As provided in the school constitution, two delegates are chosen from each of the three highest classes; and these six meet in convention on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of the term to nominate candidates for the presidency of the school. The two pupils receiving the most votes in the convention are declared candidates. Then follows a spirited campaign of one week: letters of acceptance are read, speeches are made in assembly and in the school-yard, and votes are canvassed out of school hours. All this is done in a dignified manner; and only good is spoken of the candidates. On election day, each class votes in its own class-room; the votes are counted, and the results, with the ballots, are turned over to a committee. This committee declares the candidate who has received the greatest number of votes, to be president of the school.

The president is formally inaugurated, delivers his speech, and proceeds to name a cabinet. This cabinet is composed of: Secretary of State, Secretary of Order (Boys' Side), Secretary of Order (Girls' Side), Secretary of Exterior, Secretary of Interior, Secretary of Library and Art, Secretary of Knightly Deeds, Secretary of Sunshine Deeds, and Secretary of Athletics. Each of these officers performs certain duties to promote the general good of the school.

A governor of each class is elected on the same day as the president of the school. He selects a council of from five to seven members, each of whom has his special duties. The jurisdiction of this council is confined to the class-room.

It should be clearly understood that pupil government has been devised, not to add another burden to the work

of the teacher, but to assist him. When entered into in the right spirit, it not only proves a great help to the teacher, by infusing class spirit and creating a healthful public sentiment, but also gives the pupil himself a sense of dignity and responsibility which is sure to cultivate a growth of the better self.

Many plans of making use of the system of pupil government will suggest themselves to the inventive teacher. It has been found of great help to have bi-weekly meetings of the national cabinet and the state councils, for the purpose of talking over the general welfare of the school. The leaders chosen by the pupils will be found able to make many helpful suggestions, and do much to assist teachers and principal. Great benefit will be derived in the added dignity acquired by officers, the spirit of helpfulness engendered, and the general fellowship created. On this point, the following reports, published in a school magazine, speak for themselves.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF ORDER Fellow Schoolmates:

I am pleased to say that the short talks which our principal has taken the time to give us on Honor, Self-Control, etc., have greatly benefited some boys; they now take life more seriously than they did, and less as a joke.

There is no longer any lounging around neighbors' doors, the boys being anxious to uphold the good name of the school. The boys as rule are obedient to street, yard, and stair aides.

Keep up the good work, boys; earn the name for which you are striving; be faithful to duty.

I wish to thank my assistants for their earnest service.

Respectfully,

SECRETARY OF ORDER.

A CLASS GOVERNOR'S REPORT

Mr. President and Fellow-Citizens:

As Governor of 6AB, I submit the following report: The Governor and Council have held four regular meetings.

It was necessary to call a special meeting last month to investigate the case of a boy who was reported as being disorderly during a fire drill. The boy was found guilty and a petition was sent to the principal requesting that he be punished.

Only one other boy has been called before the Governor and Council. He received a lecture which seems to have done him much good.

Some of the rules laid down by the Governor and Council are as follows:

If any one is especially poor in any subject, a member of the Council aids that boy.

If any boy neglects his home-work, he goes off the basketball team.

Each member of the Council has charge of a row of boys.

Two members of the Council examine the home-work each morning before 9 A. M., and report those boys who do not have their home-work.

The duties of the Governor are to take the teacher's place when she is out of the room, to give advice when necessary, and to receive reports from the Council.

(The Governor and Council try to be examples for the other boys.)

The members of the Council are changed each month, thus giving a greater number of boys an opportunity to act on the Council.

All the boys of the class try to help the Council as much as possible. Our class is a happy one; the boys try to do the best they can.

Respectfully submitted to the President of the School. THE GOVERNOR.

It is needless to say that such work as is indicated in these reports must be guided by the teacher. Without watching, he must see everything that goes on; and while letting the officers do all they can, he must keep his hands on the reins. But while advising, inspiring, and supervising, he will make himself as unobtrusive as possible.

CHAPTER XII

MORAL TRAINING THROUGH ASSEMBLY EXERCISES

THE place where the principal of a school can best make felt his power for good is the general assembly. It is curious to note what constitutes the opening exercises in many schools. In some, this opening is made the occasion of a military drill; in others, a singing lesson is given; in still others, annoncement is made of new rules and regulations; and in a few, unfortunately, principals use the time to scold and stir up bad feelings generally.

In schools where scholarship is the chief end, and the main concern is not with the child but with the subject matter and method of teaching, an assistant is often delegated to open the school; while the principal sits in his office planning lessons and examinations. The latter may, of course, properly form the principal's work at the proper time. Yet it is a shame that he should not use the assembly as an opportunity for coming into close, forceful relations with his pupils. For he ought to be, not only the head of the school, but the heart as well. From him should radiate vitality, enthusiasm, good-will, and power. And if he is conscious of his power (not his authority, mind you), he will use it to awaken all that is strongest and noblest in his pupils. Not only will he point the way toward the attainment