Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1890-01-11

which would rebound to the good of the
pupil.
/ find, in my visits, that many pupils
are inadequately supplied with text
books. and that no request of the teacher
in charge will induce them to bring the
required books. Parents do not seem to
realize the fact that the primer and first
reader of the primary department will
not avail in the principals room, or that
the studies pursued in the Ward Schools
are laid aside for more advanced course
in the High School and thus our teach
ers are annoyed continually by the refus-
al of parents to furnish the children with
appropriate textbooks.
Parents have sufficient money with
which to feed and clothe their children !:
this. of course, is right. but should they
not be just as willing to feed and clothe
their minds as their bodies
Many parents, moreover. spend money
freely, and wi tnout the least complaint.
for that which is neither food nor raj.
ment, and often for that which is not
ouly of no utility whatever. but, on the
contrary, is positively noxious and de-
basing and yet, when the teacher de
sires those same parents to provide their
children with suitable text books, the
cost looms up mountain high before
them, and the teacher, in turn, il
frequently abused for the kindly interest
he has taken in the welfare of those
placed under his care and instruction.
We have course of study laid down
for our schools, and, inasmuch, as the
Board of Education furnish the books
be done to induce parents, who are able
20 provide text books for their children
to comply with the requirements of the
course
Another great hindrance to the pro
gress of our schools is the irregular
attendance of SO many of the pupils, a
fault, too, which it is within the power
Of the parent to correct, but which, on
the contrary, in many instances, seems
to be, not simply overlooked, but even
encouraged. A fair. dime circus. a
owering cloud, an approaching holiday.
Or little extra work to be done at home
are too often considered by the parent !.
valid excuse upon which the pupil may
cemain away from school: nevertheless
,hould those same scholars fail, or merit
ow grades at the annual examinations
he teacher in charge would be censured
Tor incompetency, and, perhaps, for
,.very other fault to which teachers are
supposed to be amenable.
hold that sickness is the only laudable
'xcuse for either absence or hardness.
md that seldom, if ever. ought any other
Excuse to be accepted. l. aleo. hold thar
the pupil is detained at home, through
my cause whatever, the teacher shoulo
not be held responsible for his failure t.
pass the required examinations. Ever,
easonable person will regard failure
ven from sickness. not as the teacher
fault but as the scholar 3 misfortune.
Akin to the evil of irregular attendan &c
'nly farther reaching in its deleteriou-
results, is that Of remaining out of schoo.
altogether.
Non attendance at school, and conse
quent ignorance thereupon, is truly q
our country. Edward Everett says
= Education is better safeguard of lib
rty than standing army" When will
the pupil learn the truth of this state
ment? If left to himself. net. perhaps
until it has become too late for him to
acquire an education.
Should not the parent, then, see to it
that the pupil is at school, even thougl
ne should protest against it? The day
will come when the child will be thank
Jul that he was submissive to parental
authority. and that he was compelled t.
improve the precious moments of early
youth.
How often, however, are parents sadly
derelict in their duty in regard to Thu
very matter The girl grows weary OF
The classroom, complains of its tolls ano
hardships, and the parent, in order to
crafty her foolish whims, not infre
quently withdrawe her from school. The
BOY is permitted by his father and moth
err TO exchange the restraining and rein
ing influences of the school-room for the
more fascinating associations of the
street corner, where he can enjoy. to hie
hearts content. the deadly cigarette, and
thousand other evils whose certain
tendency is to the destruction Of body
mind, and soul; or, if not SO bad as this
he may be placed in some position.
which he is, at best, but poorly qualifieo
to fill, and from which he can never rise
to prominence or usefulness in the
world.
The people are taxed to support the free
school system. Why not compel the
children to reap the benefits to be deriv.
ed from that system?
Is it right that the wealthy capitalist
should be taxed to educate the poor
tI1du les Dctdubc HIS O"D
property and person are safer in an eJu.
Gated community than in an illiterate
one.
Is it right that the poor man should re-
fuse to send his child to school?
No, because the very purposes for
which the free school system was Great
ed are thus thwarted,-the wealthy
mans money is expended, while the
poor man s child remains in ignorance.
Several States have already adopted
compulsory education. Will our own
legislators do as much for West Vir-
ginia Z
do not wish to be regarded as queru-
lous, nor do desire to assume the role
of the pessimist, nevertheless, facts are
stubborn things" and it is always just
as right and proper that we should see
our faults, and endeavor to correct them,
as it is that we should study our virtues,
and cling unto them.
The allowed named obstacles in the way
of successful school work are not imagin-
airy they arc real, Let us all, teachers,
Board, and patrons, strive earnestly to
surmount them, and thus give to the
youth of our beautiful Queen City -
that which will prove to them of more
value than gold or silver.-a thorough,
practical, business education.
Respectfully submitted.
]. A. Cox, Supt.