The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1898-12-30

be held responsible for all the lndivid
ual performance OF all the duties thai
belong to man--that no man Is master
Of another and that the plea Of ignor.
ance I'm extenuation of wrong and injus.
tice - no longer a sufficient excuse for
its commission and Is a disgrace to one
who attempts TO shield himself under
its threadbare and gauzy folds; teach
them that there are no privileged class.
es IN the land we love 20 call our native
land. and that there IS no aristocracy
ere except tho aristocracy OF rightou
deeds and that there is an absolute
equality OF tisdnction between ali the
professions and trades and Industrial
pursuits Of our pecp'c.
Individual responsibility. independence
Of thought and action, an acute sense
of right and wrong, a firm and deter
mised purpose 10 maintain the right
let these principles b. nrmly established
in the minds and hearts Of our youth
and We viii have an arlstocracy Of g00d
citizenship unequaled in the world
Boys and girls SO educated will make
a race e men and women that will bo
the pride @ America, and which viii
command the admiration and respect
Of all mankind.
Men and women so educated viii make
the best husbands, the best citizens
fathers, wives and mothers
Early preparations in the schools for
the events of life win fortify them TO
meet its variations and vicissitudes.
A good education and a sound training
along these lines prepare them to meet
the exlgences and conditions OF life In
all its phases and to take quick advan-
tage Of the splendid opportunities for
progress and advancement which abound
an along the pathway or the American
citizen In this age OF high and progress
slve and expansive civilization.
We probably have some teachers who
do not hold the credentials or grade
certificates that would perhaps be re-
quired OF those who are charged with
the responsible duties intrusted to YOU
However, II there are any who feel that
they are not quit up to the standard
that should be maintained, our higher
schools offer opportunities for them "a
advance and thoroughly equip themsel-
yes In any or all the branches OF educa-
tin in which they are deficient and II will
not be many years before the law will
exclude from teaching any person who
does not hold n certificate or graduation
from normal school or other respect
able institution of learning. And why
should not the law define the require.
ments OF eligibility TO perform the high
and exalted Guties of teacher and why
should not the standard required be suf.
Ia trtYa Mt al mi aaln a.
your ranks Of only such as are thorough
iy well equipped, worthy and well quail
ined. physically. morally and mentally
These requirements are not very strin
gent at present. but stimulated by {
healthful public sentiment which Is rap
idly growing among the people, Il will
not be long before they are strengthen
ed and advanced and elevated.
You will. 4 am sure not misunderBtanS
tho sentiment or the idee that wisl
10 suggest to you and yet you will par
don me for saying that l do not wisl
TO be misunderstood as eounselling al
obstinate adherence 10 a mlsconcelve'
opinion 0s to what IS right. The flrs
and most important suggestion / max
| Is that the mind OF our youth shall b
so trained that they shall readily b
able to discriminate. to discern, to know
! the right from the worng. To my mind
nothing can be more pernicious and un
fortunate than that man should b
self-willed. opinionated, obstinate an
unreasonable II these traits of charaI
ter are highly developed in q person b
viii rarely be either useful nor ornamer
tai in society or at home.
And while YOU are doing all things I
educate the rising generation, you wi
pardon me for suggesting that 20
should not rest satisfied with the hlg
degree Of excellence already maintaine
by your profession in this territory an
If I understand the purpose OF these AZ
nual meetings OF your association, IN
various county Institutes held during III
vacation season OF the year and perhaT
other meetings that I know not OF,
is TO cultivate ana raise the standar
OF professional attainments II is graf
flying 10 note tho attendance at tn
meeting of teachers in every county
tho territory and Il would be moro gra
flying II circumstances were such thi
every teacher In the territory could tai
part in and have the fun beneft of n
privilege OF personal attendance and pc
sonal participation In these meetings.
Therefore ! earnestly urge and eHho
each and every one OF you not TO mel
/ lect the opportunities afforded you
: perfect yourselves IN every way TO di
charge crecitably and satisfactorily u
----------------------------------