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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY 241
high school, as a feature of the system, had not now many evolved and
bitter enemies and doubting friends? And how much can be wisely
attempted in the then state of public opinion?
What are the very "best methods of teaching reading, spelling,
geography and arithmetic? What must be done with tardy pupils, with
all sorts of delinquent pupils? What shall be done with profanity,
falsehood and outcropping depravity generally, and what reAvards shall
be promised to the industrious and obedient? Can the young be won
to a noble and virtuous life by any human skill or persuasion? And,
further back still, is the formation of character at all included in the
duties of the teacher? ••
S. S. COTTON
Many of these questions have, of course, received attention in former
schools and under widely different circumstances, but a fresh and deeper
significance Avas given to each of these problems as new possibilities in
instruction seemed to be dawning .with the adoption of graded schools
for all the children.
As the school Avork went fonvard, some of these difficulties disappeared
from the list, Avith little direct conscious effort on the part of
those chiefly concerned, while others AA'ere only to be vanquished by the
gradual approaches, the deep trenches, the persistence and courage by
Avhich alone strong fortresses are reduced.
Noting events chronologically it should be here stated tha*-ttre "act
for the better organization of the public schools mja&m, towns, etc.,"
Vol.1 —16