The Georgetown news., 1855-11-15
An Incident in School Life.

| OH0'l "CUOA VI d lflc. II WOru spoken Ill Sed-
son, cruel taunt, wounding the heart to
its core, have been the turning points in des-
tiny, and put young mind on the high
road to fortune, or sent it downward to
ruin. Almost every person can recall some
occurrence in early life which gave tone and
impulse to effort, and imbued the mind with
principles whose Influence is even now con-
trolling. We give place to the following
true narrative, from the Buffalo Courier, as
an illustration of this fact, and because it
inculcates a truth which every man, woman,
and child, may prOftably bear in mind:
Years ago, when [ was a bov, it was
customary, and probably is now to some
extent among district schools in the coun-
try, to have spelling schools during the win
ter term. These gatherings were always
anticipated with great interest by the schol-
ars, as at those times was to be decided who
was the best speller. Occasionally one
school would visit another for test of schol-
arship in this regard. All how the little
hearts would throb, and big ones thump, in
their anxiety to beat the whole.
Once on time, neighboring school sent
word to ours, that on a certain day in the
afternoon they would meet in our school
house for one Of these contests. 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, dissyllables, poly
slllableS, authorizations, &C., &C., which the
spelling books contained.
At length the day arrived, and as our
visitors were considered rather our superb
OrS, our fears and anxieties were propor-
tionately great. The scholars were ranged
in a standing position, opposite sides of the
house, and the words pronounced to each
side alternately, and the scholar that "miss-
ed" 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 few rounds the contest turned in
their favor. as they had four standing to
our two. For long time it seemed as
though these six had the book "by heart"
At length the number was reduced to one
on each side. Our visitors were represent
ed by an accomplished young lady, whose
| parents had recently arrived in town, and
our school by myself, a ragged little boy of
ten summers, who had sat up night after
night, while mother pronounced nv les
sons to me. The interest Of the spectators
was excited to the highest pitch, as word
after word was spelled by each. At length
the young lady missed and l stood alone
Her teacher said she did not understand the
word. She declared she did, that the honor
was mine, and that richly deserved it
That was a proud moment for me. l had
spelled down both schools and was declared
victor. My cheeks burned, and my brain
was dizzy with excitement.
Soon as the school was dismissed my
cOmpetitress came and sat down by my side
and congratulated me On my success, in
quired my name and age, and hatteringly
predicted M future success in life.
Unaccustomed to such attention, | doubt
less acted as most little boys would under
such circumstances, injudiciously. At this
juncture, Master g., the son of the rich man
Of our neighborhood, tauntingly said to me,
in the presence ofmy fair friend and a num-
Der of boys from the other school-"Oh,
you needn't feel so big Your folks are
poor, and your father is a drunkard."
was happy no mOre-I was a drunk
ards son-and how could | look my new
friends in the face? My heart seemed to
rise up in my throat, and almost suffocated
me. The hot tears scalded my eyes-but [
kept them back; and as soon as possible
quietly slipped away from my companions,
procured my dinner basket, and unobserved,
teft the scene of my triumph and disgrace,
with heavy heart, for my home. But
what home! "My folks were poor-and
my father was a drunkard." But why
should L be reproached for that? | could
not prevent my fathers drinking, and, as
sisted and encouraged by my mother, [ had
done all l could to keep my place ia my
class at school, and to assist her in her
worse than widowhood.
Boy as [ was, l inwardly resolved never
to taste of liquor, and that | would show
Master g., if | was a drunkard's son.
would yet stand as high as he did. But
all my resolves could not allay the gnawing
grief and vexatiOn produced by his taunting
words and naughty manner. In this frame
of mind-my head and heart aching, my
eyes red and swollen reached home. My
mother saw at once that | was in trouble,
and inquired the cause. buried my face
in her lap and burst into tears. Mother
seeing my grief, waited until l was more
composed, when | told her what had hap
Pened, and added, passionately, Il wish fa-
ther wouldn't be drunkard, so we could
be respected as other folks" At first, moth
er seemed almost overwhelmed, but quickly
rallying, said:
"My son, feel very sorry for you, and
regret that your feelings have been so in
jured. G. has twitted you about things
you cannot help. But, never mind, my son.
Be always honest; never taste drop of in
toxicating liquor; study and improve your
mind. Depend on your own energies, trust
ing in God, and you will, if your life is
spared, make useful and respected man.
| | wish Vnnr father when sober cnnlh have