The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1895-08-30

ing has been called the most noble of
occupations, but the sorriest of
trades, and this is because the public
mind does not view teaching in it's
proper relations to the other interests
of society. Teaching has become a
profession only very recently, if in
deed it can be called profession at
all. We are not so fortunate as they
are in France where every teacher
must be Normal graduate, and
where the very flower OF the young
men and women enter the profession
because it is well rewarded and highly
thought of by all. And what is true
in France is also true in a measure in
Germany and other foreign countries.
We need here now more than almost
any other thing, body of young men
and women entering the teaching
profession who will lead the public to
respect teaching, to respect education
in all it's processes more highly, and
to assign it it's proper place in pro-
noting the well being of society.
Greater public rewards should be
given to educational work and less to
the administration of law, for it is
certainly just to say that the school
room is more important and infuen-
tial in determining the future destiny
of our country than is the law Office
or even the pulpit; but the public
mind does not appreciate this,
and those who make the
laws respect teachers as a
factor in society but very little. Now,
a teacher ought to be part of society
and a part of the life of the communi-
ty, not shut away from life deploring
the fact that it is so lamentable.
Every teacher has failed in using his
or her opportunities to the best ad-
vantage in so far as he or she does not
by action shape the public mind so as
to more truly comprehend the mighty
significance of the influence Of the
school-rOom in determining the well
fare of the community and of society.
1 urge you not only to be good
teacher, but to be good citizen, TAX
ing part in the social and political
life of the community and helping to
create a higher regard for the teacher
and the profession which she espouses.
81 shall always be glad to be counted
a member of the Alumni association
of this institution, land I shall look for
ward with highest anticipations to
the yearly gatherings here, which 1
trust may increase in interest and
usefulness as the years 20 past. I be-
speak for you loyalty to the school,
not the passive kind, but the active,
energetic kind that will inspire others
to receive the benefits which this
school shall offer in the future as you
have received them in the past"
Mrs. Walter McBroom sang solo,
Tell Her 1 Love Her &c." in a very
artistic manner.
Miss Made Cleveland played an
instrumental solo in her usual felici-
tOus manner.
The exercises were followed by a
social session, in which old acquain-
fences were renewed, and school days
talked over, and absent friends IN
quired about.
Last evening the hall was well fill
ed with an audience of several hun
dred.
The exercises were opened by
well rendered vocal solo by Mrs. H. 1.
Parry.
Miss Alice Grannis followed with
we'll delivered recitation.
Miss Made Cleveland gave an ex-
cellent piano solo.
The principal part of the program
consisted of drama in three acts,
"The Serious Family" The stage
was nicely arranged for this, with
temporary settings. The cast of
characters was as follows:
Chas Torrens. Howard Treat
Capt. Mcclure. Guy Mack
Aminadab Sleek. j. X. McBroom
Frank Vincent. Schuyler Hawks
DanverS. ................F Fred Smith
Lady Sourby Creamley. Julia Hart
Mrs. Chas. Torrens. Mrs. W. McBroom
Mrs. OrmSby Delmaine. ........
Augusta Schellbach
Emma Torrens. ......... Mae Carney
Graham. ...... Mary Mansfield
Pianist. ..................C Cora Carney
Where each did so we'll, it would be
invidious to make special mention of
any, and the best commentator is
the simple statement that the audi
ence was well pleased. The several
parts were well taken, the play passed
off smoothly and without delay, and
the number was an admirable one.
Friday forenoon class reunions,took
place at the school, and the business
meeting is being held this afternoon.
1t was decided at the meeting yes
terday afternoon to hold a picnic at
Patrick Sheehan's place at Lake
Washington Saturday.
60 to w. B. Walker & Son for fly