The sophomore class in a high school decided to do something to call
public attention to the valor and general high qualities to be found in
its members. As students their record was good. As to conduct no member
had suffered any extreme penalties, although the superintendent’s son
had often skirted the boundaries of the unendurable.
[Sidenote: Buildings Disfigured]
The class played the following pranks: during the night the school bell
was rendered useless by removal of the rope and clapper; a donkey was
taken up the steps into the assembly room and left there until morning;
class emblems were painted in class colors in a score of forbidden
places.
This second offense aroused the ire of the superintendent. In a few days
the class was called to meet him and another member of the faculty. Mr.
Webster, the superintendent, at once asked the following questions:
“I would like to know what members of this class took part in the
disfigurement of the buildings and grounds.” His manner was not
offensive, yet his firmness was very evident and a degree of anxiety was
betrayed in his voice.
No answer was given. The superintendent then questioned each member of
the class as follows: “Were you on the school grounds the night of the
14th? Did you assist in disfiguring the property? Do you know who did
the work?” All but two members of the class declared they were under
obligations not to give any answers that would reveal who was guilty;
the two others answered these questions truthfully; but as they knew no
pertinent facts about the incident, nothing was gained.
The superintendent’s next step was to say: “Do you know any reason why
the members of this class, except these two, should not be suspended
until the desired information is given?” A few protests were heard, but
they all affirmed the right of a pupil to maintain silence when asked to
incriminate a fellow pupil. The superintendent then announced the
suspension to take effect at once.
At the end of two weeks a compromise was brought about and a majority of
the class returned to school. The rebellious members had declared they
would not open negotiations with the superintendent. He had declared
that they must inform him who were guilty of the offenses. Both of these
demands were laid aside. The superintendent was known to have changed
his decision and the offenders were publicly taunted with backing down
on the boast.
Some of these boys never re-entered the school; others found their
places soon, in another high school. The memory of the incident is a sad
one for all concerned.