Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1896-03-07
OUR COMPOSITE CIVILIZATION,

This may be illustrated by any
branch of knowledge, whether
comprehensive or profound.
For example, in geology we
observe the different kinds of rocks
and soils; by comparison we note
the diversity of structure and
composition; by reasoning we
arrive at their probable origin and
age, and thereby are able to evolve
a very definite history of the
formation of the earth's crust.
The first movement of the hand
of very young child toward some
definite object seems to be of little
consequence, but we know that
sensation precedes this movement,
and that by closely observing the
unfolding of the mental life of the
child we learn when il receives
various sensations. BY the union
and the growth of these sensations
perception is evolved, followed by
conception, reason and judgm
each dependent on and more
complicated than the preceding.
In connection with the faculties, the
will, memory, imagination and
other faculties are developed. BY
observing the growth and develop
ment of these faculties, and by a
process of reasoning showing the
relation to each otherand 10 nenta
development. the great system of
knowledge known as psychology
has been given to the world, and by
the application of i,s principles to
our modern systems of education
our advancement has been almost
Incredible. Not only is this true ot
the preceding, but it is true of all
sciences; and, further, all the
various sys,cmatized branches of
knowledge are classed as science,
art or literature, according to their
essential elements.
Following this line of thought it
becomes evident that our modern
civilization is itself a generality
the details of which may be said tc
be composed of home life, school
life. political life and religious life
| shall not discuss these divisions
extensively because their relations
and interdependence are self
evident.
We know that the homes of
civilized nation are the foundation
of its prosperity; that the matrons
of these homes exert untold influ-
ence during all national crises;
that the rulers, statesmen, teachers
and thinkers receive their first
Impressions of the outside world
from these homes while their
minds are in the most plastic con-
dition. Therefore, we see how
important it is that the homes of n
nation may be good homes; that
the first ideas of the children may
be free from error and may tend in
the right direction. Let us not
forget the great lesson taught the
world by the matrons of the Roman
republic. The early training of a
child is so important that Catho-
lie priest once said: Let us have
the children to educate until they
are eight years of age and we will
have no fear as to their future
belief"
Although the impressions made
by home influence are deep and
lasting, and greatly influence
future action, yet the thoughts ano
opinions are moulded and the
future course of a child is decided
by the school life.
The thousands of children that
are in the public schools today will
be the moulders of public opinion
tomorrow; therefore, we see how
essential il is that the youth of the
land may get true ideas of his
duty to himself, 10 his fellow, to his
state and to his Supreme Being. l
need not impress on you the
responsibility that rests on the
teacher. The welfare of a civilized
aud cultured community is in theil
hands. l would place the profes-
sion of teaching first among all
professions, not from prejudice,
but for logical reasons. The
teacher exerts a greater influence
in our country than the preacher,
lawyer or doctor, though all are
essential and occupy places that il
left vacant could not well be filled.
If you doubt this statement, If yor
would place one of the professions
Just named above that of the
teachers, l believe this idea can be
dispelled by single question, by
what means are the professional
men fitted for their callingr'
Iplace the profession of teaching
over that of the ministry, because
in the school room character and
conceptions of the ideals that are
to be attained in life are formed
under the guidance of the
instructor. The influence of
teachers in whom student has
confidence may be such as to
entirely change his opinions, his
view of the world, and his ideals, IN
the period of four short years, the
usual length of college course.