Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1858-12-25

They're KIND and ready in cases OF need, but
they seem determined to resist the school-mas-
ter"
We kept up the conversation, at intervals un-
til bedtime, and when retired for the night |
had about made up my mind as to the nature
of the work l had to do. had learned enough
to assure me of several important facts. In the
first place. each succeeding teacher had gone in
to the schoo-house with the firm belief that he
had got to fight his way through. This very
feeling had served to excite his combativeness,
so that his first position to the scholars was an
anagonstc one. The result had been inevita-
bic. At fighting the large scholars were handy,
they had prepared for it and expected it, and
consequently were easily led to an exhibition of
their pugnacious qualities.
On the next morning went to the school
house little earlier than the usual hour for
commencing. | found the building nearly new,
and looking clean and neat. liked that.
went in and arranged my books on the desk -
Mr.. Bonney had given me the key to this desk, q,
at the same time. informing me that he believed
there were some implements there might need,
| found heavy rock-maple ferule, some two
feet long by two inches wide and three-auartcrs
of an inch thick.
1t was perfect club, and was, moreover.
enough to excite the ire of any decent person
who might see it brandished about in the hands
OF superior. 1t was not alone. 1t had COM
Panlor in the shape of long, stout, heavy raw
hide, or "green hide" as they are sometimes
called. let them remain in the desk
At nine O'Clock rang the hand-bcl with
which my host had supplied me, and the schol-
ars took their seats. The school was full. and
as gazed carefully around was pleased with
the appearance of most of the scholars. They
were comely, intelligent set for such place
But among the larger boys were some faces
which | wished to study.
John Putney and Stephen Oliver had been so
thoroughly described to me that recognized
them the moment put my eyes upon them
lhcy were two hard-looking customers espcc-
ally the former. Putney was tall and stout, with
a head and shoulders not unlike those of bull
lie wore scowl upon his face, and seemed to
lean back IN his seat like one who held sway DER
all around. When first came to him in NV
sweeping glance caught his eye He tried
hard to keep up his gaze, but in a very few sec
onds his lids trembed and his ewes sank. |
knew | could conquer him in some way.
stephen Oliver was not so tall as Putnev
though some said, stronger. But he was a bet
ter man. His face was more intelligent and he
seemed to have some pride
As soon rs all was still made a few remarks.
! opened my desk and drew forth the PONDER
GUS ferule and raw-hide.
ado these belong to any one in the SCHOOL,"
asked, holding them up.
No one answered. then asked lydia Bon
ney il she knew to whom they belonged She
said she believed their last teacher brought them
then stepped down and put them both into the
stove.
After this told the scholars that had come
there to teach them-to help them to an educa-
ton which should fit them better for the various
paths III life they might be called upon to pur-
sue. pictured to them the educated man and
woman in contrast with the ignorant, and urged
them them to Teiigh ig well the considerat;crs ea".
''f have cone tofitrp Srse' ydu'Snrs y. -.S.id-I
if YOU will only receive it. And in order to gain
it properly-in order to have profitable school,
we must have order and regularity. We must
all behave properly. Now | am sure you do
not know much of arithmetic, geography, his
tory, grammar, and other branches of common
school education as do consequently feel it
my duty to impart to you all the information
upon these subjects which can. But believe
of that other qualification of a scholar you know
as much as do. You certainly know how to
behave You know how to behave properly
how to be quiet, Studious and peaceable. If
there is a scholar present who does not know
how to do this, will he or she arise ? | am in
earnest. If no one rises shall consider that
nave al assuruhce from each anu ever! one ol
you that you know how to behave properly i'll
school"
waited some minutes, but no one arose.
But could see that Mr.. John Putney was un-
easy. He seemed to be fearing that was COM
promising him in advance of his will. Howev-
er, appeared not to notice him.
"Very well,' said |, with grateful smile, 81
thank you for your assurance. And now l am
going to place the government of the school at
your disposal. You are all voters, and wish
you to exercise the privilege. Shall we have,
during the coming three months, an orderly,
moGel school? All in favor of that will hold
up their right hands,"
The girls commenced first "Come," urged,
81 want you all to vote one way or the other
l shall think all who do not vote on this side
mean to vote on the other. All up" BY this
time every right hand was up, save Putney' and
divers. The latter had got his hand half up,
when / saw Putney catch it by the elbow and
pull it back.
"Down," | said snow, are there any of the
opposite mind ?"
John Putney hesitated, but l saw that he was
anxious to raise his hand.
'lf there are any who do not wish an order
l.,s I ka .. 7