Mexico weekly ledger., 1896-07-16
FAMOUS
For a Dollar Saved Is
a Dollar Made.
FAM[OU F skopR, M45R
Attend the Teachers Institute.

Correspondence OF the Ledger.
Mexico, Mo-, July 15.-As we watch
the hands moving around the clock
dial we are reminded that the time
of the Teachers Institute is swiftly
approaching, and we wonder II the
tide of enthusiasm in teachers is tend
ing upward. We wish to make an APP
peal to every teacher in the county in
behalf of the institute.
Every teacher, if possible, should
attend because he has no greater OPP
portunity of redeeming the time.
Civilization is advancing along every
line and of course education is adj
vancing with it.. The standard is ris-
ing higher, and the teacher who does
not redeem the time will find himself
forced to the rear.
The physician has as much right to
issue medicine and perform opera
tions without attending lectures as
the teacher has to mold mental pow
ers and develop muscle without the
benefit of institutes. A doctor may
be a graduate of the highest medical
school in existence and have a fine
brain, but heIis not a physician yet.
He is just ready to begin. If he fails
to attend to the things Of his profess
sion he win loon be regarded as a
"poor stick" The teachers profess
sion is higher than even the physi-
cian's-he has to do with the moral
nature. The teacher who loses sight
of his profession during vacation and
fails in his school later will be held
responsible. Some teachers % are
opposed to institutes. 1t seems the
certificate is all they want. Let us
enumerate some of the benefits OBJ
tanned in attendance. We are assoc
ciated with stronger and nobler minds
from which we catch an inspiration
that lifts us higher in our aspirations.
Then we exchange methods and learn
shorter ways of awakening thought;
discover our weak points and find
how to strengthen them. Taken al.
together, there Ia a kind of spiritual
air in the true institute that makes
n glad to be there. Do you love to
teach school? Page did. Mann did.
Does the work delight you? 1t de-
lighted them. Do you love little chill
dren and are you sympathetic with
them in their Ignorance and weak
ness? Do you know that the future
welfare of many poor children Is
hinged upon you as their present
friend? Then, what do you think
you should do? Don't get discourage
ed because you get but little pay for
your work. If you are not ~appreciat-
ed by some and If you find iIliterate
men with whom you have to contend,
meet them. There are few commune
ties in which there are not nonpro-
gressive men who are ever ready to
growl about the pittance they pay as
school tax. Such men remind us of
the OK that eats, drinks and sleeps,
which action terminates his aspira-
tions. 1t is as q general thing the
A6hS1"hS "iAiaCd Gftso tuhb OppO66
progressive schools and the liberal
compensation of teachers. Whenever
such men as John r. Kirk get con-
troll both teacher and children will
see better times.
1t pays to educate. 1t is far better
school houses than jails, universities
than penitentiaries. 1t is better to
prevent crime than to have to pun
ish 1t. Whenever voters and tax
payers fully realize this it, will not be
very long until the police force will
dwindle, and the screech of the wild
owl will be heard in the ruins Of the
penitentiaries.
Fellow teachers, come to the in
and further prepare yourself to
participate in the great work. The
who have charge of the institute
need not my commendation. They
are men of high character and are
well acquainted with the profession.
Prof. Strother will receive much
praise for having secured them.