Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1881-06-02

really ugly; and even they amt bad neigh
bors. They're kind and ready in cases O
need, but they seem determined to resist thu
schoolmaster"
We kept up the conversation at intervals
until bed time, and when I retired for the
night I had about made up my mind as tc
the nature of the work had to do. I had
learned enough to assure me of several i'm
portant facts In the first place, each sue
ceeding teacher had gone into the school
house with the firm belief that he had got to
fight his way through. The very feeling had
served to excite his combativeness, so that
his first position to the scholars was an antag-
onistic one. The result had been inevitable.
At fighting the large scholars were handy
they had prepared for it and expected it, and
consequently we're easily led to an exhibition
of their pugnacious qualities.
On the next morning l went to the school
house little es 'lier than the usual hour for
commencing. found the building nearly
new and looking clean and neat l liked that.
1 went in anG arranged nv books on the
desk Mr.. Bonney had given me the key to
bis desk, at the same time informing me that
he believed there were some implements there
I might need. found a heavy rock-maple
ferule, some two feet long by two inches
wide, and three quarters Of an inch thick.
1t was perfect club, and was, moreover,
enough to excite the ire of any decent person
who might see It fiourished about in the hands
of superior. 1t wac not alone. 1t had a
companion in the shape of long, stout,
heavy "raw-hide," as they are called some
times. I let them remain in the desk.
At nine o'clock rang the hand.bell with
which my hoss had supplied me, and the
scholars all took their seats. The school was
full, and as l gazed carefully around, l was
pleased with the appearance of most of the
scholars. They were comely, intelligent set
for such placa. But among the larger boys
were some faces which l wished to study.
John Putney and Stephen Oliver had been
so thoroughly described to me that | recog-
nized them the moment put my eyes upon
them. They were two hard.looking custom.
ers, especially the former. Putney was tall
and stout, with head and shoulders not un-
like those of bull. He wore scowl upon
his face, and seemed to lean back in his seat
like one who held sway over all around.
When I first came to him in my sweeping
glance I caught his eye. He tried hard to
keep up his gaze, but in very few seconds
his lids trembled and his eyes sank. l knew
| could conquer him in some way.
Stephen Oliver was not so tall as Putney,
though some said he was stronger. But he
was better man. His face was more intel.
lgent, and he seemed to have some pride.
As soon as all was still made few re.
marks opened my desk and drew forth
the ponderous ferule and raw.hide.
do these belong to any one of the
school p l asked, holding them up.
No one answered. / then asked Lydia
Bonney if she knew to whom they belonged.
She said she believed their last teacher
brought them. l then stepped down and put
them into the stove.
After this l told the scholars that had
come there to teach them-to help them to
an education which should fit them better
for the various paths in life they might be
called upon to pursue. / pictured to them
the educated man and woman in contrast
with the ignorant, and urged them to weigh
we'll the considerations I gave them. call.
ed up all my powers Of Imagination and
simplifcaton. "And more" said I, 81 have
come to help give you this education, if you
will only receive it. And in order to gain
it properly-in order to have profitable
school, we must have order and regularity.
We must all behave properly. Now, l am
sure you do not know so much Of arithmetic,
geography: history, grammar, and other
branches of school education as I do conse-
quently feel it my duty to impart to you all
the information upon these subjects which |
can. But believe of that other quali6ca-
ton of scholar you know as much as do.
You certainly know how to behave. You
know how to behave properly-how to be
quiet, studious, and peacesble. If there is
scholar present who does not know how to
do this, will he or she arise ? l am in ear.
est If no one rises, shall consider that |
have an assurance from each and every one
of you, that you know how to behave proper
ly in school,
I waited some minutes, but no one arose.
But l could see that Mr.. John Putney was
uneasy. He seemed to be fearing that I was
compromising him in advance of his will.
However, 1 appeared not to notice him.
"Very WE'LL" said l, with graceful smile,
81 thank you for your assurance. And now
I am going to place the government Of the
school at your disposal. You are all voters,
and I wish you to exercise the privilege.
Shall we have, during the coming three
months, an orderly, model school? ? All in
favor of that will hold up. their right hands"
The girls commenced first. Come" |
urged, "I want you all to vote one way or the
other. I shall think all who do not vote on
this side mean to vote on the other. All up",
By this time every right hand was up save
Putney's and divers. The latter had got
his hand half up. when l saw Putney catch
it by the elbow and pull it back
"Down," said. Now, are there any of
the opposite mind p
John Putney hesitated, but saw that he
was anxious to raise his hand.
"If there are any who do not wish an or
derly school, should be pleased to know it,
| resumed, "for am determined not to have
scholars who need to be forced into obedience.
am not fond of punishing."
Putney's hand came up with nervous
jerk, and saw him try to push divers up !;
but had caught the latter's eye, and he
gave up to the influence of an imploring
glance.
"What is your name?' asked.
"My name is John Putney, the world
over !" be replied in coarse, impudent tone,
but yet there WAS an effort in it,
"And do you not desire good, orderly
school ?" I resumed.
"Wal l don't care much one way nor
t'other," he answered in the same tone, but