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Show REPORT OF TRE OOMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. -27 fromall parts of the cou,ntry. At each session a comparison of plans and methods as practiced in thevarious sections of the country repre-sented was brought out, the object being to give each school the benefit of the experience of others, and much good to the service will result from this interchange of ideas. The Indian teachers visited a number of Boston summer schools where the most advanced theories and prac-tical ideas in education were exploited by teachers of prominence and ability. The teachers attending the Boston meeting received the benefit of addresses by such noted men as Dr. Edward Everett Hale; Hon. Curtis Guild, jr., lieutenant-governor, of Massachusetts; Dr. A. E. Winship, editor Journal of Education, Boston, Mass. ; Dr. H. B. FrisseIl, principaI Hampton Agricultural Institute, Hampton, Va.; Dr. G. Stanley Hall, president of Clark University, Worcester, Mass.; Dr. James T. Doyle, secretary United States Service Commis-sion, Washington, D. C., and many other well-known educators. A large exhibit of literary and industrial work was contributed by the various Indian schools and displayed at the institute held in Bos-ton. This exhibit was visited and studied by thousands of educators from all over the United States and was conceded to be the finest dis-play of Indian work ever made anywhere. It served to show the mar-velous advancement made in educating Indian children. The display of industrial work, represent in^ the various trades taught in the lndian schools, attracted marked attention, and illustrated most effectively the progress made along the line of industrial education. At the Boston meeting citizenship, character building, manual and industrial training were. the central topics. Excellent papers on these and miscellaneous subjects were read. The majority of those who read papem or took part in the discussions emphasized the importance of giving the Indian special agricultural training in order that he may, as soon as possible after takng possession of his allotment, make it yield hi a living. A number of Indians (teachers and students from the various schools) were in attendance, and their interest in the fea- , , tures of the institute and practical suggestions in discussions demon-strated the earnest manner in which they are taking advantage of the educational opportunities offered them and their desire to assist in the uplifting of their race and to get the full benefit of their trip to Bos-ton. Full accounts of the various institutes are given on page 386 of this report. As heretofore, great interest was taken in the local institutes, and educators from adjoin& States, by their presence and participation, attested their earnest cooperation with the Indian teachers in their work and have been of great assistance to the Indian workers. Great credit is due the Superintendent of Indian Schools, superintendents, and teachers for their assistance in making the intitutes interesting and successful. |
