USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1858-1867 > Part 21
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we look chiefly for the success of our schools. The work is mainly to be done in the recitation room. It is through their will and efforts that the machinery of the school-room is to be kept in motion. We believe they have a full appreciation of the importance of their trust, and will discharge their duties with all fidelity.
But there are duties to be performed by others besides teachers, less active and less numerous perhaps, but equally im- perative. There exist certain relations between teachers, parents and committee, with reciprocal duties to be by each performed. Each is in a measure powerless for good with- out the aid of the other. This fact is not by all sufficiently recognized. The duty of a teacher is peculiar. We justly expect much of him. He has a sacred trust in the education of our children. He is not limited to mere book instruction. He is to instruct them in all the virtues that aid and adorn human- ity as well as " to point out the evil tendency of their opposite vices."
In this he should receive the sympathy and support of parents as well as Committee. In the discipline of his school he is to be aided and sustained in every reasonable and proper effort. We hold that no greater wrong can be inflicted upon a pupil, than an undue tenderness on the part of a parent in requiring a compliance with the rules of the school. The evil tendency of misdirected sympathy with pupils against the action of the teacher is pernicious in its influence.
Erroneous ideas ef discipline may prevail with the teacher, undoubtedly, as with parents. But for all this, there is a pro- per and perfect remedy provided. The Committee deem it their peculiar prerogative and duty to apply this remedy. It is their province to meet and adjust the difficulties that may arise in the discipline of schools, and to see that the rights of teachers, parents and pupils, are not disregarded. The Com- mittee feel also, that they have a right to expect the hearty co- operation of parents, in their efforts to elevate and improve our
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schools. Much good may be done by the exertion of parental influence in the matter of discipline, and in the encouragement of their children in habits of study and obedience to the author- ity of the school-room.
A matter was recently brought before the School Committee affecting the power and duties of teachers and parents, as well as that of the Committee. As the matter created some little in- terest in town, and related to the removal of a teacher who had uniformly met with marked success, both as an instructor and disciplinarian, and involved some important principles, we feel impelled to make a report of our action.
A petition signed by Mr. J. L. Hollander, and others, was presented to the Committee, praying for the removal of the Principal of the Prospect Hill Grammar School, on account of alleged " acts of injustice " to Master Alvah Hollander, a pupil of that school. The teacher (Mr. O. S. Knapp) had previous- ly addressed a letter to the Committee, complaining that re- ports were in circulation, calculated to impair his usefulness and injure his reputation as a teacher, and requesting an in- vestigation. A meeting of the Committee was accordingly held and testimony was heard from both parties. The examination was had before the full Board, with the exception of Mr. Hall, at the time absent, and also of Mr. Emerson, who, for special reasons, was excused from serving. The opinion here expressed as well as the investigation, is therefore made without the con- sultation or vote of either of these persons. The occasion of the difficulty is briefly as follows :
Master Alvah Hollander was reported by the assistant teacher (Miss Gerry) to Mr. Knapp, for disobedience. He was required by Miss Gerry to disclose the name of an offender against school discipline. The boy refused. He was allowed to reflect upon the matter till the next day, when after confer- ring with his parents, he again refused to disclose, giving as a reason, that his ideas of honor forbade him. Mr. Knapp there- upon ordered the boy into an adjoining room. The boy refused
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to obey. The teacher was proceeding to put him into the room, when the boy made resistance and seized hold of the teach- er's desk. The boy was then taken from the desk by the teacher and carried by force into the recitation room, and dur- ing the struggle, the pianoforte was pushed from the platform upon the floor, with a loud crashing noise. The boy was then required either to submit or be discharged from school. He chose the latter.
The Committee, with the two exceptions named, were unani- mous in the opinion that the teacher should be sustained, for the following reasons :
First. The boy was clearly in the wrong in refusing to obey the assistant teacher when required to give the name of the offender. We regard the requirement as reasonable and cor- rect in principle, whether applied to the offender or the boy who professes to act from this sense of honor.
It is a false notion in pupils to suppose that they are bound in honor or in any well founded sense of right, not to give evidence against each other when required. The thief can claim the same right and plead with the same force; and we cannot believe there is any sincerity in the assertion of such a prin- ciple. We do not justify or expect officious and voluntary tattling for every trifling offence. But when a pupil is required by his teacher to disclose, he is entirely relieved from the imputation of dishonor.
The avowed object in refusing to disclose, is to screen an offender from punishment. Why screen the offender from pun- ishment ? It is difficult to perceive how a pupil could wish to screen the offender, without at the same time justifying the offence. But it may be said that a boy may not justify the offence, but may fear retaliation by disclosing; Then where is his sense of honor ? Honor is supposed to be disinterested in its character, and not an impulse of sordid selfishness. Honor based upon a fear of punishment or a desire to screen the
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guilty from justice, is at least a questionable foundation for an upright and manly character.
If a pupil refuses to disclose from his sense of honor, might he not be expected to acknowledge an offence he may have committed, from this same sense of honor, to save an innocent pupil from punishment ! Would he not exhibit a higher sense of honor in the confession thian in his refusal to disclose ?
If it is genuine sense of honor that actuates the pupil in refusing to give evidence against his companion, a confession of the offence ought in every instance to follow. But it seems this principle is not what its supporters claim it to be. At the hearing of the matter, a case was related by a lad called as a witness by the petitioners, where a pupil in this school denied all knowledge of an offence actually committed by him, and knowingly allowed an innocent boy to be punished in his stead.
This principle of requiring a pupil to disclose is universally recognized. It is adopted in most, if not all of our colleges and higher schools of learning, and the rule is enforced with great severity. It is beginning to be regarded with favor even by pupils themselves. It is the principle upon which all govern- ments are administered, and all judicial proceedings, both criminal and civil, areconducted ; and it is difficult to conceive why a parent should not adopt such a course in the government of his own children.
Sccond. The boy was wrong in disobeying and resisting the teacher, when told to go into the recitation room. It was the duty of the teacher to enforce obedience. What otherwise, becomes of the discipline of the school. Here was a case of wilful insubordination. The authority of the teacher must be maintained. The boy might and should have gone into the recitation room himself without the use of force, and has no right to complain of the teacher for enforcing his commands.
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Third. The boy on his own admission was not injured in the struggle. If any pain was inflicted, it was but the natural result of the difficulty of overcoming the resistance made by him. It required an exertion of strength greater than in a case of ordinary whipping. The boy had the sanction of his parents against the authority of the school. He was stimulated in his disobedience and resistance by parental influence. But the parent has no more right to interfere with the authority of the teacher than the mere stranger, and the teacher is not thereby relieved from the discharge of his duty, nor deprived of his power over his pupils.
If parents claim protection for their children from the enforcement of unjust rules, there is a proper channel through which to present their claims. It is not expected that all persons have the same ideas of school discipline. Nor can individuals reasonably expect that a school should be conducted so as to conform to their particular ideas. The community at large have an interest, and the good of the State is to be con- sidered. Our schools are established not only that the pupil may be personally benefited by the instruction he receives, but that he may become an upright citizen, fit and worthy to enjoy the rights and perform the duties of a citizen.
Farther, it should be stated, that in the case under investi- gation, the boy acknowledged, that the Principal reasoned with him, patiently and carnestly, and that the application of force was the last resort. And it farther appeared from the testimony, hat such is the uniform course pursued by the Principal. The committee are of the opinion, that the emergency imposed a disagrecable duty upon the Principal. We think he is entitled to the thanks of our townsmen, for faithfully performing that duty.
The School Committee desire to make a brief and special mention of the High School. In a statutory sense it is a neces- sity. It aims at more than what is ordinarily considered at practical education, yet it embraces no branch of study but that
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has a practical and important bearing in the ordinary affairs of life as well as in shaping and developing the mind and charac- ter. It does not aim merely to deal just that modicum of learn- ing which shall enable a person to go through the world and escape its impositions and secure thrift. All this and more can be obtained in the Grammar schools. It aims and purposes to afford those who are disposed, an opportunity of pursuing an advanced course of study. It is not expected that a large number will avail themselves of its advantages, nor is it claimed that all who avail themselves are benefited to the extent desired by its friends. Many enter to remain so short a time as hardly to obtain a smattering of the principal branches pur- sued here. Yet it is believed that a large proportion of the pupils who enter the school are amply rewarded in their efforts. Perhaps a few would be more directly benefited to remain in the Grammar schools rather than to enter the High school for so short a time. It would be hardly worth while for a pupil to enter for a period shorter than one year. It should be under- stood that the High School does not propose to finish the Gram- mar School education.
Does our High School answer the purpose for which it was intended ? Our reply is emphatically, yes. The course of study is in substantial, if not in exact, compliance with the requirements of the statutes. A thorough system of instruction has been adopted. A sound and judicious discipline is enforced. A healthy moral tone and quiet harmony pervades the school. The teachers are earnest in their work and animated in their desire to increase its usefulness, and enhance its reputation. The pupils manifest a praiseworthy zeal in their studies. The amount of work accomplished, especially the last year, has been marked. The best of feeling between pupils and teachers pre- vails. The examinations evince promptness and accuracy. The pupils, without exception, manifest a disposition to do their part in making the school what it should be. The committee are unable to record a single occurrence of an unpleasant character
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during the last year. They have heard no complaints either from parents or pupils. It is now no longer a source of anxiety to the committee. The Committee feel that our citi- zens have but to make an occasional visit to our High School in order to be fully assured that it is entitled to their confidence and support. It has not received the attention and encourage- ment from the community which it deserves and demands. The teachers and pupils both appear to feel this. We earnestly hope that parents will visit the school and judge for themselves, and we believe that the expectation this brief report may give rise to will be fully realized.
The Committee have learned with sincere regret of the death of Miss Harriet Hill, one of our most efficient teachers, and a young lady of many rare and exemplary traits of charac- ter. She was ever found devoted and conscientious in the dis- charge of her duties. In her death our schools have sustained a loss not easily repaired. The Committee deeply sympathize with the friends and relatives of the deceased in their bereave- ment, and regard it as justly due, that they should pay a pass- ing tribute of respect to her memory, and record the testimony of their appreciation of her services and character.
There are now thirty teachers employed in Somerville schools. They are distributed as follows: two in the High ; eight in the Grammar; seven in the Intermediate; twelve in the Primary and one in a Mixed School. Instruction in Music has been given during the last year, by Mr. S. D. Hadley, with his usual success.
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Below will be found a tabular statement of schools and teachers, in town.
DISTRICT.
SCHOOL.
PRINCIPAL.
ASSISTANT.
High,
Henry H. Babcock, ....
Harriette E. Reed, ...
Franklin,
Caroline A. Osbornc .. Adine F. Edgerly,
FRANKLIN,
Bell,
Lucy C. Homer, ..
Spring Hill,
Betsey P. Burgess,
Harvard,.
Elizabeth W. Shelton, .
Lizzie Gerry,.
Prospect Hill,
Lydia S. King,
Irene E. Locke,.
Mary O. Giles, .
Brastow,
Union,. .
S. A. Sweetser,.
Almira L. White,
Jackson,
Augusta A. Roberts,
Amy C. Hudson,
Isabel S. Horne, .
PRESCOTT,
Prescott,
Eliza Spalding,
Henrietta M. Close,
Susan M. Priest,.
Edward W. Howe,
Myra C. Emery, ..
FOSTER, ..
Foster,
Mary E. Proctor,
Ellen P. Shute,
WALNUT HILL,
. .
Walnut Hill,
Susanna C. Russell,.
Music Teacher,.
S. D. Hadley.
The Committee are impelled to state that the increasing pop- ulation of the town demands that more school room should be provided for in the Forster District. The limited accommoda- tion has for the last two years occasioned much inconvenience and is the source of much just complaint, and larger space is now imperatively demanded. In the alteration which was made in the Forster School House a few years since it was then expected that further enlargement would sooner or later be needed. By a rough estimate it has been ascertained that the sum of three thousand dollars will be required to meet the expense of the proposed change. The Committee would there- fore respectfully recommend the appropriation of that sum.
The Franklin School House has been enlarged during the last year, and the inside remodelled so as to make four large
PROSPECT HILL, .
George T. Littlefield.
Miss Currier.
Oren S. Knapp,
Caroline S. Plimpton,.
John Wilson, Anna A. Hall,
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rooms with a single teacher to take charge of each. By this change one hundred more pupils are accommodated without the expense of an additional teacher. The Committee believe the change to be beneficial both in respect to economy as well as to the health and welfare of the pupils and teachers.
The amount expended on the building, including the enlarge- ment, painting, ventilators, school furniture, repairs, and filling of yard, was twenty-five hundred and forty-six dollars and nine- ty-four cents, being $546.94 above the appropriation for the purpose. The Committee feel that less could not well be expended. The work was offered to the competition of several well known carpenters, and every proper effort made to bring the expense within the limit. The contract was taken by Mr. E. M. Paul. Owing to the scarcity of workmen, and causes alleged to be beyond the control of the contractor, the building was not completed within the time required in the specifica- tions. The Committee respectfully request the town to ratify their action in the premises by an appropriation to meet the extra amount expended.
The School Committee are able to say that the ordinary school expenses during the past year have come within the sum given for that purpose. The amount thus appropriated was $16,200. In view of the upward tendency of prices in almost every species of property and labor, it is felt that a sum a trifle larger ought to be called for. The sum of sixteen thousand five hundred dollars is therefore recommended.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
CHAS. S. LINCOLN, AARON SARGENT, JOHN P. MARSHALL, GEO. D. CLARK.
CYRUS F. CROSBY,
GEO. H. EMERSON, AUSTIN BELKNAP, JOHN G. HALL, NELSON HOWE,
School Committee.
SOMERVILLE, March 2. 1863.
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN.
It seems eminently fit and proper, that the custom of rendering by the Selectmen at the close of each munici- pal year, a statement of their doings and of the condi- ยท tion and prospects of the Town, together with such suggestions for the future as their experience may enable them to present, although but of very recent origin among us, should, from its importance, be con- tinued : the following is therefore offered as
THE SELECTMEN'S ANNUAL REPORT.
Never since the organization of the Town have the demands upon the time, the mental and physical labor and the pecuniary substance of the Selectmen, been as great as during the past year. The continuance of one of the most gigantic rebellions ever known in the his- tory of the world, with its greatly increasing demands for men and money, has opened new and untried spheres of duty for the municipal authorities, where no prece_ dents could instruct nor precepts guide. With an eye single to the welfare of the whole country and more
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especially of our own Town, the Selectmen have cheer- fully assumed whatever duties and obligations seemed devolving upon them as conducive to these ends.
MILITARY.
The recruiting of men for the army was commenced very early in the season. On the 25th of May last, the announcement was made that the National Capital was again in imminent peril and was instantly followed by an order from the Governor for the immediate assem- bling of the State Militia upon Boston Common, pre- pared for whatever orders might await then. This order was with alacrity responded to by nearly all the companies in the State, our own organized company being very early in readiness and was escorted by the citizens with music to the place of rendezvous.
The services thus patriotically offered were not accepted by the General Government and the military enthusiasm of the people thereby received a check which operated as a severe drawback in all subsequent recruiting operations, rendering it necessary to institute the system of paying a bounty for the promotion of enlistments ; so that when the call of the President, upon the 28th of June, for an increased force of 300,- 000 volunteers was made, this plan was universally adopted.
The quota of the Town under this requisition was 92 and it being so nearly up to the number required for an organized company, it was deemed best to assume the
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raising of a full company under the designation of " The Somerville Guard," as the assurance of electing officers of their acquaintance and choice, would be a powerful persuasive to induce men to enlist.
At a Town meeting holden July 19, 1862, there was chosen a " Citizens' Committee of Sixty," to cooperate with the Selectmen in matters pertaining to the raising of volunteers to fill the different quotas of the Town under the requisitions of the Governor, and the Select- men would cheerfully acknowledge very efficient aid received from this committee.
To them they were indebted chiefly for the labor of conducting mass meetings in aid of recruiting, furnish- ing speakers and the music for the same, arranging for and carrying out programmes for escorts and in various other ways of effort, counsel and advice, by which the labor of this branch of their duty was greatly relieved.
The bounty of $100, authorized by the Town, Aug. 27th, to be paid to any one enlisting in the above com- pany, proving to be a less sum than was generally paid in other towns and cities, was increased by private sub- scription to $125, and the ranks of the company were speedily filled. All the camps in this State being at the time in an exceedingly crowded condition, insomuch that much deprivation and suffering arose in conse- quence, permission was obtained to place our company in camp on Prospect Hill, until it should be necessary to attach it to some regiment about to leave. Here they remained for a few weeks, gradually becoming accustomed to the routine of a soldier's life and cheered by the friendly visits and the substantial tokens of the
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good will of the citizens. In due time this company was attached to the 39th Regiment, departed for Wash- ington, and has since been engaged chiefly in picket duty upon the Potomac. It will be remembered that this is the regiment which, immediately upon its arrival and while scarcely a week old, arrested the attention of Gen. Williams and called forth the remark. that " he supposed it to be a regiment of veterans." It gives us pleasure to state the " Somerville Guard " has thus far been remarkably exempt from casualty or fatal disease, and the men have proved an honor to the Town and the State to which they belong.
Even before the Government had been able to arm and equip the men called for by the first requisition, there followed another call for 300,000 more, and the 5th Reg. Mass. Vol. Militia, to which the " Somerville Light Infantry " were attached, having tendered their services and been accepted, recruiting was continued to fill their ranks to the maximum number required.
From the fact that so large a number of men had already enlisted in the army and also that the necessity of arming and equiping so large a force had produced great activity in almost every department of mechanical industry, much difficulty was everywhere experienced to raise the number of men required, and consequently there arose between the different cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth a sort of auctioneering or bidding up of hounty for recruits, and the sum paid in most other places ran up to such a degree that but very little could be effected by offering the bounty of $125, heretofore paid by the Town; it was then found to be absolutely imperative to increase the amount to
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$200, which was done by act of the Town Sept. 24th ; even this was less than recruits obtained in many other places.
The laxity of the Government in receiving and mus- tering in recruits when obtained, became a source of great annoyance to the municipal authorities, and it was exceedingly disheartening to feel that with a long list of names upon the recruiting papers so small a propor- tion of the whole number could at any time be found ready to respond. Upon the departure of the " Somer- ville Guard," the camp on Prospect Hill was occupied by the "Somerville Light Infantry " until Sept. 16th, when they were ordered into the regimental camp at Wenham, and remained there until their departure for Newbern, N. C., Oct. 22d. This company has been also thus far highly favored as regards casualty and disease, although participating in the expedition against Golds- boro', in which their valor and efficiency was highly commended. The company is still stationed at New- bern, and is in every respect equally as well deserving of praise as the " Somerville Guard."
In an individual capacity and without any expense to the Town, some of the members of the board have vis- ited the Somerville Guard and as many other soldiers from this Town in other regiments or in the hospitals as was in their power to find. The "Somerville Light Infantry" being stationed at so remote a distance it has not been possible to visit them personally, but in the dis- tribution of goods donated from various sources, and in our own solicitous regard they have not been forgotten.
But notwithstanding the great amount of good it does a soldier to receive substantial tokens of remembrance
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and good will from friends, there is nothing cheers him so much as to see a familiar face and hold converse with one direct from the midst of the loved ones at home ; and it was worth all the individual expense to be able to receive their cordial and heartfelt welcome, and to hear from their lips such expressions as " your visit relieves us of at least a month's duty," and many other equally lively and spontaneous exclamations.
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