The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1891-02-26
North POwnaI.

1t is most encouraging to notice a
growing interest on the part of parents
and friends of education in our public
schools. Our people believe that our
schools should take no step backward,
and that their sons and daughters should
not be obliged TO leave home in order 10
receive the advantages of sound prac-
teal education. This interest is not only
unusual, but increasing and cannot but
exert good influence upon both
teachers and scholars. Frequent vista
ton on the part of parents is of incalcu-
liable benefit. 1t encourages the teacher
to more faithful effort, and stimulates
the pupils to greater zeal in study. A
deeper interest and sympathy in our
school system are awakened, and better
understanding of its necessities acquired.
"Our public schools are the hope of this
country, the mental aud moral culture OF
our youth its crown of glory and strength,
Open wide therefore the gates of learn
ing, remove every obstacle, but forget
not that moral growth and right under
standing of the duties of good citizen
ship are of equal and even higher i'm
pO-tance."
Prof. Stanley Starr the elocutionist,
and Mrs. Starr, the cornet solo artist,
will give a choice and enjoyable enter
tainment at Academy Hall, Wednesday
evening, March Attn. 1t is to be for the
benefit of the North Pownal Graded
school. For further particulars see small
hand-bills.
lip must be muzzled. The eaters
we're served with their breakfast and did
not starve although deprived of theiI
beefsteak. But the cook, alas! heI
wrath was like floods of great waters, u
and like David her ''bones waxed old''
because of her roaring all the day
long" 1t is said that she called fol
ANTE" but after the thief was discov
cred the bOarders claimed that there had
been a mis-Deal.
Mumps. February seems TO be an evil
month for this malady, because of its
peculiar ''gravitating" tendencies.
Town meeting. Next Tuesday the
voters OF Pownal are warned to assemble
at their pooling" place in order to make
certain provisions required by law, fol
the government of the town for the yeai
next ensuing; and to hear reports Of It's
officers, etc. There will be present, Of
course, few "office-seekers" although
at this season of the year, their tribe
is not large one. The chronic 'fault
finders have already passed judgment
upon the public 'acts" of our Official
board, and of course have found them
wanting in everything. Some express
no opinion and are suspending judg
ment until after the "repOrts" are heard
The tendency, in most cases, is TO ignore
all partisanship, and to make choice of
good men without regard to party affilia
ton. Unfortunately in many instances,
the standard in these things, by which a
mans fitness for them, is determined IL
variable quantity, and represents more
the disposition than the sense of the
voter. IL contains much that is vague
and unjust. Cranks and fools will make
the most noise and will try TO excite divi
sion and strife where It is possible,
Many will express theory and plan OF
government which is like nothing else in
particular, but which they will recon.
mend TO everybody in general. The
public functionaryn who has ''repre-
scented the town. once or twice, or who
has been State Senator; who is always
"arOund" 10 be appointed administration
of dead mems estate, or assignee of bank
rupt estates, will be present with his
budget" and of course will condescend
in consideration of the critical and con.
fused Estate of affairs" 10 be a candi-
date for selectman, grand juror, or town
agent, as the case may be. Such men are
handy when a compromise is required,
or when no one else will take an office.
Some men are like waste paper" which
makes very good "gun" wadding TO fill
vacant space when nothing better is AT
hand. Under such circumstances il is
impossible TO forecast the results of a
Vermont town meeting, even on the
morning when called. Nevertheless, we
expect that after personal prejudice has
exhausted its venom, and neighbOrhoOds
have satisfied their local pride, by a
share OF the public appointment the
town officers "elect" will take the IRE.
quired oath" and do precisely what Their
latest predecessors have already done.