The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1859-09-21

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were easily led to an exhibition of their pugna
cious qualities
On the next morning, I went to the schoo
a little earlier than the usual hour for com
and looking clean and neat. | liked that.
went in and arranged my books on the desk
MIR. Bonny had given me the key to this desk
at the same time informing me that he believ
ed there were some implements there 1 might
need. l found heavy rock maple feeule
some two feet long by two inches wide, and
three quarters of an inch thick. {E
II was aperfect 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 companion in the shape of long, stout
heavy rawhide, or green hide as they are
sometimes called let them remain in the
desk.
| At nine o'clock / rang the hand bell with
which my host had supplied me, and the schol'
ars took their seats. The school was FULL and
as glanced carefully around was pleased
with the appearance of most of the scholars
They were comely. intelligent looking sci
| for such place. But among the larger boys
we're some faces which wished to study.
John Putney and Stephen Oliver had been
so thoroughly described to me that recog-
nized them the moment l put my eyes upon
them. They were two bard looking custom
ers,especialiy the former. Putney was tall ant
stout, with head aud shoulders not uni kt
those of bull. He wore scowl upon hi
face, and seemed to lean back in his seat lik'
one who had sway DER all around. When
first came to him in my sweeping glance
caught his eye. He tried hard to keep up hi
glance. but in a very few seconds his lips trem
bled and his eyes sank. l knew could con
lquer him in some way. s-
Stephen Oliver was not SO tall as John Put
ney, though some said stronger But he wa
a better man. His face was more intelligent
and had some pride. = % n
A as soon as all was still 1 made few re
marks. opened my desk and drew forth th
ponder Gus ferule and rawhide
Do these belong to any one in school p
asked holding them up. Ill
7 No one answered I then asked Lydi
Bonny if she knew to whom they belonged
She said she believed their last teacher brougl
them. then stepped down and put the
both into the stove.
After this told the scholars had con
there to teach them--to help them to an ed
cation which should fit them better for tt
various paths in life they might be called u
on to pursue. 1 pictured to them the educa
ed man and woman in contrast with the i
norant, and urged them to weigh we'll the CO
siderations gave them. called up all n
powers of Imagination and simplifcation
portraying the happy results of edu cation
And more,' said L. i have come to help gil
you this education, if you will only receive
And in order to gain it properly, in order
have profitable school, we must have ord
and regularity. We must all behave prope
ly. Now am sure you do not know so mu,
of arithmetic, geography, history. gramm
and other branches of common schools as
do; consequently EEL it my duty to impa
to you all the Information upon these subjec
that I can. You certainly know how to
have. You know how to behave properly.
how to be qniet, studious, and peaeeable.
there is a scholar present who does not kno
al how to no this, will be or she arise? l am
earnest. If no one rises shall consider tn
I have an assurance from each and every o
of you that you know how to behave proper
in school,
] waited some moments, but no one aro:
But could see that Mr. John Putney "
uneasy. He seemed to be fearing that W
CON promising him in advance of his will.
However, appeared not to notice him.
Very well,' said l with grateful smile,
thank you for your assurance. And now
am going to place the government of the sche
at your disposal. You are all voters and
wish you to exercise the privilege. Shall
have through the coming three months an
derly, modest school ? All in favor of tt
will hold up their right hands, s.4
The girls commenced first. Come urg
j want you all to vote one way or the 9th
shall think all who do not vote on this 81
mean to vote on the other. All up
By this time, every right hand was up, Sc
Putney's and divers. The latter had got
hand half up. when saw Putney catch it
the elbow and pull it back. 5rf us
Down. said. Now are there any of
opposite mind .
John Putney hesitated, but saw he '
anxious to raise his hand. ,-ls
If there are any who do not wish an
derly school, should be pleased to know
[ resumed for am determined not to hl
scholars here who need to be forced il
obedience am not fond of furnishing.
Putneys hand came up with nervous je
: and saw him push divers up; but
caught the latters eye aud he gave up to
influence of an imploring glance.
What is your name p asked.
My name is John Putney. the world ov
he replied in coarse, impudent tone,
there was an effort in it.
And you do not desire good, ord,
school resumed.
wal, 1 don't care much one way or toll
he answered in the same tone. but with
: creased effort, and could see, too, that he
trembling his strength away fast.
e Very WE'LL I said, in a firm, but yet 1
8 tone, if such is your opinion, then your p
It ence here will not only be useless to your