Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1889-11-08
YnE AERAED.
lsLANDPogo VI. NOVEMBER 8.
N0N-ATTENDANCB AT SCHOOL.

measure must pass the ordeal of
searching investigation and discus
sion, before it is enacted, and must
receive the endorsement of enlight-
ened public opinion before final
success is assured. Today, an ex'
ecutive must depend upon the sup
port of an active public sentiment
for the successful administration of
any system of legislation. There is
Il reciprocal obligation resting upon
the official, and upon the people.
Upon the official to administer the
law in its true import and spirit;
upon the people for giving such a
well directed and enthusiastic sup
port, as will insure a fair trial and
results proportionate to the wisdom
of the measure. If there is any
subject which is far reaching in its
results, universal in its application,
and vitality important in its relations
TO every other interest; a subject
upon which depends the future sue.
cess of Republican Government, it
is the question of Education in our
public schools. Every plan for the
improvement of those schools must
be OF interest to the general public,
and if wise, should receive public
approval. We ought to realize
where we are, and whittier we are
tending. A general survey of the
situation, which is honest in It's pur'
pose, careful and thorough in It's
insight, and comprehensive in its
scope; a survey which discloses the
obstacles, as well as the incentive, to
success, although it may not fatter
our pride, will prepare us for the
magnitude of our work. Actual
facts are easily ascertainable. The
deduction that may be drawn from
those facts will differ widely, &C
cording to the standpoint and train
ing of the observer Therefore we
shall claim no special authority nor
official sanction for our expressed
opinions, and readily concede to
Others the same individual freedom
OF opinion that we claim for or
selves. The people of this state are
supporting an expensive system Of
public education, and it becomes a
vital question that all of the chill
dren Of school age are brought with
in the range of school influence and
culture, and kept there during term
lime. 1t is question that concerns
the pupils, the teachers, the parents
the tax mayors IT Is question that
confronts us at the outset. 1t is
obvious that improved methods and
facilities cannot avail children who
do not attend at all, or worse still
whose attendance is semi-occasional
The results of this evil are apparent
to any one who visits our schools
and it is not too much to say that
the usefulness of some of them i.
practically destroyed thereby. Coco
attendance may be called a mos
nnfailing criterion of successful
school. I have in mind example,
of opposite condition which speal
volumes. The scholar who has los
a session often fails to make goo(
the lost during the term, an(
weights the class with his consequen
blunders and delays. Either double
work must be performed immedi
ately by the absentee, or the Who'll,
class retarded to accommodate him
SO far as the absentee is concerned
The loss is an effectual quietus il
spirit of emulation and class rivalry
which is strong incentive tt
= progress. Habits of delay an(
neglect of duty are thus formed
which leave a permanent impress
upon character. 1t reacts upon the
other members, and discourages the
teacher. Habitual absence Otter
necessitates a subdivision Of classes
already too numerous for thorough
instruction.
Non-attendance is sometimes dut
to Indifference and lack of appreci
alton of educational advantages, OF
the part of both parents and children
but not always. There are doubtless
many cases where the services O.
children on the farm, and in tn,
shop, seem necessary. Perhaps
some children are not sufficiently
well clothed to attend school with
out loss of self respect. The mos
fragrant cases are in the village,
where children are schooled in vice
and apprenticed to ldleness. Oh