USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1858 > Part 1
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REPORTS
OF THE
SELECTMEN OF FAIRHAVEN,
ON THE
FINANCIAL AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN,
AND OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING
MARCH 31st, 1859.
NEW BEDFORD: E. ANTHONY, PRINTER, 67 UNION STREET. 1859.
REPORT
OF THE
SELECTMEN OF FAIRHAVEN,
ON THE
FINANCIAL AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN,
For the year ending March 31st, 1859.
NEW BEDFORD: E. ANTHONY, PRINTER, 67 UNION STREET.
1859.
1
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN.
THE SELECTMEN have examined the accounts of Eb- enezer Akin, Jr., Collector of Taxes to the year 1855, and Tucker Damon, Jr., to 1859, and find them correct. Amount of Tax Bills in the hands of Ebenezer Akin, Jr., at the commencement of the past year, as per Selectmen's Report, 1858, $495.52
Amount of Tax Bills in the hands of Tucker
Damon, Jr., for the year 1857-8, $4,122.33
Amount of Tax Bills placed in the hands of
Tucker Damon, Jr , for the years 1858-9, 30,054.33
34,176.66
$34,672.18
Their accounts show as follows :
Amount collected by E. Akin, Jr., and paid to Town Treasurer,
130.00
Commissions to E. Akin, Jr.,
2.65
Uncollected Taxes in the hands of E. Akin, Jr., to March 31, 1858, 362.87
495.52
Amount collected by Tucker Damon, Jr., and paid to State Treasurer,
1,901.00
66 County Treasurer,
4,136,87
" Town Treasurer,
21,236.36
Collector's commissions, T. Damon, Jr.,
556.62
Abatement for prompt pay,
1,416.02
Taxes remitted by Assessors,
158.42
Uncollected Taxes, 1855-6, 96.40
Uncollected Taxes, 1856-7, 313.93
Uncollected Taxes, 1857-8, 664.12
Uncollected Taxes, 1858-9,
in the hands of T. Damon, Jr., 3,696.92
4,771.37
84,176.66
$34,672.18
4
The account of Tucker Damon, Jr., Treasurer of the Town, have been examined and are correct, as follows :
The Town is credited with :
Balance in the Treasury, April 1, 1858,
$1,136.32
Dividends from Bank Stock, 168.00
Loan of Fairhaven Bank,
1,000.00
Loan of Fairhaven Institution for Savings,
1,500.00
Loan of Individuals,
2,039.04
Cash of State Treasurer, School Fund,
214.20
Cash of Town of Berkley,
33.50
Cash of Town of Nantucket,
64.47
Cash of Town of Chilmark,
9.81
Cash of Town of Sandwich,
25.08
Cash of Town of Middleborough,
11.69
Cash of W. A. Spooner, Superintendent,
183.46
Cash of E. Akin, Jr., Collector,
130.00
Cash of T. S. Brimblecom,
72.59
Cash of P. Cowen,
1.00
Cash from sale of Town Maps,
1.25
Cash of T. Damon, Jr., Collector,
21,236.36
$27,826.77
And indebted with :
Orders drawn on the Treasurer and paid,
23.663.96
Loan of Merchants Bank, paid,
1,800.00
Loan of Fairhaven Bank, paid,
1,000 00
Interest on Loans, paid,
1,087.50
Treasurer's Commissions,
275.31
$27,826.77
There remains unpaid of the expenses of the Town on the 30th of March :
Amount due Schools,
2,287.53
Outstanding orders for Support of Poor,
855.80
Outstanding orders for Incidental Expenses,
1,092.91
For School Books,
502.99
For Interest due,
300.00
$5,039.23
5
To pay the aforesaid :
Uncollected Taxes,
$4,471.37
School Books sold,
510.03
School Books in the hands of the Committee,
365.51
Due from F. Keith, on his note,
94.21
Due from Town of Rochester,
56.03
Due from Town of Mattapoisett,
15.79
Due from Town of Nantucket,
229.64
Due from City of Fall River,
159.21
$5,901.79
TOWN DEBT.
Loan of Fairhaven Institution for Savings,
13,600.00
Loan of New Bedford Institution for Savings,
5,000.00
Loan of individuals,
6,039.04
$24,639.04
The Town has :
28 Shares Fairhaven Bank Stock, par value,
2,800.00
Liquor Agency, stock and case on hand,
456.14
$3,256.14
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Balance of Appropriation for 1857-8,
978.19
Appropriation for 1858-9,
8,000.00
Received of State Treasurer,
214.20
$9,192.39
Orders drawn for High School,
1,971.12
Orders drawn for Common Schools,
4,933.74
6,904.86
Balance not drawn :
High School,
290.83
Common Schools,
1,996.70
2,287.53
$9,192.39
REPAIRS OF HIGHWAYS.
Appropriation for 1858-9, $3,500.00
Orders drawn and paid, $3,500.00
6
FARM, ALMS HOUSE AND POOR.
Appropriation for 1858-9,
$3,000.00
Cash received from Town of Berkley,
33.50
Cash received from Town of Nantucket, 64.47
Cash received from Town of Chilmark,
9.81
Cash received from Town of Sandwich,
25.08
Cash received from Town of Middleborough,
11.69
Cash received from Wm. A. Spooner, Superintendent,
50.49
Cash received from Wm. A. Spooner, labor and team from Farm,
132.97
Cash received from P. Cowen,
1.00
Cash received from T. Brimblecom,
72.59
Overdrawn to 1858,
2,175.83
Overdrawn 1858-9,
1,527.55
3,703.38
$7,104.98
Orders drawn :
For Support of Poor in and out of Alms House, 1857-8,
871.77
For Support of Poor in and out of Alms House, 1858-9, 2,532.74
3,404.51
For purchase of Stock,
137 25
For repairs on house, &c.,
109.63
For J. B. Bisbee,
21.39
For Isaac Terry,
31.64
For R. M. Simmons,
4.05
For Fuel,
122.47
For C. Maxfield,
25.00
For John Tinkham,
125.000
For J. N. Peck,
8.39
For bills, labor,
220.00
For Lunatic Asylum,
242.57
For Physicians' bills,
130.25
For W. A. Spooner,
347.00
4,929.15
Overdrawn to 1858,
2,175.83
7,104.98
Due from F. Keith, on his note,
94.21
Due from Town of Rochester,
38.91
Due from Town of Mattapoisett,
15.79
Due from Town of Nantucket,
229.64
Due from City of Fall River,
159.21
$537.76
7
INCIDENTAL ACCOUNT.
Balance of Appropriation,
5,625.51
Appropriation for 1858-9,
5,500.00
Appropriation for Sidewalk,
3,000.00
Dividends from Bank Stock,
168.00
Loan from Fairhaven Bank,
1,000.00
Loan from Fairhaven Institution for Savings,
1,500.00
Loan from individuals,
2,039.04
Cash from E. Akin, Jr.,
132.65
Sale of Town Maps,
1.25
Overlay on Taxes,
691.86
Amount assessed for School Books,
324.60
$19,982.91
Orders drawn :
For labor and materials building side-walk on Main Street,
2,889.61
For damage to abuttors on Main Street,
121.45
For extra Highway labor,
142.74
3,153.80
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
For Ladders,
34.88
For Hose,
411.99
For repair of Houses,
115.21
For repair of Engines, Hose-reel, Painting, &c., 115.23
For lights, fuel, fixtures, &c.,
179.67
For sundry bills of 1857,
29.23
For Engine men,
533.64
1,419.85
For Watch,
1,509.65
For High School House,
259.78
For School Books,
532.62
For Printing, Stationery, &c.,
172.64
For sundry bills for labor,
18.69
For repairs of Streets, Drains, clearing snow, &c.,
118.28
For Land damages,
42.11
For Guide Posts,
15.97
For Assessors,
355.75
For School Committee,
295.67
For Overseers of the Poor,
100.00
For Selectmen,
350.00
For Constables, Street Committee, &c.,
55.75
1,157.17
$8,394.76
8
Amount brought forward,
$8,394.76
For Town Clerk, Registry of Births, Marriages and Deaths,
36.30
For rents,
75.00
For sundry bills,
84.66
For Interests on Loans,
1,087.50
For Loan of Fairhaven Bank, paid,
1,000.00
For Loan of Merchants Bank, paid,
1,800.00
For Taxes remitted by Assessors,
158.42
Abatement of Taxes for prompt payment,
1,416 02
Treasurer and Collector's commissions,
834.58
Poor account overdrawn from 1855 to 1859,
3,703.38
Balance unexpended,
1,386.49
$19,982.91
JOHN A. HAWES, ELBRIDGE G. MORTON, Selectmen.
ABIEL P. ROBINSON,
We, the undersigned, have examined the foregoing accounts, and believe them to be correct.
JOB C. TRIPP Committee FREDERICK TABER, on
WILLIAM BROWNELL, Accounts.
REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF FAIRHAVEN,
FOR THE YEAR 1858-9.
NEW BEDFORD: E. ANTHONY, PRINTER, 67 UNION STREET. 1859.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
Gentlemen and Fellow Citizens of Fairhaven :
In conformity with the requirements of the Statute of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which says: "The School Committee shall annually make a detailed report of the several Public Schools in their respective cities and towns, which report shall contain such statements and suggestions, in relation to such Schools, as the said Committees shall deem necessary or proper to promote the interests thereof," your Committee respectfully present the following
REPORT.
In consequence of the declinature of Mr. Jonathan Cowen, a member of your former Committee, to again serve you in that office, the remaining members of the Committee met with the Selectmen, after having given legal notice, and filled the vacancy by the unanimous choice of Mr. Charles Drew, April 20th, 1858. As soon as he could be legally notified, the Committee met, and was organized by the election of W. W. MEECH, Chairman, and C. DREW, Secretary. The Committee met from time to time to examine teachers, apportion the appropriations, revise the course of study in the High School and attend to whatever re- lated to the interests of the schools of the town.
4
SUPERVISION OF THE SCHOOLS.
The special supervision of the schools was assigned to the members of the Committee as follows :
W. W. Meech, Districts Nos. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8,18.
C. Drew,
11, 12 and 13, 19.
I. Fairchild,
66 4, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17.
The Committee have visited and examined the High School together, and the Chairman has exercised a general care over the whole.
HIGH SCHOOL.
The High School has been in successful operation during the year, with evidences of marked improve- ment in some of its distinguishing characteristics.
The school has continued in the care of the same teachers that were employed by our predecessors : Mr. CHARLES P. RUGG, Principal, Miss PHEBE W. COOK and Miss CAROLINE DEXTER, Assistants.
The earnest efforts of the Committee, in concurrence with the teachers, have been to make it more emphat- ically what its name indicates, a school, high in its literary advantages, high in the moral character of its influence, and high in its refining and cultivating power to fit its pupils for positions of honor and use- fulness in society.
At the close of the term, Oct. 29th, there was a public graduation of a class of nine, who had com- pleted the prescribed course of study. To each, the customary diploma was awarded, in connection with remarks from the Committee and the Principal. Their names are, John A. Fitch, Elbridge G. Morton, Louisa F. Bowen, Sarah F. Cox, Abbie P. Gifford, Adeliza T. Jenney, Louisa C. D. Stoddard, Annie E. Tripp, and Carrie L. Tripp. As the course of study had been modified during their connection with the
5
school, the Committee invited them to enjoy its advan- tages the next term as resident graduates, and so to complete whatever of value they might have omitted.
In the examination of applicants for the privileges of the High School, your Committee have only aimed to carry out the plan most wisely adopted by their predecessors, and which must commend itself to all by its fairness, and the impartiality with which it throws every one upon his own resources. A class of 27 were examined and 17 admitted in November.
The age and attainments of pupils must qualify them for the successful prosecution of higher studies before it will be for their advantage to leave the Dis- trict or Grammar School, and enter the High School. Any effort, however well intended, to crowd them for- ward before they are duly prepared, is against their best interests and may do them an incalculable amount of injury. The pupil that enters the High School destitute of the requisite qualifications, will not only become disheartened by falling behind his class-mates, and probably experience the disgrace of being placed in a lower class when they are advanced, but disap- point the wishes of his teachers and the expectations of his friends. Studies that would have been com- paratively easy and delightful, with a proper prepara- tion, without it, are difficult and distasteful. Under such circumstances it would not be strange if the course of study should be given up and the privileges of the school relinquished altogether. And, as the most faithful teachers can never entirely obviate the evils of defective preparation, let the only adequate remedy be applied in every department, which is to secure a good preparation before advancement.
6
" DETAILED REPORT OF THE SCHOOLS."
The following tabular view will exhibit at a glance what has been accomplished the past year in the sev- eral Districts of the Town.
TABLE I.
SUMMER.
WINTER.
Whole No. between
5 and 15, May 1st.
Attendance between
Attendance under 5.
Attendance over 15.
Whole attendance.
Average attendance.
Attendance between
Attendance under 5.
Attendance over 15.
Whole attendance.
Average attendance.
1
36
26
0
0
26 18.7
24
0
4
28 20.3
2
33
31
3
0
34 26.
34
1
0
1
18 12.42
4
34
28
0
4
32 27.66
29
0
5
34 27.43
5
25
24
1
0
25 18.29
26
0
3
29 21.13
6
40
30
3
0
33 26.
38
0
8
46 36.
7
33
28
2
2
32 26.54
32
0
8
40 30.46
8
36
24
2
2
28 22.89
23
1
4
28 20.7
9
24
21
1
1
23 15.9
18
0
6
24 16.03
10
58
47
6
1
54 39.36
49
4
7
60 43.46
11
51
32
0
0
32 27.5
32
0
0
32 27.
P. D .*
24
4
0
28 22.
22
3
0
25 19.4
12 & 13
461
78
0
7
85 71.69
90
0
11
101 85.73
I.+
52
0
0
52 44.73
48
0
1
48 39.31
P. D .*
102
16
0
118 92.
77
8
0
85 72.
N.P.&M. t
60
4
1
65 48.47
51
1
0
52 37.
S. M. §
38
0
1
39 30.4
36
0
3 39 28.89
S. P. |
42
0
0
42 34.9
30
0
0
30 21.74
14
29
22
2
0
24 15.87
24
0
4
28 19.5
15
27
25
3
0
28 16.6
24
0
7
31 20.8
16
47
45
7
1
53 37.72
37
0
21
58 46.17
17
3
3
1
0
4 3.9
4
0
0
4 3.6
18
35
26
2
2
30 22.8
23
2
6
31 23.
19
64
61.
7
2
70 50.
60
4
7
71 51.
High School. - Attendance in summer, 66 ; in winter, 70; average in sum- mer, 61.38 ; in winter, 64.1.
* Primary Department.
¡ Intermedial.
# North Primary and Medium.
§ South Medium.
|| South Primary.
3 38 24.53
3
13
13
3
0
16 11.83
17
5 and 15.
Districts.
5 and 15.
7
TABLE II.
Districts.
Terms. Teachers.
Length.
No. 1, Bisbee,
Summer, Miss A. A. C. Harvey,
6.
Winter,
28
4.
Summer,
Miss B. C. Clark,
20
5.75
“ 2,
3, White,
Summer,
Miss L. T. Parker,
18
5.
3,
Winter,
Mr. G. M. White,
20
4.25
" 4, Acushnet,
Summer,
Miss A. Webb,
25
66 4, 66
5, Long Plain,
Summer,
Miss S. J. Spooner,
20
5.5
5, ‹‹
Winter,
Mr. W. A. Davis,
35
4.25
6, Hammet,
Summer,
Miss L. A. Manter,
20
5.5
6,
Winter,
Mr. J. G. Johnson,
35
4.35
7, Perry Hill,
Summer,
Miss P. C. Wilson,
20
5.
7, «
Winter, Mr. C. H. Macomber,
35
4.25
8, Packard,
Summer,
Miss L. G. Kempton,
20
4.7
66
8,
9, Wing,
Summer,
Miss M. B. Grinnell,
16
5.25
“ 9, "
Winter,
Miss L. T. Parker,
30
4.8
" 10, Royal Hathaway, Summer,
Miss C. S. Tripp,
18
5.
" 10, "
Winter,
Mr. J. Robinson,
40
4.1
" 11, Oxford Village,
22
6.
" 11,
Winter,
22
3.
" 11, Primary Dept.,
Summer,
Miss R. P. Eaton &
18
6.
" 11,
Winter,
Miss H. K. Peirce,
18
3.
" 12 and 13,
Summer,
Mr. A. Porter,
65
5.
Grammar,
Winter,
Summer,
Miss S. E. Millet,
22
5.
Centre Med.,
Summer,
Mrs. M. A. Fairfield,
22
5.
Centre Primary,
Summer,
Miss A. L. Grinnell,
20
5.
Assistant,
Summer,
Miss J. F. Grinnell, 6
14
5.
N. Prim. & Med.,
Summer,
Miss H. N. Hathaway,
28
5.
S. Medium,
Summer,
Miss S. H. Hitch,
18
5.
S. Primary,
Summer,
Miss A. Clark,
18
5.
" 14, Sconticut Neck,
Summer,
Miss P. Delano,
17
5. 4.5
" 14, 66
Winter,
Miss M. B. Grinnell,
24
5.
" 15, Nasketucket,
Summer, Miss M. L. Brownell,
16
5.
: 15,
Winter,
Mr. J. P. Birch,
37
4.4
" 16, New Boston,
Summer,
Miss M. J. Wing,
18
5.
" 16, 6
Winter,
Mr. S. T. Read,
45
4.5
" 17, West's Island, 17,
Winter,
66
66
142
3.
Summer,
Mrs. A. H. Snow,
22
6.
Winter,
22
3.75
" 19, Pease,
Summer,
Miss E. Delano,
22
5.
“ 19, "
Winter, Miss A. A. Grinnell,
22
4.75
Assistant,
Summer, Miss E. A. Thatcher,
5.
Winter,
Miss E. Delaro,
4.75
5.
Assistant, 66
Winter,
66
22
5.
Winter,
22
5.
Winter,
20
5.
14
5.
Winter, 66
Winter,
66
28
5.
Winter,
18
5.
Winter,
Summer,
Miss S. D. Besse,
142
3.
" 18, County Road, 18,
Winter,
Mr. J. Wood,
35
4.6
Winter,
Miss A. Webb and
25
Miss L. D. Cobb,
Wages per mo. $21
1,
2, Whelden,
Winter,
Mr. G. T. Russell, Jr.,
32 4.
Mr. A. W. Bisbee & 2
Summer, Miss L. Deane,
Miss H. K. Peirce,
65
18
8
" STATEMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS."
I. SCHOOL TEACHERS .- Without occupying much space in complimenting the teachers employed during the past year, your Committee are happy to say that most of them have shown a commendable zeal in their calling, and have succeeded as well as could reason- ably be expected under the circumstances and in- fluences by which they have been surrounded. Some have exceeded, and others have disappointed our hopes of their efficiency and success. Some have exhibited ability to teach, but have not shown a corresponding capacity to govern. Some have displayed a commen- dable zeal for the success of their pupils in their various studies, but have failed to cultivate in them correct habits of manner and deportment. As a result, some schools have a refined and attractive moral aspect, while others, in their boisterous and uncouth rough- ness, are repulsive to all the finer feelings. If, when classes are called, they rush in confusion to their places, or the recesses and intermissions are greeted with a sudden tumult, there is a lack of training in " good behavior," which no intellectual culture, how- ever extensive and profound can supply. But while we suggest that quiet manners are indispensable to good order, we do not wish to make punctiliousness in the school-room, folding of arms and walking on tip- toe for fear of making a noise, a criterion of a well conducted school. We much prefer to see manliness in embryo in the step and bearing of a boy who is aiming to make progress in his books and character.
Another mistake, to use no worse term, is some- times made by teachers in an undue desire to present their schools in an attitude of progress, at the expense of pupils whose circumstances demand every encour-
9
agement. The Committee do not and can not counte- nance teachers in discouraging the attendance of the most backward, that their pupils may show up well, and that the registers may exhibit a splendid average attendance. Those children whose parents care little about their education, or whose circumstances are most unfavorable to a regular attendance, should be most encouraged to avail themselves of the privileges of instruction.
Leaving each to profit by a knowledge of past defi- ciencies, and commending each and all for whatever of excellence or success they have attained, we suggest that the responsible office of Teacher cannot be wisely filled by every one who desires to " keep school." The true teacher's calling demands the union and exercise of the highest and best qualities of head and heart. What he says and does is moulding the minds and characters of his pupils. Regarded as the fountain of instruction, his opinions are received as authoritative, and by daily assimilation, parts of his nature are made one with their own. His is the responsible work to make undying impressions upon living mind, to repro- duce themselves and work in its future history and destiny, both for time and eternity.
The Prussian maxim, "As is the master, so is the school," embodies a most important truth. Literary attainments are not enough. The heart must be largely imbued with the spirit of Heavenly wisdom. There must also be an aptness in teaching, a tact which is measurably indescribable, and absolutely indispensa- ble The teacher should, as near as possible, be a model in all things. The evil effects of an incompe- tent and inefficient teacher's influence for only a short time, may be felt through a long life. The early im-
B
10
pressions of the school-room are to be lasting, for good or evil. The habits there formed, "grow with our growth, and strengthen with our strength."
The Hon. Horace Mann says : " Before the habits of youth are formed, they are as easily formed to civility and decorum, as to rudeness and vulgarity ; or, if they are not as easily moulded to the former as to the lat- ter, then the need of good breeding, in order to make up this difference in natural tendency, becomes so much the more urgent. If prepossessions for uncouth and inelegant manners are once formed in the minds of children, or natural aptitudes for what is low and unseemly once developed, they will remain a part of their constitution forever. Subsequent opportunities and efforts may relieve and partially conceal their grossness ; yet, like the inner layers of a tree which has been diseased in its youth, though the health and vigor of a hundred subsequent years may cover them over with a hundred circles of beautiful fibre, the un- soundness within will remain forever."
" The mind impressible and soft, with ease Imbibes and copies what she hears and sees, And through life's labyrinth holds fast the clew That first instruction gives her, false or true."
If you demand the best teachers and are unwilling to employ those of inferior qualifications, the demand will bring to you the supply. Let it once be well understood that the town of Fairhaven will cheerfully remunerate according to qualifications and services rendered, and that your motto is " Excelsior," and your wishes will be honored. We hope you will never be satisfied with teachers who do not possess, in addition to a thorough education, an umblemished moral character; who, besides an agreeable and com-
11
manding personal appearance, have an amiable dispo- sition combined with decision of character; and who also unite the ardor of enthusiasm with aptness to teach and ability to govern. When these qualifications are ascertained by a thorough examination of the teachers, and a careful supervision of the schools, there should be a reasonable degree of permanence in the relation of the teachers to the schools, securing all the advantages of their experience and acquaintance with the pupils' habits and temperaments.
II. THE TEACHERS' INSTITUTE. - Justice requires that honorable mention be here made of the Teachers' Institute, which was held in this town from the 18th to the 23d of October. More than 200 teachers were in attendance, and the learned gentlemen who con- ducted the exercises, spoke of it as being one of the largest and most enthusiastic of all that they had held in any part of the State. Most of the teachers in your service were present to receive their share of its benefits ; and, we are happy to say, have often re- flected the advantage they received, in their improved teaching. Indeed, it could hardly be otherwise with a devoted teacher, after hearing the able and interest- ing lectures of the several Professors in their respect- ive departments. The facts communicated as the result of experience, and the suggestions made for further improvement in all that relates to the highest efficiency and success, could not fail to exert a marked influence on every appreciative mind. Evidence that the Institute was appreciated by the citizens as well as the teachers, is found in the repeated expressions of a desire to entertain it again.
III. PARENTAL INFLUENCE AND CO-OPERATION. - The highest degree of prosperity and efficiency demands a
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union of purpose and action between teachers and parents. They are professedly engaged in the same great work; to train and fit the young for the proper discharge of the momentous duties of life. But un- less there is a union of purpose, and a harmony of co- operation, how can this work be done ? The best in- structions of the devoted teacher may be counteracted by a parent's injudicious counsel. The most praise- worthy efforts in the school-room, are often thwarted in their design, by counter influences without. It has often happened that a teacher has suffered by a suc- cession of petty annoyances from a course of conduct to which children have been encouraged directly or in- directly, that the disappointment of a rival candidate may be revenged, or that he may suffer from some person's ill-will. Then too, it is sometimes the case that a restive and rebellious child, who has been spoiled by home indulgence, enlists the sympathy of his parents in his efforts to set at defiance the whole- some discipline of the teacher. They then very un- wisely oppose his plans, hedge up the way of success, and while loudly complaining that their children do not progress in their studies, charge the consequences of their own folly and imprudence upon the teacher. It will sometimes happen that a child under good home-influences will be troublesome in school, or suf- fer unjust discipline; but the case is so rare it forms an exception. If parents co-operate with the teacher, and encourage his plans for their children's advance- ment, they will teach them to be respectful, obedient, studious, and courteous toward him, and seldom find any just cause for censure or complaint.
In fine, if parents will cultivate a friendly acquaint- ance with the teacher, and try, by their own respectful
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bearing to incite their children to honor and obey him ; if they will furnish them promptly with all needful books and apparatus, and encourage habits of indus- try and good deportment; if they will send them steadily and punctually, and visit their school much more frequently, we hesitate not to assure them of the highest prosperity and success in their schools.
IV. IRREGULAR ATTENDANCE. - The irregularity of attendance disclosed by the registers, particularly in the rural districts, suggests to your Committee that its evils are not duly considered by parents and guardians. While it is sometimes necessary for children to be absent, it should also be borne in mind that the loss to the child is often much greater than the value of services rendered. For instance, a boy is attending in the Summer term, is in a good class, has his ambition aroused and is making fine progress; but he is wanted for a few days on the farm, so he stays out of school and gets behind his class. On his return he feels em- barrassed if not disheartened by the change in his relative standing, and if he attempts to go on with them, suffers a serious inconvenience, loses a measure of his zeal, and probably suffers a loss which it will require twice the value of all his services to repair, when he attains to riper years. Besides, it fosters ir- regularity of habits in other things, and in its train of influences may foster evils of life-long duration. We suggest as a remedy, that no child be detained from school when it can be avoided.
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