The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1924-08-29
SCHOOL INFLUENCES
BY j. Albert Whitelock

SchOOlmaSterS OF the older age
"set" the copies in each pupils writ
ing book. 1t was usually some terse
maxim expressing a good moral. A
favorite one was, Tempus fugit
sTempus fugit Tempus fugit!"
When asked it's meaning the reply
was Never mind, you'll find out soon
enough"
AS children they neither knew nor
cared, just so their little cramped
fingers could write in plain, legible
way, and thus gain the master S
smile, or escape his dreaded frown.
But as the years roll on in the
hurly-burly of life they realize the
fact that "Time flies Time flies"
Yes, you active men of today, halt
a moment, - look in the glass, see the
streakings of gray, and ask: Has i
been ten years, twenty years, forty
years, since I began my work. my
business, my profession
Fifty years, sixty years. since you
played Tap-the-Rab Drop
the-handkerchief," Hide-and-seek,"
and other childish games with the
boys and girls of long ago. Where
are those playmates
Scattered far by mount and plain;
You'll hear their voices ne'ar
again.
The clear-toned bell, the teachers
Will summon you,-yes, one and
all.
Yes time flies-tempus fugit.
In my last article suggested tha-:
the history of the various local
schools be written, not merely to
preserve the names of the teachers
and schools officials, but where possi-
BILE to note the stages of develop
ment in the theory and practice of
teaching, and it's influence on COM
munity life, in improving environ
ment and raising the standard OF
living.
Seed thoughts were sown by the
teachers that in time reacted for the
general good.
The Friday afternoon speaking
pieces" the Spelling Bee, the school
entertainment. broadening out into
the neighborhood singing school,
and debating society,-these and
other activities were important fac
tors in social development which in
turn affected economic and political
affairs.
The study of the philosophy OF
history requires broad knowledge
of fundamental conditions.
No other single agency has been
more potent In shaping public policy
than the school.
In the early years Of the republic
schools were few and far between.
Books were few and these were OF
motley character. OF system there
was none. The term was "the quar-
ter" when they could find one able
to teach the three RS Readin'
Ritin' and 'Rithmetic.
The struggle incident to subduing
the wilderness produced type OF
sturdy manhood and womanhood
forming the real American stock
that has Influenced the nation ever
sinca
AS Nontesquieu has aptly phrased
it: SIN the birth of societies it is the
chiefs of state that makes its insti-
buttons; and afterwards it is these
institutions that form the, chiefs Of
state"
No better illustration of this
maxim is to be found than in the
history of our own Nation.
As direct heirs of the founders we
should study cause from effect and
ever aim to build better and stronger
on foundations already laid.
AS a native son, l am sure OLD
Maryland has produced many great
men and noble women whose virtues
if properly told would be an inspira-
ton to toiling fathers and uncom-
planning mothers of today.
Who will be the Hans Christian
Anderson to interpret real life,
ignoring useless kings and princes
and other social parasites
These reflections have been
prompted by "reminiscences of school
days. / am sure that in every COM
munity there are many worthy men
and women whose lives have been
largely Influenced by word or act OF
some undetermined obscure teacher
whose very name has long since been
forgotten.
Salt Lake City, Utah,
Aug. 10, 1924