THAT DANCE PROBLEM

SEIFERT

Posted By: David (email)
Date: 2/12/2005 at 18:37:57

The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa
Thursday, January 23, 1908

It is not the Leader's intention to interfere with private rights or
prescribe a code of morals not in accord with the customs of genteel society
-- that is more radical than the circumstances reasonably demand. But there
is one thing showing pretty plainly on the surface in Chariton at the
present time growing out of the question of class organizations in our city
schools.

A short time since the matter of dances came up as functions of the school
and not only the ministerial association of the town opposed this, but the
majority of people as well, and by many who gave no scruples against dancing
as a private accomplishment but are opposed to anything of the kind as a
school function. No one, not even the ministers are aiming to take away a
private right, but believe that as a school function the dance is altogether
out of place.

In other places boards of directors have taken hold of the problem and
prohibited either teachers or pupils from engaging in class parties, where
there is dancing and display and extravagant expenditure, on the grounds
that they are detrimental to the cause of primary education. This they have
a legal right to do, as all school fraternities are directly under the
control of the school authorities. It might well be understood right now as
well as any other time, either the board of directors will have to govern
the school -- or prescribe rules for its government, or else the school
(pupils) will govern the board of directors, and already there is an
incorrigibility showing which does not augur well for essential discipline.

If the young people desire to dance let them do so if their parents will it
but a dance under the auspices of any of the churches would be just as
consistent as one endorsed by the school board. We say this unrestrained
desire to do things breeds incorrigibility in our public schools -- mild
riot in fact. It is an uncontroverted fact that the ministers of Chariton
represent a high moral sentiment as well as the religious sentiment -- but
essentially the moral sentiment although at times somewhat radical, perhaps,
but wholesome never-the-less, and their is a safe rule to follow in the
raising of boys and girls.

But what to we find? Boys and girls denouncing the entire better influence
simply because their elders have suggested rules by which the younger should
be governed and unless restrained this spirit will increase and finally
attack and undermine the discipline of the school itself and when school
discipline is set aside little respect will be had for any other.
Denunciation of the preachers is in line with denunciation of teachers and
defiance of school authorities generally. The Leader does not aim to cast a
reflection on the quality of the young people in our public schools, for
they are of excellent nature, and later will cheerfully accept the right,
but at present there is a class tyranny that must be broken up, if reports
be true. Abolish the class organization and this vexed dance problem will
regulate itself.
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Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
January 20, 2005
iggy29@rnetinc.net