USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Melrose > City of Melrose annual report 1851-1866 > Part 16
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30
1 78
Lynde, A. V.
30 33
Morse, A. J.
52 79
Lynde, George
7 55
Morcomb, Henry P.
1 78
Lynde, Benjamin
1 78
Morcomb, Esther
2 73
Lynde, Eliza
15 60
Morton, Daniel O.
1 78
Lynde, Warren
40 35
Moulton, Ephraim
1 78
Lynde, Joseph
207 12
Morrison, James
9 93
Lynde, Jonathan
60 71
Moore, Wm. C.
1 78
Lynde, Aaron
11 14
Moseley, Abner
13 56
Lynde, John
63 52
Munroe, Wm. H.
1 78
Lynde, Wm. 2d & Danl.
Murphy, Walter
5 29
A. Perkins
78
Murphy, John
1 78
Lynde, Lois, Heirs of
3 90
Newhall, George
20 74
Mason, Henry
1 78
Newhall, Wm.
15 55
Maroney, Timothy
6 42
Newhall, John
1 78
Macy, James
8 02
Newhall, H. B.
7 86
Macy, Wm. H.
1 78
Nevins, E. P.
23 62
Marshall, Thomas
5 49
Nichols, Smith W.
26 65
Marshall, Samuel
1 78
Norton, Daniel, Jr.
27 52
Martin, Jeremiah
235 66
Norton, R. J.
1 78
Martin, Levi
11 73
Norton, J. R.
15 82
Martin, William
1 78
Noyes, Geo. N.
28 69
Martin & Leonard
9 36
Noyes, Hosea
1 78
Magoun, Sylvanus
1 78
Noyes, C. M.
1 78
Mayall, George
1 78
Norris, H. A.
21 87
Magna, William
1 70
Norris, Eliza
1 56
Mansfield, George A.
26 19
O'Brien, Timothy 1 78
Mahan, Thomas
1 78
May, Wm.
1 78
Paine, N. G.
5 29
Merrill, Joshua, Heirs of
6 24
Page, Dudley
1 78
Merrill, Elizabeth W.
8 42
Parker, Moses
15 04
Mendum, J. P.
14 42
Paul, Edward
1 78
Messenger, Frank A.
117 57
Palmer, Moses R.
14 81
Messenger, Charles A.
12 86
Perkins, John, Jr.
1 78 *
Merrick, Theodore B.
3 46
Perkins, H. N.
85 83
McKinnon, Charles
5 88
Pearson, William H.
7 47
McCoubry, Thomas
11 02
Phinney, Stephen J.
40 66
McCafferty, M. A.
1 78
Phinney, E. O.
31 85
McCarthy, Timothy
1 78
Phippen, G. S.
11 53
Mclaughlin, Hiram
15 04
Phillips, Thomas
8 02
McClenithan, Charles
7 63
Pierce, Ansel B.
1 78
McKenney, Edward
1 78
Pierce, Robert W.
1 78
McKay, James
1 78
Pierce, William
7 82
22
Phillips, William 1 78
Shelton, John 106 58
Poole, William F.
29 35
Shelton, John, as Agent for Mrs. Shelton, 28 .86
Prescott, Horace
13 79
Pratt, Dexter
6 46
Shelton, Stephen W. 1 78
Pratt, Dexter, Mrs.
13 61
Shelton, Thomas
1 78
Pratt, Charles
74 16
Shelton, Albert F.
1 78
Prentice, Charles
1 78
Shelton, Stephen A.
1 78
Quinn, Michael
1 78
Shelton & Cheever
1 25
Remick, William A.
18 94
Seavey, Leonard
1 78
Readhead, Alanson
1 78
Shepard, H. C.
1 78
Readhead, Lucy A.
13 49
Shepard, Thomas R.
1 78
Rice, Samuel
148 66
Simonds, John
17 97
Rich, Seth
7 86
Simonds, C. H.
22 38
Riley, William O.
7 05
Simonds, J. R.
20 31
Richards, Moses
12 90
Simonds, E. W.
1 78
Richardson, William, 2d
46 94
Simonds, Nabby
8 58
Richardson, Henry C.
6 96
Simpson, Thomas W.
20 50
Richardson, Ithiel 7 08
Singer, John,
6 19
Richardson, W., Heirs of 138 73
Silsbee, Otis
1 78
Richardson, Lewis
5 32
Slocomb, John W
1 78
Richardson, William A. 1 78
Slocomb, Asa
2 01
Roe, Ai 4 75
Smith, Thomas, Heirs of
2 73
Roady, Edward
1 78
Smith, L. G.
14 57
Robinson, Henry E.
1 78
Smith, William A.
11 30
Robinson, Samuel A.
1 78
Smith, John
28 69
Robinson, Henry
3 26
Southwick, E. B.
2 25
Robinson, Luther
21 28
Southwick, J. B.
1 78
Robinson, Nahum R.
40 47
Sprague, Phineas 16 60
Robbins, Charles
1 78
Sprague, Richard P.
1 78
Robbins, Charles G.
1 78
Sprague, Samuel, Jr. 1 78
Roby, Hannah 36 62
Stantial, George C.
11 45
Rogers, Walter M.
1 78
Stantial, Thomas B. 10 79
1 78
Russell, Daniel
39 61
Stevens, Charles H.
2 99
Russell, Bartholomew
1 86
Stevens, Gilbert
13 09
Steel, E. A.
16 33
Sargent, Samuel S.
2 73
Stetson, W. F.
1 78
, Sargent, Amasa
1 78
Stilphen, John E.
8 72
Sargent, Robert
1 78
Stickney, Edward
1 78
Sargent, W. P.
68 98
Stone, Calvin
20 11
Sayse, James
12 74
Stone, Cyrus
12 90
Sawyer, Lemuel
1 7S
Stone, David
33 37
Severy, Solomon
1 78
Stone, Daniel
14 46
Severy & Ingalls
2 34
Stone, William H.
33 80
Sewall, Samuel E.
193 70
Stone & Higgins
6 24
Sewall, J. S.
14 92
Summers, Samuel F.
18 94
Sewall, Stinson
1 78
Sumner, Stephen
1 78
Serast, Wm. F.
1 78
Sullivan, Jeremiah
1 78
Robson, John
5 68
Stephenson, Peter
Shelton, Stephen 30 45
23
Sullivan, Patrick
1 78
Varney, Charles W. 1 78
Sullivan, Thomas
1 78
Varney, Calvin 19 02
Sweetser, Thomas
1 98
Varney, Ellen E.
5 46
Swift, Henry, Jr.
1 78
Varney, Moses E.
1 78
Valentine, John S.
18 28
Taylor, Samuel D.
13 09
Vinton, Aaron
1 78
Taylor, Marcus C.
9 00
Vinton, George
6 07
Taylor, David L.
36 10
Vinton, Isaac
24 28
Taylor, Fernando C.
23 89
Vinton, Nathan A.
8 02
Taylor, Franklin
8 11
Taylor, Daniel C.
1 78
Waitt, Peter A.
14 03
Tainter, Ezra
1 78
Waitt, Pelatiah R.
9 58
Tattoon, Austin
1 78
Waitt, Charles A.
1 78
Terwillager, L. T.
15 66
Walker, D. H.
1 78
Thompson, John
1 78
Wasdell, Richard
1,78
Thompson, David
1 78
Wallace, Richard
3 07
Thompson, Edward T.
1 78
Ware, Joshua
15 82
Thomas, Joseph
11 76
Warren, Ralph
23 38
Toler, Joseph H.
9 58
Watson, Francis
1 78
Towner, Levi C.
2 33
Wells, William H.
11 53
Treas. Meth. E. Society,
8 19
West, John
9 58
Treas. Baptist Society,
62
Westgate, Joseph E.
53 65
Trowbridge, Henry E.
27 76
Westcott, Joseph H.
1 78
Troby, William B
4 90
Wetherbee, Daniel
6 07
Treadwell, Nath'l D.
1 78
Wilde, Joseph D.
1 78
Turley, John
1 78
Wilde, John
7 63
Tucker, Horace G.
9 46
White, Charles F.
1 78
Twombly, Mrs.' Widow
1 25
White, A. L.
81 81
Upham, Albert
2 56
Whyte, B. F.
1 78
Upham, Asa
46 09
Whyte, Oliver
17 85
Upham, Asa, Jr.
8 68
Whowell, John
10 36
Upham, Benj. R.
21 67
Wilde, Maxamilian
6 07
Upham, Charles H.
11 14
Williams, Charles
1 78
Upham, Eli
16 99
Wilcox, W.
24 87
Upham, Eli & Albert
25 08
Wilkinson, Isaac
1 78
Upham, Ellen A.
9 36
Wing, Ellen J., Widow
23 01
Upham, Eri
6 22
Woodward, Thomas B.
6 27
Upham, Ezekiel
1 78
Woodward, David R
31 62
Upham, Freeman
18 95
Woodward, George
1 78
Upham, George
5 60
Woodward, Samuel
4 40
Upham, Jesse
50 53
Woodward, Reuben T.
1 78
Upham, Joshua
22 65
Woods, John
1 78
Upham, Osgood W.
1 78
Wood, Joseph
7 63
Upham, Samuel S.
7 02
Wood, Richard
1 78
Upham, Sylvanus
3 61
Wyman, George W.
5 80
Upham, Timothy
1 78
Upham, William
1 78
Young, Isaiah A.
1 78
Upham, Orne
20 39
Woods, Henry B.
1 78
Whitney, Hiram
6 46
NOTE .- Several of the foregoing taxes are put down as abated, and the names of those whose tax has all been abated are omitted.
24
NON-RESIDENT TAXES,
Of $5 and upwards.
Allen, George W.
$55 38
Hutchins, Mr. $6 90
Allen, William
15 52
Ireland, George W. 33 93
Anderson, John
6 57
Jameson, T. C.
24 77
Arnold, Kesiah
6 24
James, Miss
5 73
Avery, Ephraim
13 26
Kramer, M., Heirs of 44 46
Barker, Mr.
16 54
Kimball, George, Mrs.
12 17
Barrett, S. H.
5 46
Kittridge, Alvah
40 64
Barnard, Mr,
7 02
Larrabee, William
60 61
Batchelder, Perez
15 21
Larrabee, Lakeman, Pierce & Ames 21 26
Beebe, Lucius
65 91
Brown, E. F.
14 59
Larrabee, Lakeman &Pierce 20 67
Langmaid, Samuel
6 24
Bugbee, Margaret, Wid.
14 82
11 12
Blake, John
7 33
Litch, Samuel W.
21 68
Black, Simon
7 02
Locke, S. B. 7 80
Chandler, J. H., Mrs.
12 56
Lynde, Jacob, Heirs of
18 33
Chase, Nathan D.
12 48
Lowe, Reuben S.
14 90
Cheever, Simon G.
9 24
Martin, Pearl
13 73
Cook, Ephraim
11 90
Mason, M. M.
10 14
Converse, J. W.
66 30
Massey, John
10 92
Converse, Thorndike
31 59
Converse, Elisha
13 26
Nowell, George
19 50
Clifton, John
5 46
Oaks, Uriah, Widow
6 63
Copeland, Charles
46 41
Parsons, Mrs.
18 72
Cochran, S. M.
5 46
Powers, Charles
21 96
Cushing, Lemuel
12 36
Porter, Charles
21 06
Crane, Luther
11 62
Railroad Co., Boston & Me. 11 31
Richardson, Israel 20 28
Deluce, Mary, Widow
6 28
Sargent, Samuel S.
8 78
Dunham, J. H.
5 85
Sargent, Isaac
5 85
Dustin, William
7 80
Stevens, Charles S.
60 06
Emerson, Warren
20 05
Talbot, Josiah W.
14 04
Faulkner, David, Widow
17 94
Thompson, John
23 01
Foster, Daniel, 2d
14 43
Thorndike, J. P.
7 80
Fox, G. V.
20 67
Thresher, James M. 30 19
Gale, G. O.
11 70
Webster, D. L. & J. G. 204 91
Geer, George F.
11 12
Webster & Emerson
13 26
Green, Charles W.
23 40
Webster, David L.
33 93
Green, Jonathan
6 32
Webster, J. G. & Co.
32 60
Green, Peter & Jesse, 2d 5 66
West, Thomas
58 89
Green, Peter, Jr. 5 85
Wells, Henry B.
35 92
Greenleaf, L. L.
32 96
Wiggin, Robert P.
25 16
Greenleaf & Brown
17 55
Wiggin, Sarah F.
5 46
Gladstone, Robert G. 5 93
Wise, Daniel P. 7 80
Hobbs, Nathaniel,
24 96
Wheeler, Robert
6 08
Dexter, Richard, Heirs of 8 58
Messenger, George W. 5 46
Brown, Samuel N.
36 22
Litchfield, Ward
25
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The School Committee for the year 1859-60 submit the following as their annual
REPORT:
No municipal office has connected with it more valuable interests than those pertaining to the duties of the Superintending Committee of the Public Schools.
The selection of teachers adapted to the intellectual and social con- dition of the pupils committed to their instruction, and at the same time efficient and uniform in discipline, apt to teach, and faithful in the per- formance of every trust, is a task easily required, but with some diffi- culty performed. The general views of candidates in regard to the methods of teaching and discipline, are readily ascertained, but their ability to carry out their own views can best be discovered in the actual working of the School Room. Like persons in other departments of life, they may be good theorists, but very unskilful practitioners.
Changes in teachers usually affect our schools unfavorably. There seems to be a disposition on the part of many pupils, to put to an early test the qualities of their standard-bearer. To such an exercise of juve- nile skill we do not seriously object, unless it take the form of a deter- mined purpose to override all moral restraint, and to yield no point which is not gained by brute force.
ยท
Though not intended by the parent, the disposition to insubordination is too often strengthened, by the unhealthy sentiments entertained in re- spect to corporeal punishment. Such is the waywardness of our human nature, that even our Creator deems it needful to exercise severity in the moral government of this world ; and it seems to us like presump- tion on our part, to expect success in governing apart from the restrain- ing influence of fear. Fear is a universal element in our constitution. It operates in our instincts, modifies the action of the social faculties, imposes a check upon the passions, and imparts grace and beauty to the moral character. In the young there should be inculcated the fear of giving offence to others-the fear of compromising their reputation- the consciousness of personal rectitude-in a word, the fear of wrong doing of every kind, in view of the sanctions of the higher law. Were this done more generally and persistently, there would be less occasion to appeal to the fear of physical penalties ; but since the former is mea- surably neglected, the latter has to be called into service in proportion to that neglect. Fear in some form must be an active element in all the government of this world, as it is now conditioned.
4
26
These observations being true, it is easy-waiving constitutional differences-to account for that dissimilarity of demeanor in a single school, and to perceive the propriety, and necessity even, of employing motives to obedience somewhat varied in character.
That pupil whose moral faculties have been a special object of cul- ture at home, will be governed at school much easier, than the boy whose moral training has been neglected. Gentle influences and kind words may suffice for the one, and severity be required for the other. We hence see how much the good order of the public school depends on home influences, and also the true sphere of parental co-operation.
Several vacancies have occurred during the year, by reason of the resignation of teachers, some of whom had been elected to positions of larger compensation. No difficulty has been experienced in these changes, except in the High School. Though the successor of the assistant teacher proved herself eminently qualified for the place, she met with no little difficulty in overcoming the opposition existing in the minds of those who had deservedly become attached to her predecessor. In view of the erroneous reports made respecting Miss Proctor's leaving the school, the committee feel it due to themselves to state, that Miss Proctor resigned her situation of her own choice, and notwithstanding the assurance on the part of the committee that her services were desir- able, if they could be continued for the consideration voted by the committee ; and it was not till her successor had been engaged, that the committee were petitioned to continue Miss P. in service.
A few days before the commencement of the Fall term, we were again surprised by the unexpected resignation of the master of the High School, which again threw into commotion the waters which had but lately become quiet.
Immediately upon the heel of Mr. Stickney's withdrawal, Mr. A. W. Sprague presented himself as a candidate. The brief space of time allowed to select a teacher, the long experience of the candidate, and the high character of his recommendations, induced the committee to elect Mr. Sprague, and thus obviate the necessity of deferring the opening of the school. Subsequent events proved that he was not well adapted to control dispositions prejudiced against change, and disposed to agitation.
We have never had any doubt with respect to the literary qualifica- tions of Mr. S. He is a graduate of one of the best colleges in the country ; a gentleman of excellent moral character, and has had ten or more years of experience as a teacher, and will doubtless succeed here- after in some location to which he may be invited.
Domestic affliction rendered it necessary for the assistant, Miss Perry, to leave in the course of the winter term, and it was deemed best under the circumstances to close the school. Both teachers resigned their place. Most of the scholars made very respectable advancement in their respective studies, under the thorough instruction of both master and assistant. The number of scholars has decreased every successive term during the year ; the figures 64, 50, 44 and 34 representing the whole number of pupils in attendance for the consecutive terms of the year.
27
HIGHLAND SCHOOL. Maria P. Noyes, Teacher.
The examination of this school evinced a commendable degree of pro- ficiency in the few who attended during the winter term. The whole attendance for the four successive terms has been 36, 34, 32, 21. It is no infrequent thing for the patrons of a school to be divided in opinion respecting the merits of a teacher. Such has been the fact here. Some have withdrawn their children from the school ; others affirm that their children never learned anything before.
The constantly decreasing attendance through the year, and the les- sened average of the first three terms, as indicated by the Register, evinced a want of that attractive influence at the school room, which is the result of an ardent enthusiasm, and earnest devotion to the cause engaged in, and necessary to constitute a school of the first rank Owing in part to an epidemic disease, the average for the Fall term was less than 60 per cent ; and for the whole year, a fraction less than 70 per cent-the lowest of all the schools in the town. Forty-one different scholars have attended this school during the year ; and only 21 during the winter term, several of which belong within the limits of South Reading. The average for this term has been but 14, and the expense to the town for carrying on the school 13 weeks has been $100, or an average cost of more than $7 to each pupil.
Unless a deeper interest can be elicited in the patrons of this school, your committee would suggest the expediency of discontinuing it through the winter season.
UPHAM STREET SCHOOL. Christiana Upham, Teacher.
This school appears to maintain its former good reputation. The pupils seem to feel-as they should-that they are well provided for, apparently appreciating the services of their instructor, and interested in the reputation of the school. The moral tone of the school is sound. The labors of a teacher of high moral influence, thorough intellectual attainments, and long successful experience, cannot be too highly ap- preciated. No trivial faults should allow the friends of the school to withdraw from it their sympathy and persevering support. The whole number of scholars for the four terms has been 51, 60, 58 and 51 re- spectively. The Register indicates numerous tardinesses and absences, so many that the average attendance is reduced to about 73 per cent.
GREEN STREET PRIMARY.
Eliza D. Bugbee, Teacher.
The success of this school has been what we should expect from the labors of a teacher deeply interested in her work, and anxious to suc- ceed in her chosen employment. In our primary schools we do not look so much for showy exhibitions, as correct beginnings and thorough proceedings in the elementary departments of instruction.
The number in attendance the four successive terms have been 46, 47, 49 and 49, and the average for the year 89 per cent.
28
CENTRE PRIMARY.
C. Lucilia Sweetser, Teacher.
The recent examination of this school was gratifying to its friends. Considering the age of the children, the average attendance has been good, being 79,6 per cent for the year, and 846 for the winter term. The whole attendance for the several terms has been 54, 45, 48 and 49. These figures show a healthful and prosperous condition, and justify the expectation of advancing usefulness.
LYNDE STREET PRIMARY. Sarah E. Batcheller, Teacher.
This school maintains the good reputation reported a year ago. The whole attendance the first three terms was 63, and the winter term 58 ; the average for the year 753 per cent. We find it recorded of one boy-John Larrabee, 9 years of age-" absent but one day for two years, and not tardy." With a little more interested effort on the part of parents, might there not soon be found a score of John Larra- bee's in our primary schools ?
On the other hand, we find the word absent written against a multi- tude of names nearly one hundred times, and embracing an equal num- ber of lost weeks. We would like to ask the parents where their chil- dren are during these passing weeks. Could not the catalogue of ab- sences be somewhat shortened, were the visits of children to be so ar- ranged as to take place during the vacations ?
VINTON STREET PRIMARY. Sarah J. W. Mckay, Teacher.
The present teacher of this school succeeded Miss Mary J. Mc- Laughlin about the first of February. Having many elements of char- acter necessary to a successful disciplinarian and instructor, we doubt not, having begun well, she will promote sound scholarship and main- tain good order.
The whole attendance has been 40 and 37 for the two last terms.
VINTON STREET INTERMEDIATE. Louisa A. Norris, Teacher.
Of the merits of this school there can be but one opinion. At the examination, the pupils manifested that enthusiasm and personal con- sciousness of thorough acquaintance with the subjects taught, that won for them universal admiration. The reading of the school, considering its grade, is of the highest order in point of distinctness and fulness of voice. Both teacher and pupils have evidently labored faithfully, and mutually reflected honor upon each other.
The whole number for the several terms has been 40, 37, 37 and 36, and the average for the entire year 78 per cent.
29
LYNDE STREET GRAMMAR. Phebe A. Norris, Teacher.
The patrons of this school have great reason to congratulate them- selves that their children are permitted to enjoy the advantages of so excellent a school. Its high standing is too well known to require a specific enumeration of all its commendable features. The school, in point of discipline, is a model ; and the pupils seem to be animated by that esprit du corps and emulous disposition to maintain a high stand- ard of scholarship, that the whole school may not unfitly be compared to a bee-hive, where a drone cannot be permitted to live.
The whole number of scholars for the several terms have been 40, 40, 43 and 44, and the average for the whole year about 37, or 88 per cent.
GREEN STREET GRAMMAR. Adela R. Poor, Teacher.
Very fine specimens of scholarship are to be found in this school ; and its discipline is good. Many teachers make more show and osten- tatious display than Miss P., but few excel her in sound practical in- struction. The first class exhibited a very thorough knowledge of arithmetic, considering their age ; and their ready analysis of compound grammatical sentences, was a proof of the thoroughness of their instruc- tion. Some of the pupils of this school reside in the distant westerly sections of the town, which renders their attendance in severe and stormy weather difficult and uncertain.
The whole number has been 36, 32, 33 and 39, and the average for the year about 28, or 81 per cent nearly.
FINANCES.
Town appropriation,
$4000 00
Received from the State School Fund,
93 40
Due from the town of Stoneham,
$4117 12
The expenses have been,
$3081 96
For Teachers' Salaries,
cost of Coal, 162 26
66 " of Wood, 34 42
" housing Coal and cutting and splitting Wood, 21 55
66 care of 11 School Rooms, 275 00
" Superintendence of Schools, 118 00
Contingent Expenses, 95 63 -- $3788 82
Leaving a balance unexpended of
$328 30
Had the High School continued through the full year, the expense would have been about $115 more.
The contingent expenses of the schools have not reached a high figure, and would have been less, but for the necessity of repairing the front
23 72
30
fence of the High School, wantonly broken down by inconsiderate children. Two wells have been dug, and two good white oak pumps set in them ; one for the Green Street, and the other for the Lynde Street school. The latter was rendered expensive from having to sink the well several feet into a ledge. The whole cost of both wells and pumps amounts to $169.66, which has been paid out of the contingent fund of the town, as the report of the Financial Committee will show.
In the Report of last year, the attention of the town was invited to the expediency of re-painting the outside of the school-houses. Both economy and good taste require that provision be made to carry into effect the recommendation.
Some of the schools are unprovided with Outline Maps, which should be purchased the coming year.
One or two of the stoves are worn out, and it will be necessary to furnish new ones, or, what might be better, furnaces, to take their places. A small sum expended on the grounds of the Green, Lynde and Vinton Street Schools, would greatly improve their appearance and con- venience.
In closing their Report, allow your Committee earnestly to solicit the co-operation of all good citizens in endeavoring to advance the edu- cational interests of the town. We all love to have our acts acknowl- edged by an approving community. Frequent visitation of the schools by parents and friends encourages the pupils and stimulates the teacher. Such an employment of time pays well.
We should endeavor to maintain the good character of our schools by cherishing the reputation of our teachers. Their situation is often one of difficulty and embarrassment. Children of varied dispositions, tastes and habits, and subject to very opposite modes of parental government, are gathered into one school room, and placed under one teacher. It is obviously impracticable, under such circumstances, for a single mind to govern each pupil in exact accordance with the method adopted by the parent. One parent disapproves of corporeal punishment at home, and complains if it is resorted to at school; another makes the birch his right hand companion, and finds fault when the reins of government are held less tight at school. With one the discipline is too strict, with the other too lax ; and all the school must be subject to the same treatment, or the teacher is pronounced partial. It is plainly impossible to please all, unless there be a willingness to waive some of our individual preconcep- tions and personal preferences, when it becomes needful for the general good.
"To err is human ; " and we should be prepared to throw the mantle of charity over the apparent weaknesses and imperfections of those even in public service, inasmuch as they share with ourselves the infirmities and disabilities of a fallen humanity.
The reputation of those engaged in the more public employment of society is dear to them. It constitutes the accumulated capital of toil- some years, and it is all invested in securing their livelihood. Such a personal possession is entitled to all the respect pertaining to a sacred treasure. It costs more to erect an edifice than it does to pull it down.
31
The acts of others are too often judged by the one-sided reports of interested parties. We throw around our property the strong arm of civil law, and do not allow ourselves to be despoiled of it. Applying the principle, let us exercise a forbearing charity toward those who with their own good name associate the good reputation of our schools.
Your Committee would recommend the following sums to be appropri- ated for School purposes the coming year :
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.