The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1882-08-03
A school Committee COrnered.
GRiahmnnd Eazaffa


school on State Island, the teacher,
justly proud of his scholars, adj
dressing the audience, said:
Ladies' and gentlemen, to prove
that the boys are not crammed for
the occasion, | will direct one OF them
to open the arithmetic at random
and read out the first problem. Then
l shall invite gentleman of the au-
dience to work out the sum on the
board, and to commit intentional
errors, which You will observe the
boys will instantly detect. John
Smith, open the book and read the
first question
The scholar obeyed and read out:
add fifteen-sixteenths and nine
elevenths."
The teacher turned to the audience
and said: "Now, Supervisor
will you step to the blackboard and
work it out%
The supervisor hesitated, then
said: Certainly" and advanced
step, but paused, and asked the
teacher, els it fair to put the child
rem to SO difficult problem?"
"Oh, never fear" replied the
teacher "they will be equal to it,"
"Very WELL" said the supervisor.
ego on" The boy began tie oues-
ton: "Add MISUNDERSTANDING
"No, no." said the supervisor. 81
will not be party to over-taxing
the children's brains. 1 have con-
scientious scruples against it. This
forcing system is running the rising
generation" and he gave back the
chalk and left the room.
"Well, Judge Castletony, will you
favor us?" asked the teacher ten
dering the chalk.
81 would do so with pleasure" re-
piled the judge, "but / have case
coming on in nv court in q minute
or two" and he left.
Assessor Middletown, we must
fall back on you," said the teacher
smiling. "Oh," said the assessor,
al pass-I mean l decline in favor
of Collector ""
Well, that will do" replied the
teacher. DIR. Collector, will you
favor us?n
81 would certainly-that is, of
course" replied the collector, "but,
aheml think itshould be referred
to a commit-Why. bless me! I'll
never catch it. Good bye! Some
other time!" And he left.
81 know Justice Southfield will
not refuse ~ said the teacher, and
the justice stepped promptly up to
the blackboard amidst a round of
applause from the audience. The
scholar again began to read the
sum. "Add fifteen-sixteenth-"
A dozen hands went up as the
Judge made the first figures.
"Well, what is it?" asked the
teacher.
Giles got the Gominator on top of
the line !" cried the boys in chorus.
Every good, boys, very good; l
see you are attentive" said the
judge, as he rubbed out the figures,
turned red, and began again, but
was interrupted by the class calling
out:
"Now he's got the numerator and
denomination under his Incl"
aha you young rOgues I! You're
sharp, l see !" said the Judge, jocose-
ly, and again commenced.
"That amt q fraction at all 1t is
one thousand five hundred and six
teen !" was the cry that hailed the
judges new combination of figures.
Really, Mr.. Teacher" calculated
the judge, az must compliment you
on the wonderful proficiency of your
scholars in algebra! / won't tire
their patience any more"
go, go on, go on" said the teacher,
and again the Judge wrote some
figures in an of-hand manner.
"That amt q fraction! It's six
thousand, one hundred and fifty
one," yelled the boys.
"Mr. Teacher, said the judge, "it
would be ungenerous on my part,
and simply an unworthy suspicion
as to your efficiency, to put these ex-
traordinary bright children to addi-
tional tests; L would not-I could
not-Ohl excuse mel There's
Brownl have important business
with himl Sheriff. | want to see
you," and he left.
Some days afterward a boy was
brought before Justice Southfield
for throwing stones in the street.
"John," said the judge sternly,
"Were you the boy that laughed in
school Monday, while 1 was working
that problem p ayes, sir" was the
reply. John got thirty days.