Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-05-25
c. II A 7

Happy Is he that findeth wisdom. and
the man that getteth Understandings Tor
the merchandise OF Il is better than sll-
YER. and the gain thereof than fine gold
she Is more precious than rubies; and all
the things thou canst deseire are not 10
be compared with her. Length OF days is
In her right hand and in her left riches
and honor. Her ways are ways OF pleas
autness. and all her paths are peace.
Thus said the wise man. and IL has been
Endorsed By men and women OF all ages
and elimes.
Sometimes meet men and women who
are vtch and influential who are not ed
ucated and pretend that they are salts
lied with themselves. but in their hearts
/ am sure that they give many sign
over their deficiencies
sometimes ! hear q man say that his
son can do as he did. scuffle along with
out education, that he succeeded and the
son can. When hear parent talk that
way I wonder IL men who are crippled. or
IN some way handicapped in the race
ever for an instant contemplate putting
the same letters on their children VI
course 4hey do not. and IL they tried it
the law would severely punish them Yet
every man or woman who wilfully denies
hts or her child an hour at school is forg-
ing the shackles OF ignorance on that
child
When you see a young man or woman
who has gone to college and is, as you
say, ruined, don't blame the college 1t
was the lack OF a foundation to build
on, the brains were lacking
Yesterday a friend came to see me. We
were talking about her nephew and she
said that everything had been done TO
helm him but ne was so lazy and stupid
that they had decided TO put him TO hard
work. and let his education alone. I said
] thought a boy fourteen years old was
old enough to know his advantages. but
II he did not I'd stick to him two years
longer Turn him loose now and he may
deveop into abeast OF burden and never
have a higher aim
Sometime when I am tempted to say,
s-Ephriam Is pOined TO his idols, let him
alone" 1 wonder where would be today
II patience frmness and love had not en-
compassed me There are all sorts Of
excuses that present themselves TO pa
rents and TO children when they do not
appreciate their opportunities; the child
who is encouraged TO study can learn IN
der any teacher. And right here want
10 say that the people that put up with a
commissioner who puts in Incompetent
teachers are the sort that are imposed on.
NO man can hold an Office in Georgia I'M
less the people keep him there Then. too,
d6uar place. and II you want good teach
ers you must not only promise them good
pay but you must hold to your contract
] call IL downright imposition to hire a
teacher for five-months' school and aft
er a month or so let the children drop
out until she has to close at least a month
earlier. There should be some way to
make people pay whether the children ga
or not. As things stand a compulsory ed
ucation bill is the only way out OF il.
Pay a good price. have a commissioner
who has education and backbone enough
10 employ a capable teacher, then IL the
heavens fan send the children. A good
rule and one that my mother had, was a
switching at home for every one at
school. and no tale bearing. Put yourself
An your teachers place. You know Il is
the nature OF children to paint things TO
look best from their side. II your chill
dren were allowed TO watch you and tell
tales 20 some sympathizing relative, would
they tell nothing but the TRUTH Make a
friend ofsthe teacher and see that she is
respected
This n q rambling talk: but TO get
wisdom one must first SOW the seeds of
knowledge must keep the mind free from
fhe woods OF prejudice and selhshness.
Words are things that may fall in the
minds OF some and become pearls, or may
enter the minds OF others and tester. In
one case. q Joy forever, in the other, poi
son for the entire life. Which are your
words7 God pity you IL you are planting
thorns- Faithfully yours.
LIZZIE o. THOMAS.