Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1881-10-15
NORTHERN TRIBUNE.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER Is, 1881.
THE NEW TEACHER.
His First Experience with ~ Gang OF
OutIandish Boys.


w. A. wilkins, editor of the Whitehall,
n. Y. Times, relates the following story:
In the year 1853 the writer attended the
district school at COhOes. The high de-
partment did not enjoy very enviable
reputation for being possessed of that re-
spect due from the pupils to teacher.
During the year there had been at least
four teachers in that department, the
last one remaining one week. The board
of education had found it difficult to OBJ
tain a pedagOgue to take charge of the
school, until young man, slender as a
May-pOle aud six feet tall in his stock
ings, applied for the place. He was en-
gagged at once, although having been
previously informed of the kind of tim
Der he would be obliged to hew. Prompt
lylat o'clock a. m, 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
together. he 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 he was not at all embarrassed,
for he felt that, with proper recognition
of each others rights, teachers and schOl-
ars could live together in harmony. He
did not intend to threaten, but he intend
ed to 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 heart 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 dis
played that superior executive ability
which in after years made him such
prominent man. OF course the pupils
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 rebellions.
The work of the forenoon began, when
a lad of 13 placed a marble between his
thumb and finger, and, with snap, sent
it rolling across the floor. As the tall
and handsome young 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 at
him to see if he was in earnest, and 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 the jacket as if to raise him.
The lad saw he had no common man to
deal with, and rose from his seat. "FOl-
low me, sir" calmly spoke the teacher,
and he led the way toward the hall,
while the boy began to tremble, wonder
ing If the new teacher was going to take
him out and kill him. The primary de-
partment was presided over by sister
of the new teacher, and into this room
he led the young transgressOr. Turning
to his sister, he said: II have a pupil
for you; select seat for him, and let
him remain here. If he makes any dis
ing 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 sheep
ish, and as misery loves company, it was
not long before he was gratified to see
the door open and observe his seat mate
enter with the new teacher, who repeat
ed the orders previously uttered, when
he quietly and with dignity withdrew
The number was subsequently, increased
to three, the teacher returning each
time without word to the other schOl-
ars concerning the disposition made OF
the refractory lads. The effect upon the
rest of the school was remarkable. As
nointimati0n of the disposition Of the boy
was given, not shade of anger was dis
played on the cOuntenance of the new
teacher, nor any appearance of blood
were noticeable upon his hands,, specu
latiOn was rife as TO 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 to in
spire all present with the truth of his
remarks uttered at the opening of thu
session.
At recess the mystery that had envel
Oped the school was cleared away, fol
the three lads in the primary department
were seen as the rest of the scholars flee
by the door, While all the rest enjoyed
the recess the three boys were obliged Il
remain in their seats, and when schOO
was dismissed for the forenoon, the new
teacher entered the primary room ant
was alone with the young offenders. II,
sat down by them, and like father
talked kind words and gave good advice
No parent ever used more fitting words
nor impressed his offspring with the full
ness thereof than did the new teacher
Dismissing them he told them to g,
home, and when they returned to schoo
to be good boys.
That afternoon the boys were in thei
seats, and in two weeks time there was
not scholar in the room who wOult
not do anything the teacher asked. HI
was beloved by all, and his quiet man
ner and cool dignified ways made him
great favOrite. He only taught tw,
terms, and every reasonable inducemen
was offered to prevail upon him to re