Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-01-04
Common Schools.

Mr.. Editor;-I see with pleasure that there is a
waking up all over the state OF Vermont in the
interest OF our common schools. Teachers meet
ings are held In some part of the state every
week to consult on the best methods of instruct
ing and governing the schools. Superintendent
Dart is evidently doing good work. The State
of Vermont has expended large sums of money
during the last fifteen or twenty years. We
have had our boards of education, secretaries,
and state, county and town superintendent In
almost countless numbers, and yet to-day II is a
common remark that the standard Of our COM
mon schools is lower than it was forty years ago.
1t is a matter of doubt whether as many efficient
teachers could be found in the state to-day as
when Governor Slade issued his call for school
ma'ams to go west. 1t is OF vital Importance
that we investigate and find where the error lies
Mr. Editor, permit an old school-teacher TO offer
few suggestions First OF all is home infu-
ences and instruction; institutions OF learning
cannot manufacture good teachers unless they
are furnished with proper material. Too many
OF our boys and girls are dwarfed physically,
intellectually and morally before they 90 to the
seminary. II farmers did not display more good
sense in raising horses and cattle than in raising
boys and girls their stock would all degenerate to
mere pigmes Home discipline and home in
struction are the basis of every true character
How many boys are permitted at very early age
to run where they please, to spend their leisure
hours at the tavern or stores where they will meet
the profigate and the vile where swearing, smok-
ing and drinking legal tender, until they have
no relish for the pure atmosphere that should be
found In the home circle. The chances are that
boys who are allowed to so without restraint will
become early addicted to the use of tobacco In
some II not all of Its forms The matured strength
OF man may withstand the effects of tobacco,
but boy II will ruin II the habit IL persisted in
1t will stupefy the intellect and brutalize the mind
The parent should be held responsible in the main
for the rowdyism OF his boy OF course the teacher
OF the common school should never allow the
use OF tobacco In school. neither should II be
| tolerated In the seminary. Probably more than
one-half of the boys In our district schools use
more or less OF tobacco and In many schools its
free use Is allowed. have known teachers to
smoke during recess and carry their cigars 10 the
school house door and II was considered certain
kind OF smartness by a large portion of the dis
trict. II the boys cannot DO properly restrained
at home and correct early habits formed we shall
look In vain for any great progress at school,
Equally defective IL the early training OF the girls
The fond mother grows more and more indulgent,
toys and tTinkets are heaped upon the little pet
until the mind becomes completely surfeted and
the child IL spoiled. "Willyou take tea or coli ee,
dearY Thus by Improper training too many
farmers daughters are dwaffed physically and
mentally before their school days fairly corn
mence. What we most need IL some Of that
wholesome discipline that was 10 be found In the
families and school houses Of forty years ago
know that those benches were hard and that dis
clpline was severe, but II produced good results
The answer to all criticisms Is the fruit Could
the scholars Of that day have enjoyed the facili-
ties for an education that are ~ be found now in
our institutions Of learning, they would have
shown great proficiency.