The daily Cairo bulletin., 1882-06-03
A School Committee Uornered.

AT an examination Of O public school
on Staten Island, the teacher, Justly
proud of his scholars. addressing the au-
dience, 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
I shall invite gentleman of the audi
ence 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 elev-
enths."
The teacher turned to the audience
and said "Now, Supervisor--, will
you step to the blackboard and work it
outp''
The supervisor hesitated, then said,
Certainly" and advanced a step, but
paused and asked the teacher, "ls ittalr
to put the children to so difficult aprob-
lemp"
"Oh, never fear" replied the teacher,
''they will be equal to it," Very well, "
said the supervisor, "go on" The boy
began the question; add fifteen-siX-
teenths---"
mo, no" said the supervisor II will
not be party to overtaxing the child
rens brains. have conscientious scru-'
Piles against it. This forcing system is
running the rising generationm and he
gave back the chalk and left the room.
"Well Judge Castleton, will you favor
us?" asked the teacher rendering the
chalk. ~ would do so with pleasure,
replied the Judge, but Ihave a case COM
ing on in my court in minute or two, "
and he left.
Assessor Middletown, we must fall
back on YOU" said the teacher smiling.
"Oh," said the assessor, 81 pass !
mean decline in favor of Collector y"
We'll that will do, replied the teacher;
'Mr. Collector will you favor us?'
II would certainly that is-o course
replied the collector, "but-ahem! |
think it should be referred to commit
Why, bless me! I'll never catch it
Good bye! Some other timem And he
left.
II know Justice Southfeld will not
refuse" said the teacher, and the JUS
tice stepped promptly up to the black
board amidst round of applause from
the audience. The scholar again began
TO read the sum. add dhftecn-Sixteenths!
| ~
dozen hands went up as the Judge
made the first figures.
well, what is itP" asked the teacher
"He's got the denomnator on top of
the line!" cried the boys in chorus,
"Very good, boys, very good | see
you are attentive;n 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 de-
nominator under the line!'
Aha! you young rogues! You're
sharp, | see" said the judge, jocosely
and again commenced
That amt fraction at all! It's one
thousand five hundred and sixteenr'
was the cry that hailed the judges new
combination of figures.
! Really, Mr.. Teacher" calculated the
judge, q must compliment you on the
wonderful proficiency of your scholars
in algebra won't tire their patience
any more"
"Oh, &C on, 60 on" said the teacher,
and again the Judge wrote some figures
in an otl-hand manner.
THAT aint n fraction! It's six thou
sand one hundred and tifty-oneN' yelled
the boys.
Mr. Teacher" said the Judge, "it
would be ungenerous on my part, and
imply an unworthy suspicion as to your
efficiency, to put these extraordinarily
bright children to additional tests; Iwoud
not-Oh!. excuse me! There's Brown!
| have important business with him!
Sheriff! want to see you, and he left.
Some days afterwards 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 on Monday,
while l was working that problem9"
eyes. sirn' was the reply John got
| thirty days. - Rich1uOn1 Gntetip