The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1882-05-31
A School Com mittee Cornered.

At the examination of public school
ou Staten Island, the teacher, justly
proud of his scholars, addressing the au
dience, said: Ladies and gentlemen,
to prove that the boys are not crammcd
them to open the arithmatic at random
and read out the first problem. Then l
shall invite a gentleman Of the audience
to work out the sum on the board, and
TO commit Intentional errors which, you
will observe, the boys will instantly de
tect. John Smith. open the book and
read the first question -
The scholar obeyed and read out
add fifteen six.eenths and nine elev
enths.
The teacher turned to the audience
and said: "Now. Supervisor will
you step to the blackboard and work it
ou;f'
The supervisor hesitated, then said,
"CertaIniy, and advanced step, but
paused and asked the teacher, ''fs Il fair
to put be children to SO difficult prob
lem2'
"Oh, never fear,' replied the teacher,
"they will be equal to it, Very we'll, +"
said the supervisor, ''go on" The boy
began the question: add fitteensix-
teenths-"
mo, nov' said the supervisor, Il will
not be party to overtaxing the chill
drep's b:ains. | have conscientious
scruples against it. Thi. forcing system
is running the rising generation !'and he
gave back the chalk and left the room.
well, Judge Castleton, will you favor
us2" asked the teacher, rendering the
chalk. Il would do so with pleasure, y
replied the judge, but have case com
! ing on in my court in a miaute or two, y
and he left.
Assessor Middletown, we mast fail
back on you,' said the teacher, smiling.
"Oh, said the assessor, II pass--I mean
| decline in favor of Collector X. > well
that will do" replied the teacher; Mr..
Collector, will you favor us!"
II would certainly = that is - of
course replied the collector. ''but
ahem! Think it should be referred to q
commit-why, bless me! IN never
catch it. Coed bye Some other time u
And he left.
II know Justice Southfeld will not
refusew said the teacher, and the JUS
tice stepped promptly up to the black
board amidst round applauses from the
audience. The scholar again began to
read the sum- add fifteen-six teenths !!
u
A dozen hands went up as the Judge
made the first figures.
"Well, what is itf' asked the teacher.
He's got the deAominator on top Of
the lin.!' cried the boys in chorus.
Every good, boys, very good; see
you are attentive; sail 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 y
"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 sixteen !"
was the cry that hailed the judges new
combination of figures.
Really, Mr.. Teacher" CALCULATED the
judge, II must compliment you on the
wonderful proficiency of your scholars
in algebra l won't tire their patience
any more.
'.Oh, go op, 60 on, said the teacher,
and again the judge wrote some hgures
in an off-hand manner.
''That amt q fraction It's six thous-
and one hundred and fifty one - yelled
the boys
"Mr. Teacher said the judge, sit
would be ungencrous on my part, and
imply an unworthy suspicion as to your
efficiency, to put these extraordinarily
bright children to additional tests; |
would mott could not-Oh excuse
me! There's Brown l have important
business with him Sheriff | want to
see you,' and he left.
Some days afterwards boy was
brought before Justice SouthheId for
throwing stones in the street. John,
said the judge, sternly, were you the
boy that laughed in school on Monday,
while | was working that problem
"Yes, sirv' was the reply. John got
thirty days.
The beauties of the face of women are