The long period of training and apprenticeship, which has always been an outstanding feature of our methods, could be done away with, should I desire to cheapen the instruction.  Inexperienced instructors could be employed for less than half the compensation of the experts I now employ—­but these things could be sacrificed only at the expense of results.  For many years the superiority of the Bogue Institute faculty has been nationally recognized and this reputation we are today maintaining—­and improving, where this is possible.

CHAPTER VII

MY MOTHER AND THE HOME LIFE AT THE INSTITUTE

The home life at the Bogue Institute cannot be mentioned without also mentioning my mother and the work she has done and is doing to make this truly a home life.  This is her work and she has succeeded.  She represents the pivotal point around which that home life turns and she is the guiding spirit that makes the Institute a real home for those who come here.  It is her beneficent smile that makes you feel at home when you arrive, her kindly influence which makes you feel at home during your whole stay and her smiling God-speed when you go, that makes you wish it were not time to leave.

Under Mother Bogue’s direction, the Institute is a busy, happy, cheerful and well-ordered home for the big and happy family that it houses.

Music is here for those who wish to play.  Games and books and magazines for those who would thus entertain themselves and others.  We are acquainted with the truth that “all work makes Jack a dull boy—­and Jill a dull girl”—­and wholesome and worth-while amusements and diversions are provided for all ages and all occasions.  These amusements are for those who wish them—­those who do not can always find rest and quiet in their own rooms.

Rowdyism is absent.  The hoodlum is not here.  We find no difficulty in establishing standards of conduct that become the lady and the gentleman—­and the regulations that are in effect are based upon the belief that those who come here can and will measure up to these standards.

Unity of Purpose:  One of the distinct advantages of the plan whereby all students live in the Institute Dormitory is that all who are here have come for a purpose and bear that thought in mind.  The student who sits beside you at the table is here for the same purpose as yourself.  You are both working for the same thing —­working earnestly, enthusiastically, seriously—­and withal, successfully—­to be cured of stammering.

What does this mean?

It means that the very atmosphere of the Institute is saturated with energy, enthusiasm and the spirit of successful endeavor.  Determination, application, success—­these things are in the very air you breathe.  The spirit that carries an army to victory is here—­to carry you to victory and success.

Absolute Privacy in Treatment:  There is absolutely no publicity connected with the attendance of any student at the Institute.  Many students have attended without even their families or friends being aware of the fact.  Others have come leaving behind the impression that they were visiting friends—­which in truth, they were, as they afterwards found those connected with the Institute to be sincere and worth-while friends, indeed.