FULTON COUNTY NEWS.
Aptness In Teaching.
(The following article was sent
ua for publication, and is worth
reading by any teacher. Editor.
Aptness in teaching implies a
natural and developed tendency
and fitness for the' work. The
self-importance which is assum
ed in seeking and displaying titles
and degrees, and the inordinate
eagerness to push self-interest in
the direction of higher position
and salary, do not denoto the apt
teacher; nor does the bustle with
which some show their dissatis
faction with present modes of
"making" pupils, or with which
they discuss the modes of treat
ing insubordination or truancy ; or
the questions of the comparative
importance of principals and as
sistants, or of the relative merits
of divers text books; nor does a
perpetual canting about the ad
vantages of teachers' associations
and the want of interest mani
fested among a certain class of
teachers; nor yet does an incess
ant talk about school out of school
hours. They who, in their con
versation, make these topics of
chief importance, show that their
hearts are not in the work, that
they are mechanical teachers.
Aptness in teaching denotes a
state of mind which does not in
deed disregard proper self -advancement,
nor yet contemns de
tails; but which is chiefly occu
pied with the great question of
pupil-nature and demands of that
nature; what is food for it;
what ought to be held from it;
how it may be aroused, drawn
out, trained; how its affection may
bo gained and directed; how it
may be made to grow up in rea
son, intelligence, humanity, no
bility, usefulness. He who is apt
to teach come down with the di
rectness of insight and of zest to
the first simple principle of pnpil
nature; and from a knowledge of
this contrives the machinery
of management. He conforms
the machinery to the pupil not
the pupil to the machinery. The
tendency to resort to contrivance
for turning the pupil into a mere
studying and reciting machine,
and the opinion that success in
teaching' is achieved in propor
tion to the degrees of precision
which the human machine is
made to attain, denote a want of
aptness, in the lack of apprecia
tion of the most essential element
of the work communication.
Once when a class in a celebrated
institution remonstrated with
their teacher, he replied, "I don't
come here to tell you anything; I
come to hear you recite." This
is not teaching. The mechanical
method aims singly to employ the
mechincal memory. Should the
pupil's understanding operate, it
will be by dint of dependent en
ergy, and in spite of repressive
influence of the method. The apt
teachery will be ever aiming to
read the pupil's understanding
means of communication.
' This aptness in communicating
knowledge depends upon some
thing more than mere ciudition,
and will show itself in something
more than a mere appreciation
of this or that method. Erudi
tion and appreciation alone will
be of little service in the school
room. Some men are great store
houses of knowledge, but are al
ways locked up. Some are ad
mirable organizers and managers
much, appreciative of the needs
of the school-room, keenly per
ceptive of the qualities, measures
' and adaptedness of others for the
work, and yet are not themselves
apt teachers. The apt teacher
will communicate not only when
questioned, but will anticipate
questions. He has the faculty of
measuring the understanding of
each pupil and of adapting him
self thereto. He will in reality
reach the understanding of his
pupils. His aptness will be recog
nized by his pupils in the interest
which they will manifest. Most
of them will be eager for his ut
terances, aud will be full of in
quiry. By communication, thus, the
apt teacher not only gives but he
-i . . ... . . . . . n i 1 1 . i i .
, uiuw.i um. im ootn instructs
and educates, And his pupils be
come his living epistles, known
aud read of all.' From the fore
1 going it may be Inferred that the
apb teacher will be disposed to be
independent of text-books. He
will be master of his theme, with
but being wedded to the text
books of some preferred author.
'The theme will live lu him, and
Kill Cud its own language out of
his own mouth. And in the pu
pils there will be awakened and
kept alive a corresponding spirit
of spontaneity, so that it will make
but little difference to them what
text-books are open.
Now this aptness in teaching,
producing, as it does, growth,
meets with much hostility, from
quarters where influence or con
trol in school-matters is exercis
ed. There is a manifest impa
tience felt toward the slowness
which belongs to growth. Un
less progress ia visible to the ob
server while he sits and watches
it is not acceptable. There is a
cry for methods of teaching that
will produce Immediate palpable
effects. Applause is given to
methods which enable the pupil
to "get along fast;" which "put
the pupil through a good deal of
varied matter;" which produce
"glibness in recitation." Parents
think it a fine thing to have their
children "know a great deal;"
and trustees and commissioners
take delight in having schools un
der their supervision show "bril
liancy" in recitation. Under
such circumstances mechanism
thrives. It is easy to be mechan
ical. Unapt teachers multiply
and prosper, and often secure
chief places. Tacit mutual pres
ervation winks at abuses. School
books, authors and book agents
make money. Pretention flaunts
its titles and degrees. Aptness
works quietly on in unrecognized
obscurity.
The remedy, in part, is found
in rendering our Normal schools
more purely normal. Partly too
the remedy is to be found in
largelyincreasingtheemoluments
to teachers generally, so that
men and women of aptness in
teaching will be induced to in
dulge their bent to enter the field
The public must be willing to
give their money to the cause of
education with unstinted liberali
ty. Strict care, too, should be
taken that the control of educa
tional matters shall be in the
hands of those who are capable of
discriminating between the apt
teacher and the unapt, and who
are moved to the work by disin
terested motives, and are not
capable of being manipulated by
interested parties.
To the young, the truth has a
charm which words cannot con
vey, until they are recognized as
the sign of of the truth which the
mind comprehends.
In all that relates to the phe
nomena of the world, the best
book is Nature with an intelligent
Interpreter. What concerns the
social state of man may be best
apprehended after lessons in the
fields, the ruins, the mansions,
and the streets within reach of
the school. Lessons on an indi
vidual object prepare the mind
for generalization, and for the ex
ercise of faith in its proper pro
vince. Schools in which word
teaching only exists, do not pro
duce earnest and truthful men.
STANDING ON HI8 RIGHTS.
The next witness was a hard
fisted, resolute yeoman with a
bristling chin beard, says the
Chicago Tribune.
"Mr. Gigson," says the attor
ney for the defense "are you ac
quainted with the reputation of
this man for truth and veracity in
the neighborhood in which he
lives V
"I reckon I am," replied the
witness.
"I will ask you to state what it
is."
"Well, sir, his rep'tation fur
truth ain't no good. His rep'ta
tion for varssity-r well, that's dif
frunt. Some says he does, and
some says he don't"
"WiUnss, " interposed the
Judge, "do you know the mean
ing of 'veracity?' "
"I reckon I do."
"What do you understand by
the word ?"
The witness twirled his hat in
his fingers a few moments with
out replying.
"I refuse to answer that ques
tion judge," he said, "on the
ground that it might discriminate
me."
Men Wanted
Choice country laborers,
farm hands, and woodsmen,
under SO years of age to work
several years in Wisconsin
for $25.00 a month and board '
or $1.85 a-day without board,
Address
Ed Reichenbach,
Or rvillo, Ohio,
hlpcs Mill.
' Our school is gliding smoothly
along with Bessie Morton as in
structor. Messrs. Ted and Geo. Wink
started for Wisconsin on Monday
last where they expect to get em
ployment. Milton Mellott lost a tine horse
last week.
There was a sledding party
from Sipes Mill on Sunday last
weut iu the direction of Gem.
Mrs. Nathan Mellott is still im
proving. There was a pill peddler pass
ed down through this vicinity last
Saturday and spent the evening
with Miss Angeline Mellott.
Mr. Geo. Bard sold a very tine
mare last week to Mr. Kieffer of
the Cove.
Mrs. John Bard made a trip to
Everett last Friday.
Capt. C. T. Dixon is ill at this
writing.
Pete Snyder of Gem had a dog
The dog ran away from Pete. The
dog went to Mrs. Wink's barn
one night, stole a halter, climbed
up in the haymow, fastened the
halter around a rafter, put the
other end around his neck, gnaw
ed a hole through the roof, crawl
ed out, jumped out into space.
Next morning the family found
him suspended against the barn.
The dog was dead, so he was.
Stone KiUgc.
Elliott Barher is ick.
O. J. Oak man, J. F. Dishong
and J. Sipes are home from
Broadtop. They are going back
soon.
David Strait is home from the
sawmill.
Miss Sallio Hoop has bought a
new organ and is taking music
lessons.
G. C. Strait and A. K. Deshong
made a trip to Kearney and back
in one" day recently. The dis
tance is about 45 miles.
N. D. Strait spent Sunday with
Collie Reed.
Kev. Shull is spending a few
days at his home at Gettysburg.
Nevin Strait and Miss D. A.
Deshong were over in the Cove
one day last week. When they
came back the boys gave them a
serenade.
Miss Irene Sipes has returned
to Cove Gap after having spent a
part of last week with her pa
rents. Lots of music along the Run
now.
G. Garland Sipes expects to go
to Franklin county to work soon.
David Strait and wife were
guests of Mrs. Fannie Sipes last
Sunday.
A new dishwasher at Mac
Sipes'.
The champion skunk hunters
along the Run have caught seven
skunks and a mink.
Fort Littleton.
Our protracted meeting com
menced here Sunday night.
Mrs. Frances Patterson is vis
iting her mother in this place.
Katie Cromer returned home
from Pitcairn last week.
Ernest Fraker who has been
employed at Pitcairn returned
home last week to improve his
health.
Wm. Wilds can sing, Rock a
bye baby. It's a girl.
William Cline who has been
spending some time with his son
Sander in Pittsburg, has return
ed home accompanied by his son
Morgan.
The Press says that counter
feit coin is in circulation in Ever
ett. Several merchants have
been tendered it in payment for
goods, but have detected the bad
money in time to save themselves.
The money has all been tendered
by parties well known. Just
where they got it is a mystery,
but investigation is in progress.
The counterfeit coins are half dol
lars and dollars.
The Chamber sburg and Get
tysburg Electric Railway Compa
ny last week purchased the turn
pike from Chambersburg to the
South Mountain for $33,600. The
promoters promise an electric
road iu ten weeks.
DR. KING'S
try NEW DISCOVERY
FOR THAT COLD.
TAKE NO SUBSTITUTE.
Cures Consumptioh.Coughs,
Colds, Bronchitis, Asthma,
Pneumonia,Hay Fever JPleu-
risy, LaGrippe, Hoarseness,
Bore Throat, Croup And
Whooping Cough.
.NO CURE. NO PAY.
Hie 50c. aadfl. TRIAL I0TTUS FRC&
oxxxxxxxxxx ooooooooooooo
When You Come to
Chambersburg
I Just go up Main street till you come to Queen street.
Right at Bloom Bros.' corner turn to the west half a
jA. block and you will como to a modern 8-story cream
colored brick building. Step inside and you will find
W the nicest rooms, aud the largest stock of good furni
lj ture and its belongings, to bo seen in the Cumberland
You will find many articles here thai you do not see
in other stores. There has been a furniture store on this
spot for 75 years and yet there aro many of the younger
people and some others who don't know it. That is the rea
son we are telling you about it.
C About a block farther, on the bank of the Conococheague,
whose water drives the machinery, you will find our facto
ry j where with skilled mechanics aud seasoned lumber we
can make almost auything you may require.
COME TO OUR STORE and look around Much to
see that is interesting cveu if you don't want to buy. We
want you to know what it is and where it is.
Open till 8 o'clock in the evening now Saturday till nine.
H. SIERER & CO.,
Furniture Makers on Queen Street,
Chambersburg, Pa,
xxxxxxooooooo oooooooooooo
The YAorld Moves
and so does the machinery in the
Willow Grove Woollen Mills
at Burnt Cahixs, Pa.
i The proprietor has had ov or 50 years experience, and is
confident that he can please nil who may entrust him with
i their work.
Manufacture of Carpet and Wool Carding a speciality.
Wool Batting for Haps none better,
i Carpet Chain always in stock,
i I will take in wool aud work at the following places :
! Booth Brothers, Dublin Mills; A. N. Witter's, Waterfall; W.
j L. Berkstresser, Orchard Grove; W. R. Speer, Saluvia;
i Lynch's store at Crystal Springs; Jackson's store at Akers
' ville, P. J. Barton's, liustonlown, and Huston's store at
! Clear Ridge.
I will make monthly visits to these places during the
season, and will receive work and return it.
i Thankful for past favors, and soliciting'a.continuance
5 of the same, I am, respectfully,
H. II. HERTZLER,
? Burnt Cabins, Pa.
a
oooooooooooo oooooooooooo
L- A
BIG THAW! 8
No Frozen up prices at
Wiener's,
All Our Winter Millinery at Q
HALF PRICE
Beautiful Beaver Hats at $1.50 worth $2.50. O
AM our Felt, Velvet and a few "READY TO WEAR" g
Hats at corresponding prices. q
Take the benefit of this "CUT" aud supply your
self with a beautiful New Standard Shape Hat at half
price, "ALL COLORS."
Drop in, it will cost nothing to see them.
T. J. WIENER,
Hancock, Md.
oxxxxxxoooo
REISNER'S
HOLIDAY
ANNOUNCEMENT.
We will sell
Ladies' Wraps
at a very considerable reduction. A nice line to se
lect from.
Just Received
a nice lot of Dress Goods and Waistings,
a splendid line of Fancy and Staple Notions
r
Blankets.
Comforts, &c. A large stock of Rub
bers of every kind for Ladies, Aisses,
and Children. Men's Rubbers of every
kind. Men's and Boys'
0.
Overcoats,
A large stock, and all right in style and
Price.
PULTON COUNTY NEWS
is the people's paper
$100 a Year in Advance.
4
X YOU NEED ABUGGY X
X HOW DOES THIS STRIKE YOU? f
X A Bran New Falling Top
X Buggy with Pull Leather
f Trimming, Spring Cushion
X and Back, Thousand Mile X
t Axle, A Grade Wheels, Pat- i
X ent Shaft Couplers and Fine- t.
1 ly Finished throughout for
ONLY $50. X
I .
X Large Stock to seloct X
rom. t
I am also handling Iland-
made Buggies and Wagons. T
W. R. Evans,
t Hustontown, Pa.
ttt'CONNELLSBURG
BAKERY
D. E. LlTTLK, PUOPIUETOK.
Fresh Bread, Rolls, Cakes,
Doughnuts, and Pretzels on
hand all the time.
Free Delivery in town on
f .... ,1 .... rry i rm
iVIUuuajfB, j. UtfBUays, 111UI B-
days, and Saturdays.
For Parties, Weddings, &c
we are prepared on a couple
of days notice to furnish all
kinds of cakes &c.
Your Patronage Solicited.
D. E. LITTLE.
0.
SUITS
for every person. Gloves, Handker
chiefs, Umbrellas, Skirts,
Ijewelry,
in fact, anything you want is here,
Please coir e and see, for yourself.
6, W, BEISNER & CO.
8
8
o
9
Q
9,
0
9
i
o
a
X
;
0.
g
M0
9
&
t!0
9.
;
0
0
;
0
0
0
0
0.
0
0
0 X
,
o
0 9.
M0
o
0
0
o
0.
0
0
5?
0
0.
0.
0
0.
:
0
;
01
0
0.
!
0.
0
c;
0.
0
0.
0
8
0
fsi
0