Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1891-03-05
EDUCATIONAL COLUMN
EDITED BY o. L. SnrIrH.
Best Method of Enlisting Public
Sentiment More Fully in Re
gard to Public School Work.

Best M6thOo OF GnllSting PUBLIC
Sentiment More Fully in Re
gard to Public School Work.
BY ]. L. TADLocK.
IA paper read before the Phillips
County Teachers Association.
Public sentiment is a product Of
free institutions. In a government
not ''of the people, for the people and
by the people" royal will sways the
rod of empire. The people are edu-
Gated to depend upon the royalty and
nobility for the solution of all ques-
tions concerning government. After
the manner of parasites they cling to
the body of the aristocracy for sup
port and sustenance. Since they haye
no voice in goVerasnent ard are not
consulted on any question of exped-
iency, they develop neither tendency
nor ability to form an opinion on pub
lie affairs. More than this, every
feeble attempt at expression of popu-
lar will IS promptly checked by their
noble lords.
On the other hand a citizen of a
democracy feels himself a RESPONSE
bic part of the great body of state or
nation, and interests himself accord
ingly. He learns of a public ques-
ton, talks of it to his neighbor, who
in turn tells what he knows and thinks
of it to another neighbor. Thus the
discussion goes the round of the
whole people, until as if by common
consent they agree upon a verdict,
and this verdict is termed public
opinion.
By constant exercise the public
mind grows wonderfully alert, and
can in a very short time reach de-
cision on any subject to which its at
tention may be directed
Affairs of government no longer en-
gross its entire attention. But local
undertakings, churches and schools,
come for their share of notice. In
fact no important movement can be
successfully carried out among a free
people without the aid Of enthusiastic
public sentiment.
Does lawyer find himself burden
ed with a difficult case? He at once
endeavors to create for his client a
favorable impression on the public
mind. Does any one undertake some
local reform! Let him but secure the
hearty cooperation of the public and
his work is accomplished.
So with the teacher in his school,
if he can enlist public sentiment, and
secure the help of his patrons, his
work becomes a success. So also
with the body of teachers in a county
or state, if public sentiment be prop
erly enlisted, cooperation of the peo-
pie be fully secured, half of our diff
culties disappear at once, and it be-
comes a pleasure to overcome what
remains.
The fact that our topic reads "Best
methods of enlisting public sentiment
more fully IN regard to school work"
implies that it is not fully enlisted.
The many vexing difficulties which
we every day meet with in our school
system as well as our school work, is
evidence that it is not sufficiently en-
listed.
But. does the trouble come from a
lack of interest on the part of our pa
irons in the work done by the public
schools7 Are the people of Kansas
they from whom emanates public sen
timent- they fully alive to the i'm
portance of education? Go my doubt
ing friend to the books of the County
Treasurer and there read the tale of
toll and care. Read there the story
of from TO to 20 mills taxes voluntar-
lily imposed and cheerfully paid by a
people who, In many cases have no
other financial resource than an IN
certain crop. No my friends the
trouble lies not here. Oul people are
interested but many of them are not
interested in the right way. They will
ingly defray expenses; they are con
cerned IN the selection OF teacher;
they are careful that coal and other
necessaries are provided; but unfor-
tunately here their interest ends.
This is due partly because some do not
know of what a common school educa-
ton should consist; partly because
many more think they do not. But
mostly, because the majority of the
people do not realize the importance
or necessity of concerted action OF
teachers, patrons and pupils in order
to secure best results. And I fully
believe If they properly appreciated
this fact, not one IN fifty would fail to
give his hearty support to any and
all efforts Of the teacher in the direc-
ton of progress. With this view Of
the case, those methods of attracting
the attention of the public are best
which will lead the people to realize
that their help is needed. have
nothing new to propose. There are
, many good methods already being
used. And you will pardon me if ]
attempt but to emphasize some o.