Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-11-11
REFINING INFLUENCES.
Received by a Child mt Its Mothers


There are many parents who are con-
scientious in their desire to give their
children an environment which will
make them useful men and women, who
seem utterly oblivious of the value of
the refnements of human life in mold
ing the character. The remark is fire.
quently made in describing certain in
dividuals that they are well-educated,
but utterly without culture" This is
certainly contradiction. A properly
educated person must be cultured
that is, she must have so thoroughly
digested her knowledge that it has
modified and refined her character.
The meaning, however, is clear, and
conveys truth that ought to be gen.
orally recognized by parents. Learn
ing is not culture, nor knowledge wis
dom. We cannot lead our children into
a higher life by surrounding them by
sordid and coarse associations, and
then by one supreme effort in expendi-
ture, as a sort of financial speculation,
send them through college. Such an
education seldom pays, considered from
the lowest standpoint.
The education of child begins at its
mothers knee, and continues until the
child arrives at mature years. The
home education is far more lasting than
the school education. Surround your
home with good literature. 1t is hardly
possible to be too fastidious in this
matter. Where the library is limited
there is only space for 'the immortals"
the few names the world is not will
ing to let die. Every good book which
is brought to the house is an investment
in the education of the children. Every
good engraving hung upon the walls
molds the taste. Keep the walls bare
until you can afford to hang good pic
lures upon them. Coarse, gaudy pic
lures vitiate the taste and leave i'm
pressions that it takes years to eradi-
cate, which are apt TO haunt the mind
of a child sensitive to color and form
like a nightmare. There are plenty of
cheap photographs of good pictures
which cost less than the materials for a
gaudy oil painting. Simple casts of the
masterpieces of sculpture are very mex
pensive and are now finished with wax,
so they may be washed off without in
jury when they are soiled. Such casts
as Michael Angeles 'Slave" or any of
the greatworks of masters are an educa-
tion. Barye's studies of animal life are
all reproduced in plaster, and are ex-
cellent gifts for boys or girls who are
interested in animals. Such refine
ments of life as these educate, while
fine raiment, soft beds and rich food
may enervate the character.
Music and musical instruments all as
sist in molding the character and refn-
ing the nature by lifting the individual
above the sordid pursuit of the COM
things of life. Children can
not be properly educated unless they |
have some chance to see the world out |
side their immediate neighborhood. |
When the father is going on a journey, |
II only to a neighboring town, it is an |
and help to his boy at 10 to
go with him. 1t trains him to meet
strangers with ease. 1t is a help to him
and to all the children to be allowed to
help receive company. It costs some
thing to be hospitable, but it pays in the
influence upon children who are thus
trained to entertain company.
Children who are accustomed TO the
presence of visitors acquire an easy
manner and learn to be tactful and
graceful Such an education cannot be
overestimated in assisting young per-
son to make his way in the world, pro-
riding it is supplemented by an emf
nently practical education at school or
y. Tribune.