The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1854-02-03

The ExAMIsArIoS.-NV had the pleasure
Of being present during a part Of the Exami-
nation at Mrs. Humphreys School, on Fri
day last. The exercises were very interest
ing, the pupils generally acquitting them
selves in u very credit,ble Misunderstanding
attention to their books and aptness at learn
ing, and skill and assiduity on the part of
their teacher. AS there is no profession more
important than that Of teaching, so there is
none for the competent discharge of the du-
ties of which so few persons are qualified
An individual may be highly learned in all
the branches Of the schools, and vet not be
qualified for teacher. The art is in not
only possessing knowledge but in being able
to explain and impart it TO the young mind
in n manner that it will ut once understand
and comprehend, and render pleasant and en-
PERTAINING studies that would be otherwise
disagreeable and repulsivc. 1t is this rare
faculty, possessed by Mrs. Humphreys in so
eminent degree, that enables her to teach
with such success.
While on the subject, we want 10 make Il
single remark. The people of our town
(ourself, perhaps, among the number we
are afraid are manfesting too little interest
in the education of their children. 1t is true
some of them feel interested enough to
send 10 school. But farther than that they
have no concern. They seldom ever in
qurc into the studies, and when Examna-
tion-day comes round, the time when the
pupils are to show the progress they have
made and the skill and competency of their
teacher, ii is allowed to pass without clicling
any Of their attention. When they send their
servants and work-hands to the field or to
the shop they are very apt to inquire not only
into the amount Of labor performed, but the
manner in which il is done. But whether
their children are learning what they ought
to ut school, whether they are progressing
with their studies, and whether the teachers
are discharging their duty faithfully, are mat
tiers of small concern. If the children are
"a-goin' 10 school" God bless youD and are
cut of their sight for SO many hours each
day, it is all that seems TO be necessary This
is all wrong, and we should be pleased to
see it otherwise. If the child sees no inter-
est manifested at home for its progress how
long will it be before it grows tired and dis
gusted with its books and the routine of the
school, and become as indifferent on the sub
ject rs the parents appear to be! A compc-
tcncc, perhaps wealth, is desirable, and it Is
commcndablo in all parents to lay up some
thing by honest effort to give their children
81 start in business" But good education
is better than silver and gold, and they COM
NIT great error who neglect them in that
respect. Better far give them good, solid
educations and send them forth pcnniIess to
battle with the storms and trials of life. than
to glect the culture of their minds, though
by so doing you might add thousands to the
poor legacics of "dollars and dimes" that
your mistaken economy may enable you to
bcqueath them.
Some Of our readers may think We are
saying too much on this subject but we must
be allowed to differ with them, and shall re-
cur to it from time TO time until we see
n more lively interest manifested in this and
other communities within the bounds of our
circulation.