Meigs County telegraph. [volume] (Pomeroy [Ohio]) 1848-1859, 1853-07-26
For the Telegraph.

served an urce under the capiion ol
" School Examination !" the tendency oi
which is, although not so designed, 10 con-
vey an impression injurious 10 the inler.
esiS Of the Academy.
In speaking Of the lack o! interest in The
school as manifested by the smallness Of the
audience, you ay.--''Noed we be surprised
then, if we find lack Of energy, life and
animation in pupils as we'll as instructors q
The school may be kept in existence by
money, and be a very quiet, orderly schoo
extremely SO. The pupils will become
remarkably mil d and gentlemanly. dis
trcssingly so. And YET for The active dulie,
of lie, The struggles against poverty, mislor
tune, and the numerous temptations which
may bcses Them, what will they be wcnh
No,hing-absoluloly nothing. Instead o
their energies being developed and strength
ened BY emulation and applause, they vii
be literally Starred out, by inalten,ion ant
neglect "
1t is true, that the citizens generally die
not manifest any interest in the exercises o
The occasion. 1t is also true that there was
total absence Of what is usually understood
by " emulation among the pupils. MOI
was there any boiStcrons "appIause" from
those in auendance-being generally the
patrons Of The school. And yet do not ap,
prehond the disastrous consequences which
you seem 10 deprcciatc.
You, and |, Mr.. Editor, seem TO differ
widely in our estimate Of the mode of in.
srucIion, and The motives by which the
pupils should be induced 10 study. And the
citizens doubtless differ also; and in consc.
quence Of this difference, will pa,ronize
schools in accordance with their several
tastes The neglect attributed 10 Them
therefore, in reference 10 that particular
school, and occasion, is matter of taste
and feeling for the exercise Of which ! have
noIher the right nor the disposition 10 CEN
sure them. But feeling deep interest in
The school, having son under instruction
there. have from lis commencement OBJ.
served the progress Of the pupils with some
attention. And have no doubt speak The
sentiments of all its patrons, when say that
that progress has not only been entirely sat.
isIaclory, but that the motives and influences
brought TO bear upon the pupils, TO effect thar
progress, have been such as 10 command
their unqualified approval. ....
You admit that "Ihe examination of the
class in Geometry was. thorough and con-
Quoted in such manner MS 10 leave no
doubI OF the proficiency Of the students. :"
And am sure if you had been present you
could not have said less Of all tho classes
during the two days Of the examination:
Now, that the pupils should sustain them,
selves through such an examination, and ex.
hibi, the seIl-reliance there manifested, in
The total absence of all stimulous from "em.
llOlion" and rivalry among themselves, and
exc i'ing applause" from the audience. was
% me one OF The most encouraging and hope.
'ul scenes ever witnessed.
1t seems to me, Mr.. Editor, that if the
aculIies Of children can be so unlolded, and
such motives presented, that they will strive
llier science, for The sake of the truths tire.
reals and the principles it inculcaIes, and 10
owe and practice those truths and PRINCIPLES
rom an intelligent appreciation Of their
PRICELESS vaIuo-such pupils 'ViH be prepared
o meet The active duties Of life and sustain
is roverses with peculiar safety TO them.
elves.
have no doubt liberal expenditure of
&C., would give more notoriely
the school. But looking at the subec
rom my sland.pon,, would ask you back
our own queslion-What would pupils
'hose energies had been developed by such
means be worth ? And with great emphasis
would repeat your own answer" Nothing,
bsolnely nothing" Let "misformne
vertuke Them, and certain as all experience
he "uppluuse will cease and then support
aying failed, what then susiains them
4eI temptations besol them, and their "ener.
les" having been "developed" by "omula.
ion and applause" are weak indeed. Alas
ow weak the wrecks OF those who daily
all around US, TOO plainly prove,
think most Of those who Witnessed The
Examination were fully satisfied that excite.
1en's are not necessary 10 invite pupils 10
Industry ana perseverance. That they
nay be inspired by higher and better mo-
Ives--Ond that self,reliance, the result ofI
moral and intellectual gro,cth is a better
uppor against the "misloruncs and temp.
ATOMS of life, than any "deueIopmsnf'
ikeIy to be attained under the slimuIous Of
emulation and applause"
An Institution relying on It's own intrin.
ic merits is not likely 10 be much effected
" thu, kind of "lu&e.warmness" which
you'd utterly ruin one conducted on oppo,
i'e principles. Hence do not upprehend
hnl eilhnr the nnrrnnnnncu nrnrnG,lnnnn nrl