The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1880-01-29
Our Late Institute.

With your kind indulgence, friend
Mackley, | desire to make few re-
marks with reference to our late coun-
ty Institute. | believe all, or most at
least, Of the teachers, admit that our
meeting was profitable one. for
one, feel better able to discharge my
duties as teacher, inasmuch as | made
it point, to gather new ideas, and
new notions Of the methods Of teach
ing. Much was said, as all are aware,
about morality. You yourself, Mr..
Editor, hesitated not to speak of it as
an essential OF TRUE education, and
indeed | am glad so much was said
upon the subject. But while there are
pleasant things to remember, in con-
nection with the labors and duties of
our recent Teachers Association, yet
there are SOME things, | would fain
forget. Nothing is truer than this
In government based upon the will
of the people, nothing is in so great
demand, as virtue among the people.
Perpetuity Of republican forms and
systems, peremptorily demand an alb
sence of corruption and vice, and per-
NIT me to say right here, that in my
very humble opinion, the greatest
danger that to-day threatens our coun-
try, is Generalization from cursedness
within. And who could be better pre-
pared to mold sentiment than teach
ers? Not only by precept, but by ex-
ample-by ACTION? Are we certain
teachers, that our actions are always
in favor Of right and honesty? Let
us not hurriedly answer this question
in the affirmative, but duly reflect ere
we commit ourselves. Are we hon
est with our fellow-teachers? Are we
honest with ourselves? Are we hon
est with God? If we are, the argu-
ment ends. Now we ought to be GER
tain, that in our comings together for
mutual benefit, that there is nothing
instituted among us, that would tend
to cultivate disposition of dishonesty
or that would lead to immortality. But
| am coming to the point, and l will
be plain. No one, who made observa-
tions at all, could fail to distinguish,
in connection with the competitive
exercises of our Institute, the spirit
WHICH, lldulleSl6u llSell SO Jllllly
among competitors, namely, THAT OF
SECURING THE PRIZE AT ALL HAZARDS"
Intimidation, favor, argument, advan-
tage, identity, everything that could
be used almost, seemed tributary to
the one end, that of securing the prize.
No use denying, friends, the facts.
We were MOST of US to blame. Not
ALL. Are these things right? Will
we not be known soon, as set of
rogues, intent only on securing the
material gain? If, my fellow-teachers,
competition is to breed immortality
among us at our Institutes, then am
| in favor of eternally excluding it
from our list of exercises. But better
still would be our plan, to resolve TO
act honestly and fairly in these things,
and to truly and honorably merit the
reward of our labors. Are we TO be as
the Popes, who by the sale of indul-
gences for sin, brought upon their
heads, the storm which had long been
brewing, and which rent the whole of
Are we to purchase
with petty prizes, the absolution for
the commission of sins? Let us be
careful teachers, that our ACTIONS do
not answer in the affirmative. Let |
us receive, in the future, to act wisely |