The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-10-05


scholars. and studying the dispositions
with which he had to deal. Upon George
Henry his eye rested with keen. search
ing glance. But he evidently made little
of him during the first day, bu, on the
second he did more. 1t was during the
afternoon of the second day that Mr.. Kel-
ley observed young Henry engaged in inn
paling flies upon the point of large pin.
He went to the boys seat. and after repri.
mahding him for his idleness, he took up
the dirty, tattered primer from his desk.
"Have you never learned more than is
in this bookl'' asked the teacher.
"No, sir" drawled George.
"How long have you attended school!'
s.I don't know, sir. It's ever since
can remember"
s'Then you must be an idle, reckless
boy" said the teacher, with much severity
DO you realize how many years you
have thrown awayl Do you know how
much you have lost9 What sort OF aman
do you think of making in this way9 One
Of these days you will be too old to go to
school, and then. while your companions
are seeking some honorable employment.
you will be good for nothing. Have you
any parents!''
Eyes. SIR" answered the boy, in a
hoarse, subdued tone.
"And do they wish you 10 grow up TO
be an ignorant. worthless mani"
The boy hung down his head, and was
silent; but Mr.. Kelly saw two great tears
roll down his cheeks. In an instant, the
teacher saw that he had something be-
Il to col
IN the ragged scholar before him. He
laid his hand upon the boys head, and in
kind tone, he said:
81 wish you to stop after school is dis
missed. Do not be afraid, for wish to
assist you if can"
| George looked up wonderingly into the
masters face, for there was something in
the tones of the voice which fell upon his
ear that sounded strangely TO him; and he
thought, too, as he looked around, that the
rest OF the scholars regarded him with
kinder countenances than usual. dim
thought broke in upon his mind that, from
some cause, he was going to be happier
than before.
After the school was dismissed, George
Henry remained in his seat till the teacher
called him to the desk
"Now,'' said Mr.. Kelly, 81 wish to know
how it is that you have never learned any
more You look bright, and you look as
though you might make smart man.
Whv is it that find you SO ignorant?"
because nobody ever helps me, sir, .
] replied the boy. Nobody cares for me.
for am poor
By degrees the kind hearted teacher goi
the poor boys whole history, and while
generous tears bedewed his eyes. he said:
..You have been very wrongly treated
George-very wrongly;; but there is, ye,
time for redemption. If ] will try to teach
Eyou. will you try TO learn?"
,..Yes.-O, yes" quickly uttered the boy
4 in earnest tones .'Yes.-I should love to
llearn. don't want TO be bad boy he
thrillingly added, while his countenance
glowed with unwopted animation. $50
Mr.. Kelly promised to purchase books
for the boy as fast as he could learn &c
need them. and when George Henry LEFT
1.-THE school-room, his face was wet with
ltears. We scholars, who had remained
lin the entry, saw him come out. and on1
lhearts were warmed towards him. W.
+ spoke kindly to him. and walked with hin
to his house, but his own heart was too
full for utterance.
1 On the next day George Henry com
I menced studying in good earnest. and th'
teacher helped him faithfully. Never di'
{ I see change SO radical and sudden a
that which took place in the habits OF tn
poor boy. Asfsoon as the teacher treatet
, him with kindness and respect. The scholar
, followed the example, and the result was
, that we found in the unfortunate youth on
: of the most noble.hearted. generous, &C
commodating, and truthful playmates il
: the world.
, Time passed on, and the boys min
expanded with the approach of buddin
manhood. Helearned rapidly and easily
!, : and he fairly outstripped many of thos
Il who had had long years the start OF hir
: in the intellectual race. He grew eloquen
), as he grew older, and with his calm, kin
eloquence he saved his father from tn
: slough of intemperance, and raised him u
5 to be once more man..
Long years have passed since thos
). school-boy days. George Henry has be
i come man Of middle-age, and in all tn
! country there is not a man more Delove
: and respected than Is he. And all this
: the result OF one teachers having done hi
! duty. You who are school-teachers, r.
! member the responsibility tina: devolye
! upon you. In the country of free school,
]. there should be no distinction be:wee
! |,classes. eAll are alike entitled TO your ca'
and counsel. and the more weak the chill
. lthe more earnest should be your endeavol
to lift him up and aid him.
!. A Good One.
e They tell a good story OF Lorenzo Do'
II Tor a perambulating preacher OF his schoo
!, to the effect. that riding once in STAG
d coach on his way TO an appointment,