points, in the order given, appeered as the SEVEN ELEMENTS OF TIE BEST WIFE. . PiRTY. SENSE, 3. TEMPER. . EDUCATION. 5. MANNERS, 6. BEAUTY, 7. RICHES. This is the list, as it resulted from the votes, and it will be found to stand a most critical and philosophical examination. But before subjecting it to this, let me say a few words in explanation of the terms composing this seven-fold test. { am an old man accustomed to preaching, and will use the foregoing list like a text. 1. Piety By this I do not mean any peculiar creed, or mode of religion, but simply the recognition of principles and motives of action, other than those which “are seen and temporal. Piety believes in things ‘‘unscen and eternal,” and has regard to the Divine Will, as declared either in conscience or in the works and word of God, Amid the tides and surges of life, piety, like an anchor, sure and stead- fast, moors the soul to that which is beyond this vale of natural vision; and where piety is wanting, there is neither comfort in oving nor safety in trusting. ») 2. Sense. By this I uaderstand natural capacity, bulk of mind, soundness of judge~ ment; ail that is included in the term, better understood than desecribed—“ coms mon sense.” As Pope has it in one of his admirable couplets — Good sense, which only is tle gift of Ileaven; And though no science, fairly worth the seven.” &. Temper, By this I do not mean mere A country parson was telling Paley how happy he was in his domestic life, having been married thirty-five years, and never had the slightest difference with his dear spouse, ‘‘How insipid! ” was reply. There is more then wanted in a good temper. A weman must have mettle or spirit, as well as meekness or suavity, to entitle her to the attribute of temper. 4. Education. stand what, in modern phrase, are called accomplishments. Riany an intelligent and well-informed woman, can neither sing nor play, nor Paley’s expressive sweetness By this] do not unders speak any other language than the mother tongue, and yet may be well educated. To to write and converse well, and be reasonably well in- be able occurrent in the circle in which she moves, is enough to entitle her to the name of an educated woman. } | naturai and acquired excellence neutralized | formed on subjects commonly 5. Manners Uow often do we see every by disagreeable manners! How often, on | the other hand, has plainness, shall [ say ugliness, appear loveable, and a multitude of faults been covered, by the charm of a frank and winning manner! There is a life and power in this attribute, deservedly placing it in our list above mere form or feature, which, in marble or on canvass, can be equally admired. Beauty can be imita~ ted by art, but who can paint or imitate with equal truth the vivacity, elegance, dignity, attractiveness of manner. 6. Beauly. This quality speaks to other senses than the ear, and, therefore there is no need for the tongue describing it. 7. Riches. This element, not of female character, but of an eligible wife, is, alas, too well understood to require remark or explanation. The Czar is at Perlin. A despatch from Madrid announces the death ot the Archbishop of Seville. A spire 266 feet in height is being erect- ed on St. James’ Roman Catholic Church. The march of civilization in Japan is steady, and the government of the Empire of the Rising Sun are bound to have every- thing done asin Europe. Changes among the Japs have not been made slowly and gradually, but in the most sweeping fashion. The latest reform consists in a remodeling of the days of labor and of rest. Hitherto there have been six Sundays in each month, or regular resting days, called Jehi-Roku, which were carefully observed throughout the length and breadth of the land. The} Government, having ascertained that in Europe there are but fifty-two such days | in the course of the year, came to the con-~ clusion that they would have the same number, and have issued a decree abolish- ing the Jchi-Roku and making the new days of rest correspond with the Christian Sundays. By way, however, of letting the people down easily, they have likewise pro-~ claimed a half holiday on Saturday after. noon, when ‘loafing’ will be in order. Some of the advantages of having a standing army in the time of peace have been made manifest to the Germans. The French authorities used to send detach- ments of troops to farmers in want of | hands at harvest time, but as they never | thought of formiog “railway regiments,” with a view to teaching the men every~ thing relating to the construction and management of railways, they could not do what has just been done in Germany. A few weeks sincea bridge on the Berlin and Dresden line was carried away by a freshet and trafiic interrupted. A new bridge had to be built; the managers of the road applied to the War Office for the services of the railway regiment. It Was | evening when the request was received at | Berlin, but in a few minutes the drums were beating to quarters and a special train conveying the men and materials was at once despatcked. By midnight the work of construction was begun and went on steadily night and day for three days and a half, at the end of which time the bridge, 60 feet long and capable of sustaining rail way traffic fer ten years, was entirely re- built. The authorities received all the more praise and thanks that they did not ask for explanations, but within three 3 é Tig Ea the Education Law. TD ins 4 2 Pan eene $$ wats nes . a4 Resor’ cf Imverticaticn Committee, Noxman A. Stewart, examined. Tam Visitor for Prince Coun y, have been since 1874, was formerly a teacher. The cause of vacancies is chiefly scarcity i Their scarcity is principally | of teachers, due to smallness of salary. I taught nine years and three months. I could not save any money on the salary, except very little. The salary would pay very little more than incidental expenses. My salary for the iast three years was supplemented by the people to the extent of about $60 a year, In Prince County, in the greater number | of instances, more or less. The cause of the small attendance of children is chiefly the indifference of the people, searcity of teachers, and want of suitable accommodations, such as comfor- table schools particularly in winter. Under the Act the people have power to provide suitable accommodations. In some instances, the supplementary salary is raised by trustees personally, in others by trustees and a few other people, some paying nothing. For a teacher beginning, I do not think the present salary sufficient. Tae salary for a first class teacher is 450, for the highest class £55. A grammar school teacher re- ceives £100 where two districts are united , £90 where there is only one district. I would raise salaries al! around. The teach- ers should be graded and paid according to their qualifications. 1 would divide them into three grades of Common School teach- ers. Grammar School teachers not includs ed in this division. I would pay them from $390 to $600. This does not refer to Grammar Schools. Il believed this should be raised from three different funds, Local, County and Pro- vincial, something as in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. I would pay for efficient Teachers accord ing to their value. I think the standard of Education among Teachers not higher than formerly. As Visitor for Prince County, [ do not know that I have prescribed any system of teaching. I have made some recommen-s dations which I can hardly call asystem, I only tried to carry out the Normal School System I have issued no general circular to the teachers of the County. I have written to some teachers, and bave made suggestions to some. The rules and regulations are in the dis- trict schools of the Island. I am familiar With these rules, To my knowledge, about one-third of the teachers have been trained in the Normal Schoo!. Teachers are not now required to have any Normai Schooi training; they are not required to attend the Normal School. The schools conducted by Normal! School graduates are better than those conducted by non-graduates ; the Normal School teachers are better. I think it would be advisable to revert to the old system of at- tending at the Normal School, and extend the time of attending to at least one year. they supplement the salary 2nND RULE OF PULES AND REGULATIONS. the Series and The books used as far as I know are Irish National Series, Nelson’s the Royal Readers. Iam informed of the books prescribed by the Board, by notices in the newspapers. When teaching I had to inform myseif of the books prescribed. I have been verbally- informed by the Secretary, of the books last prescribed. | would notify the teachers through the press, of the books prescribed. | am dex pendent on the press and the Secretary of the Board’s verbal communication for the list of books prescribed, * [ was told of the books prescribed wher presenting my any nual Report. BOOKS OTHER THAN PRESCRIBED, Le Neauveau Traite is used schools. Itis a sectarian book. Very little English is taught in the great. er number of French schools. There are no special rules for those schools. This is my second Report, I do not re~ in French member refersing particularly to it in my | first Report. { made no such remarks in my first port. My predecessor mentioned this matter. The knowledge obtained in the French | Schools for all practical purposes is very low. There is a difficulty that suitable element ary French Readers are net prescribed. The books used have been used since the schools were established, English is taught to a certain emall ex- tent, but the teaching is chiefly French. This book (Le Neauvcau Traite) is not authorized by the Board, Some of the prescribed books are taught in those schools. I consider the object of the Act to be to teach the English language. I have reported those schools as not com- plying with the rules, and there my duty ceased, I do not think it practical to teach French chiefly. [t would be impossible to teach English without French in the French schools, where the children do not under- stand English. It would be of more advantage to the children to have proper French books pre- scribed, if suitable books. I have known of districts Gaelic was spoken, Ido not know of sectarian teaching in any schools other than those French schools. I do not know that catechism is taught in any school during schoolhours. Cate-~ chisms were taught when first 1 was Visitor. Catechism was taught after school hours. This is allowed by the Act. I do not find that the Catechism is taught any other than French schools after 7 Re-~ where only in MONDAY, MAY 22, 1876. LEW LE PLL TLE SP ET NL ORES OV LTE OBERT | believe we want an efficient Norma! School come nearest to our requirements. Some pparte of it might be thrown out, and ee doso. The principal causeis the want of | { believe the school | }a compulsory lInw, system cannot be carried out without it. 1) | believe a judicious compulsory Education | | Bill could be carried out, and denomina- | tional feeling would not seriously interfere | with it. This might be a difficulty at first. I do not think denominational feeling is | s9 strong as to prevent such laws being | | carried out. This feeiing is stronger in the towns, There is the Convent Schoo! in Summer- | side, but I do not know what is taught | there. As to the 150 children mentioned in the Report as not attending school, the reason is because the public schools have been abandoned by the people. I do not know to what denomination | these children belong. There was another school in connection with the Convent School, established last winter. 1 found 139 of different denominations not attending any school. The principAl men will not take the trouble to call meet- ings. _ Some of the people in this district are il. literate, others intelligent. The chief causes for this state of affuirs are: 1. Carelessness of people. 2. School site is not fit for a school, and the schoolhouse is not fit for children, and parents will not send their children to it. Last spring I called 2 meeting of the in- habitants, a few attended, They appointed a committee and reported to the Board to (recommend to) remove the schoolhouse. This was given up through carelessness. 1 do not hear of complaints of non-at~ tendance at Convent schools. I can give no further reasons for the state of the Summerside school. I was told of the school in connection with the Convent School. I cannot say how many boys are in the Convent schools. It was not my business to inquire into such matters. During the nine years | was teaching, I taught in four districts. i did not impart sectarian instruction in any of those schools. I used no formularies, I could teach sectarianism without fors mularies, bu: did not do so. 1 opened school with prayer. I used prayer prescribed, and the Lord’s Prayer as in King James’ ‘“ Version of the Serip- ture,” The districts 1 taught in were chiefly Protestant, Im the last there were some Catholics. I read the Lord's prayer in the last school ! taught in; but it was never object- ed to, I do not think denominational schools are practicable in Summerside, because it isa mixedcommunity. There would bea sufficient number of children to fill both schools, if they would attend. I am not prepared to say if such schools would be satisfactory to the people of Sums merside., {do not think the majority of the people desire denominational schools. ; To improve cur present school system, | and large Normal School buildings, and the teachers should attend there at least one year. Salaries of teachers shouid be raised and teachers paid by results, We want a Compulsory Education Bill. Provisions shouid be made for County Educational Conventions, where teachers could attend at least once a year, to improve themselves and become acqusinted with the working of schools in other places. We want a Council of Public Instruction and a Mimsterof Edu- cation, in place of the present Board. A Minister of Education would be one who would see the laws carried out; who would advise the Council as to what improvement he considered would be for the benefit of the country. He should have a seat in the House of Assembly. I believe provisions should be made for suitable playground at all schoolhouses. I believe playgrounds are of as much im- portance as good schoolhouses. Many schoolhouses are now built on the public roads, GRADED SCHOOLS. I do not think the system of graded schools could be carried out outside villages. I think in many cases that three schools could be amalgamated into two. i believe the New Brunswick Act would some parts of the Nova Scotia Act taken in. I do not believe the reading of the Protestant version of the Lord’s prayer would be denominational teaching. [Signed] NORMAN A. STEWART. Wepxxspay, April 26, 1876, Rev. ALEXANDER MoLeaxn— Examined. lamamember of the Board of Educa- tion and have been a member for some years back lama Minister of the Church of Scot~ land and reside in Belfast. When I came to Belfast seventeen years ago, I found the Shorter Catechism was then taught in the schools. This state of things continued up till the time I became a member of the Board, and, to some ex- tent, has continued since. Butler's Catechism was generally under~ stood to be used in the Catholic Schools. These books were taught only where the schools were unmixed. 1Idid not consider myself justified in interfering in the matter. There are no other religious books in those schools. [ think, speaking for the Pro- testant schools alone, the teaching of those books is entirely nominal. 1 fear the p°rents attach too much importance to it. { think in all cases the children would lose nothing by its being omitted. The child- ren are merely heard repeat it (the catechism). I never brought the matter before the Board, because I was under the impression that it was generally known that, where the schools were unmixed, the different Catechisms were used. My impression is school hours. I believe that school system is secular, Le Neauveau Traite is a sectarian book, and is the same as that taught Convent. Question—Do you consider it advisable to retain children after school hours for religious instruction ? Answer—From a sanitary point of view. I consider it injudicious. From a religious a distaste for religion. There has been religious teaching in other than French schools during my term of office, but not during the last twelve months. I suggested that the catechism should not be taught during school hours, and my suggestion has been carried out. I visit the schools, enquire of the teachers of books taught, and speak with trustees on the subject. I make no distinctions as to religion in my enquiries. I believe sectarian teaching is now abans doned. I ceuld not find such teaching after my first visit. 1 believe there are yital points in religion which should be taught. I do not believe in denominational teaching either before or after school hours— it causes children to quarrel. I say this partly from experience and partly from theory. I have no personal experience of denomi- national teaching. I judge by the effects on parents of such teaching. When the schools are not opened with prayer I call the teacher’s attention to the rule. i believe that sectarian differences tend to a very considerable extent to lessen the interest taken by the people in public schools. This is pretty much the case over the County, but is chiefly felt in Summerside. This is one cause of the disgraceful state of the school mentioned in Summersice, This is also partly because the Act does not give power to trustees to improve the condition of the in Prince | County, save in the French -schools, the | in the | point of view,! think it would give children | how the teaching is conducted, ask for list | schools, and no one need contractor, | send children to school unless he pleases to that it (teaching the Catechism) was gene~ rally practiced throughout the Island in unmixed schools, | J do not knowof other sectarian books in the lelfast schools. ldo not know thatthe teachers teach doctrine. I would be sorry to see them attempt it. I donot think them capable of such teaching. I would like to see the law well carried out. The number of cases where there ere unmixed schools is so small, that it would | not be worth while to legislate on the sub~ ject. In teaching the Catechism, the pa- | rentis apt to leave too much to the teacher. | Ina purely unmixed school, [ think, com sidering the capabilities of the teacher, that it would be better not to have doctrinal teaching. I think the law should be enforced and all sectarian books prohibited, | As to the Bible in the schools. 1 believe 'that the schools should have a choice of | version, but [ have not sufficiently consider- | ed this matter. I think it would be very unsafe legisle- | tion to put the religious instruction impart~ | ed by the teacher at the discretion of the | clergyman. If you have the Bible in unmixed schools, | let the schools choose their own version. In mixed communities I do not believe any legislation would settle the matter satisfac-~ | torily. | I would not approve of a teacher's at- ) tempting to expound the Bible. The chil- | dren might be examined on historical facts 'and the meaning of words—this would not | be sectarian. The great cause of the people’s apathy, is the want of a Compulsory Education Bill— when parents are compelled to send their children to school, they will take an inter- est in the school, and not till then. I do not think it would do for the clergy- man Of a disirict to go and tell the teacher what religious teaching to give ; because a man would require a long course of instruc- tion to qualify him for teaching religion. i POSTAGE PREPAID, INER. ET AES OL PARTS SE ITIL IT SEE ELT eR se PUTER LEEDS. LEE EEN I EF EL, EEE EEE OTE CS le ED TE NO. a. ee able, and children who will be neighbors should be bronght up together, I think the teachers now teaching the eatechism should be prohibited such teach- Sea | ing ! believe the Board of Education is wil- ling and anxious to do its best but in the present state of tc law is unable to do so, There are diffiealties about having a | Minister of Edoeation, but I am not pres pared to give an opinion oh this matter. It is very difficult to work under the pres sent state of the law. I would be in favour of local taxaton, if taxes are‘collected by the Government ; if not so collected they never would be cci- lected. I think this would be a great im. provement. 1 would enlarge the powers of the exist- ing trustees Under the present state of things the teacher cannot be dismissed by the trustees. I would give the trustees power to dismiss a teacher on a month's notice, subject to appeal to the Board. The great number of vacant schools is partly due to paucity of teachers, and this paucity is mainly due to low salaries. 1 was not present at the last two meetings of the Board. I do not know ifany representations were made by the Board to the Governmentabout the evils complained of in the Report. I did not see the last Report till it came to my house the other day. Question. — Do you think history should be taught in our public schools? \wswer,—If you mean a course of history, I think the time the children attend school is so limited, that they might be better em< ployed, If the children have time, | think they might read history. | know nothing about the way Butler’s Catechism is taught in schools, I think the standard of education among the teachers is higher than when | came to the Island, (Signed) A. McLEAN. Wiuttam McPaa, examined. I have been School Visitor for Queen's County since 1868, except for seven months when [ was dismissed. { was teacher for twenty-one years before that time, since 1847. In some respects, since 1868 there has been an advance in education, in other re- spects a retrograde, There has been an advance in the school-buildings, &. There has been a retrograde in attend. ance. I think the whole attendance has been rather on the increase, bus the average at~ tendance has not increased. [think the status of the teachers Las not improved. Owing to low salaries, teaching has been thrown into the hands of boys and girls. I am certain that the better class of teachers has left the profession, The abolition of the rule for compulsory attendance at the Normal School bas had the result of deteriorating the class of teachers, In some cases the desire to better them» selves has caused men to leave the profes~ sion, though there are some exceptions where good teachers remuin, but tis is owing to necessity. Speaking generally, I think, in many localities, the interest in education has ve- creased. In some localities, where there are good teachers, the interest has increased. The trustees have not sufficient power to carry out theirduties I would give them power to dismiss teachers and to make all assessments for whatever purpose (requir- ed), There is no power to compel resid. ents to attend meetings; and | think the trustees should have power to assess with- out calling a meeting as there is a yearly meeting, and trustees should be able to transact business withouta further meeting. THE BOARD. As now constituted, I do not think the Board the best meams of carrying out the law. I think there should bea Superintendent of Education te see the jaw carried out. There is a want of cos herency in the Board. Sometimes I| be« lieve there is no quorum. [believe this from having heard it, lam not kept informed of the proceeds ings of the Board. ] have no orders as to books. [ have never been asked by the Board for my advice J have been at meetings of the Board when I was particularly interested. I have never been called by the Board to explain any report. I never had any ofiicial notice taken of suggestions made, in my Report. The sectarian aspect of the education is not the main obstacle with the people. It appears to be an obstacle somewhere at headquarters. The peop!e have an idea that the Legis- lature is afraid to approach the subject of improvement of Education on account of the sectarian aspect. 1 do not think the people desire the sectarian system to be introduced, they want the present system amended. ‘They are dissatisfied with the existing system because it does not do justice to teachers, trustees, or parents. There is a great degree of apathy, but not indifference, in the country on the subs ject. Owing to this cause there is difficulty in electing trustees. People think they can do better by attending to other affairs (than by attending school meetings). The lowness of teachers’ salaries, the un- certain powers of trustees, and the diffi- culty of electing them are causes of dis- satisfaction. Teaching the catechism is not a novelty. It was not so general some time ago. Thirty-eight Roman Catholic teachers teach it. In the French schools I think the classsbooks are all denomnational. I believe Butler's Catechism is taught insome schools during school~hours. Many teach. ers have told me it was taught before or after hours. Where the schools were unmixed,I never said any thing about the catechisms, cause | did not think they would do any harm, and if the parents were satisfied I do not think I had any reason to interfere. I never reported thm till this report, I do not think it advisable to keep children in after school-hours for religious instruc, tions, as they are then worn out and unfit for receiving such instruction. [ once saw the Roman Catholic form of prayer used in dismissing school, If | recol~ iect (right) there was a family of Protest. ants [in the district], but I cannot say if they were present. (Some) Protestant schools in which the catechism is taught are Flat River, Spriog- ton, Wovd Islands East, Rona, Lot 63; South Pinette [am not certain about this school}, Belfast Grammar School, though I do not think within the last eighteen months; Point Prim, Vaileyfield,at one time not at present [am uncertaim about this -chool}; Hartsville. The shorter Presby~ terian Catechism is used and some others, .b some places the teachers are required to teach the catechi-m by the trustees or people, generally by the parents. l merely reported these teachers without giving them spy inztructions. I never re- ported them by name. I[t was merely a general report. The bourd gave me no instfuctioas. The catechism was taught before my time. i never wished to sanction the use of these books. | have not ascertained that any Gther sectarian books were used in any of the schools except the French schools, The Rules and Regulations a:e posted up in the sebools. The Secretary of the Board has not given me written instruc- tions about books. | had no definite order as to books, except that, about four years ago, i was directed to see that book-keeping was taught. There was a general impression that the Irish National Series and Nelson’s Series should be used, and the teachers expect definite instructions with regard to the New Brunswick Series. ; The teachers teaching the catechism may have thought they were teaching in accordance with the Act. The books in the French schools seem to be partly extracts from mrtnorss 9 Of two schools near Rastice fare The to @ sectarian school is that in a mixed community it is impractic- the other ish) the catechism was taught in the school once a week, - ee A Ph 25 Bh a