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In the present scramble for wealth, position, rank and recognition, we are fast losing sight of the more important courtesies of life. The future of our families and, incidentally, the well-being of our old age depend more on our home existence than upon any advancement we may make in the different enterprises which occupy the minds of men. If some are indifferent enough to popular opinion to devote more time to the civilities of their homes than is the general custom, let us recognize the fact that their judgment is nearer right than that of others who are more prominent. While we must acknowledge the great social good accomplished by those who strive in the interest of the public, we must admit that the most useful sphere for American mothers and, in most cases, daughters, too, is the home. Primitively, woman was a helpmeet, a complement, not another self—the two parties to marriage filling their respective spheres, forming a perfect unit, and yet with each one's work impossible to the other. In spite of all contrary opinion, woman's highest mission is to guard the sacred precincts of the home, for, before any other training whatever, comes the family training,—that preliminary training in which correct personal habits, respectful treatment of elders and superiors, obedience to authority, courtesy and morality are inculcated. Freedom from home control in the young is painfully evident, showing the need of a closer watch and guard over the domestic circle, and the imbuing of offspring with a greater regard for parental authority and parental judgment. Children speak to their parents and act toward them in a manner that would have been shocking a few generations ago. Many parents fail to exact the courtesy due them from their children, fearing that the child may consider it a vain assumption of dignity. This negligence is followed by a less respectful demeanor toward father and mother and those in authority. Courtesy, or true politeness, is not a garb to be put off and on at will. On the other hand, it improves with use. If we daily maintain the courtesies in home life which we extend to associates and acquaintances, our politeness in social circles would not savor so much of affectation. Chesterfield advised his son to use good grammar even when talking to his dog, in order to acquire the habit of correct expression. It is well to observe this rule with all the minor attainments which go to make us agreeable. Unless we respect ourselves enough to practice the common civilities, we cannot be anything but brusque and impolite. Our manners are often self-conscious, crude and vulgar. "If they don't like my way," says one, "they can take the less of it." Until such misdirected individuals enter into a circle the manners of which are more reserved and refined than their own, they have no realization of the fact that their ways are unacceptable, or that they are different from those of more agreeable people. Brusqueness is not always manifest in what one says, so much as in the manner of speaking of an ordinary matter, or in an abrupt entrance, a disrespectful or lounging attitude, or a noisy salutation. "Every heart knoweth its own bitterness", says the Holy Writ. And it is an unpardonable familiarity, and also a display of egotism, to inflict upon others a minute description of the details of one's own small affairs. Anybody can recapitulate the troubles of the shop, of the kitchen, the nursery and the petty grievances of the neighborhood. We must learn to take human nature as we find it, and, at the same time, search for the brightest and best qualities among those with whom our lot is cast. Good will to our fellows and sincere motives should be the underlying principles which govern our intercourse with mankind. It is no hard task to cultivate a kindly feeling for others. There is no veneer that will stand the test of time. Our shallow courtesies may please for awhile, even if but occasionally assumed; but, in an unguarded moment our rougher self is revealed. The only solid basis of true politeness is the possession of right principles and virtuous character, the leading of a true life. Natural kindliness of heart and sincerity of intention must be back of all our actions. Unfeigned courtesy is best acquired and maintained in the daily intercourse of our homes. THE HIGH SCHOOL AND ITS PART IN EDUCATION The American High School is an important factor in the educational work of today. In a state of the size of Illinois there are said to be 310 high schools. The same estimate holds good in other states with the same number of inhabitants. The number of study subjects offered in individual schools varies from 10 to 30. The total number of studies taught in the Illinois high schools is 49. Of these, eleven are termed constants—that is, they are taught in more than 75 per cent of the schools—and eight of them are taught in more than 85 per cent of the schools. These eleven branches in the order of their prominence, are algebra, geometry, physics, botany, Latin, English literature, zoology, physiology, general history, civic history and physiography. Mathematics, literature, language and science, each has its place in almost every high school of the state. The belief that another constant is essential to the completeness of this list is rapidly growing. The demand for manual training is generally conceded, but there are as yet very few instances of its introduction. The data in regard to attendance shows the total enrollment of the schools reporting to be 34,824. Of this number there are 11,773 boys and 23,051 girls. The total attendance of seniors is 4,390, with 1,655 boys and 2,735 girls. It is noted with enthusiasm that, while the total percentage of boys attending high schools is but 33.8, the percentage increases to 37.5 for the senior class. Among teachers the number who are normal school graduates gives a percentage of 15.6, while the college graduates show a percentage of 54.4. The number of teachers who hold master's and doctor's degrees is large. These statistics constitute a fair average for other states, with the exception, possibly, of New York and Pennsylvania. The following table shows the hours devoted to each branch of study:
These figures comprehend all the high schools in the State of Illinois. THOUGHTS ABOUT HOME |