ples,
as they call it; and they will, unless this point is specially guarded,
gradually lose that spirit of entire and cordial subordination, so
necessary for the success of any school. It should often be distinctly
explained to them, that a republican government is one, where the power
essentially resides in the community, and is exercised by a ruler, only
so far as the community delegates it to him; whereas in the school, the
government is based on the principle, that the power, primarily and
essentially, resides in the teacher, the scholars exercising only such
as he may delegate to them.

With these limitations and restrictions, and with this express
understanding, in regard to what is, in all cases, the ultimate
authority, I think there will be no danger in throwing a very large
share of the business which will, from time to time, come up in the
school, upon the scholars, for decision. In my own experience, this plan
has been adopted with the happiest results. A small red morocco wrapper
lies constantly on a little shelf, accessible to all. By its side, is a
little pile of papers, about one inch by six, on which any one may write
her motion, or her _proposition_, as they call it, whatever it may be,
and when written, it is enclosed in the wrapper, to be brought to me at
the appointed time for attending to the general business of the school.
Through this wrapper, all questions are asked, all complaints entered,
all proposals made. Is there discontent in the school? It shows itself
by "_propositions_" in the wrapper. Is any body aggrieved or injured? I
learn it through the wrapper. In fact it is a little safety valve, which
lets off, what, if confined, might threaten explosion,--an index,--a
thermometer, which reveals to me, from day to day, more of the state of
public opinion in the little community, than any thing beside.

These propositions are generally read aloud; some cases are referred to
the scholars for decision; some I decide myself; others are laid aside
without notice of any kind; others still, merely suggest remarks on the
subjects to which they allude.

The principles, then, which this chapter has been intended to establish,
are simply these: in making your general arrangements, look carefully
over your ground, consider all the objects which you have to accomplish,
and the proper degree of time and attention, which each deserves. Then
act upon system. Let the mass of particulars which would otherwise