N ormal S chool H erald. P u b l is h e d O c t o b e r , J a n u a r y , A p r i l S h ip p b n s b u r g , P a . Vox;. XIII. and Ju l y JANUARY, 1909 No. 2 Slims of tbe Stubs of Xattn attb Oreeft in tbe ffiigb School. D r . W . A . E c k e l s , D epartm en t of E n glish . A recent writer in the New York Latin Leaflet (Brooklyn, Nov. 19, 1906) makes a helpful contribution to this much vexed discussion by frankly recognizing that there are several more or less distinct ends which the study of Eatin in our secondary schools subserves. The fact that different advocates of the classics emphasize, some one, some another, of the reasons for studying Eatin is sometimes treated as evidence that no valid and satisfactory reason for the study exists— a kind of logic which should find favor only with those who are wedded to cutand-dried formulas and convenient catchwords in the domain of educational discussion. After enumerating some of the chief uses which are claimed for Eatin, the writer just referred to observes: But after all it is by no means indispensable that we come to an exact agree­ ment on this point, [i. e. as to the pre-eminent USE OF l a T in ]. So long as Eatin study does any one of the above things thor­ oughly well and better than does any other study, it will retain, and rightly, a place in our scheme of education. I f it can do two or more of them thoroughly well, so much the stronger its position.” This sounds, to one reader at least, like a commonsense view of the matter. But the author is also right in insisting that, in order to make the subject yield its legitimate fruits, the teacher must realize clearly what the most useful results of Eatin study are, decide which of them are most at­ tainable in the several classes which he has to teach, and then shape his work consciously and intelligently toward securing these results. Definiteness of aim we must have, whether our weapon be a single-barreled one or a six-shooter. 2 THE NORMAL SCHOOL HERALD The purpose of the present writer is to stimulate to fresh thinking along these lines by suggesting what seem to him some of the ends most worth striving for in the teaching of Latin in High Schools; and incidentally, what attitude the teacher may reasonably take with regard to the question of teaching thè subject at all. i. The first service of a study of Latin to the mind of the young student to which I would direct attention is one which the beginner himself, as well as the older person who has no knowledge of the language, is, from the nature of the case, least likely to appreciate. But it is the one which, I believe, the man of mature mind, reviewing the question of what a rigid linguistic training has done for him, generally thinks of first. I mean the training in analyzing the fundamental thought-relations as ex­ pressed in language. One awakens most fully to consciousness of these thought-relations when he is compelled, as in learning a foreign language, to abstract them from the form, to recognize them in their essence, in order to reproduce them in other forms. The more the foreign language differs in structure from his own the better. The more highly inflected it is, the better. Latin, differing widely from English, requires the student to so analyze and grasp the relations of the thought with which he deals that he can recognize them under, or reproduce them into these quite different forms of expression ; and not only different, but more concise and condensed forms. That is, he must recognize them by a slighter external indication ; he does not have them spelled out large, so to speak, by the use of several words, but is dependent on a mere inflectional change ; he must have the relation so clearly held in mind that a single inconspicuous label shall suffice to call it up, quickly and surely, before him. This is a very different thing from simply having to replace the words of one language by the words of another, with little difference of structure. While the close observation of forms trains the mind for scientific studies, the close analysis of thought quickens the faculties requisite for philosophical studies. Perhaps the best thing which a thorough study of Latin gives the student is the ability to read intelligently in any language— not to ‘ ‘ skim ’ ’ and carry away the more or less disconnected ideas which separate words and phrases suggest, but to grasp the organization of the thought as a whole by a process of observation and conscious THE NORMAL SCHOOL HERALD 3 analysis. This is the power which the lawyer or legislator needs in interpreting the terms of a statute, the preacher in ex­ pounding a text, the man of business in understanding a con­ tract, the advanced student in following a scientific or philoso­ phical discussion, the serious reader in any sphere of language above the simplest. 2. A second advantage to be expected and aimed at is a more obvious one and one almost universally recognized,— viz., the help given by a knowledge of the Latin vocabulary toward an understanding of English derivatives. A large part of our words are of Latin origin, and this the less familiar part, the more abstract part, the words which especially need defining. A knowledge of Latin saves looking up and learning definitions. And the mere dictionary definition will never give the accurate notion which he has who has met the word in its context, knows its various shades of meaning, its historical associations and connotations. Many words represent ideas which are distinct­ ively Roman and can only be carried away by one who has been in contact with the Roman mind in its literature, has breathed the Roman atmosphere. The gain in knowledge of English derivatives is not measured by the number of separate Latin words the boy knows. Single roots become the parents of whole families of English words. The student who knows one of these roots in the several forms which roots often assume in Latin, and who knows the value of the prefixes and suffixes commonly employed in the parent speech, often commands at a glance the meaning of a half-dozen words in English which the student, without Latin has to look up, as so many different words, in a dictionary. 3. I would place next the opportunity which the practice of translation from Latin and Greek affords for training in English. By translation, I do not, of course, mean the same thing as read­ ing. Reading is mental interpretation ; and as the student gains command of the facts and laws of the language he should be en­ couraged to read directly— to let the language speak immediately to his mind, as it did to the original hearer or reader, without any intervening medium. Nor do I refer here to that somewhat bald and literal rendering of a Latin or Greek construction by the con­ struction most closely analogous in English which the teacher may require, especially in the earlier stages of the study, as a 4 THE NORMAL» SCHOOL, HERALD practical way of keeping track of the analytical processes of his pupil— as a guarantee that he has correct data of interpretation and as a safeguard against mere guesses, more or less happy, at the meaning. By translation, in this place, I mean a superadded discipline, a distinctly literary exercise, in which we attempt to convey as nearly as possible, the thought, form and total effect of a Latin passage through the medium of English. Such transla­ tion is, like that spoken of above, a test of knowledge of the origi­ nal. But it is also a test of the student’s power of expression, his command of resources, in English; and much more than a test— it is a highly effective means of developing that power and enlarging those resources. When the student attacks this prob­ lem, it means that, for his Latin word, he must marshal the possi­ ble more or less exact equivalents which English affords and choose from these the one which most nearly hits the conception. In like manner, in order to render the force of the Latin con­ struction, he must think of the approximately equivalent con­ structions and choose the one which would be most likely to be used in that place by a writer of natural and idiomatic English. And in all this he must seek to convey correctly not only the exact meaning, but the general effect— the emotional and aesthet­ ic elements, as well as those which appeal directly to the under­ standing. In essaying this task, under competent guidance, he will develop exactness, taste, and judgment in the use of English and will catch some notion of what that elusive and indefinable thing is which we call style. Of course, translation from any language will serve these ends to a degree, but the advantages will be greatest in translating from languages, like Latin and Greek, which seek to[express by form the most subtle distinctions, and whose forms of expression'differ most widely from our own. And not the least of the benefits reaped from the study will be the clear perception arrived at of the impossibility of absolute translation and the immense importance of reading a literature in the original. 4. This brings us naturally to our fourth point. The crown­ ing good of a knowledge of Latin and Greek lies, of course, in the first-hand acquaintance afforded with the immortal literatures embodied in these languages. It is needless to repeat here what every intelligent person knows. Modern thought, modern civilization, modern literature are rooted deep in the soil of THE NORMAL SCHOOL HERALD 5 Greece and Rome. W e are largely what the past has made us. To seek to comprehend the present with the door o f the past barred behind us is to work in the dark and narrow hopelessly our field of vision. No recognition of new factors that have arisen, no pressing of the claims, however deserving, o f modern literatures, can alter the plain facts of history. Nothing has hap­ pened, nothing can happen, to weaken the claim of the classics. Some sort of acquaintance with the Latin and Greek literature every cultured man or woman must have, to-day, as always. The only question is, shall it be a first-hand or a second or a third hand acquaintance ? W hy a first hand acquaintance is vastly prefer­ able has been partly suggested above. In the best translation something, even of the essential meaning, is lo st; of the form immeasurably more. And the mere element of time and atten­ tion counts for something. The average person who reads a classic in translation, apart from the specialist with a keen interest in some particular subject, is not likely to carry away so deep an impression of its content, to have it so fixed in his memory, as he who has lingered long over it in the effort to; extract the meaning from the original. Reading the ancient classics in translation is highly desirable for those to whom nothing better is possible; it is not an ideal with which one who has enjoyed opportunities for a liberal culture in his early years should rest content. Recognizing thus fully that an acquaintance with classic authors is the richest fruit of classical studies, I have yet chosen to rest my argument for Latin chiefly on the incidental advant­ ages enumerated above— on what have been happily called ‘ ‘the by-products” of the study of Latin. I have done this because I am speaking primarily to high school teachers, because I wish to recognize fully existing con­ ditions, and to give advice that can reasonably be followed. We have to face the fact that, with the claims of new and important studies and the introduction of the elective principle into college curricula, a far smaller number than formerly o f our students who go to college will carry on their Greek and Latin studies there. For those who do not, acquaintance with classic literature will probably, though by no means necessarily, be limited to the por­ tions read in the high school. And these portions, say many critics of these studies, are so small as to be not worth consider­ ing as a study o f literature. Lamentably small they indeed are. 6 THE NORMAL, SCHOOL HERALD Even so, I am not at all sure that their worthlessness as a literary study should be so readily assumed. There is a good deal of wisdom underlying the old adage “ Fear the man of one book.” There are many men now living who believe that a close study of a few orations of Cicero, a few books of Vergil, Xenophon, or Homer have been worth to them all the labor spent in learning to read Latin and Greek. But, waiving this point, there is another question that is worthy of serious consideration. I f we may not regard our pupils as actual, ought we not to consider their inter­ ests as potential, students of classical literature ? In view of the great importance of the field, it would seem reasonable to give high school students the preliminary instruction which will at least make it possible for them to choose it when the time for choice comes. We teach mathematics in the lower school, as we should teach Latin, partly for the peculiar mental training it im­ parts ; but we teach it partly also, if I mistake not, because we recognize that a considerable number of our students will, in their higher studies or life calling, wish to pursue subjects for which mathematics form an indispensable preparation. If the chance, so to speak, that any given student may hereafter elect a group of studies dependent on mathematics warrants us in exacting of him a prolonged preparatory course in that subject, why does not the chance that he may decide to enter another important sphere of studies, for which Latin and Greek furnish the best preparation, warrant us in seeing to it that he acquires at least the elements of those languages ? What fairness is there in sending him up to the point where the main avenues of learning diverge furnished with the key which will enable him to enter the 'portals of the one, deprived of the key which is needful to admit him to the other ? But, if we are to abandon the theory of an all-around ele­ mentary preparation in the great outstanding departments; if the elective policy, already carried down from the graduate school to the college, is to be pushed down into the secondary school; if the teacher must assume the responsibility of ascertaining the aptitudes and intentions of his pupil and shape his course with a view to helping on his probable future studies— what then? The very least he can do is, when he finds a pupil who seems destined for professional— in the older and narrower sense of the word_ humanistic, or literary studies, to encourage and influence him in THE) NORMAL SCHOOL HERALD 7 every way in his power to undertake the study of at least one of the ancient languages. A s to which of these languages should be studied, where only one is considered possible, the question is hardly an open one under existing conditions. Common practice has fixed on Latin as the favored sister, and the linguistic preparation of the teacher to-day oiten comes in to confirm the limitation. The more prac­ tical question then is, what are the claims of Greek as a second ancient language in our schools? And this can be con­ veniently answered by a comparison with those made for Latin. As to the advantages enumerated above under the first and third heads— which are naturally closely related— Greek and Latin stand on much the same footing; though the somewhat greater flexibility of the Greek, and its consequent power of expressing by the form in, some instances, more exact shades of relation in thought, give it some points of superiority. It is the second consideration in the list, doubtless— the far closer contact of the Latin vocabulary with that of English— which has inclined the balance in favor of Latin as a school study. Y et the influence of Greek even on the general vocabulary of English is by no means inconsiderable. And in the technical vocabulary of certain de­ partments of study the Greek elements are more important than the Latin. In respect to the fourth point— the study of the Literature— Greek as the more original and, on the whole, the more significant literature, has stronger claims than Latin. Indeed, it would be easy to show that one can not fully appreciate the Latin litera­ ture without an acquaintance with the Greek. To conclude, then, with a word of practical counsel on this point also. I should say that, where it is possible to have a course that will admit both ancient languages and where a teacher of Greek is available, school authorities should see to it to the extent of their influence, that those students who seem likely to pursue literary or philosophical studies in their later careers— and especially those who plan to become special students or teachers of English litera l ture— take a thorough preparatory course in Greek, and for those who propose to work in certain technical lines whose vocab­ ulary draws largely on Greek, a briefer course in the language should be strongly advised. In view of the great value of the study to these groups of 8 THE NORMAL SCHOOL, HERALD students, a liberal attitude might well be taken in the matter of allowing Greek to be given even to very small classes. The number of applicants required in order to justify the formation of a class in Greek in many schools is now so high as practically to exclude the study. Xecture Course, The Lecture Course this year is a most fascinating and in­ structive one. We have already had three lectures and the remain­ ing three will be given during the present term. Dr. Schmucker, of the West Chester Normal School, delivered the first lecture on “ The Spider.” It was much enjoyed. The Doctor is an excellent speaker and his subject matter was most pertinent. The second lecture was delivered by Dr. Spaeth, of Prince­ ton University. His subject was “ Tennyson.'’ Never has there been a better lecture delivered at Normal. The eloquence of the speaker and his graceful use of English greatly impressed his audience. The third lecture was given by Dr. Schmucker on “ Birds.” It was simply fine. A t its conclusion, the audience applauded for several minutes W e hope to have the genial Doctor back again next year. & jfacttlts IRotes. Dr. W . A . Eckels, who has been substituting for Dr. Gordinier during the latter’s absence, has been elected a regular mem­ ber of the faculty for the remainder of the year. Dr. Eckels is a deep scholar, a thorough gentleman and a fine instructor. His charming personality and his kindly ways have already endeared him to the faculty and student body. W e feel that we are very fortunate in securing the services of such a well educated, com­ petent, Christian man. Miss Hattie Wylie, the popular assistant of the Model School, spent part of the Christmas vacation on a delightful trip South. Prof. J. S. Heiges, Dean of the faculty, was recently pro­ moted to the station of Senior Warden, in Cumberland Valley Lodge No. 315. We congratulate Bro. Heiges on his deserved promotion. THE NORMAL SCHOOL HERALD 9 Dr. C. H. Gordinier has just closed a most successful season as an Institute Instructor. He has been constantly engaged since September. From all sections of the State come words of praise for his good work. A t the annual Founders’ Day exercises of Lafayette College, held on Oct. 21, the honorary degree of Master of Arts was con­ ferred on Prof. J. K . Stewart. Dr. Martin accompanied him to Easton to receive his degree, and made the opening invocation at the exercises. a Charming iRecital. The students of the musical departments under the direction of Misses Matthews and Gray, rendered a most charming recital in Normal Chapel on Monday evening, December 14. Each one acquitted herself nobly and the large audience thoroughly enjoyed every number. Too much praise cannot be given to Misses Matthews and Gray for the excellent work that they are doing in their respective departments. T H E PROGRAMME PART I Piano Duo— Die Marionetten W a l z e r ............................F . Lynes 1st Piano— Cecelia Himes, Liberty McClelland 2nd Piano— Gertrude Wolff, Dorothy W olff Piano Duett— T a ra n te lle .........................................................Lower Florence Nickles Helen Segner Piano Solo— Child’s S tu d y ....................... Katherine Fleming Kohler Vocal Solo— Elias’ Dream from “ Lohengrin” .................. Wagner Bertha Oyler Piano Duett— Twinkle, T w in k le ..................................... Engleman Nancy McCreary Gaylan Gates Piano Duett— Valse Elegante . . . > . ............................Krug Dorothy W olff Gertrude Wolff 10 THE NORMA!* SCHOOL HERALD Vocal Solo— Slumber S o n g ............................................... F . Lynes Jennie Hicks Piano Solo— Papillon (B utterfly)................• • • . . . Lavalee Margaret Gates Piano Duett— Festival M a r c h ........................................... Teilman Liberty McClelland Cecelia Himes PART II Piano Duett— Vivance : Symphony 3 ............................... Haydn Bertha Flicker Florence Nickles Vocal Solo— Gebet der Elisabeth from “ Tannhauser” . . Wagner Helen Wise Piano Solo— Tarantelle................................................... ... . Hahn Helen Segner Piano Duett— A l l e i n ........................... Biedermann Gaylan Gates Margaret Gates Quartette— Doan Y e Cry Ma H o n e y ....................................Smith Orpheum Quartette Piano Solo— V alseAb i ......................................................... Chopin Helen Wise Piano Duett— With Wind and Tide M arch ........................Hewett Helen Jones Ethel Jones Vocal Solo— Blow, Winter Wind, B l o w ........................Sargeant Esther Long Piano Duett— With Whip and S p u r ................................. Spindler Mary Christopher Mary Gish “ What is a synonym, dad ? ” “ A synonym, son, is a word that you can use when you don’t know how to spell the one you thought of first.” jt J 4 ...THE... N ormal S chool H erald. P u b l is h e d O c t o b e r , J a n u a r y , A p r i l S h ip p e n s b u r g , P a . and Ju l y . J o h n K. S t e w a r t , Editor. E l i z a b e t h B. N o b l e , Exchange Editor. A d a V . H o r t o n , ’88, P erson a l E d itor. J. S. H e ig e s , ’91, Business Manager. Subscription price 25 cents per year strictly in advance. Single copies ten cents each. Address all communications to T h e N o r m a l Sc h o o l H e r a l d , Shippensburg, Pa. Alumni and former members of the school will favor us by sending any items that they may think would be interesting for publication. Entered as Second Class Matter at the Post Office, Shippensburg, Pa. JANUARY, 1909. BMtorials. With this issue of the H e r a l d , we vacate the editorial chair that we have tried to fill for the past two years and a half. We desire to thank our faithful assistants, our principal, our co-workers of the faculty, the student body, and all who have helped us in any way in the publication of the paper. We feel that if we have pleased our readers in any slight way that it has been due to the willing and excellent assistance and co-operation which we have received. Dr. Gordinier, who some years ago was editor, will resume the position with the next issue, and we feel sure that under his leadership the H e r a l d will improve and will be regarded as one of the best school papers in Pennsylvania. To all our friends and readers we say with deep feeling Vale Vale. W e trust that every one of our readers will read carefully the excellent article by Dr. Eckels in this issue of the H e r a l d . It sets forth clearly and concisely the aims of the study of the class­ ical languages in secondary schools. The Doctor is an authority on the subject and writes from years of experience and a deep knowledge of these branches. The committee to revise the school laws of our State has completed its work. They recommend a great many changes, all of which will tend to the advancement of our Public School system. We trust that the Legislature, now in session, will ac­ cept their recommendations and pass the new laws that are so clearly necessary for the welfare of our schools. 12 THE NORMAL SCHOOL HERALD Hallowe’en Social, The annual Hallowe’en Social this year was perhaps the most enjoyable one ever held at Normal. The first part of the evening was spent in attending a county fair. The dining room was transformed into a fair ground, and all the attractions of the “ Midway” as well as the exhibits of a fair were presented. There were fortune tellers, Mrs. Wiggs and her family, a trip along the river Styx, fish pond, trained animals, red lemonade, pop corn balls, taffy, and numerous other things to please the eye and de­ light the palate. Rare old specimens were presented to view, and merriment reigned supreme as the valiant lads and fair lassies en­ joyed the attractions of the fair. The latter part of the evening was spent in an old fashioned dance and everyone thoroughly enjoyed himself. The entire committee who had the affair in charge are deserving of great praise, and especially Miss Huber who had charge of the decorations. & trbanftSQlvlng E>ag. Thanksgiving Day was most delightfully observed at Normal. The weather was lovely and all seemed to be filled with the Thanksgiving spirit of praise and cheer. The service was held in the Chapel at 9 o ’clock in the morning. It was a most helpful and inspiring one. The music, under the direction of Miss Gray, was excellent. The sermon by Dr. Martin was simply beautiful. His subject was, “ The Secret of a Happy Life,’ ’ and his text 1st Peter, 3rd chap., 10-11 verses. He said that in order to have a happy life one must have a sweet tongue, a helpful hand, and a peaceful heart. W e regret that we cannot publish the entire sermon. It was one of the finest that we have ever listened to. Dinner was served at 12.30 o’clock and what a repast! It was food fit for the Gods. It embraced all the delicacies of Thanksgiving and was served in five courses. We are told it was the best ever given at Normal, and it was certainly worthy of the Waldorf-Astoria or the Bellevue-Stratford. A ll thoroughly enjoyed it and peals of laughter and animated conversation could be heard at all the tables. THE NORMAE SCHOOL HERALD 13 The day closed with a play “ Pygmalion and Galatea,” given in the chapel, and presented under the personal direction of Miss Alice K . Hartley of the department of elocution. It was the best play we have ever witnessed at Normal. Each young lady did her­ self proud and the costumes and stage-setting were magnificent. Miss Hartley is certainly to be congratulated on the success of her play. The large audience stamped its approval by hearty and frequent applause. Truly Thanksgiving Day will long be remembered by all the students and teachers of the C. V . S. N. S. SYN O PSIS OF DRAM A A c t I. Scene— Pygmalion’s Studio. A c t II. Scene— Pygmalion’s Studio. A c t III. Scene— Pygmalion’s Studio. Cynisca, a beautiful Greek maiden, weds Pygmalion, an Athenian sculptor. The gods endow them with the power to call down blindness each upon the other, should either prove false to the other, and sightless must the faithless one remain until expressly pardoned by the wronged one. C A S T OF CH A R A CT E R S Pygmalion— An Athenian Sculptor........................... Miss Barner Galatea— An Animated S t a t u e ................................... Miss W olff Eeucippe— A S o ld ie r ................................................Miss Hoffman Cynisca— Pygmalion’s W i f e ..........................................Miss Duke Chrysos— An Art P a tr o n ........................................... Miss Benner Daphne— Chrysos’ Wife . . . ................................ Miss McNeal Myrine— Pygmalion’s S ister....................................... Miss Garver Agesimos— Chysos’ S la v e ................................... Miss Cook Mimos— Pygmalion’s S l a v e ................................... Miss Johnston Dr. flDartin’s ffiirtbi>ap. On Sunday, Nov. i, Dr. Martin, the popular and beloved principal of our school, was 55 years of age. On Monday even­ ing, Nov. 2, the faculty took him by surprise at his beautiful residence and tendered him a birthday party. Charming refresh­ ments were served and a most delightful evening spent. 14 THE NORMAL, SCHOOL HERALD pbilo. The Philo members of the alumni will be pleased to learn that our society is doing excellent work and that we have ad­ vanced both in numbers and in interest. The meetings have been well attended and the programs as a whole have been very good. The Glee Club has furnished some excellent music during the term. The new members are deserving of commendation for their activity and willingness to help Philo to reach the goal of excel­ lence. We are glad to note this, because the future success of Philo depends on their efforts. May Philo continue with the motto, ‘,‘No Excellence With­ out Labor.” B e u l a I. S h u t t , Sec’y. mormal. jj Throughout the term our society has maintained the high standard of excellence which has always characterized its work. One of the most commendable features has been the spirit shown by the girls in the debates. During the term a large number of students were received into the society, most of whom are active members and seem to feel the responsibility of being members of the society. The members of the Glee Club have worked earnestly to keep up the musical standard of the society. May the remainder of the year prove as successful and even more so, than the past term. E d n a F u l t o n , ’ i o , S e c ’y . to. c. a. The work of the Young Women’s Christian Association for the Fall Term has been carried on with a great deal of interest on the part of the girls. The meetings are well attended and very helpful. Our visit from Miss Dyer, State secretary, in October, was helpful and inspiring, as her visits always are. While with us she arranged for Bible study classes among the girls. A large number of the girls have taken up this work and find it most ,i THE NORMAL SCHOOL HERALD IS interesting. Arrangements were made also for a Mission study class to be carried on during the Winter Term. This will be open to both boys and girls. Our interest in and knowledge of missions and missionary life was aroused by a visit from Miss Alice Wishart, a returned missionary from India. Miss Wishart gave a very interesting talk to the two Associa­ tions on her work there and showed how each one of us, though not a missionary, might aid those who are, in carrying the mes­ sage of salvation to those less fortunate than we. H a t t ie B. K e n d a l l . TLbC 13. fID.