This was the more distinct, because I have always accustomed my pupils to answer questions asked, and to express their wishes and feelings on any subject I may present to them with great freedom.
I asked all those who had expressed their dissatisfaction to rise.
About one third of the scholars arose.
"Perhaps you understood that when I put the question to vote I meant to abide by your decision, and that, consequently, I ought not to have reversed it, as I did afterward ?" "Yes, sir," "Yes, sir," they replied.
Do you suppose it would be safe to leave the decision of important questions to the scholars in this school ?" "Yes, sir;" "No, sir." The majority were, however, in the affirmative.
Thus far, only those who were standing had answered.

I told them that, as they were divided in opinion, they might sit, and I would put the question to the whole school.
"You know," I continued, addressing the whole, "what sort of persons the girls who compose this school are.

You know about how many are governed habitually by steady principle, and how many by impulse and feeling.

You know, too, what proportion have judgment and foresight necessary to consider and decide independently such questions as continually arise in the management of a school.

Now suppose I should resign the school into your own hands as to its management, and only come in to give instruction to the classes, leaving all general control of its arrangements with you, would it go on safely or not ?" As might have been foreseen, there was, when the question was fairly proposed, scarcely a solitary vote in favor of government by scholars.
They seemed to see clearly the absurdity of such a scheme.
"Besides," I continued, "the trustees of this school have committed it to my charge; they hold me responsible; the public hold _me_ responsible, not you.