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


above my head strobe on to the outer en-
try, and when had gained the door-stone, l
cast him down upon the snow. He scrambled
to his feet, and, with an oath rushed towards
me. | struck him between the eyes and knock
ed him down. l went and lifted him up, and
then told him to go home. He cast one look
into my face from out Of his already swelling
eyes, and then, with mutterings of vengeance,
he walked away.
returned to the school room and, of course,
found the scholars all at the window, or, rather,
rushing back to their seats.
"Now," said |, with kindly smile, "supposc
we try that vote over again, for, really, feel
deep, earnest desire to have the whole school
with me. All who are desirous of having an
orderly model school, and who are resolved to
labor to that end, will raise the right hand"
Every hand went up in n moment.
And so | commenced my school. | went to
Stephen Oliver, and asked him how far he had
gone with his studies lie told me, and then
informed him that any evening when he wished
for assistance, which might not be able to
render during school hours, l should be happy
to grant if he would call upon me at my room
He was as grateful as ever saw person.
made the scholars understand that should
have no whipping going ON. If any one would
not behave he must leave the school. had
come to teach various branches of common Eng
lish education and those who had not vet learn
ed to behave properly were not far enough ad-
vanced to he admi tied to that school where the
scholars themselves had determined to have
good order.
never had better school. have at times
found 1t necessary to punish children, but knew
that that school had had altogether too much of
1t, and resolved at the outset not to strike a
IIAtr ...n ,.. LIZ 4
school every child that would not obey Oliver
was OF great assistance to me. When wished
to leave the room for short time, | felt per-
fectly confident of order in leaving HMM charge
Hc-studied hard, and ere long he became really
athirst for knowledge. He spent many even
ings with me, end they were profitable to both
had kept the school three weeks. On the
Sabbath evening following the third Saturday,
as sat with Mr.. Bonney and family. some one
knocked at the door. One of the children an
swered the summons, and returned. followed by
John Putney He said he wanted to speak to
me. | led the way to my room, where a good
fire was burning
l bade the young man good evening, and told
him he had taken a stormy season for a walk
eyes, sir, he returned, in n alf-choking tone,
sit docs storm hard, very hard. But, sir, | don't
mind that, I'm used to it. wanted to see YOU,
sir. IL"
He stopped and gazed down upon the floor.
Don't be afraid to speak plainly, John" |
said, 'for | assure you that YOU are speaking TO
one who would be your friend under all crcum-
stances"
al want to come to school" :" burst from his
lips spasmcdically.
81 thank you, John-I thank you," | cried.
extending my hand, which he took at once
"Since came to this place, nothing has occur
red to afford me more pleasure than this. Come
tomorrow morning, and YOU will find one of
the best schools in the country. We won't think
of the past-we'll only try for Improvement in
the future"
The stout, hard youth cried like a child Mr..
Bonney said, at beat ALL"
why" said he. "hcre's school that's been
gong 10 rack and rum for years, because they
without even EVER so ns %acf aF%b b6@o Aha
added, after rejecting awhile, taint the nature
of man to be very good under blows, and
spose children have all the feeling of men. The
lash may keep 'em under while it's over EN- !;
but it don't produce an effort that you can de-
pend upon"
That's it," replied "Thc obedience pro-
duced be the lash is only obedience to the lash
1t can never bcget one iota of respect for the
one who wields it. | am not prepared to say
That the lash is never, under any circumstances,
necessary, society is in such terribly warped
and unchristian state but there is one thing
can say, will never keep another school that
cannot govern without the rod. lfthere chances
to he a boy who will not behave, then the school
shall not suffer by his paesence. | will send
him back to those whose duty it is to teach him
the first rudiments of behavior.
People were astonished at the result of my
efforts The Committee were forced To report
"the school kept in the district known as Raw
bone Hollow" to be ''the best in their town."
So much for the Hard School,"