The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1881-10-16
MIR. ARTHUR AS A SCHOOL
TEACHER.

4
The high department did not enjoy
a very enviable reputation for being
possessed of that respect due from
the pupils to the 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
1t difficult to obtain pedagogue to
take charge of the school, until a
young man, slender as a May pole
and six feet high in his stockings,
applied for the place. He was en-
gagged at once. although he was pre-
ViOusly informed of the kind of tim
Der he would be obliged to hew.
Promptly at 9 o'clock a. M. every
scholar was on hand to welcome the
man who had said he would con-
quer the school or forfeit his reputa-
ton" 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
prejudiced against the place. He
had heard Of the treatment of the
former teacher by the pupils, yet he
was not at all embarrassed, for he
felt that, with the proper recogni-
ton of each others rights, teacher
and scholars could live together i'll
harmony. He did not intend to
threaten, but he intended to make
the scholars obey him, and would try
aid win the good will of all. 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 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 perfect
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 a little smile
seemed to fit across the faces of the
leading spirits in the past rebellions.
The work of the forenoon began
when lad Of 13 years placed mar
| BILE 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 word
walked toward the lad. sect 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,
wondering if the new teacher was
going to take him out and kill him.
The primary department was pre-
sided over by Il sister of the new
teacher, and into this room he led
the young tTansgreSSOr. Turning to
his sister lie said: L have q pupil
for you: select a seat for him and
let him remain here. If he makes
any disturbance whatever, inform
nae" Turning to the boy, ne said
l"Young man, mind your teacher,
and do not leave your seat I'm il !
| give permission" and he Was gone
| The lad sat there, feeling very
sheepish, and, as misery loves com
pany, 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 pre-,
viOuS orders, when he quietly and
with dignity withdrew.
The number was SubSeQ uently IN
creased to three, the teacher return
ing each time without a word o the
other scholars concerning the dlspo-
sition made OF the refractory lads
The effect upon the rest of the
school was remarkable. AS no intl
nation of the disposition Of the boys
was given, not a shade of anger dis
played OH the countenance OF the
new teacher, nor any appearance Of
blood was noticeable upon his
hands, speculation was rife as Il
what he had done with the three
chaps. He spoke kindly to all
smiled upon the scholars who die
well in their classes, and seemed tt
inspire all present with the truth o.
his remarks uttered at the opening
OF the session. At recess the mys
terry that had enveloped the schOo
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 TIN
rest enjoyed the recess the thre'
lads were obliged to remain in theI
seats, and when school was dis
missed for the forenoon the new
teacher entered the primary room
and was alone with the young of
tenders. He sat down by them, ant
like father, talked kindly and CAV
good advice. No parent ever aset
more fitting words, nor more I'm
pressed his offspring with the fitness
thereof than did the new teacher
Diminishing them, he told them to g
home, and when they returned t