The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1889-10-18
WHOLE NO. 495
PATRIOTISM IN SCHOOL.

1t was very sensible remark of Pope
Plus TX: ''Give me the teaching of the child
and l will defy the world to change the
man." 1t is an axiom which is every day be-
ing illustrated in the affairs of men, and
this Is true not only i'm religious but educa-
tional matters also. Now as thousands of
dollars of our nations valuable treasure is
annually being expended for the education
OF the rising generation, it is of great mo-
ment that the best. results possible be OBJ
tained from the expenditure. This is par
ticularly desirous from the fact that upon
the shoulders of the youth of today, the af-
fairs OF state will rest tomorrow, and it is
for us as teachers to decide whether the
liberty and power, bequeathed by our pa
rents, shall be transmitted to our children
as unspotted as 1t came to our hands. This
can be accomplished by right use of the
means provided us. 1t is inherent in the
breast of every true lover of his country to
possess an awe and reverence for our an
cestors, who so freely split their blood on
Bunker Hill, at Monmouth and at Brandy
wine, that their children might enjoy the
liberty which they did not. We feel deeply
gratifed to them for the asylum of liberty
which they with hearts blood erected for
us, and with their dying breath admonshed
us never to surrender, but bear it intact
through the decades of time and surrender
it to none but our children. We should re-
member then that our responsibility does
not end with the present; another genera
ton is following on our heels, and our teach
lngs and example, to great extent, will be
their guide through life.
1t is duty incumbent upon each teacher
to teach his or her pupils that they love
their country, and their reasons for it. Let
them know tba nf 70 hi,th I,
simply rehearsing the few pages of history
usually devoted to the subject, but give
them the benefit of your own knowledge
and ideas of the subject, and if you have
none then bestir yourself and waken to the
fact that you are an American citizen.
have seen more enthusiasm created i'm school
by reading one of Patrick Henry's speeches
than could be aroused by reading a whole
chapter OH the causes of the Revolution. An
interest was aroused, questions were asked
and desire to know more about it was at
once manifested. 1t brings to life the
nobler and manlier characteristics of the
pupils and leads them to form opinions of
their own as to the right methods of govern
ment. Compare our form of government
with that of other nations, not by learned
discourse on Political Economy filled with
technical terms, but in such simple language
as they can easily understand, anecdotes of
eminent men may be interjected with good
effect, also brave deeds of soldiers i'm battle.
The work could be best made supplement-
ary to u. s. history, although no regular
rule or plan is necessary, the teachers in
genuity being sufficient for the occasion.
But one thing should be observed: teach
them to love their country, not a political
party, and TO think for themselves, and not
vote certain ticket because father does
Another thing, if your school hasn't flag,
buy or manufacture one; very small out
lay is sufficient for materials and any girl in
school will be anxious to display her knowl-
edge of needle work, and unfurl it from
staff upon the grounds each holiday. Many
other plans will arise in your minds which
will be beneficial to the schools, besides
shortening the length of your term, increas-
ing your usefulness and more firmly cement
ing your popularity with both parents and
pupils,
d. J. NICKs.