Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1855-11-01
AN INCIDENT IN SCHOOL LIFE.

customary, and probably is now to, some
extent among district schools In the coun-
try, to have spelling schools during the
winter term. These gatherings were an
tcpated with great interest by the schol-
ars, as at those TIMES was decided who was
the best speller. Occasionally one school
would visit another for a test of scholarship
in this respect. Ah! how the little hearts
would throb, and the big ones thump in
their anxiety to beat the whole.
Once on time neighborng school
sent word to ours, that on a. certain day
| in the afternoon they would meet ia our
school house for one Of those cchtests.--
As the time was short most of the other
studies were suspended, and at school and
! at home in the evenings, all hands were
studying to master the monosyllables, dis
syllables; polysyllables, abbrevstions, &C.,
DC, which the spelling-books contained.
| A. length the day arrived, and as our visi-
tors were considered rather our siiperors,
our cares and anxietes proportonably great.
! The scholars were ranged in standing
position, on opposite sides Of the house &
the words pronounced to each side alterna-
tey, and the scholar that "missed" was to
sit down. His game was up.
! 1t did not take long to thin the ranks
on both sides. In short time our school
had but eight on the floor, and theirs but
six. After a few rounds, the contest
turned in their favor. as they had four stan
ding to our two. For long lime it SEEM
ed as though these six had the book 'by
heart At length the number was reduced
to one on each side.
Our visitors were represented by an ac-
complshed young lady, whose parents had
recently arrived in town, and ours bv my
self. ragged little boy of ten summers
who had set up night after night while my
mother, with no other light than that pro-
duced by pine knots, pronounced my les
! sons to me- Tie interest of the spectators
was excited to the highest pitch, as word
after word was spelled by each. Al length
the young lady missed, and | stood alone
Her teacher said she did not understan nd
the word She declared she did; that the
honor was mine, and that richly deserved
t. That was proud moment COR me-
had spelled down both schools and was de-
Glazed victor. Ny cheeks burned, and my
brain was dizzy with exctment.
Soon as the school was dismissed, my
compettress came and set down by my
side and congratulated me on my success
enquired my name and age, also flattering
ly predicted nv future success in lite.
Unaccustomed to such attentions, doub:
less acted as most little boys would uhde
such circumstances, injudiciously. At th'
= juncture, Master g., the son Of the ricl
man of our ne ghborhood, tanntngly salt
to me in the presence of my fair frient
and a number of boys from the other school
30, you need't feel big--your folks are
poor, and yonr father is a drunkard."
Twas happy no more-I was drunkard'
son--and how could look my new friends il
the face. My heart seemed to rise in my throa
and almost sufiocated me. The hot tear
scalded my eyes--but kept them back, an
2 as soon as possible, quietly slipped away from
my companions, procured my dinner-baskel
and unobserved, left the scene of my triumph
and disgrace, with heavy heart for my home
But what home MY folks were poor an,
my father was drunkard" :" l could not pre-
vent my fathers drinking, and assisted ant
n encouraged by my mother. had done all
could to keep my place in my class at school
and TO assist her in her worse than widow
d hood.
Boy as was, inwardly resolved never t
e taste of liquor, and that would show Master
6 that il | was a drunkard's son | would ye
stand as high as he did But all my resolves
could not allay the gnawing grief and vexa
tion produced by his naughty words and taur
4 ting manner. In this frame OF mind my hea
;. and heart aching, my eyes red end swollen
, reached my home. My mother saw at ono
' that was in trouble and enquired the cause
buried my face in her lap and burst int
tears. Mother seeing my grief, waited unit
o was more composed, when | told her ~ ha
had happened, and added passiJna,eIy, wis
father wouldn't be drunkard, so we could b
: respected as other folks" At first mothe
= seemed almost overwhelmed, but quckl
l rallying said: ,,. .,.
}. "My son, ] feel very sorray for you, and re
!, gret that your feelings have been injured. G
has twitted you about things you cannot he r
. But never mind my son Be always honest
s never tast drop OF intoxicating liquor: stud
S and improve your mind Depend on your ow
i energies, trustingi in God, andyou will, If yo'
lie is speard, make useful and respec'e
man l wish your father when SOBER coui
Il have witnessed this scene and realized tn
n sorrow his course brings on us all. But kee
l. brave heart, my son. Remember you ar
d responsible only for your own faults. Pra
d God to keep you, and don't greve for III
h thoughtless and unknd reproaches that ma
be cast on you on your fOther's account"
This lesson of my blessed mother, trus
: was not lost upon me. Nearly forty year
q have gor since that day, aud have passe
many tryn, scenes, but none ever made 6
; strong an impression on my feelings as tha
heartless remark of Cps 1t was SO unjus
l. and SO uncalled for. Now boys, always trea
j. your mates with kindness Never indulge j
i tounting remarks towards any one, and re
s. member that The son of poor man, and eve
o of drunkard, may have aensbiiities as kee
:, as your own.
?" But there is another part of this story
IS The other day gentleman called at my plac
: of business, and asked if did not recogniz
H. on1hn