THE NATIONAL TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION:

ITS NATURE AND OBJECTS.

BY JOHN D. PHILBRICK,

Superintendent of Public Instruction in Boston, Mass.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:-The position in which I find myself placed by the choice of the association-a position unsought, undesired, and undeserved-bestowed no doubt, as a compliment to the section of the country, and particularly to the state in which I live and labor, and to be relinquished gladly at the close of this session,-imposes upon me the duty of inaugurating these proceedings by an introductory address.

And perhaps I may be expected to attempt, by an elaborate performance, either in the exhaustive treatment of some single topic, or in the presentation of a comprehensive summary of our proper aims and purpose, to strike the key-note of the occasion, and thus in a manner to give direction and tone to the discussions which may follow. But this is not what I propose. Indeed, since this meeting was determined upon, at a late day, it has not been in my power to make adequate preparation for such a task. But what, under other circumstances, and in quieter and happier times might have been expected, and might have been attempted, is scarcely required now. It is not from my lips, it could not be from any human lips, that that strain of eloquence, of learning, or of wisdom, is to flow, most competent to shape and inspire the debates and deliberations of this body of American educators, at this time and in this place.

The great and unparalleled conjuncture of our public affairs, the unprecedented perils in which our national existence has been, and is now involved, the sharp and tragic realities of our mighty struggle, demanding the work of all hands, the thoughts of all heads, and the devotion of all hearts, the sacrifice of so much of the best blood of the nation, the necessity to provide for the security of peace, whan peace shall come; these things are what must and will fire our hearts, and bias our thoughts, and direct our aims, and

* Introductory Address before the National Teachers' Association in Chicago, August 4th, 1863; by the President, John D. Philbrick.

influence our speech and action. Till peace and union, and the settled state of order are restored, loyal hearts can not but everywhere, and at all times, vibrate in unison with the key-note uttered by the mouths of the cannon which spoke on the memorable 12th of April, 1861, from the casemates of Sumter, in defence of free government, of christian civilization, of the rights of man. That utterance meant duty,-duty to God, duty to our country,-duty to one another. And our topics, treatment, thoughts, views, must be moulded and tinged by the circumstances and exigences of this perilous crisis, this mighty conflict, and as patriotic educators, we must necessarily keep uppermost in our minds, at such a time as this, the relations of education to the national life, to political morality, and the stability of free institutions of government.

It seems proper, however that I should present, briefly, facts and suggestions respecting the nature and objects of our association, and the sphere of its operations and influence.

It is now six years since this association was organized. It originated in a call signed and issued by the Presidents of ten State Associations, inviting teachers throughout the United States to assemble in Philadelphia on the 26th of August, 1857, for the purpose of organizing a National Teachers' Association. It being the express design of the movement to institute a society which should be strictly professional in its character, the invitation was not extended to the friends of education generally, but was limited to persons actually engaged in the business of education. The language employed is this; "We cordially extend this invitation to all practical teachers in the North, the South, the East, and the West, who are willing to unite in a general effort to promote the educational welfare of our country, by concentrating the wisdom and power of numerous minds, and by distributing among all the accumulated experiences of all who are ready to devote their energies, and to contribute of their means to advance the dignity, respectability and usefulness of their calling; and who, in fine, believe that the time has come when the teachers of the nation should gather into one great educational brotherhood."

In pursuance of this call a meeting was held at the designated time and place. It was well attended, and was composed of gentlemen from the different sections of the country, many of whom had won a title to confidence by their eminent services in the cause of education. These gentlemen proceeded to organize the association by the adoption of a constitution and the election of officers. On each of the three succeeding years, a large and successful annual

meeting was held-in 1858, in Cincinnati, fifteen states being represented; in 1859, in Washington, representatives from seventeen. states being present; and in 1860, in Buffalo, with a representation from nineteen different states, and from the Federal District. The proceedings have been published each year in pamphlet form, including a part of the lectures and papers, which have been characterized by a good degree of ability, learning, and sound practical wisdom. Thus, in brief, stands our record up to 1860.

No annual meeting was held in 1861 or in 1862, the all absorbing exigences of the war, and the impossibility of securing a representation from the seceded states seeming to justify and render necessary a temporary suspension of our operations as a society.

But the period of inaction has passed, and we have reason to congratulate ourselves that it has not resulted in decay and dissolution. As individuals, and as an Association, we still live, and after the lapse of three years we meet again in largely increased numbers, and with renewed strength, here in this great Metropolis of the Northwest, the most marvelous creation and monument of American enterprise, as well as the most striking illustration of the rapid growth and expansion of American civilization.

And it would be an unpardonable neglect of a manifest duty, if we should not feel and acknowledge, with profound gratitude, the favor of Heaven in thus permitting us to assemble here and now, in such force, undisturbed, and in protecting to such an extent the interests of education which we represent, notwithstanding the calamities which have befallen the nation.

The distinctive peculiarity of our organizatian is found in the fact that it is both national and professional. It is the only educational body of a truly national character now existing in America. Our educational associations for the past thirty years have been for the most part limited to a state or section of the country; and though their usefulness is beyond question, their tendency is no doubt to strengthen local prejudices, and to perpetuate local ideas and systems. The American Institute of Instruction, though a highly useful and honorable society, whose influence has been, and is now widely felt, is mainly supported from the School Fund of Massachusetts, and during the thirty-three years of its existence, it has held but one meeting beyond the limits of the New England States-most of its working members having their residence in a few of the Atlantic States, and therefore it can not justly claim to be what its name implies, and what it was intended to be-truly national in its scope and operations.