The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1901-03-14
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EDUCATIONAL
COLUMN.

The George Junior Republic.


tan contains most interesting arti-
Gle treating Of the unique experiment
Of Mr.. William r. George who has
established near Freeville station.
N. Y, very successful school for
incorrigibles.
AS doubtless but few of the Sig
nal readers have had their attention
called to the peculiar features of the
George Junior Republic, as this
school is called, l beg to submit
few thoughts about this educational
innovation which seems to have we'll
merited the popularity it has attained
1t offers solution to the vexatious
problem Of disposing of incorrigibles,
and as such is at least deserving of
passing consideration.
The George Junior Republic is in
the nature of a reform school. 1t
has an enrolment of about one hun
dred ''cltizens," whose erring feet
are being taught to walk the path of
good citizenship; not by harsh and
cruel methods, but by giving the
right in large measure, to govern
themselves; and by so doing, give
clear idea of the necessity of govern
ment.
The hayward youths of which this
Republic is composed, are those
whose highest ambition has been to
successfully resist and defy the au-
thority they were supposed to be
obedient to. Their surroundings and
associations have tended to develop
the very worst qualities of their ma
ture, and viciousness becomes a rul-
ing passion with them. Children
who have reached this stage of de-
pravity, are called 'incorrigibles.
/ Many states have special schools
for these little evll-doers, where
their communicating influence may be
removed from among pure minded
children. The George Junior Re-
public is private school of this
character.
Five years ago the school was or
gained. Today it is working
model of new and excellent system
of mild corrective treatment Of in
corrigibles. The worst case that
coule be found have been sent there
and have become good citizens.
The citizens of the Republic elect
their officers, make and enforce
their laws, and enjoy all the privi-
leges of real republic except the
right to emigrate. They have their
own police officers, courts, jails, etc.
Citizens who violate the Republics
laws are promptly arrested and tried
and if found guilty are fined or put
in prison uniforms and, under a
guard, are made to break rock, dig
bitches, or do similar work.
The citizens are instructed in the
y ordinary branches taught in common
schools, and in addition they are
taught industrial pursuits; such as
: farming, cooking, or any Legitimate
N trade that they choose.
Why could not Idaho be provided
with few such schools? A schoo
of this kind is nearly self-supportlng
Idaho has many citizens who are am
ply able to establish and maintain s
: republic like the one described above,
and if enough incorrigibles to supply
the school could not be could not bt
found in this state, few might bt
secured from adjoining states.
The man who established such {
d school IN our state will be universally
voted public benefactor, and hi!
school will be an enduring momu
ment to his wisely directed ambition
to reclaim children from a condition
of decentralization and wickedness.
j. L. P.
q q q
re For the teachers meeting Saturda,
March &c.. the following program il
prepared:
Roll Call-Responded to by quot
atoms from Shakespeare.
Punishment in School Mr.. Wolf