Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1896-07-04

WRIT EN- E'ih 1dE lNDkP
Victor Allen was a teacher by pro-
fession. He was the principal Of a
congregational school in small but
prosperous town in Western Penn
sylvania, and employed by the Luth-
eran congregation of the town at a
fixed salary. But, as is frequently
the case, the sum paid for his SER
vices was by no means commensur-
ate either with his qualifications or
his labors, for be was a good man, 8
fair scholar and a faithful teacher.
He filled his position as teacher OF
the above named school with credit
to himself and perfect satisfaction
to his patrons. Though strict dis
ciplinarian, be was nevertheless, very
kind to his pupils, ard thus gained
their goodwill, love and respect.
He had happy tact for deyising
methods to afford his pupils pleas.
ure by various innocent amusements.
He often, especially when fatigued
by oyerwork, took a day or half q
day for recreation, when the weather
was fair. A short distance from the
town their was beautiful grove to
which he repaired with his school,
where the pupils engaged in various
innocent and amusing sports. There
they all felt happy. There were long
winding paths through the woods.
Close by ran limped little stream
which seemed to leap and lau Oh,
while blooming wild flowers profuse.
ly lined and adorned it's banks.
When all were pretty well tired, Mr..
Allen would conclude these rural di-
versions by relating some interest
ing and instructive story, which was
always eagerly expected, listened to
and enjoyed.
At the close of each scholastic
year, in the month Of June, Mr.. AL
len took his school out on an excur-
sion, either by rail or boat, to some
pleasant resort, most generally pic
mic ground, with well-filled baskets,
and such things for play and amuse-
ments as are common at such places
and occasions. Then again at the
proper time for planting trees, they
had what is now called Arbor Day,
and set out trees on the school
grounds, or any other public place
where it was desirable. Their teach
er always told them, that in years to
como they would find it pleasant TO
behold and enjoy the groves as the
fruit of good youthful act. "And,"
said he, "you must not fail to do
something for the future. If our
forefathers had done nothing for us,
what would our condition be? If
each one of you plant but one tree
every year, you are at least doing
that much for the benefit of posteri.
ty."
Much more could be said in re-
gard to the character and efficiency
of this excellent teacher suffice it
to say, as before mentioned his quail
tiles were far in excess of his renum.
Grafton. And, by way of depression
the truth must be stated that hun
dreds, yea thousands engaged in
that calling are wearing and tearing
their life out, and sacrificing them
selves for salaries the mention which
should make the custodians of our
schools blush for very shame. A
case in point can be found near home
OF a teacher serving for years at half
the salary now paid to stranger.
Verify, home talent is seldom suffi.
GENTLY appreciated.
Victor Allen, to make ends meet,
If possible, was under the necessity
to look around for something to en-
gage in in connection with his school
duties. Fortunately he had large
garden with rich soil, which he
cultivated with great care with his
own hands and raised considerable
truck, and all kinds of seeds which
he sold and thereby added, at least
in small way, to the support of his
family. Yet he was often discourag-
ed and heartsore at the inadequacy
of his income to provide for his in
creasing family.
In the town there was one citizen
at least, who realized and felt what
this teacher had to contend with,
and that was Ferdinand Goodman,
mayor of the town and an elder in
the congregation, and good and no.
ble-mined man. Urged by feelings
Of humanity, sympathy and justice,
ne called upon the minister Of the
congregation to consult with him