River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1884-07-31
Objections No. One and Two.

The presentation of woman's claim to
an office, and the announcement of her
name as a candidate, calls forth many
objections.
Chief among them is, cts pretty hard
work for woman isn't it," Yes! and for
man also if he does his duty. Now
that small word of large import, ''if, y
might place upon some ones shoulders
the burden of important duties sadly
neglected, which is by no means the
proper inference. The inference is this
the duties of Co. Supt of Schools,
whether committed to the hands of man
or woman are difficult, arduous, perplex-
ing Doubtless ''pretty hard work for a
a woman" refers to the physical part of
the labors-to the pushing about in her
zone horse shay" over all sorts of roads,
from school district No. one to one hun
bred and fifty-for no one in times like
these would attempt to prove that mans
mental power of endurance excels that
of woman. The commiseration dis
played when woman attempts to step
aside from the path conservatism has
marked out for her is truely wonderful.
But must she be carried to the skies on
fioWery beds of ease? Is her path from
the cradle to the grave strewn with roses,
while mans pathway is hedged about
with thorns? Stern facts fairly stated
make sentimental theories null and void.
Listen to an oft repeated occurrence. 1t
is bleak December, the drifts are piled
mountain high, snow is falling thick and
fast; the mercury is below zero, and the
country school ma'am starts out for a two
mile walk, dinner basket in hand and
courage enough in her heart to storm a
fortress. The small foot prints in the
untrodden SHOWS betray frail strength
but indomitable will and perseverance.
After a wearisome struggle with the
fierce elements the school-house is reach
ed, and with red, benumbed fingers she
kindles the fire, and begins vlgor-
Gus exercise in sweeping to keep from
freezing One who has been through
the mill knows the working of the
wheels.
But where is the Co Supt. who does
work too hard for woman? Looking
out of the window at the blizzard" he
exclaims Oh! what snow storm,
won't go to school district No. 5 on day
like this, can do my work at home and
90 out in milder weather; SO with slipper
ed feet upon the parlor hearth rug he
does his work in his sheltered home
retreat, while our brave school mistress
with mind just as thoroughly trained
for the work going on in the parlor, is
contending with fearful odds against the
spirit of mischief and misrule that gov
ems a country school during a snow
storm. What teacher does not dread the
conjunction of boys and snow balls?
Impossible for woman to make the
rounds of our county schools says one.
But feats accomplished are arguments
against any amount of undeveloped the
DRY of action For years little woman
has traversed from the north to the
south end of our county to superlntend a
musical institute.of her own forming, and
the chimes of three hundred pianos tes-
tify to her thorough and efficient servi-
ces. What one has accomplished anoth-
er can.
Objection No. 2. woman who has
resigned school keeping for home keep
ing grows rusty in book learning. The
coniugation of verbs and square root is
lost in the depth of the bread pan.
Thoroughly acquired knowledge is indie
structable, Besides the little links that
bind the home to the school are wonder
full poIishes to school book lore. The
mother gazes fondly into bright eyes SC
full of promise, and pushes back the
clustering locks to ponder proudly upon
the fast developing intellect, and new
studies are taken up in prospective OF the
coming man who will take the place OF
the little boy she is going to lose. And
in the evening, when the curtains are
drawn and the lamps lighted, books are
brought out and review of the day S
lessons discloses to her quick and watch
full eye the clumsy teaching that has
been done during the day. The drowl-
ing inarticulate mode of reading the in
comprehensive explanation of rules un.
til all patience is lost and she longs for
the authority to introduce better meth.
cd of teaching. Drawing ridged lines
in granting certificates is by no means
the chief duty of the Supt. of schools.
Many indifferent teachers might becom e
artists in the profession with a little help
full aid, and the woman who is deeply in
terested and in full sympathy with the
students of her household will carry that
interest and sympathy to the schools OF
our county. Any further objections that
may be offered will be gladly answered
by An OBSERVER.