Elmore County Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1910-1915, 1910-11-26
An Inestimable Asset
Wouter Van Twiller


social, political or religious must
be judged finally by it's results
the product of such institution
constitutes it's best witness.
Any institution, therefore,AHhic
in the processes of its work and
in it's final results, shows indu-
bitably that it stands for progress
and the upbuilding of society, is
to be classed as an asset, the
value of which is beyond COM
putation.
Such a possession ought to be
highly prized and considered
worthy of constant personal at
tention; not casual visitation, but
interested inspection and kindly
criticism.
Mountain Home possesses such
an asset, but alas, it seems to be
left very much alone except by
those actually engaged in its
working.
With building well adapted
to the purpose ard Il corps OF
teachers of the highest character
and ability our Public School
stands among the best, and is
therefore an institution of which
to be justly proud, and deserving
Of vastly more attention than 1t
receives at present.
The one adverse criticism
which the writer wishes to offer
is simply this, that in all depart
ments the equipment comes short
of the general standard of ex-
cellence.
1t is poor economy to require
a first class workman to perform
his task with inferior or insuffi-
cient tools.
The Influence of the interested
intelligent visitor is incalculable.
Besides being a source of insplra-
a to both pupil and teacher
and great factor in the creation
of that too often absent but
much coveted thing, esprit de
corps, the observant visitor
will be in a position to act intel
ligently when school matters are
being discussed and will impress
others with the necessity of main
tanning the highest standard not
only in education, but in equip
ment. The benefits accruing from
such visitation are by no means
one sided.
Should the visitor be conscious
of approaching caducity, repeated
contact with wholesome, gushing
youthhood will beget conscious
rejuvenation which will make one
forget the stiff joints and feeble
step.
This writing would be incom-
plete without special mention Of
the manual training department
Here the natural disposition of
youthhood ito do things finds
proper expression and, under able
guidance hands and eyes are be-
ing trained; mental fertility de-
veloped; and, not least, elements
of regal worth are being contri-
buted to the building of noble
manhood and womanhood.
/ ask, are not these things
worth fostering and enhancing
Is any trouble too much, any ex-
penditure too great for the en-
riching of child and adolescent
life? Is it not well worth our
while to arrange for, as part of
life's proper activities, regular
personal visitation to that institu-
ton where our boys and girls
spend such a large portion OF
their waking hours.
Is the school mere adjunct
or is it a vital part of our com
munity life? Let wisdom dictate.
"The modest Village school! It's
ivy dress
Still beautifully green as long
ago.
Memory's Helicon of happiness,
Whence those bright streams Of
faith and pure love flow,
That follow us through life, and
make the way
Of sorrow sweet, the grot of
anguish gay!"
Mountain Home, Idaho.