[Sidenote: Boy’s Admission]
Silas Harper taught German at the Crossville High School with fourteen
pupils in the second year class. The same old story of failure to pass
threatened to keep Thornton Tanner out of the next football game. Just
as soon as the complication took shape, Harper had a clear understanding
with the principal, who, not knowing that the star player was in danger
of losing his standing, said in faculty meeting, “No pupil who fails in
one study can play on the scheduled games.”
All the usual devices for pulling Thornton through failed. The day
before the game the following conversation occurred:
“Thornton, have I given you all the help you needed to get your German
up?”
“Yes, Mr. Harper, you have. You aren’t to blame if I don’t play.”
“I’m exceedingly sorry; I don’t know any way out. Thornton (looking the
boy in the eye), can you say that you have had a square deal and that
you are not entitled to play?”
“Yes, I believe I can. But I don’t see that that does any particular
good. The fellows don’t care about my studies; they want me to play.
They think if I don’t we shall lose.”
Thus the matter ended with the two. When the coach inquired of Harper
about Thornton, the situation was explained and no hope of relief
developed. The principal was deeply annoyed over the situation. He said:
“I’m afraid we made a mistake somewhere. I think we’d better let
Thornton drop German from his schedule and so free him from the record
of a failure.” Mr. Harper remained silent for a moment; then he
remarked:
“I can’t agree to that. I will make my written report to you and to the
superintendent and explain the situation to my German class. The
athletic rules as understood by the boys themselves will not allow
Thornton to play. I can’t yield to popular clamor and give a grade where
the boy himself affirms he doesn’t deserve it. Your plan will put him on
the team, but it will not make him respect honor or law.”
The principal carried out his plan. The pupils knew all about it; they
rejoiced over the splendid victory; but their respect for the dishonored
principal was easily eclipsed by their silent admiration for Silas
Harper, their enthusiastic supporter in athletics, but unflinching
champion of right.