Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1881-10-13
ARTHUR AS A SCHOOL THACHTP
How he President or the United
states Managed the Boys.

department did not enjoy very eny,a.
BILE reputation for being possessed OF
that respect due from the pupils tn
teacher. During the year there had
been at least four teachers in that do,
partment, the last one only remaining
one week. The board Of education had
found it difficult to obtain pedagoeue
to take charge Of school, until young
man, slender as May pole and six
feet high in his stockings, applied for
the place. He was engaged at once.
although he was previously informed
of the kind of timber he would be
obliged to hew. Promptly at nine
O'Clock a. m. every scholar was on
hand to welcome the man who had
said that he would conquer the school
or forfeit his reputation" Having
called the morning session to order, he
said that he had been engaged to take
the school. He came with his mind
prejudiced against the place. He had
heard Of the treatment of the former
teachers by the pupils, yet he was not
at all embarrassed, for he felt that,
with the proper recognition of each
others rights, teacher and scholars
could live together in harmony. He
did not intend to threaten, but he
intended to make the scholars
obey him, and would try and
win the good will of all present. He
had been engaged to take charge of
that room, and he wished the co-opera-
ton of every pupil in so doing. He had
no club ruler or whip, but appealed to
the hearts of every young man and
young lady in the room. Whatever
he should do, he would at least show
to the people of this place that his
school could be governed. He spoke
thus and feelingly at times, yet with
perfect dignity he displayed that exc
cutive ability which, in after years,
made him such prominent man. OF
course the people, especially the boys.
had heard fine words spoken before,
and at once little smile seemed to fit
across the faces of the leading spirits
in past rebellions,
The work of the forenoon began
when a lad Of thirteen years placed
marble between his thumb and finger,
and with a snap, sent it rolling across
the floor. AS the tall and handsome
teacher saw this he rose from his seat,
and, without q word walked toward
the lad. "Get up, sir" he said. The
lad looked at him to see if he was in
earnest; then he cast his eyes toward the
large boys to see if they were not going
to take up his defense. "Get up, sir"
said the teacher a second time, and he
took him by the collar of his jacket as
if to raise him. The lad saw he had
no common man to deal with, and he
rose from his seat. Follow me,
sir" calmly spoke the teacher,
and he led the way toward the hall,
while the boy began to tremble, Won
dering if the new teacher was going to
take him out and kill him. The prim-
airy department was presided over by a
sister of the new teacher, and into this
room he led the young transgressor
Turning to his sister he said 81 have
a pupil for you; select a seat for him
and let him remain here. If he makes
any disturbance whatever, inform me-"
Turning to the boy he said "Young
man, mind your teacher, and do not
leave your seat until 1 give permis-
sion," and he was gone. The lad sat
there feeling very sheepish; and as
misery loves company, it was not long
before he was gratified to see the door
open and observe his seat mate enter
with the new teacher, who repeated the
previous orders, when he quietly and
with dignity withdrew.
The number was subsequently, in
creased to three, the teacher returning
each time without word to the other
scholars concerning the disposition
made Of the refractory lads. The eff
feet upon the rest of the school was re-
markable. AS no intimation of the dis
position of the boys was given, not
shade of anger displayed on the counte-
nance of the new teacher, nor any
appearances f blood were noticeable
upon his hands, speculation was rife as
to what he had done with the three
chaps. He spoke kindly to all, smiled
upon the scholars who did well in their
classes, and seemed to inspire all pres
ent with the truth of his remarks ut
tered at the opening of the session At
recess the mystery that had enveloped
the school was cleared away, for the
three lads in the primary department
were seen rs the rest OF the scholars
filed by The door. While all the rest
enjoyed the recess, the three lads were
obliged to remain in their seats, and
when school was dismissed for the fore
noon, the new teacher entered the
primary room, and was alone with the
young offenders. He sat down hy
them, and like father talked kindly
and gave good advice. No parent ever
used more fitting words, nor more inn
pressed his offspring aith the fitness
thereof than did the new teacher. Dis
missing them, he told them to go
home, and when they returned to
school to be good boys.
That afternoon the boys were in their
seats, and in two weeks time there was
not scholar in the room who would
not do anything the teacher asked. He
was beloved by all, and his quiet man
ner and cool, dignified ways made him
a great favorite. He only taught two
terms, and every reasonable induce
ment was offered to prevail upon him
to remain, but without avail. His re-
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