Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1884-09-04
BOYHOOD OF EMINENT MEN.

An Eminent Teacher on Choosing Calling
Lewis Cass and Daniel Webster-Dr. Alb
bot in 1S4z as Remembered by a st. Louis
Teacher.
DR.. Benjamin Abbot was for half a
century principal Of Philips Exeter acad-
envy. He was one of the most eminent
teachers this country ever produced.
Last June the Tooth birthday Of the
academy over which he so long and so
successfully presided was celebrated. The
pamphlet which records the proceedings
Of this occasion contains the following
"reminiscences of DIR. Abbot from the pen
of Prof. WaterhOuse Of Washington uni
versity:
Dr. Abbot was then about IS year old.
His venerable figure was seldom seen on
the street, but his name was like living
presence. The personal qualities which,
through fifty years of service, had won
so wide a fame for Phillips Exeter aCad-
envy were we'll known to all the students.
Stories of his high-bred courtesy and
moral dignity of character, Of his effect
i've discipline and noble ardOr in the
work of instruction, were among the
most cherished traditions of the academy.
An earnest desire to see so distinguished
a teacher induced me to call on DR.. Alb
bot. He received me with cordially,
and expressed the qualification which
the visits Of students afforded him.
81 have given" said he with a smile,
''the best energies Of my life to the edu-
cation of youth, and it is but natural that
I should not be Indifferent to the regard
Of young folks"
Some inquiries with reference to my
own objects in life served to introduce
the theme which seemed to absorb all
his thoughts. He explained at length
his own theory Of education, and spoke
of the progress of the academy since it
first came under his control in 1888. Al
luding to the choice Of q profession, he
said:
81 have always been accustomed to ad-
wise yOungmen to take good care Of their
health, perfect themselves in their stud
les, acquire as much practical knowledge
and general information as possible, and
then let circumstances and the bent of
their genius dictate what vocation they
should follow"
It was suggested that some teachers
recOmend an early choice of a calling and
the pursuit of the special studies which
tend to promote professional success.
"NO, no." he replied with great earnest
ness, 81 do not believe that is best. I
have always counseled the youth under
my charge first to complete their general
studies, and then to follow the guidance
Of their natural tastes in the selection Of
profession. A long observation of the
careers of young men confirms the Wis
dom Of this course"
A transition from this subject to the
great men who had once been under his
tuition was very natural to teacher
proud of the success of his pupils. The
incidents which DR.. Abbott related about
schOOl-bOys who have since become IL
lustriOus were extremely interesting.
Lewis Cass," he said, ''Was avery Wild
boy. One day his father, Maj. Cass, came
to me and asked me If I would take his
son.
'''Certainly, but why do you ask?'
ooh the yOungster is headstrong and
hard to manage. I am an officer, and
can govern soldiers, but that boy is too
much for me-
What does he dO?'
plays truant, runs away from his
work, steals off without my permission
to 90 a cunning, fishing and Swimming,
and is full Of all kinds Of pranks.'
well, send him to me, and III see
what can do with him.
t'The boy was placed under my charge.
Several months later 1 met his father,
and asked him how his son was getting
along. Well, sir said he, IF Lewis was
half as afraid of the Almighty as he is Of
you, I should never have any more
trouble with him
In relating this incident Dr.. Abbot
fairly shook with the laughter which the
recollection Of Maj. Cass' answer excited
1t Is scarcely necessary to add that
controlled by the precsptOr's extra
ordinary power Of discipline, the strong
motive energies which led young Csss
into all sorts Of boyish mischief were di-
rected to nOblsr objects. The results Of
the wise management which qulckened
the ambition and reused Into action the
| faculties Of q powerful nature are record