It should often be distinctly explained to them that a republican government is one where the power essentially resides in the community, and is exercised by a ruler only so far as the community delegates it to him, whereas in the school the government is based on the principle that the power, primarily and essentially, resides in the teacher, the scholars exercising only such as _he_ may delegate to _them_.
With these limitations and restrictions, and with this express understanding in regard to what is, in all cases, the ultimate authority, I think there will be no danger in throwing a very large share of the business which will, from time to time, come up in the school, upon the scholars themselves for decision.

In my own experience this plan has been adopted with the happiest results.

In the Mount Vernon School a small red morocco wrapper lies constantly on a little shelf, accessible to all.

By its side is a little pile of papers, about one inch by six, on which any one may write her motion, or her _proposition_, as the scholars call it, whatever it may be, and when written it is inclosed in the wrapper, to be brought to me at the appointed time for attending to the general business of the school.
Through this wrapper all questions are asked, all complaints entered, all proposals made.

Is there discontent in the school?
It shows itself by "_propositions_" in the wrapper.