Norwich bulletin., 1910-11-12

written Specially for The B1Mletin)
Of late we hear a good deal of dis
cuss1on concerning the employment of
children. Like every other topic, there
are two sides to the question We all
admit that the future usefulness of
the boy or girl as a member of the
community is increased by the educa-
ton he receives and therefore his
school life should be as long as posi-
Ole. Also we believe that no child
should be compelled to take up the
duties and cares of manhood in his
earlier life. Thereby he loses the sport
and activity which are the birthright
of every boy and girl which help to fit
the child for the work of later life.
one is apt to be q better man or wonl-
an for the memory of the pleasures of
earlier days. Yet, on the other hand,
if q, child has no aptitude for study,
and by remaining in school is only
forming habits of idleness and loafing
at his work, why should he not be al
lowed to obtain work in which he may
be interested, and by which he may
help to increase the income of an
overworlSed father or of a mother
poverty and struggling to provide for
a family Of little onas2
Most often the fault, if there be one,
is with the parents who want the
earnings of the child. This recalls to
my mind an instance of the kind which
came to my knowledge some years ago.
Lena Breslau came to her teacher
one day with this request: Please,
Miss Bliss, my mother wants me to
bring my certificate from you SO |
can get into the mill. l must leave
school tonight and go to work.
Il am sorry Lena" was the reply;
must you go? You are doing well
and ought to learn more. Cannot your
mother keep you in school any
longer?"
Lena hung her head and the tears
came. 'fShe says [ am a great girl
now. and must earn something for
her"
II will come around and see your
mother. Perhaps she can be persuad-
ed to let you finish this grade, at
least
''Thank you. Miss Bliss, but I'm
afraid she won't let me-" And Gather
ing up her small belongings, Lena left
the room, wipine away the tears as
she went
Miss Bliss was attached to the girl
whose faithful work and ready Obedi-
ence deserved notice, and she prompt
ly kept her promise to intercede for
Lena She found Mrs. Breslau a hard
featured overworked woman, who
had little sense or anything else than
getting money for her family needs.
NO ma'am,' she responded to Miss
Bliss plea for Lena. THAT girl hat
been in school long enough already.
She must to the work go now and
bring me money. So many childer nit
me, and my man makes little pay
They wants girls like Lena in the mill,
and the boss gifts goot pay" Nothing
could turn her decision, and a few
days later the children reported that
Lena was at work in Baidwin's cot
ton mill For time the novelty of
the work. and the money she was paid
made Lena quite happy. and she
greeted Miss Bliss with a pleasant
smile whenever they met.
| Vacation took the teacher to her
own home, and several months elaps-
! ed before she again saw Lena. When
| she did meet her. however, she was
! shocked at the chiId's looks and man
ner One could hardly believe that
| this pale, melancholy child could be
/ the robust girl VINO left school the
| year previous. She was dragging her
! self along in 4 dispirited way. and
| tried to avoid Miss Bliss as she ap-
! preached.
why Lena, have you been ill?'' in
| quircd her former teacher. ~ on don't
! look so strong as you used to do"
/ Tn well enough" answered Lena,
| defant1y, almost rudely. There s
nothing the matter with me-"
| do you still like your work. ask
| ed Miss Bliss.