Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1877-11-10
SCHOOL ImBRoGLIos.

| u
"A Wielder of the Birch in Charge
An Infuriated Director Finally
summarily Dispeses of Him, Much
to the Relief of tIae Citizens.
From our correspondent at the Sault
| we learn that the residents of that vii
lage have been in constant state of tur-
moil ever since the opening of school
| the latter part OF September. The facts.
as near as we can CLEAN them from our
correspondents report, are something as
| follows: The Director employed a young
man to teach the school. He commenced
his duties. The school.was quite fully
attended. 1t was not many days, how
ever. before many scholars commenced
leaving. The story was soon heard
around town that he punished the schol-
ars very severely and without cause.
Then other rumors commenced to gain
credence, that he was in the habit OF
! drinking to excess, and that he had OIL
different occasions used vulgar and inn
proper language i'm the schOOl-room and
in the presence of the young children
The result was that very many. perhaps
majority, Of the scholars left the school.
Some of the citizens who were anxious tor
good school satisfied themselves regard
ing the truth OF the rumor, and circulated
a petition, which was largely signed ask
ing the School Board to investigate the
charges and if found true discharge the
teacher. The School Board met, heard
a portion of the evidence, and the
teachers explanation, and concluded to
retain his services, the Direcsor warmly
supporting his appointee, notwithstand-
lug that the explanation was virtual
admission OF large part of the charges.
One good result of the meeting, howev-
er, was the adoption of a resolution pro-
hibitng the infiiction of corporal pun
ishment i'm the school. This, however
did not bring the children back TO the
school. and those who did not wish their
children brought under the influence OF
such man arranged for the establish.
| ment of private school.
But change came over the spirit OF
the Directors dreams. The resolution
did not have the effect to abolish corporal
punishment, and one day, short time
ago, fifteen scholars displeased the
august master and fell victims to the
chastening rod, among them being a
young lady almost grown, and another
the Directors daughter. 1t made great
difference "whOse OK was gOred." Thei
it "was that the warm supporter of 9
few weeks before became an avenger, and
having the power, which some other
equally insulted residents did not have
dischal ged the weilder Of the birch with
out further ado. But he did rot propose
to be deprived of his favorite amusement
without an effort to maintain his po-
sition. In short he refused to be dis
charged. Thus matters stood on the 29tt
ult., when the pedagogue commenced
school as usual and in defiance Of the
Directors express iniunctiOns. The Di
rector hearing how matters stood. called
at the school house, few words passed
between them, and then-well, our in
formant was not present, and the reports
regarding the next few Eminutes' trans
actions are somewhat vague and conflict.
ing. but suffice it to say that the Director
remained master of the situation. land
the school house was locked up with the
| schOOlmaster on the outside.
] What the result will be is hard to tell
There is talk of lawsuits both criminal
and civil. But whatever the result, as
far as the two principal participants are
concerned, the people feel a great relief
for there will now probably be schoo
teacher employed to whom it will be SAFE
| to send their children.