Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1884-09-03
OUR SCHOOLS.

| IeTndlS HOtHllb Woft clearly cxnlDltS the a0-
v~antages enjoyed by the present generation than
the comparison between the schools Of fifty years
ago and the present. The teacher is no more q
necessary evil" the butt for idle Jokes and the
creature of frequent change. but has become the
personal friend, the companion of his pupils.
Ample school supplies at small cost, and books
of reference. are within the reach of all.
Thanks to a generous public sentiment, our
modern scho0l-rooin Is no more q prison to be
dreaded, but is made as comfortable as the nv
erage sitting room, and Is as well fitted up with
apparatus as a moderate mechanics workshop.
It is more a home in which fair competition Is
constantly engcndered by examinations and gra-
dation until the youth become willing, animated
| toilers up the hill OF knowledge with only
here and there one so much a laggard that Sc
verify alone will urge him on his way. But such
there still are, who. consequently. come in con-
tact with the powers that be- and we can but
| expect some unpleasant occurrences the coming
year. With the support of an efficient school
board, the cooperation Of j~udicions parents and
the patient forbearance of the teachers, we trust
the results OF the coming year will compare IA
vorably with previous years. Education is CON-
prehensive and reaches out in all directions like
a symmetrical tree throwing out branches on
SFNAy ANt ifiA c"S Va AZ
works.
Many years ago we entered the school-room
with the impression that the great desideratum
in teaching was to administer book knowledge
as the physician then did his medicines: 80 much
must be swallowed. We imagine his mental So
liloquy to be-"I've done my duty to that pa
tient!" If any one doubts it let him count the emp
ty bottles and the papers that once held those
life Questioning nDWflarS A remnant Of hnth
teachers and parents may yet be found who
judge of the intellectual growth OF the child by
the number of books he has gone through. 1 de-
sire to help such to see that true culture de-
mands-"Not how much but how nell" The
true development of the nature and motive pow |
er of the youth ZONES from outside the book to Il
great extent. We want more often to hear the
parent eongratulating himself that his child has |
gained something more than book knowledge; |
that his daughter thinks more deeply, is more
patient at home. more faithful at her tasks; |
that his son IS more manly aud self-reliant, more
sensitive to every form Of deceit or neglect of
duty; that his child has gained self-control, is
by deeper principle and is aetuated by
higher and more generous impulses. In this
true culture; here is where the pruning.
the training, the leading and guiding influences
of the wise parent and the faithful teacher is
Book-knoN ledge without these is power
restraint or skill to use it.
To us, book knowledge has become secondary
10 selfknowledge as the result of long years of
experiment and observation. Aitcr seeing elias
sic scholars almost useless to themselves and
The world; college-bTed young men sink down
into uahonored graves; men Of talent devoting
their learning to base purposes, filling the fell
cell and the asylum; plain, practical. (even
men rising to places of trust and filing
OF hoaor, we have been led to inquire
do our children and youth most need:
we believe more than help, they need to learn to
help themselves; more than books. they need to
know how to use them rightly. In a w~ord-rell-
Utility of character, sclf-rcliaIce and clear per-
'eptlon are the three targets at which teacher
md pupil should aim. We do not unacryalne |
for our estimate of them has Increased as
heir proper place and office have been assigned
hem. AS money. rs medicine, as health may
&c employed to olr disadvantage, so may books.
The reform In medicine Is wisely followed In
A small quantity Of the proper RENEE
iy absorbed into the system, aided by careful
nursing and proper ventilation. works the best
'ures and is rapidly hecoming the popular med
cal course. SO. short lessons, Illustrated, as
by the mind, seasoned with proper
raining, become. a part OF ones self-powcr and
make our best scholars. II becomes the duty OF
then. to study methods OF instruction
the physician does his work of saving life and
health; yes, rs much more SO as the |
mind is superior to the body that 1t inhabits. II
We are understood, II will he seen we have dis |
covered the tombstone by which the florist. the
and the stock-grower regulate their
,lans and estimate results, viz: 1--WE increase
he quantity ut the expense of the quality" and
ice versa. A youth who seems to know rs much
ten or fifteen years as others do ut twelve or
has generally gained at the expense Of
rain power, Judgment or health, which viii
ooner or later appear. Preeocity is not promi-
in the biography Of noted men OF worth.
l~iaracter and long life. 1t win not, then, seem
uprising that we look upon precocity with a
lesire to regulate and deepen its tendencies.
we encourage with hope, and bear most
with mediocrity.
Let us see our patrons and friends often In our
chool rooms. No investment Of time Yields 50
,reat per cent profit as that spent III visiting
chools with proper intent. From the opening
Until the close Of the year we will be prepared 10
eceive you. Please come in without Knocking.
tay as long Is you can, bringing your knitting,
Embroidery or newspaper. and feel ut home III
he home Of your children.
II augllt is misunderstood or seems unsatIsfac-
CRY, come to us directly. You will neither an
10Y nor anger us, md the probabilities are you
will become satisfied.
We shall look to our efficient school board and
i healthy public sentiment to sustain our efforts
n making your school all our highest idea1nalaes
or 1t. I. 4. 6ABIN, Erincipaf.
9Th Point. Sept. and. 1854. III /
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