The Osceola times., 1881-10-22
ARTHUR As A srnOOLrEACnER.
How the President OF tho United Stat -
Managed the Boys.

Managed the Boys.
Troy Times
In the year 1858 the writer at
tended the district school at Cohoes.
The high departments did not enjoy
very enviable reputation for being pos
sessed of that respect due from the pu.
pills to teacher. During the year there
had been at least four teachers in that
department, the last one only remain.
ing one week. The Board Of Education
had found Il difficult TO obtain a peda.
gogue TO take charge Of school, until
young man, slender as a 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 8 o'clock n. m
every scholar was on hand 10 welcome
the man who had said that he would
conquer the school or forfeit his reputa-
ton" Having called the morning ses-
sion TO order, lie said that he had been
engaged TO take charge of the school. He
came with his mind preiudiced against
tn, 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 recogni-
ton of each others rights. teacher and
scholars could live together in harmony.
lie did not intend 10 threaten, but he in
tended 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 pupil in so do
ing. lie had no club, ruler or whip, but
QnnAalA1 IipAat1tr 10 tho hoo - 81
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, vet
with perfect dignity he displayed that
executive ability which, in after years,
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
The work of the forenoon began when
a lad of l3 years placed marble be
tween his thumb and finger, and, with n
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. "Get
up sir" he said. Tho lad looked at him
to see if he was in earnest then he east
his eyes toward the large boys to see if
they were not going to take up his de-
Tense. "Get up, sir" said the teacher Il
second time, and he took him by the
collar of his jacket as if to raise him.
The lad saw he bad 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,
if the new teacher was going
to take him ont and kill him. The pri-
mary de- artment was presided over by
a sister ofthe new teacher, and into this
room he led the young transgressor.
Turning to his sister he said: Il have a
pupil for you; select seat for him and
let him remain here. II he makes any
whatever inform me-
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 eratilied to see the door open and
observe his seatmate enter with the new
teacher, who repeated the previous or.
ders, when he quietly and with dignity
The number was subsequently, in
creased to three, the teacher returning
each time without n word to the other
concerning the disposition 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 q shade of an.
ger displayed on the c0untenance of the
new teacher, nor any appearance Of
blood were noticeable upon his hands,
speculation was rife as TO what he had
done with the three chaps. lie spoke
kindly TO all, smiled upon the scholars
who did well in their classes, and seemed
to inspire all present with the truth Of
his remarks uttered 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 fled 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
ipClis AlAN AtNN ttdAAl'i tllAfItil lilt IfIl~
mary room, and was alone with the
young offenders lie sat down by them,
and like a father talked kindly and gave
good advice. No parent ever used more
lifting words, nor more impressed his
offspring with the fitness thereof than
did the new teacher Dismissing
Them, he told them to 90 home, and
when they returned to school TO be good /.
BOYS.
That afternoon the boys We're in their
seats, aud 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 digniGed ways made him n
great favorite. lie only taught two
erms, and every reasonable iuducement
was offered to prevail upon him 10 re-
main, but without avail. His reoly was.
Il have accomplished all ! intended. ]
conquered what You thought
vas Il wild lot of boys, and received the /
discipline that ! required. | regret
eaving my charge, for have learned TO
owe them, but am TO enter a law office F.
It onCe'
That teacher was Chester A. Arthur, |
now President of the United States; the F.
eacher of the primary department was
lis sister now Mrs. lIayntsworih. and /
he first of the three refractory boys WAS /
he writer. When it was announced /
hat our beloved teacher was 10 lea :e us, .
many tears were shed by his scholars,
md as a slight token # our love we
him with an elegant volume
If poems.
TIE fellow, who, by mistake sent bis
swe-,heart in'tead Of - bottle