Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1856-04-12
SnANoKIsrowx, March 81. 1856.

Mr.. EDITOR AS have always been
warm friend to the cause Of education. In oil
its forms, a word from me about the schools
of our place, may not, perhaps, be without
some interest to most of your intelligent
readers. With the generality ofour citizens,
am glad to say that Shamokin has, for
several years past, been famed for her good
system of Common School Education. One
year ago. il remember correctly, her schools
were regarded by The Superintendent as
being the best in the county. So far as my
knowledge is concerned, they have lost
nothing in reputation this winter. Our teach
ers cannot easily be surpassed. One Of
them, believe, is a graduate o: one Of the
first colleges of our country and the other
as a discipinarian, has not his equal in oil
my knowledge. Besides this the people Of
onr place go hand in hand to do every thing
in their power to promote the intelligence Of
their children. The directors too have u
fostering care over these nurseries OF in
struction. Ard co-working with the parents
and teachers, for the best good of their
children, they have need to pride themselves
on account Of their future hopes. Many OF
them bid fair to become useful citizens, and
ornaments that will grace any society.
Unlike it is in most Of our villages you
observe but little of that rudcness here which
is characteristic OF set Of ill-traincd boys
and girls. On the contrary every counte.
nance is liyened up with an intellectual ex.
preston. No one can avoid being amused
when he observes The graceful movements o.
those smiling little fellows just let loose from
! the school room. 1t reminds us Of our owr
school-boy days--on the scenes Of which The
memory loves to linger.
Hearing ofthe good report Of these schools
I ,,,.,. 4,l 81 tA,, -
| children. | took occasion TO drop in anC
make Il visit to one OF them few days ago
aud | must confess, my expectations wer,
more ;han ~ealzed was surprised to lear'
that even the higher branches Of an cducl
lion were taught. There were no less thai
tVaclasses engaged in the study Of Astron
I.ol tyo in Algebra, one in Natural sn,
l.d M oral Philosophy. Hearing all thes
81 recite, ! can assure you, that th
tFfectations were such as would make man
college students blush.
One thing that has tended very greatly t
make these schools what they are, is tn
severe discipline by which they are governed
The birch, when necessary, rs it should b.
is used without restraint, as many truan
well remembers. Not few, l understand
90 home each evening with their backs Gnel
smarting. Neither dare they complain 70
if they do just as likely as not, they will g
a double dose dealt out TO them. As the
parents are not lacking in good commo
serse, they know that it is all done FOR the
best good.
Hearing oi the manner in which our wis
end iudicious Board Of Directors closed II
one Of these schools the other day, and bcin
exceedingly Gisgustcd at it. | cannot but b
ieye they deserve the seve!est ceGsure. FroI
the very commencement, ! understand. I'll
Impression was that the school was to col
;inue on until the first CT May ut any ret
aud probably till the FIRST Of June. lnstes
ofthat. however, il Was stopped short wit!
out any reason. with only three days notice
, the teacher. If that be treating man wi;
: due respect, have never rs yet learned whit
: belongs to the parts that 20 TO make mp
: gentlemen. BesiJea they should listen som
what to the voice of the people ana sndea,
to give general satisfaction TO all part:e
/. They should remember too that u large sha
: Of the public money is collected from perso
! who do not wish to be palmed of with nc
. quacks of teachers. For what good teach
: wishes TO come there when lie knows III
!, there is probability Of his being treated
: that mean kind Of way?
y CITIZEN.