The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1885-05-08

Pitssh0rE Reporter.
Proft ssoI Charles A. Riddle, who few
years ago was Principal of the common
schools OF this place. and is now Principal
of the schools a. M.nersvIlle, in the vicinity
of Pittsburg, expressed the following views
the otH er day to a reporter OF the Pittsburg
Dispatch, in regard to Mrs. Stones law re-
qIiring the effect Of alcoholic drinks, stimu-
lants and narcotics Oh the human system to
be taught in the common schools. We quote
from last Sundays Dispatch:
Not until the State Superintendent and
the courts construe the temperance hygiene
law will we know what it embraces and
Nhst it does not include in its provisions"
remarked Principal G. A. Riddle of the Mi
nersville schools. yesterday, as book agent
was urging the adoption of text book which
covers all the law intends, in the opinion OF
said agent. When Mr.. Riddle was asked TO
explain he continued
well, in the first place, there is a cOUflict
of opinion touching the meaning of sections
three nd four, which provide that no Ger
tihicate shall be granted any person to teach
in the public schools of the Common wealth
or iE any educational institutions receiving
money from the Common wealth after the
first Mon lay of June, 1886. who does not
pass satisfactory examination in physiolo-
gy ana hygiene. with special reference to
the effect of alcoholic drinks, stmulants and
narcotics on the human system and that
all laws or parts OF laws Inconsistent with
! the provisions Of this act are hereby repeal
ed 1t is held that. under the provisions OF
these sections, every teacher in the State,
/ no matter whether he holds a professional
/ or permanent certificate, State or Normal
school diploma, will be compelled to pass q
! special examination in order to meet its re-
duirements. This will be the first point the
schonl department will be asked to SETTLE
Then comes the question, what is meant
gN i'm Ion 1RsNIa
drinks. for those are previously mentioned.
/ Does il mean coffee, tea, chocolate, spices,
&c, for al of these and many other things
come under the defiutiOn. 1t even includes
the ruler and the attain. for they are stimu.
lants. Following 'stimulants' the law takes
up narcotics Now, our medical authOTi
ties state that narcotic is that which, ~
medical doses, ailays morbid suceptlbilties-
relieves pain aud produces sleep. &c, and
includes opium, belladoDna, &c. Does
the law me an that the effects of these shal
be taught TO each child in each grade of Our
public schools? The law says so, else j
is meaningless. What teacher knows the
effect of the different narcotics in dGere NJ
quantities on persons diff srinR in age, tenn
permanent and physical condition? a? Then
too, the law is so loose in language that {
teacher so minded can play loose or fast tC
suit the sentiments of the community il
which he Is teaching. 1t says not a wore
about the evil effects, but simply the effects
of alcoholic drinks, stimuiaLts and narcot
les on the human system.
"If the teacher believes that stimulant
are not hurtful in the main, he'caR so teacl
aud evade the intent of law. If he has con
v:ctions on the subject of narcotics, he Cal
, so teach and say nothing about smoking ant
chewing, which many people believe are no
injurious. So, you see, what pretty mes
our lawmakers have given us. 1 have no
= discussed the motives of the law. The IN
, tention of Mrs Hunt and her frieBds in Sc
curing its passage was doubtless good, bu
looked at as a law supposed to come from tn
hands Ot mature people, it wOC!d be dif11cu
to conceive OF anything that seems 10 eu
brace so much and yet means go little