The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1881-10-15
Arthur as a School Teacher.

Arthur as a School Teacher.
In the year 1853 the writer attend
ed the district school at Cohoes. The
high department did not enjoy al
very enviable reputation for being
possessed of that respect due from
the pupils to teacher. During the
year there had oeen at least four
teachers in that department, the last
one only remaining one week. The
Board of Education had found it difzi
ficult to obtain pedagogue to take
charge of the school, until a 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 in
formed of the kind of timber he
would he obliged TO hew. Promptly
at o o'clock a. sn. every scholar svisy
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 preiuced
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 cooperation of every pu-
pill in so doing. He had no clut,, rul-
er, 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 be governed. He spoke
thus and fceIing'y at times, yet with
perfect dignity he displayed that ex-
ecutive ability which IN after years
made him such prominent man.
OF course the people, esp, cially the
boys, had heard fine words spoken
before, and at once little smile
seemed to fit across the faces of the
leading spirits III past rebeIlions.
The work of the forenoon began
when a lad of l3 placed a marble be-
tween his thumb and finger, and,
with a snap, sent it rolling acrass the
floor. AS the tall and handsome
teacher saw this act he rose from his
seat, and, without a 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
eye toward the large boys to see if
they were not going to take up his
defence. 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 ro"mon man to deal with, and
he rose from his seat. "FolIOw me,
sir" calmly >lmNe the teacher. and
he led the way toward the hall, while
the hoy bcga to- trenIble, wondering
if the new teacher was going to take
him out and kill him. The primary
department was presided over by a
sister OF the new teacher, and into
this room he led the young transgres-
sor. Turning to his sister he said:
81 have Il pupil for you select seat
for him, and let him remain here.
If he makes any disturbance what
eyer, 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 sheepish, and as misery loves
company, it was not long before he
was gratified to see the door open
and observe his seatmate 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 return
ing each time without word to the
other scholars concerning the dispo-
sition made of the refractory lads.
The effect upon the rest of the school
was remarkable. AS no intimation
of the disposition of the boys was
given, not shade ofanger displayed
on The countenance of the new teach
er, nor any appearances of blood were
noticeable upon his hands, specula-
ton was rite as to what he had done
with the three chaps. He spoke
kindly to all, smiled upon the schol-