The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1908-02-14

letter before signing 1t he noticed
that 1t read, Now, between you and
/ there is this understanding" and
he called his stenographer to know
If he had used that language. She
said she supposed he would want his
incorrect syntax corrected. She held
a certificate to teach, yet she had not
learned that the object of a. prepo-
sition must be in the objective case.
There are many of the between you
and T. graduates.
| Proves Herself Wrong.
Another example of presumed
| finish came to our observation few
days ago when some teachers were
| discussing the relative merits of the
school systems of different states.
One lady was indignant because she
considered that the excellence of the
schools of her state had been
brought into question, and imputed
ignorance as the only explanation of
such view. A moment later she
| was speaking of the conditions in the
school she was teaching and -in say
ing they were in need of more geo
graphies, she pronounced 1t ''jogfiz."
In speaking of the need of having the
seats fastened to the floor, she said
the clerk of the board knew about it,
for ''he was there and seen them
Pupils Initiate Teachers.
When the teachers tumble up the
language in this way, it Is no wonder
we hear the high school pupils us
ing such expressions as Has the bell
rang?' and 81 haven't saw them"
OF course 1t Is not possible to direct
pupils attention to everything, and
teachers who have not had much
chance themselves are not to be
blamed for their lack of preparation,
yet why not acknowledge simple
facts and expend their energies In
making the best of what Is, rather
than rush around and deny reality.
We are not quarreling with present
conditions, but inviting effort to
lead in the way of Improvement.
Some teachers do excellent work In
many ways, Notwithstanding their
own lack of education. One lady
who taught in this county last year
and gave eminent satisfaction In two
districts, attended the summer
school at Pocatello and then failed
at the August examinations. In
November she tried again and re-
ceived certificate. Another lady,
a graduate of Cornell University
failed utterly in two districts and
was ready to try another school II
anybody would let her.
Better Spelling Needed.
The old spelling school should be
revived or something done to take
its place. If teachers cannot spell,
1t is not fair to criticise pupils for
inability to spell. Here are few
words taken from examination pap
ers of teachers who were here last
fall. No effort was made to get
complete list of errors on anybody's
papers, but simply few CLEANED by
a hurried survey.
Hundalulu for Honolulu.
Russian, for Russian.
Gass for gas.
Canady, for Canada.
Alegory, for allegory.
misunderstood, for misunder-
stood.
Cropping, for grouping.
MONIES, for gnomes.
Glassgo, for Glasgow
Trinidat for Trinidad.
Levyed, for levied.
Privileges, for privileges.
Theses examples of bad spelling
occurred in different persons pap
ers, and one teacher holding good
position in the county, missed 23
words In list of 30, and all we're
words in common use. We are not
saying who 1t was, and the public
need not inquire, for we shall not
make that known, unless these poor
spoilers choose to make fuss about
1t, and In that case we might not
cep .4eir secrets.