The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-05-02
THE sLIGHTED SCHOLAR.

they are such. too, as should be guarded
against by all those who have an interest
in education. Tho incident was brought
to mind by hearing complaint made by
the parent Of poor boy. who had been
grossly neglected by the teacher of q vii.
lage school. neglected simply because he
was poor and comparatively iriendless.
Many years ago when | was small
boy, | attended scho ol in the town Of.
Among the scholars was boy named
George Henry. HE father was poor
drinking man, and the unfortunate boy
had to suffer in consequences. George
came to school habi,ed in ragged ger
men,s-but they were the be- he had; he
was rough and uncouth inshisemanners.
for he had been brought up in that man.
ner: he was ignorant, for he had never
had an opportunity for educ ation.
Season alter sea son Poor George Henry
occupied the same seat in the school room.
IL was back, corner seat away from
The other schol ars-a and there he thumb ed
his ta,tersd primer. The ragged condi.
ton Of his garb gave a homely cas-, TO his
whole appearance, and what of intelli.
gence there NIGH, have been in his coun.
,enance was beclouded by the outer GOV.
ering OF the boy. He seldom played with
the other children. for they seemed to shun
him, but when he did for while. join
them in their sports. he was so rough. he
was soon showed out Of the way, eN
The teacher passed the poor boy coldly
in the street, while the other boys in better
garbs were kindly noticed. In the school
Young Henry was coldly treated. The
teacher neglected him and called him ian
idle blockhead, because he did not learn.
The boy received no incentive to study.
and consequently he was most OF the time
idle. and idleness begat disposition to
while AWAY the time in mischief. For
this he was always whipped. and the more
idle he became. He knew that he was
neglected by ihe.teacher. and simply be.
cause he was poor and ragged. and with
sort OF sullen indifference. sharpened
at times by feelings Of bitterness, he Plod.
ded on his dark. thaDkless way. si
Thus matters went on Tor several years.
Most OF the scholars who were Of George
Henry's age. had passed on to the highar
branches OF study, while he. poor fellow,
still spelled out words Of, one and two
| y yilables. and still kept his distant seat in
the corner. Ills father had sunk lower in
the pit Of inebriation. and the unfortunate
boy was more wretched than ever. 50
The look of clownish indifference which
had marked his countensnce wasInow
giving way TO shade Of unhappy thought
| and feelings, and it was evident that the
great turning point Of his lie was now al
hand. lie stood now upon the step in
life from which the fate Of after years
| must take its cast. ~ a
AT this time man by the name OF Kel
| ley, teok charge OF the school. He Yves
| an old teacher, and careful observer o
human nature. and really good man
Long years Of guardianship over wild
youths had given him bluff, authori
tative way, and in his discipline he was
strict and unwavering. a'Assl 7ot
The frs, day he passed in our school
time the teacher was mostly devoted to
watching the movements OF the scholars
and studying the dispositions he had to
deal with. Upon George Henry his eye
rested with q keen. searching glance
fIs evidently made but little Of him during
the first day, but the second day he did
more.
II was during the afternoon Of the sec.
ond day, tha; Mr.. Kelley observed young
Henry impaling flies on the point oi 9
large pin lie went 10 the boy 3 seat and
after reprimanding him for his idleness
he took up the dirty ,attered primer from
his desk. 'e@ 'as.. fs5s slei s}.5aa
..Have you ever learned more than is
in this book?' asked the teacher. gat1
mo sir." brawled George. s taGh
"How long have you attended school7'
81 don't know sir, it's ever since car
remember" 80 Hi' fs4'5.lskets 6.
Then you must have been an idle
reckless boy" said the teacher with muct
severity. do you realize how many
years you have. thrown swayi' Do yo,
know how much you have lost? 1sVha
sort of a man do you think Of making il
this wayi One OF these days you will b
too old, to go TO school, aud then while
your companions are eeekiDg some hon
orshls employment. you will be good fol
Ino,hing. Have you parents?" ~ s
4 4 Yes. SIR answered the boy. in 9
hoarse subdued voice. ,ss7ls a aianara 5
ea"Do they wish you TO grow up to be ~
Ignorant worthless man?'' iSe boar
The boy hung down his head and val
silent. but MIR. Kelley sew two eres, tears
roll down his cheeks. In an instant ths
teacher saw he had something besides or
/ idle stubborn mind to deal with in tn,
ragged scholar before him. Hetsid hi.
hand on the boys head, end in = kint
sltone he said: h}a@s Gen siji0 soy
II wish you to stop after school Is dis
missed. Do not be afraid Tor want Il
assist you il can" sl.4 '.z.sE''3 q :
/ George looked wonderingly into III.
m a aster's face. for there was something ir
the tone of the voice which fell upon hi.
ear that sounded strangely to him, ant
he thought TOO. az he looked around, tina
,he rest OF tho scholars regarded him will
kinder coun,enances than usual. A. din
thought broke in upon his mind that. from
some cause, he was going to be happier
Iihan before. ftita t5u9le 5s asa
4 After the school wss dismissed, George
Henry remaiDedin in his seat till the teacher
lca1leti him 10 the desk. 5lasa 43asygas s
4 81 .H.... - 18th NJ aNvf x.y .,,.h -