Omaha daily bee., 1919-08-17
By HELEN CAMPBELL

School had opened in the district
and all through an exciting day, all
varieties, of the 4-year-old, accom-
panied by all types of "the mother"
were applying for admission.
Mary's mother, of calm, firm, but
gentle bearing, stepped forward and
the duty of registration properly full
filled, presented her little daughter.
Mary possessed the same calm man
ner as her mother and in addition a
strange childlike dignity and pose
of her own. Her two little bright
eyes bespoke thought and under
standing as she stood there on the
alert for every question, at times
even assuming the responsibility Of
the conversation herself She had
been carefully prepared by her
mother for this new period of devel-
opment and so could face it without
fear. Therefore, it was no surprise
to us to hear her mother say at the
conclusion of her visit: Mary can
take off her coat and wait upon her
self. She will not cry, for l told
her she was coming to school and
explained what she would have to
do. She is a great help to me at
home and | am sure will give you no
trouble" Then, turning to Mary,
she waved goodbye, dear" and
Mary, smiling with satisfaction, sat
down in her little chair.
We were not allowed to waste
much time with Mary just then for
suddenly there was a great pushing
to the front and hurried childish
sounds of Pm 4 years old, I'm wax
mated, l live at $50 East -. My
fathers name is Jimmy and he's
dead and | want to come to school
every day! Now can ! have a little
chair? Can | play with your balls,
and make houses with blocks. and
sew cards and bring home things
every day like all the other boys
that go to kindergarten" When
Jimmie stopped to catch his breath,
| fully realized that he had made up
his mind to come to school, and
that, indeed, he was quite ready to
do so. When asked where his
mother was he said: She's home,
and my big brother he goes upstairs
in this school, but | came all alone
by myself r
Yes. Jimmie, the youngest OF
nine, entered school alone, but tull
of enthusiasm and ambition, with
brain eager for stories and games,
and with hands that wanted to
work, to learn and to do. Fate had
seemed unkind to him, but although
victim of rough circumstances he
had developed fortunately and &C
cidentally in the right direction. lie
turned out to be most interesting
pupil in the classroom and soon Pc
came an obedient, law-abiding child,
Two big, blue sleepy eyes;
mounted in a great wonderful
head supported by the stocklest OF
frames, these were the striking
characteristics of the next little
fellow who stood before me. "A
poor, indulgent mother held his hat
in one hand and his apple in the
other, together with a penny to give
him when he cried and basket OF
cakes for fear he might be hungry.
As she pushed her son toward me
she gave his name as Joseph Carl
son.
Good morning, Joseph. Are you
glad you can come to SCHOOL,: No
movement of the eyes or tace; no
sign of comprehension. He doesn't
like to talk very much" his mother
answered. Then his cake fell to the
floor and when | asked him to see
if he was big enough to pick it up,
again it was the mother who replied
He doesn't ever do anything like
that and she stopped and picked
up the cake herself.
Her mission of registration over
Mrs. Carlson started to so, but sud
denly returned to make these feeble
remarks: You know, teacher, he is
4 wears old, but he isn't any good to
himself. | have to do everything