The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1862-05-29
Foz TEE KEEos IA TRLEGRApK.


That alone, is not education, which is obtain.
ed from books. Indeed, mere book knowledge
forms the least part Of real education, such
as involves a development of the mind in
its noblest aspects of the soul, in its most glo-
rious conditions, so far as attainable in the
form and of the body, in its balanced, or har-
monious, symmetrical conditions. No education
is complete, which does not involve all these
points, and the true teacher will recognize them,
each in the order of their significance.
The mind of the child has long been, and is
by most teachers and parents considered like
vacuity, which tits the special Office of the teach
er to fill, with something, or nothing. according
to the capacities of the parties in pursuance of
which idea, all branches of knowledge are cram
med at, rather than into the poor brain of the
child
If the object of this well.iutentioned abuse be
boy he will probably overcome some OF the
effects of such treatment by his out door sports,
in the opportunities for which his chances arc
much superior to those of the other sex, and if
he escapes with nothing worse than becoming
mere blockhead for the rest of his days, he will
be extremely fortunate
If the child is girl, her chances of anything
like perfection, physically or otherwise, are ma
terially lessened, because her duties are greater
in proportion, and privileges of freedom much
less. And this can never be otherwise, while
the system remains as it is, and the perfectly
outrageous demands are made, not only by
teachers and parents, but society in general
Better give as health without any education,-
save the most common branches of study
than the most clas sic course, with disease as a
necessary sequence.
Let US be understood. We do not object to
the most careful, complete, and thorough course
ever devised. We do not object 10 the discipline
involved, nor to the earnest, persevering effort
always required; by no means But we do think
that the body is worth some thought and Gull
ture while accomplishments" of various kinds
are being gained. We think that these latter
are of the least possible moment when the form
er is broken down through disease, which, per-
chance, may have been induced through bad
or evil habits, while at school or
college,.
The laws health are simple easily acquired
and not generally difficult to carry cut by the
teacher, aud we hold it to be in the highest de-
gree reprehensible for any person occupying SO
responsible position, to so far ignore them as J
not to insist on their observance as far as prac-
ticable. Thus there is no excuse for keep ing |
a school room so devoid of ventilation that the |
first taste of the atmosphere inevitably produ- !
ces headache or nausea to any sensitive person. |
Rooms can be kept warm in the coolest day,
and yet an entire purity of air be main tanned |
The method must be apparent to all, yet in Sc
curing good air there need be no sacrifice of
comfort
Of many personal habits of scholars, few
teachers can perhaps have full control, yet they
are frequently of such a character as to require |
especial notice and direction, and not likely to
be noted by parents, although destructive, not
only of health, but of morality and decency.-
There is no excuse for ignorance upon these |
points.
But teachers are not alone responsible for
many errors of our resent system of education.
There is too much time required of scholars in |
the performance of school duties, and confne- |
ment to the schooroom. 1t is a shameful and |
and physically demoralizing practice to contine |
children, especially those of tender age to six |
hours or more per day to any school room what |
ever, and it is worse still to dismiss such chill
dren with lessons to get at home Ne wonder
that horrid dreams ELL the brain of the young
sleeper, nor that the tasks of the evening and
light should be succeeded by lassitude, weari-
iess and exhaustion, in the morning. No won
Ter that suen faces, weak muscles, bad dges-
ion, and worse tempers, SO often result from
his over crowding of the brain, while yet in
It's formation state. Full grown men occasion
ally sink under such pressure as this even while
nature is in its best condition. Why, then,
should We make martyrs of our children and
youth We can but hope that the time is not |
distant, when more enlightened views may ex-
list, and when children may be allowed to grOao,
like vegetable, until at least seven years old,
aud then, in school or out, given fair chance
for life, physical, as well as mental
---. G.. R. B.
Ken0Sha Water Cure.