I think the most scrupulous
statesman would not object to securing influence by conferring office in
such a case. If difficulties arise from the operation of such a measure,
the plan can easily be modified to avoid or correct them. If it is
successful, it may be continued, and the principle may be extended, so
as in the end to affect very considerably all the arrangements and the
whole management of the school.
Or, let us imagine the following scene to have been the commencement of
the introduction of the principle of limited self-government into a
school.
The preceptor of an academy was sitting at his desk, at the close of
school, while the pupils were putting up their books and leaving the
room. A boy came in with angry looks, and, with his hat in his hands
bruised and dusty, advanced to the master's desk, and complained that
one of his companions had thrown down his hat upon the floor, and had
almost spoiled it.
The teacher looked calmly at the mischief, and then asked how it
happened.
"I don't know, sir. I hung it on my nail, and he pulled it down."
"I wish you would ask him to come here," said the teacher. "Ask him
pleasantly."
The accused soon came in, and the two boys stood together before the
master.
"There seems to be some difficulty between you boys about a nail to hang
your hats upon. I suppose each of you think it is your own nail."
"Yes, sir," said both the boys.
"It will be more convenient for me to talk with you about this to-morrow
than to-night, if you are willing to wait.
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