The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-05-14
ThIs YOUNG polItIcian had .arod hIs

bidder. This young politician had saved hi
pennies for a week before the election anC
invested the entire sum In slate pencils. chew,
ing gum. candy and other things children are
supposed to like. and peddled them out In ex'
change for votes. This young oficeseeker wa
elected by an Overwhelming majority. Tht
manner In which he conducted his campaign
became known aud the corruption in politics
that marked tho last election threatened tc
become general. IA every boy aud girl in
the school with political ambitions began 10
save M his or her pennies to use in the next
campaign. 1t was also alleged at this meeting
that the judges were not above rendering do
cisions that were not strictly In conformity to
the law in the case. and that the boy who could
Irhy the strongest game NJ half back or pitch
an outcurve was not dealt with so severely "a
the boy who knew no football or baseball.
with the close OF school tonight the school
city goes out of existence. Mr.. O'Hanlon be-
lieves the system did not have "A fair trial. and
that II he had been permitted TO continue II n
few months longer its merits would have be-
como evident to parents. pupils and school OH
cials. lie thinks the system has been killed In
his school because Of prejudice and the enmity
Of persons who have not thoroughly examined
into the system.
1T is new" said Mr.. OIianlon in discussing
lIC ''I' VI Nv '1iltIlIltIltl'l ~ III
suppress.ng the experiment. and has met
with the opposition that all new movements.
no matter how mcritorious. will experience
from the ignorant. There IL no doubt that
patriotism. like charity. should begin at home.
The man who performs his duties "a n good
neighhor will he II good member OF the NUM-
%cipality. and hence must be Il patriotic citizen.
l believe that text book instruction in civics
can at best only supplement tho lessons which
must no learned 10y performing faithfully the
duties which dcvolve upon children in their
relation TO their fellows at school and upon the
street. by making pupils conscious that they
are a part of The civic body. and that they must
prepare while at school to take upon them
selves the burdens which citizenship carries. n
more intelligent attitude toward the body
polite NAV be established. which will last for
ever. and better prepare these young people
for real life and better citizenship.
THE primary aim and end OF the American
public school system is the training Of the
youth OF the land for higher ideals OF citizen
ship. This public school system Is supported
by the Government and education made COM
rulsory for the express purpose of improving
the general civilization Of the masses OF citi-
Hens. Millions Of dollars are spent annually for
education. and many more millions for the pre-
%vention. suppression and punishment OF crime.
which the proper education Of our youth should
tend to eradicate or lessen. We boast OF living
under tho banner Of the best government ever
devised and established by mana gov
eminent whose fundamental principle Is
liberty and equity. But how do we gov
ern our schools? Directly opposite in theory
and practice to the fundamental principles
found in the American Constitution and the
Declaration of Independence. II is the height
Of absurdity to make the school an autocrncy
and 10 substitute an external conscience for
the right OF self-control. The method tried in
my school was working In a manner wholly
satisfactory to teachers and pupils and to all
parents who had carefully examined into its
plan as applied in our school city. But even in
this age of progress bitter criticism. not pro-
fessionaIly honest but decidedly preJudiced
and unfair, is sure to attack any attempt OF n
teacher who tries to leave tho beaten paths Of
routine teaching"