FOR riTf 7 M->i;< sTATS llOaMAl. SCTOOL tos ■f^s. C-a ' >>w»tu.\i-.'; A FIRST READER FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS ^^^^^ •Tl THE MACMILLAN COMPANY NEW YORK BOSTON - CHICAGO ATLANTA • SAN FRANCISCO MACMILLAN & CO., Limited LONDON • BOMBAY • CALCUTTA MELBOURNE THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, Ltd. TORONTO ry^ A FIRST READER FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS CONVERSATIONAL AND READING LESSONS BY FRANCES SANKSTONE MINTZ AUTHOR OF "the NEW AMERICAN CITIZEN " AND "A PRACTICAL SPELLER FOR EVENING SCHOOLS" Wfto I! oik THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 1910 All rights reserv^cl, COPTEIGHT, 1910, Bt the macmillan company. Set up and electrotyped. Published October, 1910. Nortoool) JPvtss J. S. Cushins Co. — Berwick & Smith Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A. w ..l!l MY MOTHER INTRODUCTION The purpose of this book is to teach foreigners how to understand, speak, and read the Enghsh language in as short a time as possible. The book is intended to be used as a preparatory text to '' The New American Citizen." The first part of this text is devoted to conversa- tional English, — how to ask and answer simple ques- tions that are used in school, at home, and at work. In observing w^ork in different classes, I find that pupils have been taught so that they are able to read, but they cannot answer a simple question in English. The first step in teaching English to foreigners is to make them understand and answer questions that arise in school, at home, and at work. Therefore, the aim of the book is to develop conversational power primarily, reading power secondarily. With this end in view the first half of this book has been developed. The inethod to be used by the teacher is the Object Method. The nouns selected in the beginning are the names of objects which the teacher can easily bruig to the attention of the class, vii viii INTRODUCTION such as man, woman, boy, girl,' book, desk, pen, pencil, chalk, eraser, door, window, room, etc. The verbs selected are those which can be demon- strated by action, such as sit, stand, walk, run, write, read, etc. The best results are obtained by constant repetition and review. Concert work in the beginning gives the pupils confidence. Both concert and individual work should be used. Great care should be taken by the teacher to enun- ciate very clearly and distinctly. The pupil should be taught to watch the motion of the teacher's lips. The material selected in the first lessons is such as can be taught objectively, but as the pupil ad- vances and masters the language the need for the objective work diminishes. More abstract ideas are then introduced : lessons on the care of the body, care of the home, foods, and clothes; lessons that will accustom a foreigner to American ways and manners, in business and in society. The use of the mail system, and our legal holidays have their place, as well as necessary lessons in civics, in relation to family, nation, state, and city. The ultimate object of the book is to teach good citizen- ship. F. S. M. HINTS TO TEACHERS Method of Lesson I The teacher points to a man, saying " man " with clear enunciation. The class repeat " man." " Man " is then written on the blackboard. The teacher reads " man." The class repeat " man," then individuals do so. The teacher says, " He is a man," pointing to a man. The class repeat. " He is a man " is then written on the board and read by the class. Such sentences as " I am a man," " I am not a man," " She is not a man," are written on the board and read by teacher and pupils. The word ''woman" is developed in like manner. The sentences in Lesson I should be written on a side blackboard previous to the lesson. The lesson should be used as blackboard reading material, the class reading the entire lesson in concert. Then the teacher should explain how the different parts are taken by the teacher and pupils. ix X HINTS TO TEACHERS The lesson should be recad from the book after it has been read from the board. By this time the class will know the sentences almost from memory, as they have had much repetition. The teacher should now ask the questions without the aid of blackboard or book, and the pupils should answer. Lesson II is developed in like manner. Lesson V — Verb Lesson. The teacher sits on a chau-. The teacher says, " I am sitting." She then writes, " I am sitting," on the board. The teacher writes and reads, then the pupils read, "You are sitting," "She is sitting," "Am I sitting?" " Is he sitting ? " etc. She walks to her seat and sits down. She then arises and says, " I am standing." This sentence is then written on the board, the teacher reading and the pupils repeating. ^ Other sentences, such as " He is standing," " Are you standing ? " " We are standing," are written on the board and read by teacher and pupils. After the lesson has been developed, it should be read as a reading exercise, the same as Lesson I. All the verb lessons should be developed in like manner, by action. Lesson IX should be developed as Lesson I, show- HINTS TO TEACHERS xi ing object, class repeating, then writing name on the board ; then reading of the sentences from black- board and book. Pupils should always answer ques- tions in complete sentences. It is advisable for the teacher to read the teacher's part in the first lessons to perfect the accent and pronunciation. In the latter lessons any pupil can take the teacher's part. PHONICS Drill in Consonants b c d f g h j k 1 m n p q r s t V w y z Write a consonant on the board, then use it as the initial sound of a simple word, as h (ban), c (cat). Use all the consonants in like manner. Development of Vowel Sounds Place "an" on the blackboard. Teacher sounds with class, carefully watching facial motion. Class repeat. Then place the consonants before, as r an, b an, f an, etc. Pronouncing carefully and class repeating, subse- quent lessons may be treated in like manner. Drills should be done from the board. The American Republic must live. Popular com- motion and partisan fury may dash their mad waves against it ; but they shall roll back shattered, spent. Persecution shall not shake it, fanaticism disturb it not ; sublime, like the last mountain in the deluge, while the earth rocks at its feet, and the thunders peal above its head — majestic, immutable, magnificent. — Wendell Phillips. xu A FIRST READER FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS THE FIRST STEP Millet A FIRST READER FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS PAET I LESSON I an man <^See Introduction for method.) Teacher: He IS a man. Pupil: She is a woman. Short Vowel Sound S ran tan man fan B 1 wo-man pan A FIRST READER LESSON II girl 07 Teacher : Tllis is a girl. Pupil : Tliat is a boy. Teacher: He is a boy. Pupil: She is a girl. Teacher : Is slie a girl 1 Pupil: Yes, she is a girl. Teacher : Are JOU a boy ? Pupil: No, I am a man. Teacher : Am I a girl I Pupil: No, yon are a woman. Teacher : Are y on a girl '? « Pupil: She is a girl. Teacher: This is not a girl. Pupil : That is a boy. Teacher : Is this a boy ? Pupil: Yes, tliat is a boy. Teacher : This is a boy and that is a girl. Long Vowel Sound ate mate late FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 3 LESSON III REVIEW Teacher : Are VOU a WOlliail 1 Pupil: No, I am a iiiau. Teacher: She is a girl. Pujnl: He is a boy. Teacher: I aui iiot a man. Pupil: I am a man. Teacher: She is iiot a mail. Pupil: She is a woman. Teacher : Is he a girl ? Pupil: No, he is a boy. Teacher : Is slie a girl '? Pupil : Yes, she is a girl. ' Teacher : Are YOU a man 1 Pupil: Yes, I am a man. Teacher : Is that a girl ? Pupil: Yes, that is a girl. Teacher : He is a man. Pupil: She is a woman. Short Vowel Souxd e get let met set A FIRST HEADER LESSON IV Tell tlie use of each of the following" thhifrs TV 4iip hoe H Q-^ candlestick clock vase fan ■^ i lamp ax pan FOR XEW AMERICAN CITIZENS LESSON V sit stand Teacher: The bov sits Oil the chau'. Pupil: The girl sits on the chair. Teacher: AxQ YOU sittiiip" Oil the chair ? Pupil: Yes, T am sitting on the chair. Teacher: The bov Stailds. Pupil: I can stand. Teacher: He is standing. Pujnl: She is standing. Teacher : Are YOU staiidiiio; ? Pupil: Yes, I am standing. Teacher: The girl staiids. Pupil: The man is standing there. Teacher: I caii stand Oil the floor. Pupil: Can YOU stand on the floor? Pupil : She is standing here. (See Introduction for method.) LoxG Vowel Sound e eat seat meat 6 A FIRST KEADER LESSON VI walk walking Teacher: I can walk. Pupil : Can you walk ? Teacher: The boy can walk. Pupil: Yes, lie can walk. Teacher: Are you walking'? Pupil: No, I am not walking. Teacher: He is walkino:. Pupil: She is walking. Teacher: She can walk. Pupil: He can walk. Teacher: We can walk. Pupil: They can walk. Teacher : Are they walking ? Pupil: Yes, they are walking. Teacher: Is the man walkins:'? Pupil: Yes, he is walking to the door. Teacher : Are the girls walking ? Pupil: Yes, they are walking to the cloor. Short Vowel Sound X will mill fill hill pill FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS LESSON VII u ran Teacher: I can run. Pupil: He can run. Teacher : Can slie run ? Pupil: He is runnino;. Teacher: Tliev can run. Pupil : Can you run fast 1 Teacher: Yes, I cau run fast. • Pupil: They can run fast. Teacher: She Can run fast. Pupil : Can she run fast ? Teacher: Can he run fast ? Pupil: We can run fast. Teacher: The boY Can run. Pujnl: The gh'I can run. Teacher : Can the man run ? Pupil: Yes, the man can run. Teacher : Can the woman run fast 1 Pujnl: No, she can not run fast. Long Vot\'el Sound kite mite wipe 8 A FIRST READER LESSON VIII (w)rite e lesson Tmcher : I can write. Pupil: The man can write. Teacher: I am Avritina' niv lesson. Pupil: They can write well. Teacher : The girl can write her lesson. Pupil: Wq can write well. Teacher: Can you Write well? Pujnl: Xo, I can not write well. Short Vowel Sound horn morn torn FOE NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS LESSON IX e read Teacher: CVlll YOU read? Pupil: No, I can not read. Teacher: She can read. Pupil: He can read. Teacher: He reads. Pupil: They read. Teacher : Can the man read ? Pupil: Yes, the man can read. rope Long Vowel Souxd coat home 10 A FIRST READER LESSON X OBJECTS IN A SCHOOLROOM desk pencil piano table paper door floor chair Teacher: This is a desk. Teacher: That is the door. Pupil: I can see a piano. Teacher: I can see the table. Pupil: I can walk on the floor. Teacher : Can YOii read Yoiu* lesson ? Pupil: Yes, I can read my lesson. Teacher: Wliat is this ? Pvpil: That is a pencil. Teacher: Wliat do joii do with the pencil '? Pupil : I write with the pencil. The teacher should point to different objects, asking- questions about these objects. Pupils should answer questions in complete sentences. If the pupil is unable to answer the question, the teacher should give the answer and the pupil should then repeat it. SiioKT YowKL Sound ii rub tub cub FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 11 LESSON XI ee see Teacher: I cail See. Pupil: Can yoii see the man 1 Teacher: Yes, I caii See the man. Pupil: Can yon see a woman '? Teacher: I can iiot See a Avoman. Teacher: Can he See the man? Pupil: No, he can not see the man. Teacher: Can they see the girl '? Pupil: Yes, they can see the girl. Teacher: We Can not See a boy. Teacher: Can yon sce yonr lesson 1 Pupil: Yes, I can see my lesson very well. Teacher: Can yon scc me ? Pujnl: No, I can not see you. Teacher: Do you See tliis book ? Pupil: Yes, I see that book. Teacher: Can yoii sce this pen? Pupil: Yes, I can see that pen. The teacher explains This is used to indicate object near. That is used to indicate object atvay. 12 A FIRST READER LESSON XII hear heard learn learned PAST ACTION Teacher: I heard a noise. Pupil: I heard you speak. Teacher: He heard the u'irl sin^r. Pupil: She heard the man talk. Teacher: We heard the bird sino\ Piqnl: I learned my lesson yesterday. Teacher: He learned his lesson last night. Pupil: The girl learned to sing. Teacher: The man heard the bird sino^. Pupil: They heard the bell ring. Teacher: She heard the noise in the room. Pupil: He heard the man talking. Teacher: They learned to read well. Pupil: They learned to speak well. Teacher: They can read and speak well. Pupil: I heard the girl read. Long Vowel Sound u tube rule mule FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 13 LESSON XIII REGULAR VERBS I help my mother. I am lielping my mother. I helped my mother. I wash my face. I am washiiio- mv face. I washed my face. I comb my hair. I am combing my hair. Have you combed your hair ? I brush my hair. I am brushing my hair. Have you brushed your liair % I clean my fino-ers. I am cleaning my fingers. Have you cleaned your fingers ? I file my nails. I am filino' mv nails. O t,' Have you filed your nails % Pupils may use these words in the satne manner. talk look dance laugh turn rub wipe stop swallow study open breathe lift smell want push reach earn place 14 A FIRST READER LESSON XIV IRREGULAR VERBS I tell a storv. The bird Hies up in the air. The bird is flying np in the air. He told a story. The bird lias flown away. I brino' a book to von. I am bringing a book to you. I brouo'lit a book to you. I am telling a story. The pupil may ilse these verbs in like manner. I buy a paper. I am buying a paper. I l)ought a paper. I sleep during the night. I am sleeping now. I slept last night. I sing a song. I am singing a song. 1 sang a song. I tear my apron. I am tearing my apron. I tore my apron. steal driye speak fall shake wear throw take go hear begin eat FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS LESSON XV shake shook shaking smell smelt smelling teach taught teaching feel felt feeling dig dug dio-o'ino; catch caught catching Teacher : I am sliakino- the ruo\ Pupil: He shook the rug. Teacher: I can smcll the flower. Pupil: She smelt the rose. Teacher: She Can tcacli a lesson. Pupil: She taught a lesson. Teacher: I will feel of this Ijook. Pupil: Tlie book felt hard. Teacher: I am digging a hole. Pupil: I dug a hole. Teacher: I can catch a ball. Piipil: I caught some fish last night. pl Drill ix Double CoNsoisrAXTS sp fl tr pr br plan span flat trap prank bran si slat 16 A FIRST READER LESSON XVI Objects IN A Schoolroom Names of Things or Nouns )aper notebook blotter ruler ceiling basket eraser inkwel wall clialk ink jlackboarc. curtain book CONVERSATION Have you a pencil I Yes, I have a pencil and a pen. Can you write with a pen '? I Avill try to an rite with a pen. That book is a reader. I will read my lesson from this reader. You may write the words on the blackboard. Can you write in your notebook ? You can put the blotter on the desk. Have you a ruler and an eraser ^ The ink is in the inlvAvell. Where is the basket '? The basket is under the desk. I Avrite on the blackboard Avith chalk. The curtain is on the AvindoAV. FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 17 LESSON XVII ADVERBS I walk sloichj. I walk /V/.s'^. He speaks kindly. She works carefnlhf. The birds sing* iiwedhj. He arises early. He never speaks about her. He will be here soon. He is going mvay. Thev are coniino* liere. I will speak to her to-day. The man went home yesterday. You may place the book there. He comes to the house fjften. The girl works patiently. She goes bravely to her death. She speaks very softly to her mother. I have too much water. The a'ii'l looks at me very sadly. (The teacher should exphiin the use of the adverbs.) 18 A FIRST READER LESSON XVIII ENUNCIATION EXERCISE (The teacher should show the difference between the breath sound of th — thank, and voice sound of th — then.) with eleventh twentieth third twelfth thirtieth fourth thirteenth fortieth fifth fourteenth fiftieth sixth fifteenth sixtieth seventh sixteenth seventieth eiglith seventeenth eio;htieth nintli eighteentli ninetieth tenth nineteenth umdredth think thing theater thorouo'h thought thank thrice three tooth thick through teeth this tlius those that they these than them their thou thy thee FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 19 LESSON XIX ENUNCIATION EXERCISE I am thinking about you. I tliouo'ht about my lesson. The man walks with a cane. This is the fourth page. He is the fourth in the line. I thank vou for the book. The theater is very near. One cent is a hundredth part of a dollar. Give me one ninth of the money. The board is very thick. I will bring the book to them. This is the sixth drink of water I have had to-day. I live on Fifth Avenue. He is going to the third seat. He has three pencils. That is a pretty curtain. I thought I would go home. Mv teeth are white. This is the twelfth day. 20 A FIRST READER LESSON XX Tliino-s a iiiaii wears sliirt socks sleeve collar shoes Inittons suit overcoat overshoes vest raincoat scarfpin trousers underwear belt tie gloves hat garters mittens cap watcli chain landkercliief These words should be phiced on the bhickboard in sentences. The pupils niuy give the sentence. The teacher writes it. The pupil reads it. After this is done, questions and answers may be asked and answered by pupils, such as : Have you a suit of clothes ? Is it a new suit? I have ]iot a new suit. Will you take your raincoat ? No, I do not think it will rain. I will wear my overcoat. Long a with Double Consonants play pray tray bray slate FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 21 LESSON XXI Thino's a woman wears dress wrap belt joa waist a})ron hat 1 )lonse skirt vei collar o'loves stockino's shoes sash bracelet bonnet rnl^bers jacket slippers shaw'. lat niutl:" underwear Do von wear a white dress I Have yon a waist ? Is your skirt black I The stockings "are brown. The old lady wears a l)onnet. Haye yon rubbers on i Do you wear an a})ron I What color is the shawl ? The shawl is red. Haye you a yeil ? I wear a ^'eil oyer my face. My hat is yery large. I haye a fur mulf Haye you a jacket ? 09 A FIRST READER LESSON XXII Finish the sentences. Use these words : horse seat harness cart whip wheel driver mane tail carriage bridle stable Do you see the man driving- the Is tliat a cart I Yes, that is a — No, that is not a . The driver sits on the front Where is the harness I The on tlie horse. is there FOR I^EW AMERICAN CITIZENS 23 Has the horse a tail? Yes, the horse has a t Do voii see the hridle ? Yes, the is on the horse. Did the horse come from the stable I Yes, the horse came from the . Does the man use the whi}) on the horse? Yes, he uses the. on the horse. The man is a rrood . The wheels on the are laro-e. ing I'kkfix Ixitial Sounds king ring ^vuv^ sing l)ring SAving fling sling LESSON XXIII The davs of the week alwavs beoin with capital letters. Sunday — Sun. Wednesday — Wed. Monday — Mon. Thursday — Thurs. Tuesday — Tues. Friday — Fri. Saturday — Sat. 24 A FIRST READER I o;o to c'liiircli on Sunday niornino:. Monday is the first dav of tlie week. To-day I will be<>in my lesson. To-moiTow I will finisli my lesson^ Yesterday I did not work. Are you g'oing away to-day ? No, I am going- to-morrow. I saw the lady yesterday. We go to school four nights. Fill in the sentences : To-day is Tuesday, to-morrow will be . To-morrow will he Wednesday, to-day is . The daA^ before yesterday was Sunday, the day after to-morrow will be . ^hi we go to church. is a holiday. We will work on . The day after Thursday is . The teacher should send the pupils to the blackboard, asking each to \vrite a name of a day. FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 25 LESSON XXIV CONVERSATION Complete these sentences : Teacher: AVliat is vour name ? « Pupil : ]\Iy name is . Teacher: ^^lle^e Ju vuu o-u to scliool ? Pupil: I o'O to school. Teacher: How old are YOU? Piijnl : [ am years old. Teacher: In what class are yon ? Pupil: 1 am in the class. Teacher: AVherC do YOU IIyC '? Pupil : I IIyc on street. Teacher : Where do YOU Avork I Pupil: I work in the f'actorY. Teacher: Do YOll luiYC loiia* llOUrs I Pupil: Yes, I work from until . Teacher: Do YOU like A'our work ? Pupil: Yes, Yery much. Teacher: Can you come to school CYcry evening ? Pupil: Yes, I think I can do so. 26 A FIRST READER Teacher: You will do better work by com- iiio: every nip'lit. fling ing string ing spring ing LESSON XXV EXPRESSIONS USED IN A SCHOOLROOM (The teacher shouhl exphiin the meaning,) AVrite your lesson. John nuiy read. Please erase the marks on the blackboard. Have you an eraser ? Please raise the window. You niay low^er the curtain. Y^our pen and pencil are on the desk. Take the paper from the tal)le. Thank vou verv mucli for oivino; me the book. Pardon me, I did not hear the number of the page in the book. Y^ou may studv vour lesson. The lesson is on page 35, FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 27 The teacher will teach von vour lesson. Yoii will learn the lesson. The pupils will learn the Avords in their book. Please stand when you read. Have vou a book I Please wallv to the desk. You may all go to tlie blackl)oard. LESSON XXVI SIGNS The teacher shoukl explain these words very care- fully. Tlien ask pupils to use them. Give constant drill : Question: If I wanted to get a meal, for wliat sign should I look? Answer: You should look for the sign, "Restaurant." The teacher may ask similar questions. Pupils an- swer. Every answer should be made in a complete sen- tence. Garage Plardware Cio:ars Meats and Pro\dsions Horseshoeino* Dressmakino- Clothing Hotel Furniture Cafe 28 A FIRST READER Dry Goods Tailor Bootblack Groceries Laundry Dry Cleaning Fruits and Vegetables Danger E ail road Crossing No admittance No trespassing Smoking Car Keep off the grass Waiting room Priyate Restaurant Table Board Furnished Rooms Boots and h^lioes Dentist Uptown Trains Downtown Trains Please do not handle Pahit Office Hours 8-11 A.M. 1-3 P.M. Be careful of tlie step Street Pennsylyania R. R. Ticket office Information This way out Other Door Push LESSON XXVII SIGNS {^(Jimtinued) Local Walk your Horses Do not mutilate any signs or maps in the Subway. FOR TsEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 29 Fire extino'iiisher IMiannacist Do not toucli unless riiannacy in case of fire Oculist Break the o-lass in case Veterinary of fire Entrance No Smoking Exit Express Post no Bills LESSON XXVIII SIGNS iCnntinued) Pay as vou enter. Do not spit on the floor. Five dollars fine. Enter at the rear. Ask for transfer when yon enter the car. Wait until the car stops. Check your Suit-cases, Uniljrellas, and Parcels. Keep to the Kiglit. No Doa^s Allowed. Buy tickets at the office. Haye your ticket ready. Do not leave your seats until train stops. 30 A K1U8T JiEADER LESSON XXIX SIGNS {Concluded) There was a sig-ii in the window. It read, James A. ^Sniitli, M. i). Office Hours 10-11 A. M., l-o P. :\r. Dr. Smith lives there. He is in his office betAveen the hours of ten and ekn^en in the morning*. During the afternoon he is in between the hours of one and three o'clock. You may call at his office then if you Avish to see him on business. When we see the sign, '' Department Store," we know Ave can o:et many different thing's in this store. When we go in the City Hall, we can tell where the City Attorney, District Attorney, Board of Education, Law Department, etc., are by looking- at the sig:ns oyer the doors of the different rooms. Where is the hre escape ? How do Ave use tlie fire extinguisher % eveniiio; FOR NEW AMEKICAX CITIZENS 31 LESSON XXX CONVERSATION Teacher: Good eveiiiii^>- ; liow are you this \ Pupil: I am very Avell, thank yoii. Teacher: Did you do a g'ood day's work'? Pujjil: Yes, T worked from seven oVloek this mornhio- until six o'ek)ck to-nio-ht. Teacher: I am <>lad to See vou here this evenino'. Pupil: AVe like to come to school to learn the En«>'lisli lan<>-uao-e. Teacher: Have vou a Look? < Pujnl: I have a book on my desk. Teacher : Can VOU read anv EnMish ? Pupil : I can not read, but I can understand a little Eno-lish. Teacher: If you CO me every night, you will soon learn. Pupil: 1 will try to come wlien T do not work. Teacher: Have you a sister at home ? 32 A FinST READER Pupil: My sister is at lioiiie during the evening. Teacher: You mav brino; vour sister to scliool. Pupil: I like to study hard. I want to learn the lhi<>lish lan<>-uao'e. LESSON XXXI CONVERSATION Tell the use of each of the folio wina- thino-s : box knife spade locket barrel rope ring watch scissors lamp rake hoe pocket-book chain (The teacher may place the word box on the board. Each pupil tells something about a box, such as — I have a red box — I have a long box. Have you a box at home ? What have you in the box ? I have a box of candy. I have a box of sugar. When the ^Jupil gives the sentence, the teacher should write it upon the board. Another pupil then reads it. Each word is developed in a similar manner.) FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 33 LESSON XXXII REVIEW OF VERBS Teacher: Is lie brinpiiio: a chair to me'? Puinl: Yes, he is bringing a chair to you. Teacher: Have I taken the chair from him'? Pnpil: Yes, YOU have taken the chair from him. Teacher: What have I done with the chair? Pupil: You have placed the chair on the floor near the desk. Teacher: Did YOU buY the paper'? Pujyil: Yes, I bought the paper from the man. Teacher: What are you doing with the paper '? Pupil: I am writing on the paper. Teacher: Did you take a book from the desk ? Pupil: Yes, I took a book from the desk. Teacher: What are you doing with the book '? Pupil: I am reading my lesson from the book. 34 A FIRST READER v^'^/V. ^y.y^-<< "''^.k'^' -miit ^ T^^-:-^--' ■■■■'' y'^'-^S'^' LESSON XXXIII MORNING AND NIGHT When the sun rises in the morning, we say it is daybreak. The sun rises in the east. Peojile that live on a farm can tell \yhen it is daybreak by the cock's crow. From this time until twelve o'clock if you meet a per- son, you Avould address him thus, ^' Good mornmo-. ?j At twelve o'clock the sun is over our heads. This is the warmest part of the day. It is called noon. We say the sun is at the meridian. We speak of the morning as the forenoon. That part of the day from noon until sunset we call tlie afternoon. We say, " Good after- noon. How are you ? " FOR ^^EW AMERICAN CITIZE:^^S 35 As the " nio^lit is beo-innino; to lower " we call it twili:e order for me, Mr. Lewis. T do not nsually care for meat three times a day, but to-morrow I am going to have company. You mav send me three j^ounds of laml) chops. They will do very nicely for breakfast." FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 39 " Ho\Y al:>oiit a nice sirloin steak 1 " " Not to-day, thank you, i\Ir. Lewis. What have you in roasts 1 " " I can cut you a pot roast, crown roast, or rib roast." "You may send me a five-pound rib roast. You may also send me a seven-pound leg' of lamb. Tlien I shall have enouo-h meat for both dinner and supper." " We shall have some fresh poultry in to- morrow. Shall I save some for you? " " What kind will vou have 1 " 40 A FIRST READER " We shall have ducks, chickens, turkeys, and geese." " I Avill call again to-morrow, ]\lr. Lewis. Good afternoon." " Good afternoon." (To the teacher: Give some hints about the advisability of purchasing fresli meat and fish.) LESSON XXXVI FISH Fish is very edible when fresh. Fish, like meat, that is not fresh is injurious to the health. Great care should be used in the 2)urc]iasing of both meat and fish. Some of the shellfish that we have are oysters, clams, mussels, shrimps, crabs, and lobsters. There is a great variety of fish. We have the bluefish, whitefish, weakfish, and black- fish. Then there are smelts, herring, pike, shad, pickerel, salmon, and eels, flounders, fluke, halibut, and codfish. FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 41 LESSON XXXVII father neo-ro nephe^y mother nem-ess cook son grandfatlier lusbanc. sister grandmother coachman aunt consm stable brother niece MY HOME This is mv fatlier and mv mother. Father is reading' to us. Mother calls me her little son. My p-randfather and m'andmother are coming to our house to visit. ^Mother lias a sister Jane, who is coming to see ns on Friday. She is my aunt, and she has a little boy, just as large as I am. He is my cousin John. T have no sisters nor brothers. I am the onlv nephew that my xVunt Jane has. My Aunt Jane will brino; her little niece jNIarv, to see us. We have a cook called Liza. She is a negress, and her husband is a negro. Our servant girl helps the cook to wash the dishes. We have a coachman, who drives our horses. 42 A FIRST READER LESSON XXXVIII TAKING A TRIP " Are you going away, John I " " Yes, mother, I am going to take the train for Chicao'O to-ni<>-ht." " Have you everything in your vaUse that you Avill need, John 1 " '' Yes, thank you. I liave a nightshirt, a comb, and a hairbrush ; also my toothbrush and a set of underwear. I have the rest of my clothes in my trunk." , " What are vou taking: alono; 1 " "I have my blue serge suit, also my brown FOR Is^EW AMERICAN CITIZENS 43 cl^eviot suit. I have my frock coat and light trousers ; those I will use on Sunday. My black tuxedo suit will do for the evenino: Avhen I o"0 to the affairs criven for men. I am also taking my full-dress suit, as I expect to go to a ball." A MODERN DINING CAR " Here are your rubbers and umbrella, John. Do not forget them." " How thouo-htful YOU are, mother. I cer- tainlv will take them alono;. I have taken a sleeper, so that I can rest during the night. I am takino- the eio-hteen-hour train to Cili- ce o cap-o. It is verv beautifullv fitted out. There are many parlor cars, a dining car, pullman 44 A FIRST READER sleeper, and smoking car. I shall be able to get a sliave on tlie train, as there is a barber to do it. I can also get my letters type- written, as there is a stenographer there. In the dining car I can get all my meals, (iood- by, mother." ^' Good-by, John ; take good care of your- self." LESSON XXXIX IN A DINING ROOM table plate butter oranges tablecloth knife breac. apples napkin spoon fruit pineapples bananas See this pretty dining table. The table- cloth and napkins are of white linen. The napkins are laid by the side of the plates. A knife is on the right side of the plate. There is a fork on the left side. A water glass is placed near each ])hite. Tlie small plates are used for both bread and butter. FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZEIS^S 45 Pepper and salt are always on the table when it is set. After we finish eating; the meat and veo-eta- bles, the plates are taken away. The dessert is then brought on. We have different kinds of desserts. Pies, puddings, and ice cream are sometimes served. We eat A TABLE SET FOR FOUR PEOPLE dessert with a spoon or a fork. Many people eat fruit, such as apples, oranges, bananas, or pineapples, for their dessert. The coffee with the milk or cream and sugar is served last. Many people are fond of tea for their supper. Some people use lemon in their tea. 4G A FIRST READER LESSON XL ADJECTIVES T have a red book. He lias a beautiful i)lant. IMary has a blue dress. A wise son makes a glad father. He has a large hand. Kate has a small foot. That is a ripe apple. That is a rotten peach. Here is a large banana. (The teacher may explain that the words that are un- derscored are used to describe.) Place these words on the blackboard. Use in oral sentences : sad clean quiet dirty arge old neat strong weak young poor rich FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 47 LESSON XLI Contractions are used in conversation and poetry, also informal letters. I am — I'm do not — don't I will — I'll does not — doesn't I would — I'd must not — mustn't he is — lie's have not — haven't she is — she's over — o'er it is — it's he will — he'll we are — we're she will — she'll you are — you're we will — we'll there is — there's who will — who'll they are — they're never — ne'er madam — ma'am even — e'en Where there's a will, there's a way. An honest man's the noblest work of God. Howe'er it be it seems to me 'Tis only noble to be good. Be it ever so humble, There's no place like home. (The pupil may read these lines, showing what words the contractions stand for.) 48 A FIRST READER LESSON XLII COMPARISON OP ADJECTIVES This is a small book. Marv has a smaller book. John has the smallest book of all. James is a tall man. William is taller than James. Jacob is the tallest of all. (The teacher should liave three books of different sizes, books to demonstrate the comparison of small. Pupils of different heights should be brought before the class to demonstrate the comparison of tall.^ fine finer finest polite politer politest dry drier driest wet wetter wettest fat fatter fattest lean leaner leanest thin thinner tliinnest thick thicker thickest 'lot hotter hottest cole colder coldest warm warmer warmest FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 49 LESSON XLIII CONVERSATION: REVIEW . Complete these sentences : What are the davs of the week ? The days of the week are , , , What are the months ? The months are What are the names of the four seasons ? The four seasons are , , , - — What are the chief points of the compass 'I They are , , , . In what direction does tlie street run that is in front of the school building ? This street runs . In what direction do you go when you go home I I go . Where is the Public Library ? Where is the Citv Hall ? 50 A FIRST EEADER LESSON XLIV A GUEST AT A HOTEL John Mayer went to visit New York City. WIrmi lie left tlie train, a porter carried his suit case, ile took a cah to the hotel. Wlieii lie rcdclicd the hotel, he went throuo-h the lohl)!i np to the desk. He asked the clerk what the rates were. The clerk said, " Two dollars a day, European plan." He meant that the price Avas two dollars a day without meals. The American plan is different. When the rates are given, meals are included. A bell boy then took John to his room. train reached cab diHerent hotel American lobby hotel rates suit case Name two hotels in your city. In what direction from the school is one of these hotels ? FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 51 LESSON XLV The four seasons are sprinjj,-, summer, autumn, and winter. The spring months are Mareh, April, IMay. The summer months are June, July, August. The autunm or fall months are September, October, and November. The winter months are Decend)er, January, and February. %J January Jan. February Feb. March Mar. April Apr. May May June . June July ^\y}ij August A^ig- Septemljer Sept. October Oct. November ..... Nov. December . , . . . Dec. 52 A FIRST READER LESSON XLVI ABBREVIATIONS i cents $ dollars lb pound bbl barrel P. Post-office Col Colonel Gen General Yo care of Prof. Professor P. S Postscript Rev Reverend R. R Railroad bu bnsliel cwt , hundredweight oz ounce yd yarci A. ^I forenoon M noon P. M afternoon etc and so forth ,0K SEW AMEKICAN CITIZEKS Senior 53 Sr. or Sen. Jr. or Jun, Dr. . cf. • i.e. viz. % . • .Tumor . • * Doctor compare that is namely per cent. V' ' ' ' Superintendent Supt. . . • • • ^ DIRECTIONS The chief points of the compass are : N ^^^^ . . • ^• north . . • ^^- w ^ o west . . • ^ ^ • south . . • ^^- The points between these points are :^^ ,ovtheast . . . H. E. novt W • • • ^- ^^■ southeast ... S. E. sonth.est . Can you point to the north « The sun rises hi the east. The sun sets in the west. ?;: wind is blowing toward the south. X 54 A FIRST READER LESSON XLVII CONVERSATION • What is your name 'I How old are you ? In what chrection from the school do you live ? I live . What direction is your work from your home 'I ^ly work is Do you take the street cars or walk 1 I to mv work. In what direction does the main street of your city run ? The main street of runs . W^here does the sun rise '? The sun rises in the . Where does the sun sef? Tlie sun sets in the . See the golden sun setting in the west. Birds and bees and flowers all have gone to rest. FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 55 / *?/ 'e'^'^" f' ^ ).4i 5^ Isi*^ ■*i- ^^r^<^;^:<^<^ . r^ ( ' * t LESSON XLYIII THE WIND Wlio lias seen the wind? Neitlier I nor you ; But when the leaves hano- tremblino- The wind is passino- throuu-h. AVho lias seen the wind \ Neither you nor I ; But when the trees bow down their heads, The wind is ix^ssino; bv. — Cheistixa G. Rossetti. ^/ sLilJ m A FIRST READER LESSON XLIX HOW TO BE A NEAT HOUSEKEEPER There are many kinds of housewives. There are women that do their work because they have to do it and women that do tlieir work because they have notliing else to (h). The good house- wife is the one tliat hkes to do her Avork. To be a good housekeeper one lias to use system. In a kitchen everything should have its place. A kitchen cabinet is a very nice thing to have in a kitchen ; but three or four shelves built on the wall will answer the pur- pose very nicely. On one shelf should be put tea, coffee, spices, sugar, salt, pepper, and like supplies, such as can be kept in small jars. Pans and kettles should be hung up after beino' carefuUv dried. There sliould be an ice box witli ice in it to keep things such as milk, eggs, butter, and meats. Everytliing that is likely to spoil quickly should be kept in the ice box. FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 57 THE SINK AND ITS FITTINGS Bread and cake should be kept in a box so that they will not become stale too quickly. Flour should be kept in a dry place. A good housekeeper gives careful attention 58 A FIRST EEADER to lier sink. The faucets should be washed and polished. The sink should be carefully scalded out after using. Once a week a little lime should be sprinkled in the sink. This will keep it clean and free from odor. No garbage should be left about the kitchen. It will bring disease if allowed to remain long enough to decay. ]\lany diseases of the members of the family are only the result of careless housekeeping. Foul odors are the sign of dust, which will hlb the air with disease germs. When the apartment is small and but little fresh air can be obtained, one should be careful to get as much as possi- ble of what air there is. The courts should be kept clean ; nothing should be thrown there. Many apartments get their air only from courts. Wlien this is so, the housewife slioidd be doubly careful about disposing at once of any decayed vegetables and meat. No eatables should be left uncovered. ''Dili":ence is the mother of o;ood luck." FOK NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 59 LESSON L A SET OF DISHES Dlates saucer spoon beans tureen sugar knife cauliflower ladle milk fork corn platter coffee peas succotash spinach In a dinner set there are many different pieces. The soup plates are large and deep. The dinner plates are large and Hat. On these plates meats and potatoes are served. Vege- tables, such as peas, beans, cauliflower, suc- cotash, corn, and spinach, are served in small, round dishes. A small plate is used for the bread and butter, also for fruit. Meat is brought to the table on a large platter. The soup is served from a soup tureen with a soup ladle. The gravy dish is shaped something like a pitcher. Sugar bowl, milk pitcher, cups and saucers, and sometimes tea and coffee pots, come with a dinner set. 60 A FIRST READER LESSON LI A BEDROOM AND ITS CARE One of the most important rooms in a house is tlie bedroom. In a bedroom we spend half of our hves. AVe should be very particular as to the air in the bedroom. Do not keep this room too warm. There should ] be tAYO sheets on the bed besides the l)lankets and the covers. Place the bed where it will not be in a draught when the whidow is opened, as it should be, all night. In the morning, the pillows and bedclothes should be thoroughly aired. The room should be kept very clean and free from dust. Disease germs gather in the dust, and dur- ing the night we are likely to breathe these disease germs. Be very careful about coughing and spit- ting in a bedroom. The sputum (or spittle) dries and forms dust, which we breathe in the air. ^' Cleanliness is next to godliness." FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 61 LESSON LII lamb potato vegetable worm :)oultiy Avheat beef digestible liam corn nourish milk FOOD AND WATER We must have food and water to nourish our bodies. It mav be either animal food or it may be vegetable food. Most people live on both. The most nourishing animal food is beef. Lamb, mutton, and poultry come next. Ham and sausao-es are dano-erous unless thoroughly cooked. There is a little Avorm in the raw ham that is killed by thorough cooking. Fish is a light and digestible food, but it must be fresh. Ep:p\s contain a orreat deal of nourishment. Milk is one of the most valuable of foods. Some people say it is the most valuable. Babies live on milk alone, and sick people live a long time on nothing Ijut milk. 62 A FIKST READER LESSON LIII VEGETABLE FOODS Among vegetable foods, the potato is per- haps the most important. AVe have also wheat, rice, corn, oats, rye, and barley. Green garden vegetables are very healthful on account of the juices which thev contain. Our food should be well cooked. Many people live on onlv fruit and vegetables. Both are very healthful. Peas and beans hold much matter for making; flesh and blood. Potatoes, radishes, onions, cucum- bers, beets, and lettuce also help keej) the body in a healthful condition. Ripe apples, pears, plums, peaches, furnish useful salts to the bodv. Green fruit and fruit which is overripe should never be eaten. FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 63 64 A FIRST EEADEK LESSON LIV ADVICE ABOUT EATING Before food is put into the iiioutli, it sliould be cut or broken into small piecevS. After food is placed in the mouth, it should be i- chewed twenty or thirty times. Food treated in this wav will not cause headaches or a sickness of the stomach called indigestion. j\Iuch ice Avater should not be drunk at mealtimes. It is not a good thing, after eating a substantial dinner, to eat much des- sert. A large plate of ice cream, after one has eaten heartily of other things, may cause a bad attack of indio'cstion. Manv foods are good if eaten sparingly, or by themselves, but are unwholesome when eaten in excess, or with other things. There are foods which are good for grown- up people that are not good for children. Very young babies should be given nothing but milk. Little children should never be 'Vgi^'en tea or coffee, and not much cake and FOR NEW AIMEEICAN CITIZENS G5 candy. Eggs, beef, and mutton, fresh vege- tables and fruits, with plenty of bread and butter, are the best foods for children, with milk, cocoa, and water to drink. Young- babies should now and then be given a little water, not too cold. Every one, voung; and old, should drink plenty of water between meals. LESSON LV CARE OF FOOD Dirt and dust contain germs. If food is left uncovered, these germs will get into it. All kinds of food should be well covered. No food should be eaten after mold is formed on it. Fresh meat will not remain good even one day if left in a warm place. Maggots will soon gather upon it. All meat should be kept on ice. Milk is the most perfect food known. It contains everA'thino; needed to build and 66 A FIRST READER a; H Z LU o o z p D S 5 -J z <; UJ o FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 67 strengthen the body. Milk is a liealtliful drink for nearly every one and especially use- ful for those with weak bodies. Babies live entirely upon milk. Great care should be taken to keep milk clean. Dirty milk is poisonous milk. We MILK STATION IN NEW YORK CITY must be very careful to get not only clean milk, but milk from healthv cows. These cows should be milked by persons Avhose health is good and whose hands are clean. Many diseases are spread, such as typhoid 68 A FIRST READER fever, scarlet fever, or diphtheria, by impure milk. Milk should be kept on ice in warin weather. It should never be left standin": uncovered. LESSON LVI THE SKIN The whole body is covered by the skin. The nails, like the liair, grow out of the skin. They make the ends of the fingers firm, so that we can pick up small things and hold them firmly. The habit of biting the nails ought always to be avoided. Fino-ers on which the nails are bitten to the quick look bad and are less useful. The skin is a very important part of the body. It is bad for the skin to wear clothing that is too heavy. Such clothing keeps the skin wet with perspiration and softens and weakens it. One should not stay too long in liot rooms. The skin needs a great deal of fresh air. FOE, NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 69 70 A FIRST READER LESSON LYII BATHING We should wa>h the skin thoroucrhlv and . verv often. A dailv bath is verv necessarv. I Bathing keeps the pores of tlie skin open. The rnhbino' hv wliieli we drv tlie skin makes the blood flow throuu-h it. It makes it soft and })hable. The cool water rouses it and makes it active, so that we are not likelv to catch cold bv o;ettino: the skin chilled bv water or damp air. One of the best ways to >( prevent disease is by bathing often. A salt- water bath is verv stimulatinjj: to the skin. A salt bath can be taken in vour tub at home. A cup of sea salt should be added to the water. This is very helpful, although not as invio'oratino' as an ocean bath. Do not take a cold bath when the skin is overheated. By no means should one bathe soon after eating. Do not stay in the water until you are chilled throuodi. FOE XEW A^IEEICA^; CITIZEXS 71 LESSON LVIII THE HEAD The hair is on the to]), sides, and back of the head. Some peojilc have I) hick hair, while other people have hrown hair. There are other people still whose hair is red or a golden color. There is a difference in the texture of the hair. Some hair is coarse, ami other hair is line. Mu>t people have strai;_iht hair. A few have wavv or cnrlv hair. Tlie liair. lilve every other part of the l^ody, sin add he washed often enough to keep it c'leaii. ■J Each person should have two eyes, one mouth, and one nose. The color ot' the eves varies in ditierent people. Some of the colors are o-rav, liii-ht blue. l)rown. and l)laek. Our forehead is above our eves. Over the eves are evelids. On the evelids are tine hairs, Avhieh we call eyelashes. Al)ove our eves are our evebrows. The small oiienino-s in the nose are the nostrils. Below the mouth 72 A FIRST READER is the chin. An ear is on each side of the face. The sense of smell is in the nose. The sense of hearing is in the ears. LESSON LIX THE TRUNK OP THE BODY The trunk is the main part of the body. In the trunk are many organs. The organs that help us to breatlie are called the lungs. The liver also helps to regulate the liody. The heart is the organ that is the center of the cir- culation. The stomach is the organ to which the food goes to be digested. The waste food goes into the intestines. The neck connects the head with the trunk of the body. lungs stomach heart circulation digested liyer organs neck (The teacher should explain more in detail concerning the different organs. Drawings should be placed on the board.) FOIi NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 73 THE PARTS OF THE HUMAN BODY 74 A FIRST READER LESSON LX THE LIMBS The upper limbs are divided into arm, fore- arm, and hand. The lower limbs are divided into leg and foot. The thigh is the upper part of the leg. The knee is between the upper and lower part of the leg. The ankle is between the leg and the foot. Great care should he taken of a child when it starts to Avalk. If it is allowed to walk before it is strong enough, the legs will bend and become crooked or bowed. Since the feet perspire freely, care should be taken to bathe them very often. LESSON LXI EXERCISE One should take exercise every day. The muscles all need to be used to keep them in good condition. When we exercise, the blood Hows faster through the body. More oxygen gets into our blood. Good blood gives more life to the muscles. FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 75 We should not try to do things that are beyond our strength. We should not lift anything that is too heavy. Neither should SCHOOL CHILDREN EXERCISING IN THE PARK we keep up any exercise until we are ex- hausted. Care should be taken to breathe throuph the nose, not the mouth. W^hen out in the fresh air, inhale long, deep breaths. This will till the lungs Avith pure, fresh air. 76 A FIKST READER Games sucli as football, baseball, lawn tennis, and bowling* are good exercise for the muscles. LESSON LXII TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL Some people can use tobacco with veiy little hijury. Other people sutler greatly by its use. Tobacco weakens the stomach. It sometimes makes the throat sore. Cancer in the throat or mouth may be caused by tobacco. Tobacco also affects the heart, making its action irregular and weak. Tobacco should not be used by children and young people. All drinks that contain alcohol are more or less injurious. Too much wine, beer, brandy, or whisky will injure the body very much. Many men spend more money for alcoholic drinks than for anv one other thino' in the world. The drinking habit should be very carefully avoided. Drink will sometimes change good men into creatures that are worse than beasts. Drink can destroy a FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 77 man's home and character. If alcoholic drmks are used at all, tliev should be used very sparingly. Young people should not use alcohol at all. Motto : " Love thvself well, too well to do aught that may injure thy body, thy mind, or thy soul." LESSON LXIII CARE OF THE TEETH What is more beautiful than a nice set of clean, white, perfect teeth? All of us are not so fortunate as to have them. But we can give attention to our teeth and preserve them as long as we can. . This can Ije done bv brushino- them two or three times a day with a toothbrush. A little tooth powder should be used once a day. If there is any pain in the teeth, a dentist should be consulted at once. 78 A FIRST READER He can save teeth if a person goes to him at the beoinnino^ of the trouble. A clean mouth and sound teeth have nmch to do in keeping a person well. If the mouth is unclean, one or two disease germs entering I 1^ niay remain there and gi'OAV. A few germs \ of diphtheria, sore throat, or tuberculosis are likely to get into the mouth any day, but if the mouth and teeth are Avell washed, the germs Avill not have time to grow and cause sickness. LESSON LXIV CARE OF THE EYES One of the most delicate organs of the body is the eye. Much care should be given to the eyes. If you have been given perfect eyes, you should be careful not to strain them. If you feel that they have become a little weak- ened by overwork, bathe them with water. A few grains of salt or a little boracic acid added to the water will aid greatly in strength- ening them. FOE NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS "9 If you have been given weak eyes or eyes that are crossed, by all means see a doc- tor. He can do much toward straio-htenhio; the eves, (rlasses will help to make the eyes stronger. CORRECT POSITION FOR READING LESSON LXV CARE OF THE CLOTHES Xo matter what kind of o-arments vou have on, vou should <>-ive them care. A o-arment that is properly taken care of will last twice as lono-. When clothes are taken off, thev should be carefullv hunji' ui) on hanu'crs, for this will keep them in shape. Brush your clothes every day, as dirt and disease germs>^ 80 A FIRST READER gather in them. Once a week, clothes should be thoroughly brushed and pressed. The underclothing should be changed very often. The impurities of the blood are cast off through the pores. These impurities gather upon the clothing next to the skin. LESSON LXVI THE MONTHS January brings the snow, Makes our feet and fingers gloAV. February brings the rain, Thaws the frozen lake again. March brings breezes sharp and chill, Shakes the dancing daffodil. April brings the prinn'ose sweet, Scatters daisies at our feet. May brings flocks of pretty lambs, Sporting round their Heecy dams. June brings tulips, lilies, roses, Fills the children's hands with posies. FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 81 Hot July brino's tliundersliowers. Apricots and gillyflowers. August brings the sheaves of corn ; Then tlie harvest home is borne. Warm September brings the fruit ; Sportsmen then begin to shoot. Brown October brings the pheasant ; Then to gather nuts is pleasant. Dull Xovember brino^s the blast — Hark ! the leaves are whirlin-ain." So he stumbled and fell on purpose, and again the load Avas made light. So up got Mr. Donkey, feeling very proud of himself. Next dav the man loaded the donkey with mm% w ,: \:^^-^s^^ — (r=T7-.»i«.n^ sponges. " Xow," said the man, " we shall see about Mr. Donkey's trick." They started again for tjie town, and as thev came to tlie stream, Mr. Donkev blinked his eves. " I will fool ^Ir. ^lan again," thought he. So down he fell into the water. But when 108 A FIRST READER he got up, his load was twice as heavy. All the sponges were full of water. So by trying to cheat his master, he only cheated himself. — ^sop's Fables. THE CROW AND THE PTrCHER A tliirsty crow flew to a pitcher which had a little water in it. He could not reach the water with his beak. He tried and he tried and he tried. But he had to give it up. Then a thought came to him. He took a pebble and dropped it into the pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped it into tlie pitcher. Then he took another pebble and drop})ed that into the pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that in. Then lie took another and dropped that in. At last, he saw the water rising. So he FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 109 put in some more pebbles. Then he was able to drink. '^ Little by little does the trick." — ^sop's Fables. A SONG There is ever a sono; somewhere, my dear ; There is ever a something sings alway : There's the song of the lark Avhen the skies are clear, And the song of the thrush when the skies are gray. The sunshine showers across the grain, And the bluebird trills in the orchard tree ; And in and out, when the eaves drip rain. The swallows are twittering ceaselessly. There is ever a song somewhere, my dear, Be the skies above or dark or fair, There is ever a song that our hearts may hear — There is ever a song somewhere, my dear — There is ever a song somewhere ! 110 A FIRST READER There is ever a soim- somewhere, inv dear, In the niidiiight bhick, or the mid-day bkie; Tlie robin pipes when tlie sun is here, And the cricket chirrups the whole night tlu'ough. The buds may blow, and the fruit may grow, And the autumn leaves drop crisp and sear ; But wliether the sun, or the rain, or the snow. There is ever a sono- somewhere, mv dear. There is ever a song somewhere, my dear. Be the skies above or dark or lair, There is ever a song that our hearts may hear — There is ever a song somewhere, my dear — There is ever a sono; somewhere ! From " Afterichiles^'^ hy James Whitcomh Riley. Copy- right, 1898. Used hy special permission of the publishers., the Bohhs-Merrill Company. FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 111 FATHER IS COMING The clock is on tlie stroke of six, The father's work is done ; Sweep up the hearth and mend the fire, And put the kettle on ! The wild niii'lit wind is l)lowino: cold, 'Tis dreaiy crossing o'er the wold. He's crossing o'er the wold apace ; He's stronger than the storm ; He does not feel the cold, not he. 112 A FIEST HEADER His heart it is too warm : For father's heart is stout and true As ever human bosom knew. He makes all toil, all hardship light ; Would all men were the same, So ready to be pleased, so kind, So very slow to blame ! Folks need not be unkind, austere. For love hath readier will than fear ! And we'll do all that father likes, His wishes are so few ! Would they were more ! that every hour Some wish of his I knew ! I'm sure it makes a happy day, When I can please him any way. I knoAV he's comino; bv this sio^n : The baby's almost wild ; See how he laughs, and crows, and stares ; Heaven bless the merrv child ! He's father's self in face and limb. And father's heart is strono- in him. FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 113 Hark ! hark ! I hear his footsteps now — He's through the garden gate ; Run, httle Bess, and ope the door, And do not let hhn Avait ! Shout, baby, shout, and da]) thy hands ! For father on the threshold stands. — Mary Howitt. LULLABY Hush ! the waves are rolling in, White with foam, white with foam ; Father toils amid the din ; But baby sleeps at home. Hush ! the winds roar hoarse and deep, — On they come, on they come ! Brother seeks the wandering sheep ; But baby sleeps at home. Hush ! the rain sweeps o'er the knowes, Where thev roam, where they roam ; Sister goes to seek the cows ; But baby sleeps at home. — From the Old Graelic. 114 A FIRST READER NOBILITY True worth is in being, not seeming, In doinp' each day, as it g-oes bv, Some httle P'ood — not in the dreamino; Of great things to do by and by. For whatever men say in bhndness. And spite of the fancies of youth. There's nothino^ so kinodv as kindness And nothino- so roval as truth. & We get back our mete, as we measure, We can not do wron<>- and feel rio-lit, Nor can we give pain and gain pleasure. For justice avenges each slight. The air for the wing of the sparrow, The bush for the robin and wren. But always the path that is narrow And straight for the children of men. 'Tis not in tlie pages of story The heart of its -ills to beguile. Though he Avho makes courtship to glory Gives all that he hath for her smile. roil ^'EW AMERICA]N CITIZENS 115 For wlien from her heights he hath won her, Ahis ! it is only to i)rove *j J. That notliini>''s so saered as lionor, And notliino^'s so loval as love. We can not make bargains for blisses, Nor catch them like fishes in nets. And sometimes the thing onr life misses. Helps more than the thing which it gets. For good lieth not in ])ursuing Nor gaining of great nor of small, But just in tlie doing and doing As we would be done bv, by all. Through envy, through malice, through hating. Against the world early and late, No jot of our courage abating, — Our part is to work and to wait. And slio'ht is the sthio; of his trouble Whose winnings are less than his worth,. For he who is honest is noble Wliatever his fortune or birth. — Alice Gary. 116 A FIRST READER TWILIGHT The twiliu'ht is sad and cloudy, The wind blows wild and free, And like the wings of sea-birds Flash the white caps of the sea. But in the hsherman's cottao:e There shines a ruddier li 126 A FIRST READER \T " What shall I sav, brave Admiral, say If we sio-lit iiauji'lit but seas at dawn I " " Why, you shall say, at break of day : ' Sail on ! sail on ! sail on ! and on ! ' " They sailed and sailed, as winds might blow, Until at last the blanched mate said, " Why, now not eyen God would know Should I and all my mates fall dead. These yery winds forget their way. For God from these dread seas is gone. Now speak, braye Admiral ; speak and say — " He said, " Sail on ! sail on ! and on ! " They sailed. They sailed. Then spake the mate ! '' This mad sea shows his teeth to-night ; He curls his lip, he lies in wait, With lifted teeth as if to bite ! Braye Admiral, say but one good word ; What shall we do when hope is gone 1 " The words leapt as a leaping sword : ■' Sail on! sail on ! sail on ! and on ! " FOR NEW AMERICAK CITIZENS . 127 Tlicii, pale and worn, lie kept his deck And peered through the darkness. Ah, that night Of all dark nights ! And then a speck — A light ! a light ! a light ! a light ! It grew, a starlit flag unfurled ! It grew to be Time's burst of dawn. He gained a world ; he gave that world Its greatest lesson : " On ! sail on ! " — Joaquin Miller. From Joaquin 3Iillcrs Poems, eopyriglited 1897 hy the Whltaker tf Rat/ Co. ELECTION DAY Election day is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in Novenil)er, and is a legal holi- day. On this day the people elect the dif- ferent officers to govern them. We elect a President every four years. A governor is elected everv two years. Everv good citizen should take an interest in Election Day. It is our dutv to see that the best men are chosen to represent the people. 128 A FIRST READER THANKSGIVING DAY The fourth Thursday in November is al- ways Thanksgiving Day. Each state sets this day aside to give thanks to God for his blessings. Many years ago the first settlers came to America. The winter was very cold, and many people died. But when spring came the settlers planted grain and vegetables. The summer was warm and there was plenty of rain. In the fall the fruits and grain ripened. The peo})le were very glad and thankful. They wanted to thank God for his goodness and thought they would make a feast. They invited the Indians to their feast. Ever since then the people in America give thanks to God on Thanksgiving Day. CHRISTMAS Christmas is the time of the year when a kindly spirit should prevail. We should have thoughts of doing for and giving to others. The children have been tauorht that Santa FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 129 Claus will come down the cliimiiev laden with presents for them. Many a child has grown up Avith the idea that each Christmas Santa Claus has filled his stocking. He is supposed to come with his sleigh and reindeers each Christmas Eve. ' - *- How manj children lie awake until mid- night on Christmas eve in the hope of catch- ing a tinkle of Santa's bells and a peep at the fat old fellow coming down the chimney ! Thank God every morning when you get up that you have something to do that day 130 A FIRST READER which must be done whether you hke it or not. Beino' forced to work and forced to do your best will breed in you temperance and self-control, diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred virtues which the idle never know. — Charles Kingsley. UNDER THE HOLLY BOUGH Ye Avho have scorned each other, (3r injured friend or brother, In this fast ladino; vear ; Ye who, bv word or deed. Have made a kind heart bleed, Come gather here. Let sinned against, and sinning. Forget their strife's beginning, Andjohi hi friendship now: Be Ihiks now longer broken. Be sweet forgiveness spoken. Under the Hollv Bough. FOR NEW AMEKICAN CITIZENS 131 Ye Avlio have loved each other, Sister and friend and brother, In this fast fadinp; vear ; ]\[other and sire and chihl, Yonno; man and maiden mikl. Come gather here ; And let your hearts grow fonder, As mem or V shall r)onder Each past imbroken vow. Old loves and vouno-er wooino- Are sweet in the ren, j ^^ 1^ m^^^m- " "^ •»> ^#- ! ^ ^PpPK^- -^J-^T" ,^.«;S^ *«r«(irj» . -^ ■'-!l^^ :-^mB^MA THE ••CLERMONT" ON THE HUDSON sailing vessels. The trip used to take many weeks. To-dav it takes onlv a few davs. Robert Fulton built the first steamboat. It was built in New York. He called it the Clermont. In those days people did not FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 133 think a boat could be run by steam. Some people were afraid of the Clermont. They did not like the fire and smoke. But they soon became used to the Clermont. Her first YOvap;e was from New York to Albany. THE FAMILY In a family there should be loye and sym- pathy. Each one should be interested in the aftairs of the others, and each one should help i\\Q others as much as possible. Good strong- families will lielp to strengthen a nation. A good father and husband is usually a good citizen. A ffood father will always teach his children to l)e obedient to their mother. He will also see that they obey their teacher. A father should make his son ambitious. He should set a good example for his son to follow. Eyery church thinks it in:iportant that the home should be sacred. If you would be wealthy, think of saying as well as of getting. 134 A FIRST READER THE NATION A nation is a body of people under one political control. A nation need not be made up of one race of people. It may be made up of many races that are united under one g'overnment. The United States is an CONGRESSIONAL LIBRARY, WASHINGTON example of this, for the people of the United States come from all over the world. It is good for people to live together as a nation. They get more freedom than they would otherwise have. They get better pro- tection. People living together need laws to rOR NEW AMEKICAX CfTlZEXS 135 govern them. These hiws are made to benefit the greatest nmnber of people, and they pre- vent a few from takino- the rio-hts from tlie majority. When a nation is pro})erly organized, it gives a great deal of personal lil)erty to the people who wish to do the right thing, and takes away personal liberty from people who wish to do the wronof tliino-. Our polieemen protect the riglits of the people. They do not allow any one to do things that are bad for tlie general public. If a man wishes to drive his horse in the middle of the road, the policeman stops him. Why? The law says all wagons going one way should go on the same side of the street. This is to prevent collision. The law says that a man can not drive an automobile through a crowded street at a high speed. This law does not take away the rights of the people, but only restricts one man's wishes for the benefit of many men. Good laws are made for the benefit of the majority. Good 136 A FIRST READER laws are not made for the benefit of a few, if their freedom wouhl make the majority suffer. We thus see that good hiws do not take away the rights of the people. They give us more rights. SCHOOLROOM WITH PUPILS I Our sehools help to l)ring the different nationalities together by giving them a com- mon interest. The school strengthens a nation, for good schools make good men and FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 137 women, and good men and women make a p-ood nation. Who is the President of the United States 1 THE UNITED STATES MINT AT PHILADELPHIA The trne o-randenr of nations is in those qnahties which constitute the true greatness of the individuaL — Charles Sumner. thp: states When the first settlers came to America, they made settlements along the eastern coast. Several such settlements were called a colony. In 1775 there were thirteen colonies. These colonies belonged to England. The people 138 A FIRST READEK ill the colonies did not tliiiik Enu'land was treating tliein fairly. A war was begun in 1775 which lasted eight years. I'he peo})le in the colonies won, and thus they were freed from Enoland. These thirteen colonies became thirteen states, and these thirteen states called them- selves the United States. Each state has its own constitution and its own laws. Laws made by one state do not hold in another state. Each state has a i^reat deal of lil)ertv. It can make laws to suit its own people and its own conditions. No state can make a law in direct violation of the C^onstitution of the United States. When the state commands us to do or not to do anything, we call the com- mand a law. Who is the Governor of your state ? The love of mv coimtrv will be the rulino- influence of mv conduct. — Washington. FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 139 WHY THIS IS A GOOD GOVERNMENT Some of the found- ers of our government were George ^^"aslling- ton, Thomas Jeiierson, Alexander HamiUon, and Benjamin Frank- hn. They were all verv hi«>-h-minded and upright men, and they had studied the good and the bad in the THOMAS JEFFERSON ALEXANDER HAMILTON different governments of Europe. Tliis government was founded to give the people liberty, but not liberty for each one to do as he wished, for bv doino; tliat no one would have true libertv. The government was 140 A FIRST EEADER founded with the idea of giving each person enough freedom to reach his highest develop- \ ment. Every man has a right to education. Schools were founded. Newspapers were pub- hshed. Libraries were opened. All these NEW YORK CUSTOM HOUSE things were done to educate the people. Laws were made to i)rotect the rights of the people. Liberty of speech and liberty of the j^ress were established. The best men were chosen to manao-e the P-overnment. FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 141 These men considered every form of gov- ernment. They decided of their own free will that a republic would be best for the majority of the people. They believed that this gov- ernment would make a strong, rich nation, and they judged rightly. From the thirteen origi- nal states, the United States has increased to forty-six. The United States is a great power among the nations, and protects its citizens at home and abroad. CITY GOVERNMENT THE MAYOR The head of the city is called the Mayor. He is elected by the people. His term is usually two years. The Mayor appoints a number of city officers. He has the power to veto resolutions of the Common Council and ordinances made by Commissioners. He is also charged with general supervision over all the departments of the city. Among his many other duties he has the granting of 142 A FIRST READER permits. At the beginning of the year the Mayor gives to the Common Council a report of the condition of affairs throughout the city. At the head of the nation is the President. The Governor is at the head of the state. The Mayor hokls the same position in the city. Who is your Mayor ? TPIE CO:\[.^[OX COUI^CIL The members of the Connnon Council have nianv duties to perform. Thev work in con- junction with the Mayor. As this body of men has so manv duties, it is divided into committees. Each committee attends to its own duties. Some of the duties are the con- trol of the finances and proposals of the city, the prevention of vice and immorality, and the preservation of peace and good order. This Council licenses cartmen, porters, cab- men, and other people. It reguhites Aveights and measures. It reguhites the manner of building houses. FOE NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 143 These are only a few of the maiiv duties of this committee. It is very important that Ave select wise, honest men to do these things for the city. Who is the alderman in your ward ? THE POLICE DEPARTMENT The policemen are a very necessary part of our city government. They help to protect us. They help to preserve order. The policeman is indeed ''a friend in need." If a person wishes in- formation ahout the location of a street, he asks the policeman. When a chihl is lost, the police- man takes it to its parents. If a fire breaks out at night, he is on duty to send in the alarm. If a careless clerk leaves the door of a store open, he guards the store durino- the niMit. Eeckless automo- bihsts, who endanger the hves of the pubhc, are arrested by the police. W" '3 4 ^ PRECINCT PATROLMAN 144 A FIEST READER When the people are injured and need to be taken to the hospital, the police attend to it. Many people are found in the street sick and in distress. The police attend to them and see that they have food and shelter. MOUNTED TRAFFIC SERGEANT We should be grateful toward this body of men. They are brave, watchful, and helpful. They are exposed to both heat and cold, rain and snow, and are sometimes in dauLcer of losing their lives. Many policemen have been killed while trying to do their duty. FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 145 THE BOARD OF HEALTH The Board of Health is a verv necessary part of the city's government. This Board Courtesy vj till \\\st Dlninfcctitui Coxijniny FUMIGATING A ROOM attends to the sanitary condition of the city. All contagions diseases are reported to the office of this Board. The Health Officer qnar- 146 A FIRST READER antines a house where a contao-ious disease is found. The same ofHeer fumig-ates the house after the patient is well This department sees that no garbage, rub- bish, and dirt are thrown into the streets. The condition of buikhngs is looked after by this department. Adulterated food and diseased and infected foods are carefully watched for by officers of the Board of Health. All tliino^s dano^erous to human life are given their attention. The milk of the citv is verv carefully in- spected. The dairies from which the milk comes have close supervision by the Health Inspectors. THE CITY HOSPITAL The City Hospital is under the direction of the Health Board. Patients that are poor can be sent to the City Hospital free of charge. If any accident occurs and a person is hurt, a call is at once sent in for the auibulance. In the ambulance is an attendant who takes FOR NEW AMERICAN" CITIZENS 147 VISITING DAY IN A HOSPITAL 148 A FIRST PvEADEli care of tlie injured person, who is at once taken to the hospitah If a person has a contagions disease, he is isohited in a ward tiiat is used only for conta- gious diseases. The best of medical care and attention will be found at the hospital. In each hospital a doctor is in constant at- tendance. He is called the House Physician. Other doctors visit the hospital daily. Nurses are always on duty to attend to the needs of the patients. CONSUMPTION Many tilings are being done in this country to get rid of this dread disease. Homes have been built for people who have consumption, so that poor people who have this disease can be cared for free of expense. The whole country is helping in this wonderful movement. In a few years we shall have uprooted this dire disease. Millions and millions of dollars are being spent to teach people how to avoid FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 149 consumption, and to build hospitals to care for those who are ah'eadv ill. Everybod\' is giving a little to help this good cause. The scliool children are also giving their help. People who have this disease are taken out of their homes and are placed in hospitals where they can get pure, fresh air, nourishing food, and proper medicine. Consumption is spread by careless spitting. It is our duty to be careful not to spit in public places. And we should avoid this diso-ustino- habit in our homes. A LITTLE CRIPPLED GIRL " Mary, did you go to the dispensary to-dav ? " ^' Yes, mother, I went to the dispensary. The doctor said he thouodit it would be nee- essary to perform an operation upon my foot. He wants you to take me to the hospital. There is to be a clinic there on Tuesdav. They are to examine patients that have tu- berculosis of the foot. The doctor said that 150 A FIEST EEADER a specialist on that disease will he there and he ^vill examine me. There will be twenty doctors and ten nurses in the room." " Don't you think that you will be fright- ened, my dear? 1 am afraid that seeing so many people will make you nervous." '' No, mother, 1 shall not get nervous. The doctor said that tliev would be very kind to me. I have been to the hospital before. It is very nice and clean there. In tlie room where they hold the clinic there is a long operating table. There are many chairs where the doctors sit. '' I like to go to the hospital and see all the nice white beds and the nurses witli their white caps and aprons on. Motlier, some day, wlien I am grown up, I think I will study to be a nurse." HOW A CITY RAISES MONEY We hear men sav, " Taxes are too liig-h." We see men trying to get out of paying their poll taxes. Is this right '? How are we to FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 151 have a clean, well-kept city if each one does not help to pay for it ? What helps to make a good city I Not only tine buildings, but good police and lire departments, good street and water departments, good schools, good libra- ries. How are we to pay for all these things ? We pay for these thhigs when we pay our taxes. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF A CITY Every handet, village, town, or city needs a fire department. The larger the city, the better the fire department should be. 152 A FIRST READER The Board of Fire Commissioners man- ages the Fire Department. ]\Iany cities are equi})ped with all new devices for putting out tires, such as automobile engines with rubber tires, water towers, etc. Chemical engines, which force a preparation upon the fire, are now in use. To serve well in tliis department a man must be brave. Firemen are riskino; their lives daily when thev ascend the hip-h building's. A severe penalty is imposed by law upon FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 153 any person avIio is convicted of willfully send- ino' in u thlse alarm of tire. There is a law conn)ellin(^ people to keep the tire esca|)es free from rnhl)ish. Fire Insurance com})anies insure people from loss l)y tire or water. Many men are employed l)y the city to be in constant readiness for any tire, day or night. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION The members of this Board have many im- portant duties to do. They have entire charo-e of the citv schools. Teachers are ap- pointed by this Board. Schoolhouses are built by this committee. The entire education of our children is in the hands of the members of this Board. Here, as well as in other Boards, we need the serv- ice of our best citizens. Hio'h-minded and intellia-ent men are needed to attend to these duties. Besides the re<2:ular elenientarv schools, hiodi schools, and colleo-es, there are industrial 154 A FIRST READER A PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING BASKET WEAVING IN A VACATION SCHOOL FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 155 schools tliroiio'liont the country. These schools teach the dihereiit trades. The mdustrial schools teach manufacturing, carpentry, cab- inetmaldng, plumbing, dressmaking, millinery., and cooking. OUR MAIL SYSTEM 1 POSTAL CARDS AND LETTERS Postal cards should l)e used only when the business is not priyate. In using postal cards, the date may be written in the upper right- 156 A FIRST EEADER hand corner or in tlie lower left-liand corner. The name of the writer should be followed by the writer's address. The address should be written plainly. In addressing letters or any mail matter use ink. Write plainly the name of the person addressed, street and number, post office and state. If you follow the form shown below and if the letter or other piece of mail matter is not deliyered, it will be returned to you. A FTER Days I; et l" rx T( JAMES A. JOXKS, 452 First Street, BiNGHAMPTOX, N.Y. Me. Wm. a. Smith, 245 BA^'K Street, Newark, N.J. STAMP Last year more than thirteen million })ieces of mail matter were sent to the Diyision of Dead Letters, a large proportion of Ayhich FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 157 could not be delivered because of carelessness in writing addresses. SPECIAL DELIVERY OF LETTERS A special delivery stamp, or ten cents' worth of ordinary stamps, in addition to the POST OFFICE, CHICAGO lawful postage, secures the innnediate deliv- ery of any piece of mail matter at any United States post office within the letter-carrier limits of a city delivery office and within a mile limit of any other post office. When 158 A FIRST READER ordinary stamps are used to obtain immediate delivery of mail, the Avords " Special Deliv- . ery " must be written or printed on the en- velope or covering. If special deliAery matter fails of delivery because there is no person at the place of address to receive it, the matter is returned to the post office and delivered in the ordi- narv mail. A special delivery stamp does not give a piece of mail matter any other security than that given to ordinary mail matter. REGISTERED MAIL Letters can l)e remstered to anv citv in the world. If a letter is registered, it insures its safe delivery. If a registered letter is lost, an indemnity of tAventy-five dollars (S 25) is paid by the United States Post Office. All valu- able letters or packages should be registered. The registry fee is eight cents for each sepa- rate letter or parcel, in addition to the postage. FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 159 When a piece of mail matter is registered, a receipt is given to the person that registers it. Eegistered mail should not be dropped in the ordinary mail boxes. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN One of the foremost men in Revolutionary times was Benjamin Franklin. Franklin Avas born in Boston, April the seven- teenth, 170G. He did not have a very o-ood chance t/ o for a school edu- cation, for he left school when he was ten years old. He was appren- ticed to his brother, who was a printer. While wdrking in the printing office, he found time to do a great deal of reading. By his own etlbrts he BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 160 A FIRST READER educated himself extensively. He was a deep thinker and had a very inventive mind. Franklin published an almanac called '' Poor Richard's Almanac," wliicli was trans- lated into eighteen lang-uages. He worked liard and Avas careful not to waste anv time. He wrote a great deal ; some of his writings are on science and political economy. One of his most interesting works is the story of his own life. He was the first minister sent by tlie United States to France. He helped the United States by persuading France to send money and also soldiers to serve in the Revolutionary War. Wherever he went he was respected and admired. JMany of the o-reat statesmen of Europe were proud to be known as his friends. In his own city he founded a famous school for boys, which is now a great university ; and he started the first public library in the United States. Bancroft, the great American historian, says : " Franklin was the greatest diplomat of tlie eighteenth FOR XEW A:\IERICAN citizens IGl centmy. He never spoke a word too soon ; he never spoke a word too late ; lie never failed to speak the right word in the right place." EXTRACTS FRO:\r "POOR RICHARD'S ALMANAC" Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthv, wealthv, and wise. God gives all things to industry. One to-day is worth two to-morrows. Never leave that till to-morrow which you can do to-dav. When you speak to a man, look on his eyes ; when he speaks to thee, look on his mouth. Observe all men, thyself most. Great talkers, little doers. Be neither silly, nor cunning, but wise. Pay what you owe, and you will know what vou own. If thou hast wit and learning, add to it wisdom and modestv. 162 A FIKST EEADER TURNIXG THE GRINDSTONE When I was a little boy, I remember one cold winter's mornino- that I was accosted by a smilino' man with an ax on his shonlder. " My pretty boy," said he, '' has yonr father a grindstone ? " " Yes, sir," said I. '' Yon are a fine little fellow," said he. '' Will Ton let me grind my ax on it ? " Pleased with the complhnent of ''fine little fellow," " Oli, yes, sir," I answered ; '' it is down in the shop." " And Avill yon, my man," said he, patting me on the head, '' get me a little hot water 1 " How conld I refnse '? I ran and soon bronght it. " HoAv old are Ton, and Avhat's your name ? " continued he, without waitino; for a reply ; "I am sure you are one of the finest boys I haye eyer seen. Will you> just turn a few minutes for me ? " Pleased with the flattery, I went to work, and bitterly did I rue the day. It was a new ax, and 1 toiled and tuo-o-ed till T was almost tired to death. The school bell rano- and I FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 163 could not iret awav : mv liaiids were blistered and the ax was not half 12,'round. At leno'th, liowever, it Avas sharpened, and the man turned to me with, " Now, you little rascal, you've played truant ; run to school or vou'll rue it." '^ Alas," thouo-ht I, "it was hard enouu"h to turn a o-rindstone this cold day, but now to be called a little rascal is too much." It sank in my mind and often have I thouo-ht of it since. AVhen T see a merchant overpolite to his customers, l)eo'o-ino' them to take a little l)randy, and tlu-owing' his goods on the counter, I think, '' That man has an ax to grind." When I see a man flattering the people, making great professions of attachment to liberty, but in private life a tyrant, I think, ''Look out, good people, that fellow would set you turning grindstones." When I see a man lifted into office by party spirit, without one qualification to ren- der him either respectable or useful, " x\las," I 164 A FIRST READER think, " deluded people, you are doomed for a season to turn the grmdstone for a booby." — Benjamin Franklin. - THOMAS JEFFERSON Thomas Jefferson was an American states- man. He wrote the Declaration of Independ- ence, one of the most famous state papers in the world. He was the third President of the United States. SEVEN WISE RULES OF JEFFERSON" Never put off until to-morrow what you can do to-day. Never trouble another for what you can do yourself Never spend your money before you have earned it. Never buy what you don't want because it is cheap. Pride costs more than hunger, thirst, and cold. FOR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS 165 We repent seldom of having' eaten too little. When angry, count ten before you speak ; if very angry, count a hundred. FREEDOM Is true Freedom but to break Fetters for our own dear sake, And, with leathern hearts, forget That we owe mankind a debt 1 No ! true Freedom is to share All the chains our brothers wear, And, with heart and hand, to be Earnest to make others free. They are slaves who fear to speak For the fallen and the weak ; They are slaves who will not choose Hatred, scoffing, and abuse. Rather than in silence shrink From the truth they needs must think. Thev are slaves who dare not be In the rio-ht with two or three. — James Russell Lowell. 166 A FIRST READER *'--- -f^- 2> ' ■vV- i-