PUBLIC SPIRIT OF THE TEACHERS..

While yet in doubt as to the extent of loss by the fire and whether the schools could be sustained, the teachers of the city unitedly offered to continue their work till the close of the year, regardless of compensation. The offer was accepted, and all the children, on application, were, as soon as possible, re-installed in some school.

EFFECTS OF THE FIRE.

The examinations for the year, and especially for admission to the high school, have shown no appreciable difference; and, although the progress of pupils has been affected by the frequent changes, the instruction has been as thorough as before.

The year closed with only 2 per cent. less pupils than it begun, though the teaching force had been reduced 20 per cent.

The schools have suffered most from irregular attendance, and also in the necessary withdrawal of many of the older pupils; yet this last is compensated for by the examples of heroism manifested in the struggles of some to complete their course. The evening schools have not been resumed since the fire.

Generous relief, both in money and clothing, was forwarded to the teachers and pupils from various sources, and carefully distributed among them.

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

An entire new board, consisting of fifteen members, was nominated by the mayor on the 1st of July.

SCHOOL-BUILDINGS.

Four of the burned school-buildings have been re-erected in the north division, and another, in place of two which were destroyed, was expected to be completed by the 1st of January. Four new buildings have also been erected at a cost of $188,454.16 for buildings and lots, and $7,958.85 for furniture. Additional accommodations are needed, especially on account of the increase of the mechanic and laboring population to rebuild the city.

INCREASE OF SCHOLARS.

There has been an increase of over 100 per cent. in the last seven years, and it was believed that the fall term would open with not far from 35,000 pupils.

BRANCHES OF STUDY.

Particular attention is paid to music, and at the close of the last year all the grammar grades were examined for the first time in reading music at sight. German is very generally taught, and over 4,500 pupils of the public schools are studying that language. Greek, Latin, and French, in addition, are taught in the high school.

THE HIGH SCHOOL.

Notwithstanding the disadvantages occasioned by the fire, the closing examinations of this school compare favorably with those of former years. There were fifty-four graduates at the last anniversary.

THE NORMAL SCHOOL.

The normal department of the high school became an independent school in 1871. The first graduating class of the department consisted of one member; the school now contributes about twenty-five teachers annually to the service of the city, and these have been almost uniformly successful in their work. All but three of the alumni of the normal school have taught in the public schools.

A school of practice, consisting of divisions from one of the district schools, is located in the normal building, and the pupils of the normal school are required to teach in this at least two consecutive weeks before graduation, in order to acquire, under proper supervision, correct modes of discipline and instruction. They are also frequently called into practice to supply temporary absences of teachers in the city

schools.

All applicants for positions in the public schools, whose qualifications are approved by the board of education, but who are without experience in teaching, are required

to spend some time in the departments of the normal school, there to demonstrate their ability for practical work.

A higher standard of scholarship is now required for admission than formerly, which is responded to by enlarged preparation on the part of candidates, and no falling off of numbers.

Hereafter two classes will be graduated annually.

JACKSONVILLE.

THE PORTUGUESE ELEMENT.

The few following facts are offered in answer to the many inquiries that have been made in regard to the Portuguese element in the city and schools of Jacksonville:

It is about twenty years since a number of Portuguese, driven from their homes in the island of Madeira by religious persecution, fled to the United States. The peculiar advantages offered by Illinois induced them to settle in that State, dividing their numbers about equally between Jacksonville and Springfield. The first colony numbered about 300. Since then many more have arrived, so that there are now about 1,200 Portuguese in Jacksonville. They were very destitute when they arrived, but through their industry and frugality nearly every family has secured a comfortable home. They have established two Protestant churches, in which service is conducted in their native language. The number of Portuguese children in the public schools is 230.

STATE NORMAL UNIVERSITY.

This institution closed its fifteenth year in June, 1872. At the closing exercises of the term, the president, in his address, stated that, since the founding of the institution, there have been in the normal school 2,617 pupils, making the admissions on an average 1744 per year. But for the last two years the admissions have averaged 266 per year. In the model school the total attendance has been 2,626. Over 700 pupils of the university are engaged in teaching, and of these 75 are acting as principals or superintendents. The cost of education per pupil is $91.61. The number of graduates has been 200 in the normal and 17 in the high school.

FUNDS DERIVED FROM UNITED STATES GRANTS.

The institution has been mainly supported by the interest of the college and seminary fund. This has usually been spoken of as a State appropriation. But it does not come as a gift from the State. It is the interest on a fund donated by Congress for the maintenance of a State institution of learning. The State is only a trustee of the fund.

MODEL DEPARTMENT.

The model department is divided into three grades-high, grammar, and primary. The permanent teachers are assisted by the pupil-teachers from the normal school. The classical course is very thorough. Young men who have taken this course enter Harvard or Yale without conditions.

An additional course of study has been arranged to meet the demands of the new "school law." All the students have an opportunity to take this course.

MUSEUM AND LIBRARY.

The museum and library formerly belonging to the Illinois Natural History Society are in the university building, and to these the students of the university have access under suitable restrictious. The museum has an exceedingly valuable collection, and the contents are nearly all catalogued in a manner most convenient for reference.

PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL LECTURES BY THE FACULTY.

President Edwards stated in his address that most of the counties in the State had been visited by some of the normal faculty, for the purpose of lecturing upon educational topics and giving instruction at institutes. Altogether, 349 institutes have been attended and 503 addresses delivered.

The condition of the university in every way leaves nothing to be desired.

COOK COUNTY NORMAL AND TRAINING SCHOOL.

The number of different pupils who have belonged to this school since its organization is 316. Of these, 86 have completed the course of study and received diplomas. Normal students are required to practice in the model-school from five to twenty days each year of their attendance at the school.

GERMAN-ENGLISH NORMAL SCHOOL.

In this institution students are prepared to teach in either German or English schools. Its departments are normal, preparatory, academic, and a model-school. A class in horticulture receives theoretical and practical instruction. There are two libraries— one German and one English.

ILLINOIS INDUSTRIAL UNIVERSITY.

The grounds occupied by the university embrace about 623 acres. The new university building is one of the most spacious and convenient on this continent. It is 214 feet in length, with a depth on the wings of 122 feet. This building is designed wholly for public use. The library wing is fire-proof, and contains five large halls devoted to the library and various cabinets and museums. The new mechanical building and drill-hall is of brick, 128 feet in length by 88 feet in width. The barns and greenhouses are extensive and valuable.

Besides these lands and buildings, which are, with furniture, library, &c., valued at $300,000, the university owns 25,000 acres of well-selected lands in Minnesota and Nebraska. Its endowment funds amount to $364,000; other property is valued at $33,000. The State has appropriated $25,000 to the agricultural department; $20,000 to the historical department; $25,000 for mechanical building and drill-room; $75,000 for the erection of the main building; $10,500 to furnish the chemical laboratory; and $20,000 for library and apparatus.

The university embraces the following colleges and schools: 1. The college of agriculture, subdivided into two schools—one of agriculture proper, the other of horticulture and fruit-growing. 2. The college of engineering, subdivided into four schools-mechanical science, civil engineering, mining engineering, and architecture. 3. The college of natural science, subdivided into two schools-chemistry and natural history. 4. The college of literature and science, subdivided into two schoolsEnglish and modern literature and ancient languages and literature. There is also a school of commerce, a school of military science, and a school of domestic science and arts.

The studies are elective, but the completion of one of these courses, or of the equivalents allowed in it, will be required to entitle the student to graduate.

CO-EDUCATION OF THE SEXES.

The purpose of the school of domestic science and arts is to provide a full course of instruction in the arts of the household and the sciences relating thereto. The instruction in this school was to begin with the college year, September, 1872, and to be developed as fast as practicable. Other schools, especially adapted to the wants of women, will be opened as fast as the means in the possession of the university will permit. Young ladies have free access to all the departments of the university, and several are already pursuing studies in the schools of chemistry, horticulture, architecture, and commerce.

It is expected that the old university building will be thoroughly refitted and devoted to the use of lady students and to the schools of domestic science and other schools for women, when the new building is fully prepared and occupied. But a year must elapse before the transfer can be effected. To meet the present want, arrangements are in progress to open near the university a boarding hall for ladies.

Labor is not compulsory, but is furnished, as far as possible, to all who desire it. Students, however, can not count upon paying more than one-half their expenses by working.

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO.

The small attendance at the law school of this university during the past year is owing to the fact of the law-school building having been destroyed in the fire of October, 1871, and the students scattered among the other schools.

LIBRARY AND MUSEUM.

Large additions have recently been made to the library, museum, and apparatus. The Hengstenburg library, containing about 13,000 volumes, and including one of the most valuable theological libraries in the country, is now put up in the university. A collection of 3,500 coins has been presented to the university by Rev. Miles Sanford, D.D., of Philadelphia.

SCIENTIFIC APPARATUS.

Among late donations of apparatus, are a Ruhmkorff's induction coil, one of the largest ever imported, and a full set of the famous Geissler's tubes. The Dearborn ob

servatory, which forms the astronomical department of the university, contains the largest telescope in the country. During the year arrangements were completed for the organization of a course in practical chemistry. The laboratory is quite new, and one of the best equipped in the West.

To meet the wants of the different classes of students, arrangements have been made for instruction in the branches necessary to a commercial education.

Students may reside at the university and pursue studies for a longer or shorter time, in any of the classes, at their own election, subject to the regulations of the faculty.

The site of the university was a gift of the late Senator Douglas. The accommodatious have lately been increased by the completion of the main building, 136 by 72 feet. The cost of this building was over $117,000.

The institution hitherto known as Wayland University, located at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, has passed under the control of the university, and will hereafter be conducted as a preparatory department of that institution. The university has also leased the building recently erected at Winnetka, Illinois, 16 miles north of Chicago, for the purpose of maintaining a preparatory department at that place. These schools are open to both sexes. It is intended gradually to develop, in connection with the first named of these schools, a complete collegiate course of studies for young ladies, graduates of which shall receive the diploma of the University of Chicago.

SHURTLEFF COLLEGE.

The departments of study are theological, collegiate, academic, and preparatory. By a late act of the board of trustees, the preparatory and collegiate departments are open to both sexes. The wisdom of this action has been successfully tested during the current year. Students who do not propose to pursue a regular course of studies can recite in any of the classes of the preparatory and collegiate departments in which they can maintain an honorable standing. A phonographic department has been established, under the care of a practical phonographic reporter.

WHEATON COLLEGE.

This institution offers a ladies' course in each of its departments. A normal class and a commercial department are conducted in connection with the college.

As at Mount Holyoke and other like institutions, all the young ladies residing in the building, in addition to the care of their rooms, will work one hour each day in the household.

The new college buildings, erected at a cost of $50,000, have been completed, and were opened for students in September, 1872.

SAINT IGNATIUS COLLEGE.

This institution, conducted by members of the Society of Jesus, is regularly chartered and empowered to confer all the degrees usual in colleges and universities. There are two courses of study, classical and commercial. There is also a preparatory department.

ILLINOIS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY.

This institution is under the joint patronage of the Illinois and Central Illinois annual conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which annually appoint committees to supervise the examinations and general management of the institution. Ladies and gentlemen are admitted on equal terms.

A scientific course has been arranged for those who do not desire the regular college course. There is also a preparatory department, offering the advantage of a first-class academy.

The endowment fund of the college is nearly $200,000. A new building, costing over $100,000, has lately been completed.

LOMBARD UNIVERSITY.

This is open to both sexes. There are two departments of instruction, collegiate and preparatory. The collegiate includes three courses of study, classical, scientific, and literary. Each of these courses occupies four years.

EUREKA COLLEGE.

Five courses of study are offered: collegiate, biblical, normal, commercial, and musical. The collegiate department comprises four courses: preparatory, baccalaureate, scientific, and academic. Ladies are admitted to all the departments on the same footing as gentlemen. The number of students has averaged over 200 annually since the organization of the college.

MONMOUTH COLLEGE.

This institution comprises four departments: a collegiate department, (including a classical and a scientific course,) an academical department, a musical department, and an art department. Ladies are admitted to all the courses of study. Instruction is given in Hebrew sufficient to enable the student to enter an advanced theological class. Students completing the normal course will be entitled to a teacher's diploma. The geological cabinet of the college is one of the finest in the State.

WESTFIELD COLLEGE.

This institution is under the control of the Illinois, Central Illinois, and Lower Wabash conferences of the United Brethren in Christ. In addition to the classical and scientific courses, there is a teachers' or normal course, so organized as to meet the requirements of the new school law. Teachers' certificates will be issued to students completing this course. Ladies and gentlemen are admitted on equal terms.

EVANSTON COLLEGE FOR WOMEN.

The report of this college contains the remark, that "while it is true that many institutions are now nominally open to women, it is equally true that, without special provision for convenient and economical residence, and for such studies as they may wish to undertake, not found in the university curriculum, the advantage is often more nominal than real." This institution, under the direction and control of a board of lady trustees, seeks to make these special provisions, and to aid the Northwestern University to accomplish the task it has undertaken-the higher education of women.

CONSOLIDATION WITH THE NORTHWESTERN FEMALE COLLEGE.

The history of the Northwestern Female College, established at Evanston seventeen years ago, is inherited by the new college, which adopts as its own the alumni of the old college, and will use its building until next year, when its own will be completed. The students of the college receive the greater part of their instruction from the faculty of the Northwestern University. While the classical and scientific courses of the university are open to ladies, who upon completing either will receive the corresponding diploma, another course has been arranged for those who prefer to give to the modern languages and history greater prominence than to the classics and higher mathematics. This course is shorter by one year than the courses of the university, aud gives more scope to the choice of the student. The departments of music and the fine arts offer extraordinary facilities. The library of the Northwestern University, its reading-room and cabinet, are open to the students of the ladies' college.

Evanston is the most important suburb of Chicago, and the location of the college is in every way desirable and advantageous.

ILLINOIS FEMALE COLLEGE.

In addition to the course pursued in first-class academies, there are three departments: music, art, and business. The college library is large and valuable.

ALMIRA COLLEGE.

This institution is for young ladies. The collegiate course occupies four years, but pupils are encouraged to add another year to their course, that they may attain a higher culture in the languages, fine arts, and literature. A preparatory department is connected with the college.

ROCKFORD SEMINARY.

This institution has four departments: collegiate, (including a classical and scientific course,) preparatory, musical, and the department of drawing and painting. A normal class is formed when desired. The seminary originated in connection with Beloit College, and its founders designed to make liberal provisions for the thorough collegiate education of young ladies. Its charter gives full college powers.

JENNINGS SEMINARY.

The name was changed from Clark Seminary in 1869. There are five courses of study: classical, scientific, preparatory, commercial, and musical. Equal advantages are offered to ladies and gentlemen.