Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 May 1875 — Page 4

THE RENSSELAER UNION. • Thursday, May 20, 1875.

THE PRECEDENT WOULD BE A DANGEROUS ONE.

Almost everybody that knows anything* about the Indianapolis Journal will concede that in politics it is orthodox Republican, up to the highest standard known in this State. Indeed it is universally recognized as, and takes, pride in being considered, the central and leading organ, or official mouthpiece from which the lesser papers of that party which have only a circumscribed influence take their cue lOr action. It is the chief bugler of the Republican forces in Indiana who sounds the key-note which is to direct the smaller brass pieces and barrel organs in swelling out the chorus of a campaign. Besides this, the impression prevails with the people that the Journal is in a measure controlled by Senator Morton, who is by far the most influential Republican iu the State, and that it presents at least, a semi-offi-cial reflex of his political views, designs, policy, aspirations, and suspicions, knowledge or judgment of the aims and intentions of other men in public life. All these conditions taken together make the hints and statements of the Journal concerning public matters worthy of more than a casual glance. The Journal has taken more than one occasion to affirm that President Grant was scheming to be elected to the Chief Magistracy for a third term, but it has never made the statement with such positiveness, such unqualified vehemence, and frith a tone of such impatient disgust as in the issue of May 12th.

The Journal says: In regard to the question whether be real!v desires a third term and is working for it, there Is, in our judgment, not a shadow of doubt. \Yc do not say this as imputing any improper or unpatriotic motives to General Grant-, for however.wo may occasionally diiter with him in matters of policy', taste or judgment, we do not believe him capable of harboring an unpatriotic motive. General Grant is every inch a true American and true patriot, but that does not prevent him from desiring a third term cf the Presidency. He looks at the matter from his standpoint, and the people from theirs, and looking at it from his standpoint lie sees nothing improper, unpatriotic, or dangerous in his stoking a renomination. One easily believes what one wishes to believe, and as the Presidency is a very desirable office, and as General Grant undoubtedly desires it, he easily believes that there is nothing improper in his so doing. Those who surround -him are mostly courtiers, and, as ho comes very little in contact with the people, lie knows but little of their real feelings on this subject. Having been elected twice by large majorities, he probably thinks it not only possible but easy to be elected for a third ferm, and so long as he entertains this feeling, and is encouraged iu it; by the courtiers who are near him, he I is not at all likely to make a public j renunciation in deference to a strength j ho entirely underrates, ami which, in 1 ail probability, is studiously misrep-j resented bv those who have his ear. However this may be, there exists not Ihe shadow of a doubt that General Grant does desire a third term. This opinion is shared by a very large number of the abler newspapers and men of the country who minds to comprehend human nature and trace out the motives j that prompt particular actions, to-j gethcr with the results in which j they are likely to culminate. The Republican leaders in New Hampshire saw the unmistakable signs oi General Gram's ambition, feared

the effects of it, and promptlv disavowed sympathy with it; General Hawley recognizes the signs and deprecates the folly; Hon. Benjamin Wade confesses the situation aad recommends Ohio Republicans to denounce it by resolution in their State platform. Among the prominent Republican newspapers which share the wide-spread alarm may be named the Evening Post and Times of New York citv, the Monitor of Auburn, the Advertiser ofj Concord, the American of Baltimore, i the Herald of Cleveland, and (until its recent change of management) the filobe of St. Louis, b asides very many of less prominence, east and west. “Suppose General Grant does “want a third term in office— he is “a good executive officer, he is a “patriotic citizen, was a successful “soldier, and is a popular iaan—why “not nominate him a third time as “our candidate fbr President, if he ‘‘wants to run?” was recently asked by a friend and ex-6oldier. Tboj Journal answers, in-effect, Because U wHI iujuje the-Republican party.

BuMhere is a deeper andfar more important .reason why he. should not be a candidate, or rather why he should not be elected again. It has been the history of all re|mblicß that long terms of officeholding, either by parties or individcals, prove dangerous to popular liberty and the perpetuity of that form of government. We need not look into the pages of ancient history for confirmation of this fact, because nearly every reader of the events which have transpired in France since ISIS has a vivid picture before bis mind in illustration. Napoleon 111., as be was fond of being called, was first elected President of the Republic of France for four years, then for ten years, then for life, and then the republic ceased, a throne was erected where the chair stood, and tlie President became an Emperor. With the Journal we prefer to believe that General Grant is a true American and a true patriot; that he is to-day incapable of harboring an unpatriotic motive; that in his guileless simplicity of character and childlike innocence he does not even dream of an \ possible impropriety attaching to a desire for a third term, in the Presidential office, if ft pleases any one to have us believe so, but—but that word “courtiers’’ sounds ghastly to the ears of a republican when coupled with the schemes of an ambitious man for another lease of tremendous power, when such an event would scatterto the winds a tradition having for its origin the example of the Father of liis Country, and which has long been pointed to as an incident illustrating patriotic virtue. Suppose however that these courtiers have no influence to flatter him into making a still larger grasp for power; suppose at the end of a third term General Grant surrenders tip the peacably to his successor, with the rights of the. people unimpaired; yet a dangerous precedent Will have been made, and an unpatriotic successor will have had his pathway to kingly prerogatives rendered just that much clearer of obstacles. It is ill . this stealthy manner that Imperialism must advance, if at all, in a nation where

education is so prevalent among the masses as it is in the United States. First trample upon the traditions which are as cherished as constitutional provisions, then attack the Constitution itself, and create necessities for appealing to the arbitrament of arms. This is the stream. We enter anJ glide will* the current almost imperceptifly at first and not a ripple disturbs its surface or indicates the almost irresistible force in operation beneath; soon, before we are scarcely aware of it, the shore we have left recedes and old familiar landmarks disappear in the distance; a feeling of dread creeps into our hearts and we cast about for oars, chart and compass with which to guide- our voyage and effect return only to find that they have been seized and destroyed by a demon who mans our vessel and is rapidly driving it into the maelstrom. of destruction. When it is too late we perceive that we have foolishly permitted history to repeat itself at otir expense. Beware of the schemes cf ambitions men who permit courtiers to fatter them into trampling down customs that have Leen sanctioned by long and honorable observance.

Stay in Indiana

We have been asked the question, whether we would advise the citizens of our State to go South and settle? We answer that we do not advise any farmer who has a good home in Indiana to pull up stakes and go any where simply to make money. Indiana has many advantages in the way of soil, churches, schools, etc., which should he well considered before making a change. A person desirous of changing location on account of health, we ikink would do- better in some of the Southern States than to go into the far West and suffer from the piercing cold winds which sweep over the prairies, or depend ufWm raising crops in a country where everything is destroyed every few* years by drought or grasshoppers. • W*e believe a person who has a few thousand dollars to inVest in a liouie better! go South than into the Territories west. We advise all persons before changing their location to weigh well the subject before taking any steps. There are advantages and serious disadvantages to be con side red, Indiana is a good State, one of the best in the Union all things considered, and this fact should not be overlooked by those, who -contemplate moving away.—' Wlnatna c Jjcmoerat.

OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Official Report of Hon. J. H. Snoddy for 1874. Hon. A. C. Hopkins, Superintendent of Public Instruction , State of Ind. : In compliance with the law requiring .written reports of County Superintendents, I submit the following : EXAMINATIONS. The regular examinations at tlie close of each month have been invariably held in the county seat. ! During the fall and early winter, I found it necessary to hold other examinations than the regular ; monthly. These were sometimes i held at the county seat, and soraei times at other places thought to be more convenient for that occasion. Some of these special examinations were held at school houses, at the time of the township institute, in order that citizens might see how they were conducted. On these occasions advanced pupils of the district schools were encouraged to enter tbe'class, in order to give them a test of their advancement, and encourage them in their efforts at culture. There have been held in this county during the last year, twelve regular monthly examinations and five special ones, making seventeen in all. The special ones became necessary from the fact that at the time of opening the schools in the fall there were not as many teachers holding valid licenses as there were schools needing teachers. As new applicants applied for schools—sonic from other counties—these special examinations were held in older to facilitate the opening of the schools not at first supplied with teachers.

As to the manner of holding: at the regular monthly examinations 1 have invariably used the State questions, but in these questions I noticed that some were repeated under various forms until they become somewhat stereotyped. Sometimes I took the liberty of changing them. At the special examinations I have used other questions, graded in character and depth as nearly as possible with the State questions. In order to encourage regular study in rules of punctuation, I.have generally used a set of questions specially .relating to that branch,-and I am assured that this has had a good effect; Seventy per cent, on the general average has been required for the lowest grade ot license, and where other qualifications have been good, almost as a matter of necessity, a few licenses have been granted where the per cent, on some single branch has been below forty, but only on tlie understanding that they would be revoked if a higher per cent, could not be made at the following - regular examination. Though I am confident that this is not the most perfect wav, I have generally considered the questions of equal difficulty, and given per cents accordingly. Where answers have shown evidence of a knowledge of the subject, and have failed to directly answer the questions, I have graded according to the knowledge indicated.. In case a question has embraced several distinct propositions, answers have been graded in proportion to the number of those answered. Neatness of execution, correctness and precision of language, together with the general average of knowledge indicated in the answers, have always been taken as factors, in determining the final results.

SCHOOL VISITS. There were sixty-seven schools jn this county last year. All of these were visited except two, and nearly all of them twice. I intended to visit all of them twice, but failed in a few cases. In the first visit my aim was to suggest new plans, where needed, and to explain systems oi gradation, etc. On the second visit I hoped to test the results. I did not attempt to divide my time equally among the various schools, but placed my work where I thought it would “do the most good.” Sometimes a very few minutes in a school would indicate that it was in good working order, and then my visit was not prolonged. In another school a glance would inform me that heavy friction retarded every element of motion and execution, f Here the visit was prolonged. The following have been the general; 1 testtj of the efficiency of a school: 1. Per cent, of attendance on enumeration. ‘2. Punctuality and its modifying circumstances. 3. Arrangement and execution of the regular daily programme. 4. General order, as to useful industry and prompt obedience, in study hours, and proper decorum, absence of boisterous ami rough movements in the room and on the play ground during recess. 5. Condition of- the ..room,’yard and privies as to cleanliness and neatness, . 6. The gradation and arrangement Of the school *work, according to the system adopted for the counts. ■ n • \ Where a large enumeration has

been found and a small attendance, the causes Have been looked after. Disaffected and careless parents have been visited at their homes, misunderstandings between parents and teachers and teachers and pupils have been arranged, school work made more attractive, etc. In regard to tardiness, the same method has been pursued. Teachers were supplied with a printed outline of the course of study and the plan of grading, and were aided in arranging the school work according to it, and instructed in regard to its designs and provisions. I never criticise teachers on their work publicly in either the.presence of pupils or citizens, as this would decrease confidence on the part of pupils and do harm. Of evenings I have called public meetings at the school houses. At these meetings questions of citizens in regard to the school work have been answered, and talks given on popular educational themes. In addresses to citizens, as a plea for more efficient public schools, I have explained the true object of education in the propel development of character, and have shown the partial results of our educational system in developing habits of industry, mental dicipline, self-con-trol, heart purity, taste and culture among our citizens, and have plejjd for long schools, better attendance, improved methods, and professional teachers, and proper supervision and parental co-operation as means of improvement. When addressing the pupils I have encouraged them in the cultivation of correct habits, and shown .them the necessity of a proper use of their time, money, health* and character, for good among their fellows. TIME SPENT AND COMPENSATION. The Commissioners allowed me no additional time for visiting schools, and I therefore spent sixtyseven days—the number of schools —in visiting work. I attended thirteen Township Institutes—one for each township; ten days were spent in office work, seventeen in examinations, five in the Normal Institute, aud eleven in attending and hearing appeals. Total 123 days, and compensation $492. The agent of the Attorney General gave the records of this county a pretty thorough examination with results barren to the school fund, and I did not think it proper to add a bill of that kind to my expense account, with such little prospect of increasing the fund. Shall give them a thorough overhauling this year. INSTITUTES. The annual institute was held at the county seat beginning the last Monday in Septeioßer, and embracing five* days. The enrollment was eighty-two and average attendance sixty-two. . The work was mainly done by teachers of county and myself; time mostly occupied in discussing methods in the common school branches. The only special feature Was a presentation and discussion of the plan of gradation proposed for the county township institute. Owing to the fact that some townships in this county have but two or three schools, it has been very difficult to make their success universal. But in the more densely "populated townships and where trustees have taken an interest in the matter, they have been successful in doing good, though some teachers have complained of the rigidness of the law, and a few chronic grumblers among. citizens have thrown cold water upon their expectations.

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, LIBRARIES, ETC. A majority of the trustees take a commendable interest in the meetings of the Couuty Board, while others take no interest at nil, never putting in an appearance. The' law on this subject seems to have one radical defect in not properly equalizing the suffrages. Two small incorporated towns, with eight teachers and about six hundred children of school age, cast six votes, while thirteen townships -with sixty teachers and twenty-two hundVed children cast but thirteen votes —hardly a just representation. As a general thing the libraries are in a good state ot preservation, but the books are used very little. APPEALS. Appeals from the decisions of trustees in locating school houses have Been a source of great trouble and intense feeling—doingmuch harm. The greater number of these appeals have been engendered by scheming politicians, not for the good of the school, but as a part of the county politics, brought up to elect or defeat trustees or sustain party cliques and clans. Through the influence of these political tricksters, district feuds are intensifiedl and kept alive much to the detriment of the schools and the peace of society. CONCLUSION. In the main onr trustees are faithful, courteous and efficient, and onr schools doing a good work. 31 ay their good work continue and improve, and may demagogues learn how. little they make theraeetfKFXu impairing their usefulness for selfiish ends.

State Mass Temperance Convention.

The second Mass Temperance Convention of the State of Indiana, under the auspices of the Woipan’s Christian Temperance Union of the State, is hereby called to assemble in the First Baptist Church, in the city of Indianapolis, at 2 o’clock p.m., on Wednesday, June 9, 1875, to continue throughout Thursday ; and one-half of Friday, June 10th and 11th. Believing that the temperance question has become of paramount importance in the church, Sabbathschool, in legislation and in society, and that the evils of intemperance can only be suppressed by the combined moral forces and powers of law in the State, it has been determined by the executive committee to invite all churches, Sabbathschools, and temperance organizations to send representatives, and to ask members and ex-members of the State Legislature and National Congress, ministers of the gospel, lawyers, physicians, teachers, and all men and women of Indiana who deplore the evils of intemperance, to come to this convention; and assist in devising measures, which, with the blessing of God, shall ultimately result in its suppression. - The citizens of Indianapolis tender their hospitalities to those who may attend the convention. Railroad arrangements will be announced in the Indianapolis papers on Monday, May 24th. A committee of arrangements will receive visitors at the Third Presbyterian Church, on Illinois street, opposite the Academy of Music, between the hours of 8 a. m. and 1:30 p. m., on Wednesday, June 9, and assign them to their homes. A committee of gentlemen, 'wearing white badges, will' meet them at the depot during the same hours. The Illinois-street cars leave the west end of the depot every few moments, passing the Third Church, which is five squares distant. Fersons arriving during the night, or on early trains, can find temporary accommodations, at reduced rates, at the National Hotel or Spencer House, opposite the depot. Those arriving after the opening of the convention will report at the First Baptist Church. Mbs. Z. G. Wallace, President Woman’s Christian Temperance Union of Indiana. Mbs. M. M. Finch, Secretary.

Heady to Graduate.

Dan. Miller was left to edit the Remington Record last week, and this is the psalm lie sings about if: If we ever did have any aspirations towards being an editor, we are perfectly free to admit that we are without any desire in that direction now. We have been there just long enough to get sick of it. One taste is enough for us. We hope our disease will not require another dose. We have not eaten a bite nor slept a Wink for three days. Anxiety and perplexity have given us such a cold that we fear the doctor’s bill will never be paid. 999 times this week have we asked persons whom we met, if there was any news. 999 times have we looked up street for locals. 999 times have we leaned back in our chair, closed our beautiful eyes, and tried to think of something to write about. 999 times we have wished Kitt was back. We had to cancel an engagement with our girl. We even lied to hej: in order to keep the devil in copy? 999 times have wished that it wasn’t us, but ’tother fellow. 999 times we have “even wished that we were dead.”, We have sworn that this is positively our last appearance and no postponement on account of weather, unavoidable accidents excepted. We know that we shall heave a sigli of relief when the forms go safely to press, breathe easier, and mechanically lift a prayer of thanks that we have survived the ordeal. On the 19th of April, 1874, the wife of Thomas Moore presented her husband with triplets, two girls and a boy, who survived but a short time; April 26th, 1875, she gave birth to twins, a girl and a boy, says the Kentland Gazette.

$300,000.00 TO ZiOAIO' AT NINE PER CENT. INTEREST On Real Estate Security, 03XT LONG TI3VE33, — AN ® *# " AMOUNTS TO SUIT APPLICANTS. No Insurance Required. Apply to, or address by mail, giving location, value, and full description, R.S.&Z.DWIGKHNS, Attorneys & Loan Agents, Rensselaer, Indiana. NORMAN STALLIONS. Horsemen will take notice that my two Noiman stallions—the grey and black—will make the season of 1875 as follows: ■> Mondays and, Tnesdays at my stable on the Gibbon’s Hill farm, two miles north of Rensselaer. , Wednesdays and Thursdays at William K. Parkison’s stable in Barkley township. Fridays and at J. W. Duvall’s stable in Rensselaer. 34 - - EZEKIEL W. BALL

BUSINESS CAROS. DR. G. A. JHOSS, PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON, Rensselaer, Indiana. Office between the Bank and Kannal’a Drag Store. DR. J. H. LOUGHRIDGE, PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON, Washington Street, below Austin's Hotel, -Rensselaer, ... Indiana. DR. MOSES B.AL TER, PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON, Rensselaer, Indiana. Office in Harding & Chesnnt’s Drag Store. DR. R. Y. MARTIN, PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON, WASHINGTON STREET, OTPOSITE POST OFFICE, Rensselaer, - Indiana M. F. CHILCOTE, Attorney and Counselor at Law. Office opposite Court House Square, on Washington Street, Rensselaer, Jasper County, Indiana. 5-26-ly SIMON P. THOMPSON, ATTORNEY AT LAW, Pros. Atty. f.othcircuit, Will practice in the Oourtsof Pulaski, Jasper, Newton and Benton counties. THOMPSON Ac RRO.’S LAW AND REAL ESTATE OFFCE, Rensselaer. Indiana. WM. 11. MARTIN, ) ( JOSHUA HEALEY. Kentland, Ind. $ (■ Rensselaer, Ind. MARTIN & HEALEY, ATTORNEYS AT 3L.A-W Rensselaer, Indiana. practice in the courts of Jasper and adjoining counties.

IRA. W. YEOMAN, ATTORNEY AT LAW, Notary Rxiblic, EEAL ESTATE AND COLLECTION AGENT, Rensselaer, Indiana. A complete Abstract of Titie to all lands in Jasper County, Indiana. Office in the Court House. 6-21 ALFRED M’COY. ALFRED THOMPSON A. McCOY A THOMPSON, BANKERS. RENSSELAER, INDIANA. Buy and seimCoin~a*4 Domestic E.Ychang make Collections on all araHeAte points,-pay Interest on specified time d»positea, and trails tot all business in their line with dispatch. Trr’Officehours.fromff'e.Tn to 4 p- m J. B. SPANGLE Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Jasper county and vicinity, that he is still to he found at his old stand on the eas t side of the public square in Rensselaer, and is now prepared to do all kinds of work in the line of TAILORI NG in the latest styles, aud with neatness and dispatch. N. B.—Cutting done on short notice, at reduced prices, and warranted to fit 39-ts HOUSE BUILDER. QEORaS HOBINSON Rensselaer, Indiana, will make estimates and contract to build houses, barns, bridges, and do all kinds of general carpenter work. Charges reasonable. 28HARNESS AND SADDLES. Kept in stock and made to order at reasonable prices ; also repairing done in neat aud substantial mannqr. Material good, work warranted, prices reasonable. Shop on Front street, east side, first door below Washington. Call and see me. 7-24 WILLIAM PHILLIPS THE WEED-F. F.-SEWING MACHINE. The best machine made, aad sold on the best and easiest terms. C. W CLBFTOBf, Agent for Jasper and Newton Counties. Office: Rensselaer, Ind. Repairing done promptly, and satisfaction guaranteed. Needles, Oil and Attachments furnished Tor any machine in the mark«t. Needles, per dozen. Wheeler & Wilson, Home Shuttle and Wilcox & Gibbs, 75 cents, Singer 50 cents, ali others 60 cents. 7-11

BLACKSMITH ING. The public is respectfully notified that i have leased the blacksmith shop heretofore occupied by Messrs. Duvall & Gofk, and will be pleased to receive orders for Horse shoeing, Tiro Setting, Repairing, and all descriptions of general blacksmith work. It will be my constant aim to please all who favor me with their custom, both in the quality of my work and the reasonableness of my charges . Patronage solicited. Shop on Front street, one door above the stage office. 7-33 LESLIE GRANT. SAMP. IRWIIM’S NEW BRICK BLACKSMITH SHOP, Rensselaer, Indiana. Having recently enlarged my shop, intro dneed new machinery and made other important improvements, I am now prepared to do work in the several departments of Blacksmithing neatly and promptly, and to guarantee satisfaction to customers. Connected with my establishment is a . _ WOOED SHOP Where wagon and other wood-work repairing will be done on short notiae by experienced workmen. No establishment shall compete vnth me in durability of wotk, or reasonableness of prices. Call on me when you want work done in my line. BAMSON ERWIN. SHINDLER « ROBERTS, BLACKSMITHS Rensselaer, Indiana. Shop on Front street, be ow Washington, known as ,r;“ N. Warner’S Old Stand. Where we will be found ever ready to do work in all the departments of Blackamithing, each as Horseshoeing, Tire-setting, Wagon-ironing Ironwork repairing, Ac., In neat and substantial manner. Being practical smiths, having had many years’ experience, and ourselves operating at the forge, we shall take pride in endeavoring to mantain the well-earned rep. ntation of the establishment, and confidently expect to.give Qur patrons complete astisfac. ion. TVv w*. 7-12-M *