The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1876-03-16
MANHOOD IN TEA CHEERS AND PUPILS.

1t will be generally admitted that it is the
teachers privilege and duty to develop the posi-
tive characteristic Of true manhood rather than
to cram the mind with isolated facts. A man
may be q walking encyclopedia OF fact, he may
bea mathematical prodigy and yet have no legltl-
mate claim to the hOnOTS OF an educated man.
He NAV be q well read man he may have pc
rused the prominent works of the day, and his
memory may be such that he can retain what he
reads he may have completed prescribed
course of study and taken one or more. college
degrees and yet lack the true elements OF man.
hood. We shall endeaYor to mention a few OF
the factors which enter into the composition OF
the true man. And, in the first place, physical
health is a characteristic OF manhood. Mems
SdlGG an c0rpOre sdllO is as true as 1t IS OLD a
sound mind in a sound body is ever the condition
of vigorous thinking-Of the thought that thinks
round things, and into things, and through things,
The physical growth and health OF pupils should
ever receive the careful attention OF the t6acnef.
Improper positions of body and injurious habits
should be carefully corrected, and, above all,
good ventilation of the school-room secured.
Good health not only contributes largely to the
growth of the mind but also aids III the develop
ment of the moral powers which everywhere
characteriZeS true manhood Good health IN pu-
pills and teacher is positive factor IN maintain
ing ORDER promoting cheerfuneSS and sweetness
of temper, and rendering the one more obedlent,
and the other more enthusiastic and less fretful
1T is highly important then that teacher and pu-
pills pay close attention to the laws of health.
Ambition in its better sense, is a condition OF
manhood. Every man is born with ambition.
Children are eager to learn, but, too often, this
aspiration is either killed by oVer-WOrk or be-
comes dormant for want of encouragement. A
want OF ability on the part of pupils is often moth
ing else than q want of will Where there is @
Will there is a way" Self-rellance is an element
of manhood. Confidence in ones own abilities
and powers is ever q condition of success.
A very large number of our most successful and
most respected men started in life with no other
capital The best instruction is that which teach
eS us to rely upon ourselves; as the best govern
menti that which teaches us to govern ourselves.
The advantages and necessity OF original lnYeStl
CATION and independent thought rather than q
adherence SnOuld
its true light
Perseverance, too, characterizes the true man.
There is no excellence without labor. "PefSe-
Verance gives power to weakness and opens to
poverty the worlds wealth; it spreads fertility
over the barren landscape, and bids the choicest
fruits and flowers spring up and flourish IN the
desert abode OF thOrns and briers." 1t is most
powerful lever IN removing any or the great
weights which the world throws across ouI path.
The power OF concentration, enthusiasm patience,
humility, generosity, magnanlmlty, integrity,
unSelfiSh devotion to right and love for the truth
are also prominent traits of the highest type OF
true manhood, and should be cultivated.
But if these things are important in the pupil
how much more Important in the teacher. lie
should be man IN every sense OF the term. He
should be able TO say III all things ''FollOW me-"
Tie great want OF the present time is manhood.
That manhood that will 60 and dare for human
lty and God instead OF for maInmOn and the
devil that manhood that is sound from circum-
ference to center, and which can no more be
moved from the foundation of correct principles
and upright dealing by the storm of corruption
and intrigue than mountains can be overturned
by the hurricane which lasheS itself in fury
against their sides. When we look around rs and
see in all departments of society corruption dis
honesty and intrigue holding chief sway awhile
purity, honesty and uprighnesS are cast into the
shade, the outlook becomes anything but hope
full and we are ready to cry out, ''Are we losing
cur manhood? is there no hope for the rising
generation from whom must come those who are
to rule and guide the affairs Of state, OF business
and OF social intercourse?
Yes, there is a power wisely ordained which
can accomplish the desired result That power
is welded by the thoroughly conscientious in
Structor, be it parent or teacher. But he must
have the elements of this power III himself before
their influence can be exerted upon others. The
stream cannot rise higher than its source. The
teacher can not teach what he does not possess.
alize this, and seek to secure the services OF
those only who are successful in developing the
powers of true manhO0d-thOse who fit their pll-
pills for self government, strengthen them to re-
SiSt temptation, and iIfstilI into their minds the
principles of integrity that are set forth in the
Golden Rule. and which form the foundation of
all well regulated society