The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-04-27

wonld ratn-r any one should speak against
me than AGAINST khem'

wonld rat,rr any one should speak against
me than against them
There was momentary silence, and
then John Beal (who usually sat motion
less and inattentive as a stone post to eve-
rything excepting his arithmetic) hastily
rose and requested permission 10 speak. !.
which was readily granted.
j have attended this school, said he.
with some agitation, these eighteen years.
| was ieruled every summer by the mis-
tress, and logged every winter by the
master. until was strong enough to defend
myself Until this winter. no one has ev-
er tried 10 make me understand nv stud.
les; otherwise should mol have been here
now, when am almost twenty one years
Ld. never saw a master try to make his
scholars happy before. never before saw
master stand up for his scholars to save
hem from blame and punishment. Think
we ought all to do the very best we can TO
make his task light and pleasant; should
like 10 know how many there are in the
school who intend to behave we'll and help
The MASTER
Harry stood up. with bright smile and
| SAID Every one who means to do his du
~ hold up his right hand. Here is mine'
Every one Immediately elevated hand
Some of the girls by mistake held up the
left one. and the children held up both, in
their zeal TO do something popular:
Then Joe Downer. who could no long.
erre>train his enthusia .m. proposed three
cheers for Master Somers!' and, in the deaf
ening hurrahs which followed. Mr. Maris
Effected his escape. somewhat ashamed OF
himself. and exceedingly puzzled with this
',ew state Of things.
There was one boy whose enthusiastic
attempt al a most signal and surprising
aurrah failed entirely. and was choked in
to sob. which was. fortunately unheard
u the uproar. This was Clare Maris. 1t
was the first time any body ever stood up
or him, defended his honor and stood
good boy he thinks me- said he to hin,seli:
but henceiorh | will be-. He shall not
trust me Tor nolhing'
From that time. his whole conduct and
ieportment was so changed for the better.
that his father. TO his great surprise. never
again found an opportunity to chastse
him. Indeed. such was the masters in.
lueuce on his brothers. that the rod soon
tt-ll into disuse in that family.
Harry Somers. finding on inquiry that
Saturday. though not holy time. was the
unoccupied evening ofthe week. informed
his school that he would always be a,
home at that time. land would be happy to
see any oi them al his room. twas rath-
er small-wouii not comfortably sea, more
thar fifteen; but any number not exceed
ing that would be very welcome. He
would be glad OF the opportunity TO talk
with them about anything which interested
them. excepting their studies. which had
better be laid aside from Saturday noon
,ill Monday morning. as the mind requires
rest But they could sing. or tell stories.
or whatever they pleased
This inyt. ton. kindly and simply given.
was accepted with much plea sure and the
Saturday evenings thus distinguished. were
so ardently anticipated, and heartily en-
i"yed.f thai they were Obliged to '.take
iurns." so as not to exceed the specified
number. Julien Sivre was with them. no
longer despised and neglected, but joyous
and hopeful rs any.
As the school girls. and the small boys
could moi participate in this enjoyment,
liarrv obtained for the school. by the in
fluence Of the Committee. the liberty OF
Wednesday afternoon. which was thence
forth devoted to the singing Of songs and
glees. ending in contra dance.-so all
were delighted. and nobody found time to
quarrel with the teacher or any one else
And with this liberty. and music. and
sociabilily. without punishment. without
compulsion. the scholars Of the Red Oaks
Village made greater progress in their
studies than everbetore during many years
Besides this. the influence OF Ilarry's kind
and gentemanly manner had entirely
changed the rough habits. and coarse ieel-
ings. of the young people under his
charge. Profanity and evil speaking were
baDished. and co,,t -niions were hardly
known among them. @
oy So thoroughly convinced were the pa
rents of this result. that they yielded to the
rarnes, solicitations Of their children. and.
at the close Of the term. engaged Harry to
te ach them again. the next winter; and be-
cause he seemed to hesitate little. before
replying to their proposal. they offered him
"a larger salary than they ever before had
given.E 1851 HR
So they gave him hearty, afflc,ionate
farewell. which some OF. them could not
utter leastahe voice should break into sobs.
and others could not look. because their
eyes were blinded with tears etf
But he came back to item the second
winter. and the third. and each term was
as happy and useful a. the first. Now he
can leach them no more. as he is study.
ing a profession. and after while we are
gong to have grand wed,ling--two we'd
ding< in one. lefty and Jenny Bolde,
will be bridesmaids. and King George and
Julien Sivre the groomsmen. a
The laiteris now receiving thorough
musical education, with distinguished
German ,teHcher. through the munifcencf
of his old friend. Captain Downer. When
he returns 10 his island home. it will be as
a gentleman. and professor Of music
with letters Of introduction. with spotles.
character, and elegant manners.