not be easy to teach ancient history then, but is there any other field of history which is simpler or better adapted to this stage of instruction? The committee has proposed that the course in history for students who are going to college ought to be different from that for other students. That opens up a large question, but I venture to predict that in the long run the course of study in American schools, in history as in other subjects, will be the same for students preparing for college as for others.

Prof. J. H. Robinson then explained in greater detail the suggestion concerning the history curriculum in the high school which was presented in the report read by President Scott.

Dr. Julius Sachs said:

The remarks of the last speaker prompt me to a few words in support of the committee's report on the secondary history course. To one teacher at least in this assembly that portion of the report seemed particularly impressive which presented a readjustment of a four-years' course on a sounder principle of distribution of subject-matter than has hitherto obtained. Professor Robinson's scheme seems to me eminently worthy of deep thought on our part. Are we, then, to be kept away from the serious trial of such a scheme because of the familiar plaint that we have no time for it? If it is good, we must find time for it. I regard it as a slur upon American children that they are declared incapable of doing anything like the mental work of their equals in age on the other side of the Atlantic. This constant assertion that eighteen or twenty hours of weekly recitation is the limit beyond which no one must dare carry school work, is a barrier to all progress; our pupils can do more, if we recede from the absurd position of throwing the whole burden of preparation upon them; let teachers do their proper share of teaching, and illuminate the paths for their pupils, and they will find their pupils capable of a greater number of recitations; a logical history course involves teaching of history in the classroom, as opposed to mere recitation.

Dr. Eugene Lyttle said:

I agree with nearly everything the last speaker [Dr. Sachs] has said, and yet there is a very serious "if" in his proposition that students can accomplish twenty units of preparatory work

in four years. With such teaching as the speaker has in mind, it might be done; but I wish to speak for some six hundred high schools in New York State, where the teaching force and school conditions are not such that students can safely attempt to do more than sixteen units in four years. I have talked this subject over with perhaps one hundred principals in our state, and we are generally agreed that sixteen units of severe preparatory work is all that should be expected.

Now let us consider for the present only the students preparing for college. According to average entrance requirements at least seven units of foreign languages must be offered, three units of English, two units of mathematics,—making twelve units in all. This leaves a maximum of four units to be divided between history and science.

The Secretary said:

Permit me to call attention to a fact that has thus far escaped notice in the discussion. The year of intensive work found in the programs of the Committee of Ten and the Committee of Seven has disappeared from the proposed course. The practical effect of the intensive work in the former reports was to give good content in one year, but not to affect the content in the other years to any considerable extent. The proposed course substitutes for a single year of intensive work, intensive work throughout the entire four years of the course. This is one of the most fundamental things in it. This is to be secured by a study of fewer topics each year, but those of real historical value. It means fewer topics, but greater content in each. This smaller number of topics should, however, cover the great essentials.

53

BUSINESS MEETING

The Treasurer reported that he had received in dues $169.00, and had expended $167.27, leaving a balance on March 10 of $1.73. The expenses of the meeting and publishing the minutes were estimated at $100.00. There remained $103.00 in dues not paid. The estimated balance, after paying all expenses, would be $4.73. Since the expenses of organizing the Association and holding two meetings had been met with $269, it would be an easy task to carry on the work of the Association in the future and do the printing which should be done. The membership

was 20I.

The Auditing Committee, Professors W. I. Hull and H. V. Ames, reported that they had examined the report of the Treasurer and found it correct. This report was adopted.

The Committee on Nominations, Prof. E. P. Cheyney and Dr. J. T. Shotwell, reported the following nominations for officers for the ensuing year: President, Superintendent J. H. Van Sickle, Baltimore; Vice-President, Prof. M. S. Brown, New York University; Secretary and Treasurer, Prof. E. H. Castle, Teachers College; Council-Prof. Lucy M. Salmon, Vassar College; Prof. C. H. Hull, Cornell University; Prof. C. A. Herrick, Central High School, Philadelphia; Prof. P. O. Robinson, High School of Commerce, New York City; Prof. C. J. Geer, Shady Side Academy, Pittsburg. The report of the committee was adopted.

Upon motion the two committees of Dr. Sullivan and President Scott were combined, and to the combined committee were referred the recommendations and suggestions which accompanied the reports.

The Committee on Resolutions reported as follows:

The success of the Second Annual Convention of the Association of History Teachers of the Middle States and Maryland is due not only to the cordial support of its own members and guests, but is due also, in large measure, to its friends in Philadelphia, who have provided for its meetings and extended their hospitality to all of its members.

The Committee on Resolutions recommend that the Convention vote its hearty thanks to each of the following:

The Provost and University of Pennsylvania who have given us a home, and who are yet to give us of their bounty;

The Principal and Trustees of the Philadelphia High School who have lent us their spacious auditorium;

And, particularly, the local committee, including Professors Ames and Edmonds and their associates, who have labored with success to make it pleasant and profitable for us to be here. EMMA G. SEBRING,

Resolution adopted.

Upon motion adjourned.

JAMES F. BALDWIN.

After adjournment a luncheon was given to the members of the Association by the University of Pennsylvania in Houston Hall.

E. H. CASTLE,
Secretary.

LUCY M. SALMON,

President.

Abbe, Mrs. Robert,
Abelson, Paul,

Ames, Herman V.,
Anderson, Bingley,
Andrews, Elizabeth A.,
Arnold, Isabel F.,
Babcock, Earle B.,
Balch, Elizabeth,
Baldwin, Blanche,
Baldwin, Florence,
Baldwin, James F.,
Barnard, J. Lynn,
Barrett, Martha B.,

Bates, A. B.,
Belcher, Katharine F.,
Bergen, Kate A.,
Boynton, George E.,
Brewer, Margaret H.,

Briggs, Elizabeth,
Brown, Marshall S.,
Brownell, Jane L.,
Brush, W. F.,
Burr, George L.,

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
The Misses Masters School,
Miss Baldwin's School,
Plainfield Seminary,
Ethical Culture School,
St. Agnes School,
High School for Girls,
Miss Baldwin's School,
Vassar College,
Ursinus College,

De Witt Clinton High
School,

Morris High School,
Newark High School,
High School,

Erasmus Hall High School,
Western District High
School,

Dr. Sachs's School,
New York University,
Miss Baldwin's School,

Cornell University,

Dobbs Ferry, N. Y.
Bryn Mawr, Pa.
Plainfield, N. J.
New York City.
Albany, N. Y.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Bryn Mawr, Pa.
Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Collegeville, Pa.

New York City.
New York City.
Newark, N. J.
Jamaica, N. Y.
Brooklyn, N. Y.

Washington, D. C.
New York City.
New York City.
Bryn Mawr, Pa.

Ithaca, N. Y.