The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1859-04-09

ga ~ and consequently we're eAhly leu 70 ~
exhibition Of their puguacious qualities,
b, On the next morning, / went 20 the school
/ house a lille earlier Than lhe usual hour fol
! commencing, found the building nearly
new, and looking clean and neat liked
that. ! went 10 and arranged my books on
the desk. Mr, Bonney had given mo the
key 70 this desk, at the aame time in'
forming me that he believed there we're some
implements there might need ! found a
heavy rock maple ferule, some two feet long
By two inches vide, and three quarters Of an
inch thick,
Il was a perfect club, and was moreover.
enough 10 excite the Ire of any decent per
son who might see il brandished about Ia the
hands Of a superior, II was not alone. IL
had a companion in the shape Of long,
stout, heavy raw-hide, or 'grson,hide' a. they
ruru UUmstIIHrE called. / leI Ilem remain 10
the desk.
+ Al nine o'clock rang the hand bell with
which my host had supplied me. and the
scholars took their seats The school Was full
and a. | glanced carefully around, was
pleased with the appearance Of most Of tie
scholars, They we're a oomely, intelligent
sel for such place. but among the larger
boys we're some faces which | wished to
study.
John Putney aud Stephen Oliver had
been 40 thoroughly described TO me that
recognized them the moment ! put my cyes
upon them. They we're two hard looking
customers, especially the former Putney
was tallLnd stout. lie wore scoNl upon
his face and seemed to lean back In his stat
like one whe held sway DER all around
When first came to him in my sweeping
glance ! caught his eye. lie tried hard to
keep up his gaze, but in few seconds his
lips trembled and his oyes sank. knew !
could conquer him in some way.
Stephen Oliver was not 50 tall as Putney, |
though soma said, siro-g But he WIS
better man. His face was more intelligent, !
and he seemed TO have Gome pride.
As soOn as all Was still, l made few re-
marks opened my desk and drew forth
the ponderous fcrul' aud raw-hidc.
DO these belong TO any one in tho school o
asked holding them up
No one answered. then asked LYDIA
Bonney II she knew to whom they belonged.
She said she believed their last teacher
brought them. / then stepped down and
put them beth into the stove.
Afler this told the scholars that had
nm education which should ct them better for
the various paths in life they might be called
upon 20 pursue ] pictured to them the ed
ucotcd man and woman in contrast with the
ignorant, and urged them TO weigh well the
considerations / gave them. called up all
my powers Of Imagination and simplifcation.
And more said |, Il have come to help you
to this education, il you will only receive ii.
And in order to gain il properly--in order TO
have profitable school, We must have ofTirr
and regularity. We must all behave proper.
ly. Now | am sure you do not know so
much Of arithmetic, geography, history,
grammar and. other branches Of common
school education as do ! consequently feel
it my duty to impart to you all the informa.
ton upon theSe subjects which can. But
believe Of that otter qualification Of
scholar you know as much IA do. You
know how to behave properly--how to be
quiet, Studious, and pencable. If there is
scholar present who docs not know how TO
do this, will he or she arise ? l am in car
nest. II no one ariscs | shah consider that
have an assurance from each and every one
Of YOU that you know how 20 behave proper
~ in the school
waited some minutes, but no one arose
But could see that Mr.. John Putnay was !
uneasy. He seemed TO be feeling that was
compromising him in advance Of his will
However,l appeared no, to notice him.
Very WE'LL said I with grateful smile, 4 i
thank you for your assurance. And now
am going to place the gotcrnmeut of the
school at your disposal. You arc all voters
and wish you to exercise the -priyilege.-
Shall we have, during the coming three
months, an orderly, model school2 An in |
favor of that viii hold up their right hands
The girls commenced first. Come urg-
ed, Il want you all to vote one way or the
other. I shall think that all who do not
vote on this side mean to vcte on the other |
All upp BY this time every right hand was
up, save Putncys and divers. The latter
had got his hand half up, whom saw Put
ncy catch it by the elbow and pull il back.
Down said. Now, are there any of an
opposite mind p !
John Putney hesitated, but saw that he
was anxious TO raise his hand.
If there are any who do not wish an order
ly school, l should be pleased to know IT, II
resumed, FOR | am determined not to have
scholars here who need to be forced into
obedience. am not fond furnishing.
Putney's hand came up with nervous
jerk, and saw him try to push divers up
but caught the latter's eye, aud he gave up
to the influence of an imploring glance.
.Whnt ia Your name p l asked