Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1881-10-20
No.
ARTHUR AS A SCHOOL TEACHER.
How the Future President of the United
States Managed the Bows.
From the Troy IN. " Times. !

/ From the Troy (N. y Tmesl
In the year 1853 the writer attended the
district school at Cohoes. The high depart
tment did not enjoy q very enviable reputa-
tion 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 it difficult to obtain II 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
informed of the kind of timber he would be
obliged to hew. Promptly at o'clock a. N.
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 he said
that he had been engaged to take charge of
the school. He came with his mind preiud-
iced against the place. He had heard of the
treatment of the f0rmor 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 he 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 III the room.
Whatever he should do, he would at least
chow To tho naonla .Nf thiS ,l1ana fho4t th;c
school could be governed. He spoke thus
and feelingly at times yet with perfect dig
nifty he displayed that executive ability
which, i'll after years, made him such a prom
inent man. OF course, the people, especially
the boys, had heard fine words spoken be-
fore, and at once a little smile seemed to fit
across the faces of the leading spirits in past
rebellions. ..s--
The work of the forenoon began, when a
lad of 13 years placed a marble 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. 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 de-
fense. "Get up, sir" said the teacher 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 presided over by sister Of
the 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. If he
makes any disturbance whatever, 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 gratitied to see
the door open and observe his seat-mate enter
with the new teacher, who repeated the pre-
viorls orders, when he quietly and with dig
nifty withdrew.
The number was subsequently increased to
three the teacher returning each time with
out 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 dis
position of the boys was given, not shade
of anger displayed on the countenance of the
new teacher, nor any appearances of blood
were noticeable upon his hands, speculation
was rife as to what he had done with the
three chaps. He 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 OPEN
ing of the session. At recess the mystery
that had enveloped the school was cleared
away, for the three lads in the primary de-
partment were 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 re-
main in their Seats and when the school was
dismissed for the forenoon the new teacher
entered the primary room, and was alone
with the young offenders He sat down by
them, and like father talked kindly and
gave good advice. No parent ever used more
fitting words, nor more impressed his off
spring with the fitness thereof than did the
new teacher. Dismissing them, ne 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
q scholar in the room who would not do any
thing the teacher asked. He was beloved by
all, and his quiet manner, and cool, dignified
ways, made him a great tavorite. He only
taught two terms, and every reasonable in
lucement was offered to prevail upon him to
'emain, but without avail. His reply was:
i have accomplished all intended, namely,
conquered what you thought was Il wild lot
If boys, and received the discipline that l re-
luired l regret leaving my charge, for
lave learned to love them, but am to enter
law Office at Once.'
That teacher was Chester A. Arthur, now
PRESIDENT of the United States; the teacher
f the primary department was his sister,
ow Mrs. Haynesworth, and the first of the
hree refractory boys was the writer. When
was announced that our beloved teacher
vas to leave us, many tears were she'd by his
cholars, and as slight token of our love we
resented him with an elegant volume of
Oems.
An old experienced farmer says hickory
ut in July or August will not become worm
aten. Oak, chestnut, walnut, or any timber
ut from the middle of July to the last of
.ugust will last twice as long as when cut
. winter White oak cut at this season, if
ept off. the ground, will season through if
q ~As = IA ~