Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-10-19
ARTHUR AS 4 SCHOOL TEACHER.

district SC0OOl dt tOnOeS. Inc n1gn Qo-
partment did not enjoy very enviable
reputation for being possessed of that re-
spect due from the pupils to teacher.
During the year there had been at least
four teachers in that department, the last
one remaining only one week The
Board of Education had found it difficult
to obtain pedagogue to take charge of
the school, until q young man, slender as
a May pole, ani six feet high in his
stockings, applied for the place He was
engaged at once, although he was pre-
viously informed of the kind of timber
he would De obliged to hew. Promptly
at 9 O'Clock a. m, every scholar was on
hand to welcome the man oho had said
that be woule conquer the school or for
felt his reputation Having called the
morning session to order, he said that he
had been engaged to take charge of the
school, He came with his mind preju
diced against the place. He had heard
of the treatment of the former teachers
by the pupils, out he was not at all en-
barrassed, for he felt with the proper rec
ognition 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 beer engaged to
take charge of that room, and he wished
the cooperation of every pupil so doing.
He had no club, ruler or whip, but ap-
pealed directly 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 this
school could be governed. He spoke
thus and feelingly at times, yet with per-
feet dignity he displayed that executive
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 cf the forenoon began when
a lad of 13 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 act he
rose from his seat and, without word,
walked toward the lad
"Get up, sir he said.
Th lad looked at him to see if he was
in earnest; then he cast his eye toward
the large boys to see if they were not
going to take up his defense.
"Get up, sir" said the teacher second
time, and he sock him by the collar 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, wondering if the new teacher
was going to take him out and kill him.
The primary department was presided
over by sister of the new teacher, and
into this room he led the young trans
gressor Turning to his sister he said:
II have pupil for you; select seat
for him, and let him remain here. Ifhe
makes any disturbance whatever, inform
me-"
Turning to the boy he said: "Young
man, mind your teacher, and do not leave
your seat until give permission. and he
was gone.
The lad sat there, feeling very sheep
ish, and, as misery loves company, it was
not long before he was gratiied 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 increas-
ed to three, the teacher returning each
time without word to the other scholars
concerning the disposition made of the
refractory lads. The effect upon the rest
of the school was remarkable AS no in
timation of the disposition of the boys
was given, not shade of anger display
ed on the countenance of the new teach
er, nor any appearance of blood was no.
ticeable upon his hands, speculation was
was rife as to what he had done with the
three chaps. He spoke kindly to all,
smiled upon the scholars who did we'll in
their classes, and seemed to inspire all
present 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 as 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 |
dismissed for the forenoon the new teach |
er entered the primary room, and was
alone with the young offenders. He sat |
down alone by them, and like a father
talked kindly and gave good advice. No
parent ever used more fitting words nor
more impressed his offspring with the fit
ness thereof than did the new teacher.
Dismissing 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 any thing the teacher asked. He was
beloved by all, and his quiet manner and
cool, dignifed ways made him great IA
vorite. He only taught two terms, and |
every reasonable inducement was offered |
to prevail upon him to remain, but with
out avail. His reply was: 81 nave ac-
complished all I intended, namely, con-
quered what you thought was..a wild lot of
boys, and received the discipline that I
required. regret leaving my charge,
for 1 have learned to love them, but | am
tn enter A law office at once"