ANNUAL DINNER OF THE SCHOOLMAS TERS' CLUB. REPORT BY CHARLES L. WALLACE, SECRETARY
Through the kindness of the President and trustees of Dartmouth College, the club was again invited to hold its annual meeting in connection with the Conference of Teachers in Secondary Schools.
At one o'clock, Friday afternoon, May 17, the members of the Schoolters' Club were the guests of the College at lunch in College Hall. A delicious banquet was served, and a social hour was enjoyed by all.
Principal W. O. Smith, the president of the club, opened the postprandial exercises with fitting and appropriate words of welcome. After these remarks the report of the secretary-treasurer was read and approved.
The president appointed the following committee on nominations: C. C. Ferguson, Leslie L. Cleveland, and Norman Paige.
Professor John K. Lord of Dartmouth College discussed the following topic, from the college point of view, in a very able and comprehensive manner: "Is the present method of granting the certificate right to preparatory schools satisfactory?"
Professor Lord proved by carefully prepared statistics that a better class of students has entered Dartmouth College during the past three years, through the certificate privilege, than by written examinations.
Principal C. F. Cook of Concord discussed the subject: "The value of certification to schools possessing the privilege." Mr. Cook held that, through the certificate system, there is less responsibility upon the principal or teacher; it relieves the student; and emphasizes the daily work, etc.
Superintendent M. C. Smart of Littleton was unable to be present, but a paper written by him on: "The effect of the certificate system upon schools which are not approved," was read by Harry L. Moore of Plymouth Normal School.
"The general working and result of the.certificate system throughout the State" was ably presented by State Superintendent Henry C. Morrison of Concord.
The following persons took part in the informal discussion: Principal W. O. Smith, Lancaster, N. H.; Principal Z. W. Kemp, Kingston, N. H.; Professor John K. Lord, Hanover, N. N.; and Professor Emerson, Dean of Dartmouth College.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, Principal E. W. Butterfield, Dover, N. H.; vice president, Principal E. S. Watson, Pittsfield, N. H.; secretary-treasurer, Principal C. L. Wallace, Lisbon, N. H. Executive board, Principal Charles A. Tracy, K. U. A., Meriden, N. H.; Principal Fred S. Libby, Berlin, N. H.; Principal J. W. Hobbs, Portsmouth, N. H.
On motion of S. W. Robertson: Voted: That we extend a hearty vote of thanks to the College authorities for their kindness and generosity in entertaining the Schoolmasters' Club; and that we express our sincere regrets at the absence of President Tucker, and the hope that in due season he will be able to return to his position as the head of Dartmouth College.
