Evening journal., 1902-09-13
a Pedagogue Of Long Ago


The old-time pedagogues seem to
have passed away along with many
other institutions. Some of us retain
memories of them which, at times, fur
nish the materials for numerous anec-
dotes. and often bring smiles to the
lips-smiles not far removed from
tears.
These old pedagogues were most hui
man creatures; they we're not inspired,
perhaps, with all the lofty sentiments
which are a part of the theory OF peda-
gogy of the present day, and upon
which teachers are required to
pass examinations, and. presumably,
to practice.
The teachers of which l speak did
not lay much stress upon the doctrine
that the teacher should control his pu-
pills by love; theirs was a sterner the
ory, and yet in practice the modern
instructor never exhibited a warmer
heart and more enthusiasm for seholas-
tic attainments. AS to theories of teach
ing. they had their own, self-made and
worked out in the light Of temperament
and experience. In one respect, at
least, their work was superior to that
of those who teach under the system OF
the present day. They had no grades,
or if they had, the lines between them
were very flexible. The consequence
was that promotions as they are now
known never took place. The bright pu-
pill received individual attention, and
might be said to have constituted a
class by himself. He was not kept
back by the laggards, but was encOur-
aged and assisted to the limit of his ca
pacity.
From time to time these pedagogues
packed their satchels and took theiI
departure to become the directors oi
education in other districts, yet in the
course OF time they were sure to drift
back among their old pupils and &C
quaintances.
Most of the people Of lower Delaware
have not forgotten a most remarkable
character who was known through two
counties. and who at one time CT an
other taught almost every school II
Kent and Sussex. He came from Phil
adelphia, he said, and seemed to hav
no relatives or acquaintances that wer
interested in him. Therefore, 1t Is no
i amiss to mention his name.
Elihu d. Tarr had many of the frail
ties of humanity, but Nature had no
spared the virtues. He was under
sized. with a long body and very shor
llegs. His head bulged out as thoug
Ibis big brain could not find room in it
contracted she'll. No ordinary ha
would fit him. and when his head wa
lcontrasted with his tiny feet, the com
In
was the cause for mirth. A little nos
turned skyward, while a protrudin
lchin was most formidable. To max
the matter worse. he had but one eye
and the sight of that was defective.
Periodically he turned up at tn
homes Of his friends. and to have see
him come waddling along the countr
J road. dressed in a collection Of gar
- ments of various texture and colors, a
of which were either too large or to
q small. is a memory one can never foI
3 get.
D But for all that. he usually found
. warm welcome His stay might be fc
night. or it might run into week
But suddenly the determination woul
n seize him to go, and persuasion to sta
was unavailing You might see hil
again within a week, or it might be
4 year but II he once knew and like
= you, you would never be forgotten.
r 1t was well understood that he new
!. had any money; he couldn't keep
s Every child who pleased his fancy W;
q the recipient Of his gratitude. +
r would lavish the most expensive an
= useless presents on his pupils, al
though the snow came in through h
broken shoes he never needed IL.
He believed in the use of the ro
and when his temper was kindled, eve
those whom he loved had TO suffe