The Red Cloud chief., 1880-12-02
UE;sAoED SCHOOLS.
Substance aissnarks b. Prot. xsk.aser Be-
fore the Teachers Association.

LADIES AMI GENTLEMES;-The theme
which demands IL attention is so
comprehensive in its nature, that it
requires more discretion in the selec-
tion of the sub-topies, for the present
occasion, than deliberation upon the
leading thought. In my remarks
shall adhere strictly to the primary
department of our free schools.
The mixed school has some features
which commend it more highly than
any of the advantages of a graded
school could possibly do. Children re-
ceive impression more readily from
those near their own age, than from
older persons. The influence of the
teacher is more plainly perceptible
when it is transmitted through ex-
ample, by the older pupils, This bcne-
fit is to om extent, reciprocal. While
the younger children are being p%roiited
by the experience and wisdom OF the
older ones, the latter have their NAH
| ners and feelings toned down by their
innocent associates.
Another advantage is derived from
the gradual change from n course of
study to another and the help derived
from those who are in the higher clas-
ses.
need not remind you of the fact,
that comfort of body must precede the
| developement of the mind, or that
comfort cannot be procured without
means, but | would enstamp 1t upon
your intellects. and that the very high
est cultare and refinement, true refine
ment, are as essential in the common
ungraded school as in those of higher
order.
The adage-"As the twig is bent, the
tree is inclined" meets with universal
approval in language only. Our
actions do not corrobosate IL words.
While We own that it requires more
talent, tact and diligence III the man
| agement of the younger scholars, we
hold out every possible inducement-
as increase of salary, honorable men
ton, &c, to go up higher" and but
little encouragement to remain i'll the
work, SO well begun, As though thers
were n more honorable Or valuable
services than those OF the strictly pri
mary teacher.
Our common school system is unique
in its nature, it resembles a beautiful
cone, but the cone is inverted.
If an unskilled pedagogue is per
mitted to guide the aspirations of the
young, is it o probable that the more
commendable desires Will not be prop
er.y encouraged, and that the male.
voient p~ropensitieS VIII not be prop
crly pruned." And, in after life, as
Each fainter trace of memory holds
So darkly Of parted years,
In one broad glance the soul beholds
And all that was, at once appears
Would it not be better for humanity
ii We would foster, more tender!y, tn,
infant plant" to draw out the benevo
lent, and heroic affections, so that wher
the physical vigor of manhood Oh
womanhood shall fail, the mind, grown
strong in the pleasing discipline o
youth,
Still DER those scenes, in memor,
wake,
And fondly brood with wiser care
/ And time the impressions stroIigeI
make,
i As streams their channels despe
| wear"
Let us SO deport ourselves toward tn
very young, in u charge, that the re
f fex shall not disturb our rest with &C
cusafions of delinquency, that its mel
! low light shall disclose \ pleasing pros
pect, the depth immense of endles
gratitude"