The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1907-01-22
IN THE SCHOOL CITY.
Workings Of a New Experiment In
the Self Government OF
the Young.


The writer was present few weeks
ago when the first school city was
organized in Boston by Wilson L. Gill,
the inventor and founder Of the sys-
tenn. writes Frank Pearsons, in Cen
tury. There were 700 pupils, al girls
Of the grammar grades. They were
delighted with the plan. voted unani.
mously and enthusiastically to adopt |
the Golden Rule as the fundamental
law Of their school city. supplemented |
It with various provisions against dis
order. destruction or injury Of prop
crty, profanity, rudeness. unkindness,
etc. and showed remarkable discre-
lion in the election Of Their officers.
The mayor was a h.sghtfaced CIR.
Of twelve and hall Years. When
asked. shortly after the election. what
It meant 10 her to be mayor Of Han
cock school, she said: 1t means z
see that every girl is orderly. clear
and good. 1t means that they must
have good conduct They must BE-
clean ana neat in their dress aud
habits. They must keep the school
rooms and the school yard neat And
hey must be kind TO everybody"
That is great task Aren't YOU
afraid Of it,"
The answer ssas prompt and clear;
mo. for l think they are all good
citizens"
Mary Finn, the Judge, said: y
hall warn citizens who don't behare
.nd II that does no good shall pun
.sh them. They must behave,
The whole discipline OF the school
rut into the hands Of the pupils.
TIE teachers give instruction, and
al ics when it is needed, and the vi
,imate responsibility and authority art
always with them. But the students
make laws and really govern them
selves. although there is an author
ity above them. just as a grown-uI
city governs itself, although the legis
lature may at any lime revoke It's
charter.
In fact. there is more real seif-gof
ernment IN these school cities thar
in most Of our large cities. Fol
there is no apathy 10 the school city
no ay-at-home vote, no political ma
chine or boss.
There IS no graft in the school city
no Doodle on the council. no under
standing" between the police an,
wrongdoers. The ten-year-old judge
aud the twelve-year-old mayor are ao
. yolutely incorruptible Habits Of goot
citizenship are formed while the min,
IS plastic. open to the full force o.
considerations of right and justice ans
: free from commercial motives ans
other influences that in later life 81
often interfere with the duties o
: citizenship. The love Of liberty
strengthened and ennobled by recoE
milton Of the rights Of others and tn
e necessity Of mutual limitations for tn
= public good. Respect for law and al
fhority is developed. The sense
Justice is strengthened and the iudicis
d attitude Of mind IS cultivated.
The results have been excellent ]
every way. Goth conduct and scho
g arship are greatly improved. Disob'
dience is pulled up by the roots. Pul
= lie sentiment ranges itself on the sid
3 Of law when the public makes th
law. A breach Of order is no longe
l. REGARDED as a defiance OF an alien go'
= eminent. but as an injury and an il
g suit 10 the community. Even "a
~ most disorderly schools have been 2
duced to good conduct by the institi
tion Of the school city.