The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1885-01-08
Toast-Andrew Jackson, The
School Teacher. Response
by j. p. 81. Stedam.

The school teacher has come to be the
recognized agent of civilization and is rap
idly rising to distinction. He is no longer
nifty of n profession.
To the free school system OF America, to
| its active agents, the school teachers are
largely dl the success, prosperity and rap
id development of this country.
The school house is the protection OF
American industry the teacher is the
trainer other statesmen and citizens.
In no country are the facilities for teach
ing greater than in this Land of Liberty
Every hero, every patriot, every statesman,
in a word, every great man of whatever
profession, is a teacher. The representa-
tive or champion OF a principle is necess:,-
rily the teacher Oi the principle and as such
establishes his school of followers.
Could the founders of the many varied
schools return to the success OF their labors,
who of them all would find greater cause
for rejoicing, or be prouder of his followers
than Jefferso,. and Jackson, the founders
and spirits of Democracy-a school unsha-
ken by wars and defeat, purged of ali that
is weak and corrupt and rising after quar-
ter of a century with a strength and vigor
equaled only by its age. 1t is but just and
proper that its greatest teacher should be
toasted, and that too, on the anniversary
of the establishments of his fame. This ~
Jackson's political birth day, and his pu-
pills have assembled to do him honor, to
renew their fidelity to his principles, to re-
ioice over the victory of the new New Or
leans SO stu b bcEnly contested, yet so qui-
etly and positively won on that fatal 4th of
November,
1t is not known that Jackson was a pro-
fessionl pedagOgue but it is certain that
he was an active and energetic teacher of
many wholesome lessons.
We know that he taught a term of school
and that he did so with success. This was
the beginning g OF his public services. Here
he first showed his executive ability. his
power to govern. Order was his only rule,
obedience his first lesson. He soon acquired
the confidence and respect alike of patrons
and pupils.
In those days school teaching was not in
advance of the ordinary routine of pioneer
life; 1t was hard, trying work. But Jack
son was never daunted by hardships or
peril. He was naturally qualified for a
teacher of the times. He was kin d but
firm and distinguished for his intuitive
judgement which eminently fitted him Tor
the MANAGEMENT of a school. One or two
incidel is also attest the fact that he did
not utterly ignore the popular virtues of
birch and hickory: lie had none of the adj
yantases of the modern teacher. There was
Il,
pervision inrerfered with the popular ideas
OF liberty. He had no one to consult or
with whom he might advise. A teachers
association was dream of the future. A
standard text book was unknown and the
simples. apparatus had net a name. The
school house itself was u log hut with in
sufficient light and no ventilation, devoid
Of desks or tables, furnished with split logs
for seats S, u home of discomfort. The state
was in no way concerned about the school
and the salary was too meager and uncer-
tain to attract young men to the school
room. School teaching was looked upon as
mere drudgery, menial servitude, nothing |
or professional in it. ItiS, there |
fore not strange that youth of Jackson's
energy and ambition did not continue long /
70 teach. He Withdrew from the school
room to enter the school of experience, the
school OF life, in which he was both pupil
Ind teacher. Whether in war or OIL his
arm, at the bar OR on the bench, III Con-
,ress or III the Presidential chair, lie was
still u teacher, teaching much by precept.
more by example. He excelled in 'domes-
ic virtues, and our history Gbounds in in
.idents illustrating his patriotism, indus
ry and benevolence. His generosity was
lnbounded and bravery was personified in
him. All his dealings were scrupulousiy
honest, and his statements were made for
he truth in them rather than for the pleas
lres of his hearers. To his friends he was
faithful, sincere and grateful. Obedience TO
aw and order were sacred to him. Foreign
powers were as prompt i'll obeying his call
% comply with terms of treaties. as WAS
south Carolina to submit to his orders con-
.erning "nullificati"n."
Even the part h. iCok in the sports or the
,ay showed that he was an honorable man.
lie entered into them with the same spirit
that animated the Grecians in their Olym-
pic games, From the school room to the
White House, 10 man ever more sensioiy
elt the responsibilities Oh tie many aoo