The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-06-25
Local Matters.
Can Craze and formal pass for toiss,
When men the solemn otci despisel'

The angry state Of feeling amongst portion
the iremen Of city is much to be regretted for
the consequences likely 10 flow from it, aud for the
causes TO which it points.
The former may be prevented by the timely and
firm action Of the city authorities; but the latter
appear TO be overlooked by these, or regarded az
beyond their appreciation and control. But this is
not true. The causes of disorder amongst the youth
Of city are just what the authorities Of that city
have right TO inquire into, and il means can be
applied TO correct these causes is the solemn duty
Of such directors Of public affairs 10 make the ap
plication. Men should look into this matter, and
see what can be done. There are a great many
lads upon streets at night who desire do what
is right, who look into the future with hope and
who feel and know that Il is their duty to shun evil
associations and to apply themselves TO useful
pursuits, but who incapable Of taking the
first decided step leading thereto. These lads
emerge from their places Of business somewhat
weary Of the labors Of the day, and yet in
disposed to seek their nights repose Till a few
hours shall be first passed in amusement Of some
description. Whittier shall they rcsort for this ?
Will any one point us 10 any other laces than the
streets and the precincts of the engine houses' Here
they meet others listless themselves and con.
clavcs arc soon formed from which il is impossible
that good results can proceed. Now, II there were
any suitable, crcditable place Of provided for
such youths, vast portion Of them would frequent
it, II is SANDER upon them To say that they choose
the evil way. No alternative IL offered them They
arc in general worked severely during the long
day, and, though their education be so limited
there is no who for this, earnestly de-
sircs their improvement Il is esteemed an indul-
gcnce, the indication Of Kindness 10 permit them
TO go forth alone, uninhuenced and uncared for
" our citizens and city fathers were dis.
posed 10 do their duty, they would, we have
heretofore suggested, establish in each ward Of the
city large reading room and library for the use Of
this class Of persons. These should be well
lighted, supplied with warm stoves in the winter
and large water-coolers in the summer They
should be well kept by person competent 10
troll by the respect he would inspire. Boys should
be invited to these places in such manner would
not wound their selfrespect. Lectures intended
TO excite this sentiment Of sclfapprecaton should
from time to time be addressed to them, and coun-
sci should be given to such manifest desire 10
enter upon scientific pursuits.
Many Of those who, for want Of other occupation,
labor with unnecessary severity with the engines
every toll Of the BELL would then be equally useful,
and yet would find time to learn the principles Of
mechanics upon which the engine is constructed.
They who now wish 70 elevate the character Of a
fire company, by demonstrating the proves Of its
members in brickbat warfare, would then enter a
more honorable competition and with more Gle
waited aim
But all this is Visionary actcablc-or will
cost money!
IL is not vi.ionsry-it is not imprscticabIc-and
what II it does money! Are the peace Of city,
the welfare Of the ri.ing generation, and our own
Of duty, thus TO be lost sighto Shall live
for the present. totally regardless Of the future, be-
cause few hundred, few thousand, or even tens
or hundred. Of thousands OF dollars would be re-
quired to consummste lofty and heaven blessed
purpose Of benevolence' Such. we are convinced,
is not the sentiment Of the people Of this city