The New York herald., 1844-12-08

continent in the number variety, and extent Of in
sttutions of one kind or another, having for their
object the social amelioration and moral elevation
of the masses, it has not done all it might, and
ought to do, considering its vast means, in the
diffusion Of useful knowledge. If all the provision
necessary to be made for the enlightenment Of the
rising generation consisted in schools adapted to
furnish elementary instruction to the young before
their exit into the great world there might be little
ground for dissatisfaction; but it would be labor
lost to prove what will be admitted by every man
of experience, that the work Of instruction is not
perfected by the schoolmaster, that the acquisition
Of information does not terminate with emancipa.
ton from the restraint of the "noisy manson;"
and that without right use in after life of that
which is learned in early years, its most valuable
quality will be lost, that of expansion and growth
the germ of the vegetable by the power Of ASST
milation, extracts from the surrounding elements
its fit and wholesome sustenance.
Now admitting the truth Of these observations,
it may be well asked in what condition are the nu.
merous young men placed, who in this city are
engaged in commercial and mechanical employ
ments Can it be said that they have access to
the best means of progressing In what early educa
ton but begun? We thiak not we think that
Notwithstanding the position, the resources and
general advancement of this city in most respects
1t is behind its destiny in the absence of some
institution on more comprehensive scale than any
yet established, for the supply Of mental food to
the large class above spoken Of.
Books good in their place, and il is therefore
gratifying that there is no scarcity of Libraries. 1t
is to be doubted, nevertheless, whether, when Ba-
con said that reading makes deep man, he did
not mean certain quantity.of il; it is quite dubl
Gus whether that wise man, if asked would exces
sive reading have no other effect. would not have
insinuated the danger of PERSONS becoming by
too much reading, so very deep, and dark, and
dull, that neither he, himself, nor any one else,
would be able to pierce the gloomy profundity Of
his mental operations.
But to come to the point Some institution is
demanded where our young men, during their hours
OF leisure, could obtain scientific instruction.
There can be no doubt that taste for scientific
pursuits prevails to great extent among the youth
ful generation; and hr 10 but half worthy TO be
citizen, who is not able to see the primary impor.
tance of science in this country-and he is sorry
patriot, who would prove Indifferent to its en-
couraGement in every way possible.
The institutions already existing, are useful as
far they go; but they are too confined
IN their sphere Of action. AS to the faclli-
ties they afford for reading, SO far so good
The opportunity afforded for learning modern Ian
guages, too, is quite praiseworthy; but we fear
that the third mode Of instruction in use by them,
namely, lecturing, is either sadly neglected or con-
duced with far less energy, system and enterprise
than is requisite to develope its utility. In such an
institution as we desire to see founded, none
of those means Of diffusing knowledge would
be neglected Whilst the reading youth
would be supplied with books, and those
emulous to shine as linguists, would be provided
with tit instructors, the pursuit OF science would
be cultivated, encouraged, and placed in that ele
vated and prominent position il merits. A well or
ganized system of discourses on natural philoso-
ply, chemistry, &c. illustrated by experiments,
would create and cherish taste for such studies
aud when once properly engrafted on the enquirine
minds Of the students, there is little fear but that
1t would Increase, give new direction to mental
pursuits, and eventually be instrumental in raising
a of men Of scientific attainments as far supe
rlor to the present generation, as II Is to the po
neers who first explored the western wilds or the
race Of trappers, whose whole scientific lore con-
sisted in the ability to tell the cardinal points and
track their prey in the midst Of the forest Believ
ing this is a subject Of prime Importance, we should
be glad to see move made in the matter; and
should any person Of weight and influence take the
subject up, he would be conierring solid benefit
upon his country.
In connection with this subject there is one topic
which may be legitimatey alluded to, and that is,
the obstacles that lie in the way Of young men de-
srous Of improvement, by reason Of the long and
late business hours in this city, particularly among
retailers. Fourteen hours labor day is too much
to exact from clerks, or any other class Of en-
ploy ees; and so great is the grievance, and 50
strongly is it felt by this Industrious and useful, but
wronged class of young men, that we believe il
requires but to be resisted properly and brought be-
tore the public eye, to be speedily and efectually
abolished.