Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-10-06
PRESIDENT ARTHNR AS A
SCHOOL TEACHER.
How the Future President Of the
United States Managed the Boys.
Told by One Who May be Fit for
Postmaster.

Troy Times.l
( In the year 1853 the writer attended
the district school at Cohoes. 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 remain
ing n week. The Board Of Educa-
ton had found it difficult to obtain a
pedagogue to take charge of the
school, until a young man, slender as
a May pole and six feet high in stock
ings, 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 8 o'clock am. 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, no said that he had been en-
gagged to take charge of the school. He
came with his mind prejudiced against
the place. He had heard Of the treat
ment OF the former teachers by the
pupils, yet be was not at all embAr-
raised, 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
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 thathis 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 a 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 past
rebellions.
The work of the morning began,
when a lad Of thirteen placed a mar
bic between his thumb and finger and,
with a snap, sent it rolling across 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 up 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
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 be 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 presided over by a
sister OF the new teacher, and into
this room be led the young trans
gressor. Turning to his sister he
said: Il have a pupil for you select
a seat for him, and let him remain
here. If be makes any disturbance,
whatever, inform me-" Turning to
the boy he said Young man, mind
your teacher, and do not leave your
seat until Igive permission" and he
was gone. The lad sat there feeling
very sheepish, and as misery loves
company. 1t was o long before be
was grati6ed to see the door open and
obser re his seatmate enter with the
teacher, who repeated the previous
orders, when he quietly and with dig
nifty withdrew.
The number was subsequently in
creased to three, the teacher returning
each time without a word to the other
scholars 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
a shade OF anger displayed on the
countenance Of the new teacher, nor
any appearances Of blood we're notice
able upon his hands, speculation was
rife as to what he had done with the
three chaps. He spoke kindly to oil,
smiled upon the scholars who did we'll
in their classes, and seemed to inspire
all present with the truth of his re-
marks 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 we're seen as the rest of
the scholars filed by the door. While
all the rest enjoyed the recess, the
three lads we're obliged TO remain in
their seats, and when school was dis
missed for the afternoon the new
teacher entered the primary room, and
was alone with the young offenders.
He sat down by them, and like a father
talked kindly and gave good advice.
No parent ever used more fitting
words, nor more impressed his of
with the fitness thereof than
did the new teacher. Dismissing
them, he told them TO go home, and
when they returned to school to be
good boys.
That afternoon the boys we're in
their seats, and in two weeks time
there was not a scholar 10 the room
who would not do anything the teach
er asked. He was beloved by all, and
his quiet manner and cool, dignihed
ways made him a great fayOrite. He
taught two terms, and every reason
able inducement was offered to pre-
vail upon him to remain, but without
avail. His reply was: II have ac-
complished all intended, namely,
conquered what you thought was a
wild lot Of boys, and received the
dicipline that / required. l regret
leaving my charge, for / have learned
10 love them, but | am TO enter a law
office at once"
The teacher was Chester A. Arthur,
President of the United States; the
Of the primary department was
bis sister, now Mrs. Haynesworth,and
the first Of the three refractory boys
was the writer. When it was an
nounced that our beloved teacher was