Yet the increasing
infirmities of age obliged the doctor to relinquish much of his
trust to his assistants, who, it is needless to say, abused his
confidence. Before long their brutal tyranny and deep-laid
malevolence became apparent. Boys were absolutely forced to study
their lessons. The sickening fact will hardly be believed, but
during school hours they were obliged to remain in their seats with
the appearance at least of discipline. It is stated by good
authority that the rolling of croquet balls across the floor during
recitation was objected to, under the fiendish excuse of its
interfering with their studies. The breaking of windows by base
balls, and the beating of small scholars with bats, were declared
against. At last, bloated and arrogant with success, the under-
teachers threw aside all disguise and revealed themselves in their
true colors. A cigar was actually taken out of a day scholar's
mouth during prayers! A flask of whisky was dragged from another's
desk, and then thrown out of the window. And finally, Profanity,
Hazing, Theft, and Lying were almost discouraged!
Could the youth of America, conscious of their power and a
literature of their own, tamely submit to this tyranny? Never! We
repeat it firmly.
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