The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1899-03-11

natural principles OF citizenship. IL all
mothers we're competent mothers; IL they
we're az we'll fitted for mothers duties as
the teacher is for teaching, much that is
now required in the public schools could
be let alone. But the instruction from
the public school teacher in many IN.
stances means to the child home and
school too. To many, the teacher takes
the place Of c parent, associate and men.
tai director.
In these days children are hurried
along, breathlessly, through the different
grades until they stop, discouraged, upon
the threshold Of the high school, never
to enter. Others, bright and capable in
some branches Of study, are compelled
to go over and over those studies which
to them are 30 hard until they too, dis
couraged, join the great throng and
leave school.
II more specific training for specific
needs could be given to our An erican
boys and girls, more Of them would be
fitted for citizenship and IL every child
could be taught to put into practical use
what he has learned there would be
fewer half starved people in our country.
That education which will bring out
the best there is in a child and help to
make that best greater and then help
him to adapt that education to his sur.
roundings. thereby enabling him to earn
an honest livelihood and teach him to
have respect for himself, his country
and his God, is one which will fit him
for citizenship.
All will agree with me when say that
a man who is able to live comfortably
and whose physical and material wants
are we'll supplied, is capable OF being
much better citizen than his poverty
stricken neighbor. He is able to think
clearly and is better fitted to face the
questions that confront all citizens.
My plea then, is THE: The public
schools should first teach child rever.
ence for himself, his country and his
God. Second. Should teach him thor.
oughness in whatever he undertakes.
Third. Should teach him to apply his
knowledge.
Then this state, as we'll as others,
needs an efficient compulsory attend.
ance law. One that shall state the ex-
act time Of the year when attendance at
school shall begin and shall prohibit
children from working in stores, fac.
tories or shops who have not bad the
proper shool advantages. There should
be officers provided Whole duty it is to
see that children enter school at the
proper time and that all other points OF
such law are strictly enforced. There
are separate schools needed, too, in the
cities, for those children whose very be-
ing seems to be antagonistic to the laws
Of the school. Their attendance is
never ceasing source Of worry to the
teacher in charge and the effect OF their
presence is demoralizipg to the other
children. For them and all other
classes of children who need special
training there should be separate
schools.
The establishment Of such schools
should be placed in the hands Of com.
petent teachers who are especially fitted
for their work and the children who are
willing to work will be free from the
annoyance and evil influence which now
appals some parents. While those who
are in the hanes Of special teachers will
be much more benefited and receive
much more attention from their teachers.