New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1873-10-11
The Obstinate Pupil Of she Magnolia
School.

Some days since an incident Of an ordi-
nary and trivia! nature. and perhaps Of
weekly occurrence, took place in the Mag
nolia Girls School. 4 little pupil was pun
ished for disobedience and the penalty in
creased for refusal 70 tell the truth. The
otfense was slight. Che penance mild and no
further reference would DO needed, but for
half column OF uncalled for Measurements
in another daily journal.
Shear ne speak but this" and mark
how plain , tale shall put you down."
After recess the nonitress reported to the
teacher that her playmate, whom We will
call Alice. had disobeyed orders and gone
beyond the inclosure. Alice denied it.
Then the teacher desired those scholars
who knew anything about it to say what
they had seen, and about twenty said they
saw her go out. Not one said they did not
see her 60 out but the rest Of the scholars
said nothing because they saw nothing. be.
ing in another part Of Che school yard at
tho time. AL the children that were near
the gate saw Alic. 60 out. The rest said they
knew nothing about il, and not one said
''that the little girl was innocent" The
teacher feared the child had been guilty of
falsehood. and took her aside and reasoned
with her. urging her 70 "be brave and tell
the truth" Failing. she said. '.Well, Alice.
am sorry. sit here by yourself till you can
make up your mind 70 tell the exact truth
The 'stool Of penance" was seat OF the
platform by the teachers side. and here
she remained till Friday evening. when
the principal was consulted. and the child
remaining obs innate and refusing TO con.
fess the otfense. which was abundantly
proved. the punishment was ended.
The child is not second tfemale) edition
Of George Wash ngton, who could not tell
a lie. nor an imitation of Mark Twain, who
wouldn't--so he said. Two teachers. who
have had the care Of her, say she is un.
truthful and give many instances. But the
case was ended if the mother Of Alice had
not come on the scene Monday morning.
Now there is provision of the school law
which not only points out the manner in
which complaints may be made. bu. says
that when the parents OF pupil make
suspended. Alce's mother came to the
school and remained there three hours. She
devoted this time to the scientific use Of in
sulting language. The principal was called
and patiently heard her statement. She
was told the evidence against her child.
She insisted. in the mood of her country
men, on presenting the testimony of those
who didn't see il, and refused credence 10
the testimony Of those who knew Of the
chid's fault. The principal was compelled
to ask her 10 60 away, as her language dis
turbed the whole school. Then she pro
ceeded to Mr.. Boothby. who heard her out
and sustained che teacher. He. the prin-
cipai and the two other teachers have heard
both sides, and approve of the action taken.
Some one. who has only heard one side. has
obtained possession Of the pen OF = gentle
man " ho is permitted to write for a great
newspaper. His target is TOO far out OF
range. but his long story has done an injury
which the usually genial writer would be
sorry for il he knew all the tacts. The eH
parte statement seems 90 be modelled on the
vituperative style Of Aiice's mother. but it
lacks the force Of the original.
Let our versatile friend go to the school,
take the ''stooi OF penancs' by the side OF
the teacher--and = very pleasant seat he
will find it--and two minutes observation
will make him egres that he said there is
no special necessity for retaining any Who,
in addition 10 intellectual ability, do not
possess tho kindness Of heart and impair
TALLY OF disposition desirable in teachers Of
the yonng' He will find a lady in charge
of 100 little girls OF the most unmana.eable
age. and will be charmed to see that hex
kindness -: heart" has won the affection
of her pupils. and her impartial disposi
ton" enables her 70 govern them by sin
Clio gesture. II. Will then see tina. his arti-
Gle was uncalled fox and cEuel. and would.
peybaps, say 60.