The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-09-06
NO. III.
THE COMMON SCHOOL.

NO. Ill.
THE COMMON SCHOOL.
81 promised God that would look upon every
| Prussian peasant child, as being who could COM
plain ofme before God, il | did not provide for
him the best education, as man and christian,
which it was possible for me to provde-DINTER;
a PrusSian School Counsellor.
To THE PEOPLE OF OHIO:
I ask your attention to the following extract
from manuscript letter.
"There was district school in the town of
NJ, visit to which, gave me more pleasure
than any other single incident OF my journey. 1t
was in the midst OF farming population, and had
no other means Of support, than what would be-
long to every common school in the land, fpa-
rents and citizens did but discharge their duty.
''My friend R, who resided in the dis
trict, conducted me to the school house, IL o'clock
in the morning found it little ways from the
dust and noise of the road in the centre of lot of
about half an acre OF ground, which was situated
upon the southern slope of gently rising hill
While it was open to the pleasant summer winds,
it was protected, at the top Of the HILL the north
by thick woods AS approached the school
house from these woods, before caught sight of
it, heard the loud laughter Of the merry hearted
girls of the school, who were just then enjoying
their morning recess
"The grounds, though perfectly free from damp,
were partially shaded by some fine forest trees, r
regularly planted, as if by nature; and lnterspersed,
were occasional cumps of shrubs and flowers
There were two open spaces for play grounds, the
ole for boys, and the other for girls, separated from
each other, by close fence, extending from the
rear Of the house. The proper out-bui!dings had
been provided in proper places, and near the house
was good pump, which brought from fine well
the necessary supply of refreshing water.
"The house itself was a plain, but substantial
building, containing, as found upon going into
it, a spacious entry, with divisions for boys and
girls, small room by the side of the entry, used
sometimes as arecitaon room, and large, hand
somey lighted, and well ventilated school room,
with seats for 80 scholars The seats were of
heights carefully adjusted to the convenience of
the scholars and with the desks attached were far
enough apart TO allow the pupil OF teacher to move
freely among them The desks were also OF pro-
portionate heights so to be perfectly convenient
for the exercise OF writing.
"As my visit was in the month of June, saw
no fire, but observed that provision was made for
warming the room by an excellent fireplace upon
the side towards the entrance. A neat wooden
clock embelshed the mantle-piece, and upon the
table, near the teachers desk, were a couple of
globes, and some philosophical apparatus. Sever
al elegant outline maps hung upon the walls ofthe
room, and noticed bookcase behind the teach
ers desk, containing the district library. About
the whole room, there was an impress of neatness
and airy comfort, which must have been Of most
healthful influence upon the minds of its youthful
occupants
"The teacher, an intelligent young woman,
whom my friend introduced as Miss c., re-
ceived US with poleness and perfect selfposses-
sion, offering chairs to each of US, and retaining
one herself. The pupils, of whom the boys only
were then present, glanced at us for moment,
showing their bright eyes and happy countenances,
as we took our seats, and then seemed all busily
engaged upon their studies. Every thing we saw
was in perfect order, as was fitting IN the room
where the sons offreemen are trained to the duties
Of selfgovernment;
eMiss c., exchanged but few words
with us, and then rose and pursued the business of
her charge.
"Kindness marked each tone of her voice, and
confidence and affection shone in the faces OF her
pupils. It was easy to see that the ehastisement of
the shameful rod was never needed there. In a
few minutes the ringing of a small bell announced
the termination of the girls recess. Nothing
could be more pleasant than the sight of those ro
sy checked and intelligent young girls, as with
sidelong gances at us, they quickly and modestly
took their proper seats, and resumed their studies.
We remained, as delighted lockers on, until the
dismissal of the school for the midday intermis-
sion. Our presence seemed to cause not the least
interruption or embarrassment, and class after class
was examined before US, the promptness and cor
rectness Of whose answers would have done honor
TO the most perfectly cultivated minds.
81 was particularly pleased by the distinctness
and apt emphasis which all the pupils displayed in
the exercise ofreading and by the neatness ofther
penmanship. The examination in mental Arith-
metic showed that the pupil was never permitted
to hurry over first elements without understanding