Schoolmasters' Club

The first session of the Michigan Schoolmasters' club, held in the University chapel Friday afternoon, was devoted to a conference on English composition. The discussion was opened by Prof. F. N. Scott. The point particularly emphasized in his paper was the necessity of, having special teachers of English. The worlc cannot be left to teachers of other subiects, even if they possess the required kuowledge, for general scholarship in English is not enough to enable one to teach the subject. The necessary equipment and training for a teacher ot composition in secondary schools consists in, first, the ability to correct work rapidly, accurately and pleasurably; secondly, scholarship in the history and theory of rhetoric, that the teacher may know his business and be freed from the tyranny of textbooks; thirdly, original research in the science of rhetoric. The numbe.r of essays required of high school pupils should be about one a day, certainly not less than one a week, but they should be short. The discussion was continued by Prof. F. A. Barbour, State Normal school, who took the ground that English can be taught more successfully in connection with other subjects. Supt. E, C. Thompson, of Saginaw, and Dr. Cook, of Detroit, are also opposed to special teachers of English. Prin. E. C. Goddard, of Saginaw, Prin. F. T. Wright, of Jackson, and Prof. E. L. Miller, of Chicago, supported the position taken by Prof. Scott. Prof. Miller urged the necessity of making composition work go hand in hand with a study of the masterpieces of literary style, and read two interesting illustrations of work done in his classes. A reception to the club and an informal musical recital by Prof. Stanley, was given in the evening at Frieze Memorial hall.