The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1881-11-05
ARTHUR AS A SCHOOL TEACHER

| FROM tie Troy Times.
| In the year 1858 the writer attended
| the district school at Cohoes. The high
department did not enjoy very enviable
reputation for being possessed of thai
respect due from the pupils to teacher.
During the year there had been at least
four teachers in that department, the
last one only remaining one week. The
Board of Education had found it difficult
to obtain pedagogue to take charge OF
the 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 pre-
viously informed of the kind of timber
he would be obliged to hew. Promptly
at Q o'clock A. NJ. 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 charge of
the school. He came with his mind pre-
JUDGED against the place. lie had heard
of the treatment of the former teachers
by the pupils, yet he was not at all en-
| barrassed, for he felt that, with the pro-
per 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 he would try and
win the good will of all present. lie had
been engaged to take charge of that room
and he wished the cooperation of every
pupil in SO doing. He had no club, ruler
| or whip, but appealed 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 he
governed. He spoke thus and feelingly
at times, yet with perfect dignity he dis
| PLAYED that executive ability which in
after wears made him such a 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
lad of 13 placed a marble between his
thumb and finger, and. with 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. The lad looked at him to see II
| he was in earnest: then he cast his eye
toward the large boys to see if they were
! not going to take up his defence. "Get
up. sir said the teacher 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 him.
and he arose from his seat. "Follow
me, sir, calmly spoke the teacher, amt
he led the way toward the hall. while the
boy began to tremble. wondering if the
new teacher was going to take him ont
and kill him. The primary department
was presided over by sister of the new
teacher. and into this room he led the
young transgressor. Turning to his Sis
ter, he said: 81 have pupil for you:
select seat for him, and let him remain
here. Ifhe makes any disturbance what
ever, inform me- Turning to the boy
he said " Young man, mind your teach
err, and do not leave yonr seat, until give
permission" and he was gone. The lad
sat there, feeling very sheepish, and as
misery loves company, it was not long
before he was gratitied to see the door
(oesTIsuEp or THE ToVnTa pAGEl