The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1895-01-03

M. Coombs, Litchield, Alfred Torngren,
Winthrop, G. d. Perry, Wadena, H. K.
Buell., Preston, w. H. Roberts, Green
leaf City, c. L. Jones, Bristol, Nellie
j. Owen, Minneapolis.
There was one feature of this institu-
ton they failed to see, and in which they
would no doubt, be more interested,
and that was our school. Here they
would find discipline and department
that would please the heart of the most
painstaking dominic, and models for
the most conscientious and determined
student, for there is not a laggard among
the 1872 men who constitute the mem
bership of our school. Ignorance and
a want of proper training have been
ascribed as the causes of crime and
criminals; and in this age of reform,
the authorities of Saltwater, believing
that, "Education is the watchword of
the hour" have determined that the un-
fortunates placed under their charge
shall be given every advantage to
build themselves up; fortify themselves
with the fundamental qualifications of
knowing right from wrong, by learning
to read and write, and study the better
side of life; store the mind with that
which will be of benefit 60 them when
again in the world; and glance through
our school room, where so many, sup
posed to be hardened men, cOngregate
three nights each week, and looking in
to the faces of these men so eager to
learn that, which in childhood they
neglected, or in many instances had no
opportunity to acquire, would convince
the most skeptical that here in Still
water, if reformation does not result, it
is the fault of the man. the authorities
are dong all that can be done. It is
no eXaggeration to say that at least 40
men in here. three months ago did not
know the alphabet who can now read
quite intelligently; and several, who
commenced last term, are now able to
write to their friends, and consider. the
time spent in Saltwater as the most
valued in their lives. The school, under
the efficient management and deep per-
sonal interest of Prof. Alyard of Still
water, is conducted upon the same
principles governing any high grade
school, no man being permitted to re-
main in a class in which he would re-
tard the progress of others.
The school is divided into ten grades,
and every inmate who desires can at
tend; but those who are unable to read
or write are compelled to attend, as.
also, are those who have refOrmatory
follows:
, Beginners have two classes, of 20
y and Is scholars each; the first are those
who first enter and cannot read when
teacher imparts the alphabet and
y the numerals; the second class read in
! the First and Second readers.
q The second grade contains "a mem
! berS, and the course is Third reader
f and Elementary Arithmetic, which in
, Guides mental This class at the be
2 ginning of the term, Sept, 1, were
placed in Second readers and have ad
4 vanced to Third reader.
p Third Grade. contains IS members
q beginning with Third reader and ad
t dition in practical arithmetic, they have
y advanced to multiplication, and have
{ had copy-books added to their tasks
, This grade started out with member
q ship of 80, but IA have advanced sc
t rapidly that it was necessary to divide
: them into two grades, and the latter
= are now doing reduction of fractions
= Fifth Grade, with Is members began
: in third reader and division; and have
4 advanced to fourth reader and subtrac
e ton of fractions.
Il Sixth Grade, with membership OF
q Fl are an advanced part Of fifth grade
+ for as soon as member of class show:
a superiority, he is advanced, and vice
versa, he is reduced when unable tt
= keep up with his class; no man being al
o lowed to retard the progress of tn,
IL class.
Y, Seventh Grade, with Is members be
r. gan with fourth reader, and long dlvis
n ion; have advanced to decimal cur
1t rency United States money.
d The 9Th 9th and 10th grades, with 3
}. members began with fourth reader ant
r. common fractions, and have advanced
G. to reading of masterpieces of American
n, literature, and reduction of denominat
S. fractions. This, the highest class il
s. the school, is divided into three grade
II. and while reading the same works, ar
J. not all SO quick at grasping the intr
". cacies of fractions, and as each schola
r. must be entirely proficient in all h
II. studies before he can be advanced
E. some do not get on as rapidly as other
B. and are, therefore, divided into thre