Kenosha tribune & telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1856-1859, 1857-04-23
Kenosha High School. Censor's Report
for the closing week of the Winter Term,
April. 10 1857.

or1eS or nappy hours. AS we are hurried on by
the fight of time,we drop all unpleasant reeolec-
tons, like unsightly pebbles, while the diamonds.
and rubies are boarded with jealous care. Past
experience, also, teaches us where we could
have prevented failures. and improved success
es. 1t holds mp before our eyes glass, where
we may see reflected our follies, and false steps,
untinged by the halo of circumstances, which a,
the time surrounded them. In view of these
truths, we turn our thoughts to the term which
has just closed. Perhaps some of our good
friends would like to participate in this retro
spection, wherefore we crave a moments par
don, while we mention a few topics that would
not be apparent to an ordinary observer.
School evils always exists, in some degree,
though often carefully kept in the back ground.
OF course, this school has its iull share. Fore
most in rank among them stands tardiness.-
This is now an occasional occurrence, and seems
to be decidedly falling into dsrepu,e, By most
it is considered anything but an honor. 10 pass
down the aisle, a few moments behind the time,
and the blushing cheek Of the delinquent often
plainly denotes that his position is appreciated.
The amount of absence averages one or two ca
ses each day.
In regard to the individual respect and con-
sideration, which each receives from his fellow
students, the relations of the family circle cod
scarcely be more perfect than the intercourse of
scholars here. 1t is pleasant thought, that we
are all members of one family. each as much in
terested in the veal or woe of every other, as if
we were children of the same parents; our teach
ers meanwhile, exercising the part of Mentor
towards US all Viewed in this light, the school
room becomes the hearts home, the place to
which it ever flies for real happiness. Leaving
school is as unwecome as the sad partings at
the earth-stone.
OF visitors we have had perhaps as many as
we could expect, though but a small proportion
of the parents and patrons have condescendeI to
give us a passing notice. However, we are not
disposed to complain, but rather to be thankful
for the few manifestations of interest in our wei
fare,--so replete with kindness as to atone very
considerably for their infrequency.
We have been favored several times with eel
ebrated visitors from abroad. Among them we
count DIR. BoYNToN, who devoted two halfhours
to scientific explanations OF a few natural phe-
nomena also, Jno. Il. COUGH to whose rich
est eloquence we listened for nearly an hour !;
also, j. c. RICHMOND, the well-known traveller
in the east. We might add to this list some of
our most distinguished citizens, nearly all of
whom have given us words of advice land encour-
agement.
There is a peculiar charm in listening to these
men within our own halls. When we go to the
lecture room to hear hired speaker, we expect
to criticise, find fault, and, as Yankee would
say, ''get the worth of the money or if We list
en- to one of our own citizens at some public
meeting, wa are scarcely satisfied with an ordin-
al.
the Minister of the Gospel in his pulpit is liked
or dislked according to the caprice of his con-
gregation; but within the school-r0om,w we forget
the speakers partizan position, and the relation
which he sustains to other public interests, and
listen to his remarks as to the conversation OF g
valued friend, who visits Us individually at our
homes.
And not alone are the visits of accustomed
speakers valued,-we love to listen to every
day men, Who seldom venture to address the null
ttude. But favors of this kind are rare indeed.
To those who have not forgotten US we can only
say, their kind precepts shall never be lost amid
the turmoil of busy world.
The day OF parting never fails to come. The
cherished circle about the hearth-stone is broken
the loved friend departs, strong ties severed,
old remembrances fade, and the sad hearted
wanderer finds himself from time to time, .
stranger in the world. No place is so sacred
that the hour OF parting does not intrude. Not
wealth nor the strong bands Of love resist the
changes that time brings us, SO rudely separs-
ting hearts that friendship has united. In the
parting of schoolmates, there is much of real
sorrow, and many fond recollectons will cling
around the old schoohouse. After having trod-
den tho Ia.ls 81 s.io,Ioo In company, most or ue
for months, many fer years, no wonder that he.
who has numbered his last school hours, should
turn his face with reluctance towards the cold
world.
But the last day arrives. the final recitation is
made upon accustomed bench, the farewell look
taken OF familiar desks and chairs even the
shadows, that lnger i'll the corners; dIlate, as il
to defer the final goodbye, and the student OF
! TO day finds himself tomorrow an actor in the
"wde, wide world.
But what part does he there assume 7 Turn to
the records of his schooldays, and you may read
| lily ascertain; for "Men do not gather grapes Of
thorns, nor figs of thisties." The Scholar, who
is honest, and honorable, prompt and business
like, is sure to continue so through life; but he
who defes the rules of school, will soon learn to
violate Legislature enaetmeats.
Mark the boy who devotes his study-hours to
the persual of novels, engages in all kinds OF
school-boy rowdyism, and is careless ofany in-
ducement to pursue an honorable course. A
| few years hence you may lind him, staggering
from some reeking Young America" or per-
chance trying to immortalize his name as clown
|
ering band of Slight of-hand performers one
thing is certain, he will scarcely be engaged III
more honorable business than selling rum
How seldom do parents realize, that when they
allow their children TO run away from school.
they are sowing seed, which, when natured,
may cause them to fly from justice, or play the
truant from some state prison.
But to return to our schOol-room. IN looking
over the familiar faces, we seek almost in vain
/ ,lo,,, nnahi IN
be respected and happy but memory whispers
the name of one or two, who were with us a
short time SINCE but now are not, the first page
in whose dark career is already open to behold
ers. That page is the index, all who look upon
it can read the contents OF the whole volume.
But these instances are rare indeed aud turn
ing from the dark picture, our eyes rest upon
the pure, the good and virtuous. We see be-
fore us the prosperous man of business, prompt
in his transactions, relied upon by his friends,
honored by his dependents, and esteemtd by all.
| Yonder, engaged in careful argument or scien-
tifc research, Is the future statesman CT philos-
opher. Opposite are the gems of thoie warm
hearted women, as necessary to hil up the in
terstices left by their fathers and brothers. 1t
NAV be that among them will be found some
FANNY FERN, rich in the living eloq5ence of
thought, or Lucy STONE BLACKWELL, strong
in her womanly independence, and CARELESS of
The ieers and ridicule of weak, or jealous COM
munity.
No wonder that the teacher, who reflects up
on these things, is startled at his great response
bility, ard would gladly fly from it. But not
alone is he answerable for the formation of char
acter within the schoolroom; every scholar By
his good or evil example, contributes 70 form
the habits, and shape the sentiments If those
about him.
To those whose path leads them into the arena
of life, outside this little world of ours, is open.
ed wider, but not a different field May the
same truths hich the infant lisped in the words
Of Holy Wit, the child learned rom the teach.
lings OF the wise and good, and the youth acted
in untrumpeted deeds of true greatness, be the
: pillar of FIRE which shall guide them thIo.ph the
overwhelming sea Of Temptations. In after Years
shan We shall see each other In the 49,. :.