Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1907-03-13
CORRESPONDENCE
Good Literature in StOnebridge School.

uVVu LiloIdluIo III OlOlbOrlugb SCHOOL.
The pupils Of StOnebridge School wish
to thank Mr.. A. Cummins, of Berryville.
for the use Of twenty three well selected
books. Among them are some of SCOTS
best works. Sir Walter Scott's works
should be in every library for they are
excellent specimens of historic romance.
Scott has done more to reveal the true
life, manner and customs Of his country
than any other writer, and is the exponent
of all that is charming, delightful and
instructive. We know Scotland by his
works, and that country might well be
named of him. Training pupils to read
and love good literature is an impor-
tant part of teachers work. because
IL Is one thing that continues TO con-
tribute 10 their education as long as
they live. 1t lays the foundation for
happiness in cid age. The mental and
moral attitude Of the next generation
depends upon the faithful efforts Of
teachers today; and good literature
should be placed in the hands OF children
as soon as they car re.d intelligentlv.
whilst their minds are unfolding. In
the Northern and Western States. where
the Public School system has reached
the highest development. almost every
school has an excellent library. For the
upbuilding Of the New South more atteu-
tion should be devoted TO the fundamen-
tai necessity for better educational
advantages. The establishment of rural
libraries in tine counties Of Marylsnd
and Tennessee is an undertaking worthy
of imitation in the Public Schools of
Virginia. Are Virginia School Boards
paying much attention TO this matter:
ask this honest, pertinent, vital question
in all earnestness and sincerity. Prop
erly managed. a small collection of books.
carefully selected, can be made 20 per
form their function most nobly. The
fundamental principle should be TO select
carefully. y case came under my obser.
vation where "a lad ran away from home
"to see the world, because he had been
hlling his mind with the abominable
writings OF that Mo!ock among novel
ISIS, Paul dc Kock. By venturing on
the pleasan, ripple. he had been tempted
90 the breakers. and then borne along by
the under-current Quito sea. Any intel
ligen; boy will delight in the works of
Robert Louis Stevenson and Georre
Meredith R. d. Blackmore's Lorna
DoOne' contains all that is beautiful. I
would also suggest Thackery, 7. NJ
Barrie. c. ". Gable, Thomas Nelson
PaCr, Harold Frederick and James Lane
Allen. All these authors yividly portray
the characteristics Of some particular
locality. Al these create desire &c
read other charming works. Il is the
use that : made of q child's ability tc
read that may contribute 10 its destiny
Thomas Edison says his whole life wa,
governed by the reading Of a single Cool
book. There Is no estimating the strength
and intimate good that might be derive,
from the united efforts Of our Schoo
Boards, patrons and teachers. TO secur,
good libraries for our schools. whicl
may prove "a source Of enjoyment anl
improvement 10 the children until the,
have answered the last rou-cau an,
passed beyond the purple twilight 20 ,
brighter, higher sphere ofhappiness anC
culture. Mrs. Martha 7. Kimble, of Phil
adelphia, struck the right keynote whel
she said, The world would be better /
the best literature was placed in til,
hands Of children as soon as they learr
10 read intelligently"
ANNIE f. HARGIS.
Guiltore, Va, March >, 1907