Intermediate and Primary Section.

An essay, "The County Teacher," was read by Mrs. I. N. Stewart, followed by a discussion of the question," How to Improve Mixed Schools?" in which J. B. Pradt, A. O. Wright and I. N. Stewart took part.

D. E. Gardner presented a paper on “ Oral Instruction for Children," which was followed by remarks upon the same subject by I. N. Stewart.

C. H. Allen gave the eagerly looked for Model Drill on Only a Kernel of Corn," in his usual lively and humorous manner, and those who were present must be convinced of the fact that much useful instruction may be imparted to children from even so small a thing as a kernel of corn.

Adjourned to 7 P. M.

EVENING SESSION.

O. AREY offered the following report:

Your committee to whom was referred the subject of Illustrative Teaching, beg leave to make the following report:

All teaching, properly so called, is illustrative. When the teacher steps beyond the bounds of mere lesson-hearing, his work is by every means in his power, to illustrate the subject so that the impression upon the mind of the pupil will be complete and enduring. If the teacher has not at hand the means of doing this, he is crippled in his work. For many subjects, the means of illustration are found all about us; and where this is the case, the pupil should be induced to look them up for himself, and bring them in with his lesson. Take, for example, the subject of geography: the products of the various countries car, to a great extent, be brought forward with his recitation; and where this is properly done, the child will have before his mind a picture of the country in hand such as no map could give. Want of time is often urged against any extensive use of this kind of illustration; but, ten to one, want of tact is the real deficiency. In addition to the necessary adjuncts of maps and globes, in the study of geography, stereoscopic views are a great aid both in this branch and in history. So, at every turn, means of illustration and illustrative power on the part of the teacher are greatly needed. In some subjects, as chemistry and natural philosophy, it is hardly worth while to illustrate the subject without the proper apparatus and reference books.

In the smaller towns, if the people would combine to make a sort of museum in connection with the school, which would be accessible to old and young, it would be a great aid to the teacher and to the mental activity of the place. If the teachers would interest themselves more in the proper keeping-up of their school rooms and school grounds so that they would not form a common field for the destructive propensities of the pupils, a great objection to this, on the part of school boards, would undoubtedly be removed.

Lack of permanency of teachers in their positions is another objection to the furnishing of proper apparatus in the smaller towns, as, what is wanted by one teacher, may be thrown wholly into disuse by another. Thus the matter is, in a considerable degree, in the hands of the teacher. He should have, in himself, the power to give clearly the needed illustration, and then he should work in a common sense way to secure and to preserve the necessary means of illustration. The last point is as important as the first.

Adopted.

O. AREY,

C. E. ADAMS,
E. M. STEWART,
M. S. HILL,

A. Earthman presented the following, which was adopted:

Committee.

Your committee, to whom was referred the subject of honorary membership, being non est, the secretary of the association, by request of the president, would. recommend that the following persons be chosen honorary members of this association:

Rev. J. L. Dudley, Milwaukee; Superintendent J. L. Pickard, Chicago; Gov. C. C. Washburn, Madison; Dr. J. W. Hoyt, Madison; ex-Gov. L. Fairchild, Madison; the Board of Normal Regents ot Wisconsin; B F. Roots and lady, Illinois; and Darling, Illinois.

A. EARTHMAN.

O. R. Smith read the resolutions which were adopted: "WHEREAS, To render the public school system of Wisconsln more efficient in action, and richer in results, we need teachers of culture, skill and devotion; and "WHEREAS, We hold it the controlling duty of every worker in this field of labor to thoroughly fit himself for this important vocation; therefore resolved,

"1. That we most cordially approve of every effort made to give to the educators of the State the benefit of professional Normal Training.

"2. That the policy of holding a series of Teachers' Institutes throughout the State, conducted by skilled instructors, will, in the judgment of the Association, greatly benefit our teachers and our schools.

"3. That we are gratified, as indicative of increased vigor in our school system, at any policy that tends to harmonize its interests, unite its workers and stimulate our youth to the highest attainments in scholarship at a State University which shall justly be a crown and glory to our public free schools.

Resolved, That we most heartily indorse the plan of a National University, according to the general idea of the bill now pending in the Senate of the United States entitled, a bill to establish a National University," and that we most respectfully and earnestly commend the enterprise to the friendly consideration and support of our Senators and Representatives in Congress.

"Resolved, That we recognize in the press a powerful ally in the work of education, and that our thanks are due and are heartily given to the Madison Journal, the Madison Democrat, and the press of the State for their many courtesies.

Resolved, That to the admirable hostries of this city our thanks are given for the generosity and hospitality of their entertainment.

"Resolved, That we return our thanks to those lines of travel that so generously responded to our application for reduction of fares.

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Resolved, We give our thanks to the Rev. J. L. Dudley, of Milwaukee, for his entertaining and suggestive address.

"Resolved, That our thanks are hereby given to the retiring officers for the prompt and efficient discharge of their duties."

Immediately after the adoption of the Resolutions, the Twentieth Annual Session of the Wisconsin State Teachers' Association adjourned sine die.

S. SHAW, President.

A. EARTHMAN, Secretary.

COMMENCEMENTS.

We give as much space to these as we can spare in the present number, condensing, for the most, from the Madison State Journal:

BELOIT COLLEGE.-Commencement Week here was rendered peculiarly interesting this year by the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the College. The Rev. C. H. Richards, of Madison, delivered the address before College Miissionary Society, Sunday evening, from Isaiah, 2d chapter, 10th verse, in his usual felicitous manner. Monday evening was devoted to the prize declamations of the Freshmen and Sophomore classes. The speaking was excellent and showed careful preparation and good elocutionary drill, it being somewhat singular, however, that the Freshmen rather excelled the Sophomores. The committee, consisting of Hon. J. L. Pickard, of Chicago, F. C. Chamberlain, of Hart

ford, and Prof. T. C. Chamberlin, of Whitewater Normal School, awarded the Freshman prize to Mr. Foster, and the Sophomore to Mr. Waterbury. For best scholarship in the preceding year the Stanley prize in Junior class was awarded to W. C. Dewey, of Toulon, Ill.; the Roger prize for the Sophomores, to T. L. Smedes, of Vicksburg, Miss; the Brown prize for the Freshmen, to Geo. E. Bushnell, of Beloit.

Tuesday afternoon was occupied with the reading of papers of from fifteen minutes to half an hour in length, in commemoration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the College. Dr. A. L. Chapin, the first and only President of the College, gave some cordial words of welcome, especially to the Alumni, of whom their Alma Mater was proud. He then briefly sketched the history of the College's establishment. Rev. D. Clary, who has been identified with the history of the College and the city from the outset, discussed the "Relation of the College to the community of Beloit." Rev. Joseph Collier discussed "The inner life of the College from the Student's point of view." Prof. J. J. Bushnell, the first Professor at Beloit, and one who bore the burden and heat of the day to a large degree, read some exceedingly interesting" Reminiscences of Early Days and the financial growth of the College." Rev. J. W. Strong, of the class of 1858, President of Carelton College, Minnesota, read an excellent paper on The College in relation to the Kingdom of Christ and Christian Education." Dr. H. P. Merriman, of Chicago, of the class of 1863, read a very valuable paper on "The Bearing of Collegiate Culture on Professional Life." He particularly referred to the benefits of the classical part of the course in this respect. In the evening, Prof. J. J. Blaisdell, one of the strongest and most genial of the Faculty, read a strong argument on The Future of the College," in favor of its continuing in the course of the past, without essential variation, only much more abundantly, keeping the College a school of distinctive Christian training of the highest type. Rev. L. Whiting, of Janesville, then read a very succinct paper on the "Mutual Obligations of the College and the Churches." He was "sharp, short and decisive."

The Alumni Association had a business meeting Tuesday afternoon, electing President, H. R. Hobart, of the Chicago Mail, and for Secretary, H. M. Page, of the State Journal, of Madison. In the evening the alumni oration and poem were delivered, the former, by Hon. C. W. Buckley, of Alabama, for some time Superir.endent of Public Instruction in that state, was on "The Duties of Americans in Political Affairs, as Augmented by the War." The poem was by Prof. Peter Hendrickson, of the class of 1867, his subject being" Inspiration."

The following was the programme of the Commencement exercises:

Joseph H. Chamberlain, Beloit-Salutatory in Latin.

Chas. W. Butlin, Beloit-"Religious Liberty in America."

H. A. Tucker, Claridon, Ohio- Children of St. Peters."

Robert C. Bradford, Tomah-" Oid Catholic Conference at Munich."

R. L. Cheney, Emerald Grove-"Will Culture.'

C. L. Goddard, Washington, D. C.-"The Plea of a Graduate."

John A. Merrill, poem-" Nulla Dies Sine Linea."

Joseph Chandler, Clinton-"Diplomacy, Past and Present."

Jas. A. Harvey, Argyle, Ill,-"The Coming Kingdom of Christ.'

J. E. Storm, Chesterfield, Mich.-"Proportional Representation."

John A. Merrill, Beloit-"Place of Journalism."

Sanford A. Hooper, Troy-"Mazzini-Garabaldi-Italy."

Jas. S. Gillman, Shullsburg-"Profession of Law."

Joseph Chamberlin, Beloit-" Science and Prejudice."

Edward D. Lancaster-Valedictorian-" Art and American Character,"

Among the honorary degrees, that of LL.D. was bestowed on Gov. Washburn. An "agreeable dinner," an "excellent concert" in the evening, and a re-union at President Chapin's closed the exercises of an interesting and important anniversary.

LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY.-The Commencement exercises were from June 20 to 26. The Trustees were gratified to learn that their Agent, Rev. J. P. Roe, had secured during the seven months of his service, $26,000 towards endowment; that there had been a large increase in the number of students; and especially, that Dr. Steele had declined the tempting, offers made him at General Conference, and is still to remain at the head of Lawrence University.

The programme of exercises was as usual, full and inviting.

Dr. Steele's Baccalaureate-good sense well put. Rev. O. J. Cowles' sermonlearned, polished, stirring. Superintendent Fallows's lecture-incesive and eloquent, and Mrs. Miller's lecture-modest and suggestive, were the various dishes of the first and solid course of the feast. The broth-course was omitted.

Among the lighter courses were the Preparatory Exhibition, the Prize Contest in Declamation, Society and Alumni Reunions, and Commencement.

The following graduated with credit to themselves and the College:

Salutatory Addresses, in Latin-John W. Anderson, Oshkosh.
Oration "The American Political System," Selden J. Lewis, Columbus.

First Class Oration-"Educational Tendencies," Henry D. Hardacker, Appleton.
Oration-"Pantheism," J. D. Budd, Lancaster.

Philosophical Oration-" Limitations of Human Freedom," John Buttensek, Dale.
First Class Essay-"Time as a Factor in Human Culture," Mary Cross, Winneconne.
First Class Oration-"The Claims of Labor," O. T. Williams, Appleton.

First Class Essay-"Is Ignorance the Mother of Crime," Clara A. Phinney, Appleton.
Oration-Warren J. Lander, A. B., Green Bay.

Essay-Julia Bartholomew, A. B., Lodi.

The two last were Candidates for the Second Degree.

The prizes to students were: Lewis-1st, O. A. Curtis; 2d, A. B. Whitman. Presidents' for Declamation-Miss Emma C. Pease, J. W. Hume. University for Composition-Miss Bertie A. Johnson, C. Galpin. Scientific-Junior, Harvey A. Shipman; Senior, Miss Clara A. Phinney. Mathematical-Sophomore, A. B. Whitman. Fallows' on Classical Preparatory Examination-O. A. Curtiss; 2d, A. B. Whitman. Botanical-Miss E. L. Loud.

A large number were granted A. M. in course. Rev. C. D. Pillsbury, Rev. H. C. Tilton, and Rev. J. B. Bachman were given the honorary degree of A. M.; President B. W. McLain, of Iowa, the degree of B. D. Ph.; and Rev. S. Fallows that of D. D.-Com.

MILTON COLLEGE.-At this young, but vigorous institution, the programme on commencement day, June 26, was as below:

Salutatory Oration-J. D. Bond, Milton.

Oration- Italy, United and Free." Robert D. Whitford, La Clede, Illinois.

Oration Sacrifice and Culture," Miss Florence E. Williams, Milton.

Oration "Centralization, Its Uses and Abuses," Frederick D. Rogers, Milton.
Essay "The Present System of Labor," Miss Ada B. McCraken, Milton.

Oration-"Our Politico Social Errors." Isaac L. Mahieu, Sheboygan.

Oration-"The Experiment of Popular Government," Arthur A. Miller, Milton.
Essay "Intellectual Triumphs." Miss L. Eleanor Clarke, Brookfield, N. Y.
Oration "The Sanction of Truth," Dwight Kinney, Whitewater.

Oration-" Township System of School Government," Daniel O. Hibbard, Brookfield, N. Y.
Oration-"The Ideal Woman," Miss Kate M. Badger, Milton.

Oration-" Brazil," Lucius Heritage, Milton.

Oration-" Puritan Influence," E. Stillman Bailey, Milton.

Oration-"Our Political Institutions," J. D. Bond, Milton.

Valedictory Oration-"Democracy, Its Advantages and Responsibilities," L. D. Harvey, Milton. Conferring the degrees and presenting the diplomas.

Address to the Graduating Class, by Prof. Edward Searing, A. M.

Nine students graduated in the teachers' course, and two in the scientific.

RACINE COLLEGE.-The exercises commenced with the Bacelauerate Sermon, on Sunday, July 7, by the Rev. Mr. Egar, one of the Professors at Nashota. Monday afternoon was taken up with the exercises of the Addisonian Society, with a skech of its work by Mr. Park; a poem by Mr. Strong, "Annus Miralibis," some harmonious pices, and an oration by Mr. T. L. Sullivan of Indanapolis. Monday afternoon six students of the Junior Class contended for the Larrabee prize, given to that member of the Junior Class who shall deliver the best original speech and show the greatest proficiency in reading. Contrary to the opinions of the audience the committee awarded the prize to Mr. Root. The Reunion came off Tuesday. Mr. H. C. Dillon was president. Mr. Root delivered a poem, Mr. Landon the oration on planting the Ivy. A siver rattle was dedicated to the first baby of the class, and various other interesting exercises engaged in.

Commencement day, Wednesday, July 10th, was the last day of the school year, the grand day of the week. The morning hours were occupied in appointing prefects for the ensuing year, and in the presentation of cricket and base ball cups to to the winning clubs. The order of orations, etc., was as follows:

Latin Salutatory, "Dolor Altor Magnanimitatis "-Herbert Root.

"Political Parties"-E. F. Day, of St. Louis.

"Scholasticism "-Worth Landon, of Michigan.

"Science, Past, Present and Future "-R. Park, of Chicago.

Valedictory Oration, "The Human Mind”—H. C. Dillon, of Grant County.

The Quintard Medal, for the best oratory displayed in the graduating class, was: awarded to the salutatorian, Mr. Root. The Racine Journal says:

"The scene which followed the decision of the committee, beggars description. The dissatisfaction at the awarding of the Larrabee Prize had been great, but now the indignation of the vast audience was unanimous in opposition to the committee. The dignitaries upon the platform left their seats, and, in the very faces of the committee, warmly congratulated the Valedictorian, Mr. Dillon, and told him that he richly deserved the prize. The young man received from the crowded audience an ovation worth more than dozen medals."

RIPON COLLEGE.-The anniversary exercises began on Friday, the 21st of June, with the Lincolnian Society. The Vedean Society of Ladies occupied Monday evening and the Hermeans Tuesday afternoon. President Merriman's sermon on Sunday evening was a very able discussion of the theme, " Transformation of the Body," and the Literary Society's address, by Rev. Robert Laird Collyer, of Chicago, was fresh, vigorous and enlivening. The subject was "Personality." Wednesday morning the exercises of the graduating class took place at Opera Hall, with the following:

Oration-"Trades-Unions," H. M. Wilcox, Ripon.

Essay "Subjection to Fashion," Margaret B. Shoemaker, Branchville, N. J.
Oration-"Errors in Church Extension," James M. Brush, Brushville.
Essay "The Explorations of Father Marquette," Sarah E. Scribner, Ripon.
Oration-"Unlimited Freedom of Discussion," John W. Allen, Jr., Ripon.
Scientific Paper-" Color in Decoration," Martha A. Shepard, Mankato, Minn.

These essays and orations were of solid worth, and those who are skeptical in regard to the possibility of securing scholarship among women, might have helped themselves to a sound faith by hearing them.

Rev. W. S. Alexander, just appointed by the American Board Superintendent of Missions in Milan, Italy, gave the Commencement Address, on "The Claims of the Age upon Educated Classes." It was an earnest and timely appeal for an education that shall not end in itself, but shall look to the demands for its use in an age which is developing with extraordinary rapidity.

ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE, Prairie du Chien.-The Prairie du Chien Courier gives quite a full and very commendatory account of the commencement exercises of St. John's College there, under the charge of a Catholic Brotherhood, which gave its first exhibition a year since. The Courier says: "It was a pleasing sight to all who wish to see the intellectual powers improved, and correct principles inculcated, to witness the progress made by the students, as evidenced by the commencement exercises."

"The literary exercises were closed with an able address by Prof. J. J. Lalor, of Milwaukee, who is so well and favorably known that the mere mention of his name is sufficient to indicate the character of the address."

PLATTEVILLE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.--The examinations and anniversary exercises of the State Normal School passed off in a most satisfactory manner. The examinations on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday showed most thorough instruction on the part of teachers, and earnest and intelligent application on the part of pupils.

The Commencement exercises took place on Thursday, June 27. The following is the progrmme:

Essay "Pebbles," Lou A. Falley.

Oration-"Civilization," Aaron S. Newcomb.

Oration-"Character the Result of Influence," Eugene R. Boynton.

Oration "The Starry Heavens," Dwight R. Crowel.

Essay "At the Portal," Marrilla Secor,

Oration-"Hew to Line," Geo. J. Schellenger.

Essay "Crumbs," Lydia Ruggles.

Oration-"Imagination, its Use and Abuse," William A. Jones.

Class Oration George D. Utt, Class of 1871.

Hon. W. H. Chandler addressed the audience in behalf of the Normal Regents, and W. A. De La Matyr for the Committee on Examination.

The dedication of the Class Tree in the afternoon and memorial exercises, and the meeting of the Alumni Association in the evening, at the Streeter House, where an excellent supper was given to invited guests, happily closed the week.

WHITEWATER NORMAL SCHOOL.-The closing exercises of the year began with very satisfactory examinations, Tuesday, June 17. The Lincolnian Society occu