The true northerner., 1875-08-27
EDITOR TRUE NoRTHERNER -

EDITOR TRUE NoRTHERNER -
We see that the school question is open
again. Will you permit one who is looking on
with interest to add few words of comment
" A teacher" remarks that "a few of our
friends have allowed their children to grow up
with certain habits" In the matter OF using
tobacco, is this any reason why 1t should not
be kept out of school? IL some boys cannot
Sit in school without tobacco and 30 have
sponge to spit in, is it better to leave them un-
disturbed in the pet habit The " catalogue"
says: "No pupil shall use tobacco IN any OF
it's forms, etc., etc. But tobacco" aside.
Gail Hamilton has very tersely, and as truly,
remarked in a recent article: "An Indifferent
teacher May be a very successful manipulation
and Snowman" Could it not be added with
truth and the Snowman never lacks for ad-
mirers." IL it is true as is talked, that our
scholars who are late are not admitted II 1t is
possible to avoid it,-if they stay in the hall,
or go to the neghbors, or go down town, does
it not verge very closely upon the story OF
Snowman to say, "good friends, we have had
but three cases Of tardiness." Why should we
fatter ourselves that we have a school second
to none in the State, if, for the sake OF good
reports, resort is had to such strategy? Why
in our annual reports do we not get all the
items? So many absent excused. So many
absent unexcueed.
OF the matter:of the number Of studies that
our scholars pursue, We wish to say one word.
Children OF eight years and 80 up to various
ages have prescribed for them, and are study
Ait %; Tnka otua al
Arithmetic, Geography, Language Lessons
Chtd's Book of Nature, Writing, Drawing
Reading and Spelling. We protest against
this kashing and crsmming process. and the
heightened programme that takes week to
carry IT through, 1t is remarked in eItenua-
ton, reading and spelling are only counted
as one." But why should this be? What
thoroughness can there be in the training in
spelling when there is no association OF similar
words, etc., as they are classified in the best
spelling books, and only selected words from
the reading lesson are relied upon ? Why
should the spelling book be set aside We
think the matter Of variety in school books one
of the particular faults Of our graded school
system, and that as Taxpayers and book-buyers
We have right to call in question the judgment
of those who force 1t upon us. There is a
complete jumble-frst one kind and then
something else, and no good can result to any
one except the publishers and, perhaps, some
body between the publisher and student
What produces the preciseness Of military
movement but drill in one method, and would
it not be great gain to the scholar if we could
have less experimenting IN text books ;
In looking over the modern text books upon
Arithmetic, Grammar and Geography, we find
the original principles drawn through several
editions, and the wordy definition, 80 torturng
and envelopiDg the original idea, that it is
hardly to be recognized. Would it not be a
great gain to the children II our school boards
would mtellgently investigate this part Of our
school plan and bring the matter OF studies
down to the level Of sound judgment and good
sense, and crcumscribe this almost unlimited
opportunity for parade and show, and OF fore
ing needless expense upon those who have
enough to do to meet the real necessities Of
life? l.. p V.
Decatur, August 10th.