Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1878-04-06
Didn't Know How to Take Joke.


The unfavorable impression Of Mr.. Lightner
created upon US by few remarks made by
him at the Teachers Iustiiate on Thursday Of
last week, during the discussion OF the sub
ject Of Discipline, has been removed, not only
by the sensible manner in which he received
our cas,isaton, as the childrens' books would
say
-" for his own LITTLE good"
but, from what we have learned Of him from
those competent intelligeatly to speak Of him
as teacher We understand that he is one Of
the most capable, efficient and popular teach
ers in the County highly cultured, and very
kind and considerate tawarl his pupils. We
understand him to be somewhat Of hnnorist
fond Of bis jokes, so much afflicted to per-
petrating them as that his best friends are in
dorbt, at times, whether he be in earnest or
testing And on Friday last he happened TO
be doing the latter, and we were SO dull Of
comprehension as not to see the point. We
are sure he felt profound sympathy for us ia
our obtuseness. When ace have to explain
scme Of our best Jokes to those who ought 10
apprehend. we feel like weeping as did Mark
Twain over the grave Of Adam.
We are gratifed at having the unfavorable
impression removed from our own minds, aud
take pleasure in doing what we can to correct
any idea to Mr. Lightncrs hurt that we may
have made upon the people Of the county
We went to the institute to listen, and IN tie
line Of our duty to speak truilfully Of what
we heard there with desire Of course to be
able to commend, but to condemn if occasion
warranted and the public good could be en-
HANGED thereby.
After the foregoing article had been putin
type, we received the following letter from Mr..
Charles Davies. aud publish it with pleasure
not for the compliment 10 oursclf but for the
other and better purpose Of doing all IN our
power to undo any injustice that we may have
done Mr. Lightuer Ia or last week pubica-
ton:
HARrEu's FeRRY, April 3, 1873.
-
castgatiou Of Mr. Lighiuer, the school teacher of
Bolivar, and confess my astonshmcnt. Why
how is il possible that YOU, a man OF humor-a
recognized wit OF the Press, whose
Qups and Cranks. aud wanton y iies.
Mods, and Becks, and wreathed Smiles
Sport and wrinSled care dsrides-
whose iocu' arity Is continually smmcring to The
top OF your most serious illusions could so mis-
comprehend a kindred spirit! lehtner, cruel (!
| Lightucr m advocate of the rod vow this is
the best joke ever heard. Now, II attempt in
return 10 poke little fun at YOU, observe the
respectable company in which place you.
Some years ago the London Times sent special
commissioner TO ireland. Amongst the many odd
things Mr.. Commissioner reported was this, that
! the people of Galway were so Ignorant that
not knowing the value of money-thcy were 10
the habit OF pawning gold guincas for half a
! crown. The thick headed Euglishmln actually
mistoOk the prudence Of Paddy -who did not wish
! 10 break bis guinea-fur barbsrism.
Again: Dean Swift once, In one Of bis biteng
satires the nobility, adv iscd them, that having
t'ken every thing else from the poasantry, they
should take their chilirea, fatten, cook, and Ell.
them. in this ThackeTsy failed % see the irony
saw nothing hut earnestness, and 90 the last day
OF his life believed Swift to bAye been q cruel
monster.
And nav, unless select another Eng li.hmnD,
where am J TO get more appropriate third figure
for my gossip, than the worthy friend q Inc,
VINO, misAAlng Htte ptayluincsS Tor carneelnr's,
attributed cruelty TO as kind hearted young man
as lises2
You say you do not know Mr.. Lghtncr. Iknew
it, Enquire, however through Bolivar, or il that
does NOE suit you. attend a Christmas gathering
at Bolivar Church, and you will learn from the
multitude of gifts-from parents and children
for the popular teacher and highly esteemed
young man, whether he is the character you took
Lin for. add here what believe 20 be n fact that
Mr.. Lghtner is one OF the best teachers, and pre-
sides over one NJ the most orderly and best rcgu-
lated schools Ia the cc2aty.
admt was not present and did not hear The
remarks Of Mr.. Lishtncr 70 which you take cx-
cepton, and cannot Judge OF the chance bis man
ner gave strangers Of judging Of lismcaning aud
disposition. Ny whole knowledge OF the affair is
gathered from your own account. And judging
by Il do no, hesitate To find YOU guilty OF two
dreadful thinCs, first: Of not seeing a joke, for
which you OF all men ought TO be sent 20 the pcui-
tertiary And secondly: Of running the chance
OF inadvertently duing-whst ] know your gene
rous nature abhors-an injury to a very worthy
young msH. Yours,
CuArrrg u ttfrs