Rensselaer Union, Volume 1, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 November 1868 — LOCAL MATTERS. [ARTICLE]

LOCAL MATTERS.

Ol’R PUBLIC SCHOOL. We paid our schools a brief yet pleasant call on last Friday after* noon. The register showed ours to be the initial visit of the term. A spectator can, with average acumen, judge whether the teacher,in a mere word-grinder or'whether, with a logical mind and a feeling heart, he is aiding the pupils to solve the real problems of science. Power of mind is the most important object ot education. Thefacts and laws of knowledge are not so important as their application in the duties of life. Children should learn those things which will be of use to them. True teaching tells little, discourses much and shows how to make study yield pleasure aqd profit. The “law «>f the land” with fines and bolts may try to curb “the cruel devil of the will.” The clergy may strive by hope and fear to awaken a sense of “the fullness of the life that now is,” but the teacher, next to the parent, stands near the fountain of human character, and can do more than any one else to strengthen our better natures and check the growth of unruled passion. It is no easy task to ~ -TTOW-Tfre-tfruels of truth -aright, andmould mind for the r?alm of duty. In our metaphysics we almost torgot the visit. There were four willing witnesses to the welfare of our public schools. The man cltoscn to audit the accounts of the county—a fair man and comely ; the Recorder, one high in authority among the people; the Treasurer elect, and the writer. We visited the Principal’s department The grammar class was, with euphony, ringing the changes oil the word Love. Conjugations -were always to us, when a school-boy, dry and"lncompatible. The Recorder and ourself stepped across the hall where one of the tribe of Benjamin holds the Jcacher’s scepter. The geography class were naming the capitals of the seyeral States with average alacrity. In the department next to the Primary we heard :i good recitation in reading. The lesson was prepared on slates and well studied. Last, but not least, we looked into the Primary department. The room was full of lads and lasses of the susceptible age of from 6to 10 years. Our reserve forsook us and we made a little speech iu dialogue form. Most of the pupils can writer which is a hopeful feature. The Primary room has too many scholars for the space and accommodations. We found excellent order in all the rooms. Tim teachers seem earnest, and the pupils obedient and industrious. Our visit was a happy one. The teachers have our thanks for the kindness shown us by their schools. Your work is a noble one. It is better to care for the child than to sing dirges over the death of a felon. We advise the patrons to visit the schools often. Go and encourage teachers and pupils by your presence and good words. Leave your name in the Visitor’s Record as a memento that you once sought good company. Quit lounging about the streets playing checkers, <fcc., and encourage your children to grow wise and better by a good example.