“HARRISVILLE.—Samuel D. Bemis, Edgar L. Ware, Geo. W. Barker.

Excessive Tardiness.

The progress of the school was good, if it is possible to make progress under such adverse circumstances. Here was a term of school of about 20 scholars, which kept 40 days, and had upon its register at the close over 300 marks of tardiness! We have no doubt that this beats the record. The attendance was also irregular; one third of the children within the school precinct either did not attend at all or only for a few days. This was not the fault of the teacher, but of the parents, who ought to be at least ashamed of themselves to so lightly regard their school privileges. The state of New Hampshire has made the most ample provision for the instruction of its children. To obtain an education amply sufficient for all the practical business of life is now as free to the youth of this state as the air they breathe. Our free school system, of which we ought to feel so proud, has no worse enemies than those who are responsible for the condition of the Chesham school.”

Reference Data:

Report of the Superintendent of of Public Instruction, Vol. 47, by New Hampshire State Board of Education, 1893, page 36