The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1861-02-25
Tho Prce Acadetuy.

We have been asked to publish the subjoine 1
communication, and we do so, because it ex-
presses the views Of large numbers although
possibly not the most correct view Of tho sub
ject. Undoubtedly, Il should have been antici-
pated that few Of the children Of the poor, who
are necessarily thrown upon their own labor for
support, as soon as they arc able to support
themselves could command the leisure to avail
themselves Of the advantages Of this nobly-is-
tended institution. Whether to afford an op-
portuRitv Of this kind to the few childrea Of
labor, who do avail themselves Of It, is sufli-
cient ground to justify tho outlay, or whether
tho Academy is 50 managed As actually to open
its benefits to such persons are distinct questions
which deserve examination. We shall DO hap
~ to promote 1t by opening our columns to any
who can throw light upon the subject:-
10 tie Editor Of the Sun:-Amonz the various
sxpensiys abuses " which the public Is suhje
We hardly know Of any which will compare with
that srIstoctatc luxury d d,nominated the Free Ac-
adsmy, under the guse Of popular charity. This
the poorer csses; but, In la practical working, IL
turns out ~ DE q costly gratuity for the exclusive
advantage Of findependentand wealthy families, AMI
the sleek and fashionable profss Who cInd ict
gsney nj thing. not 10 be found on the catalogue
sf its scholars. Iadesd, those who are admitted
" receive instruction in the ecldemy, have already
rsach,d age when the labor IL poor boys IL
ssriy devote ~ the support Of aged pafeuts, or q
family Of lndisent younger brothers aud sisters. In
word, the Academy IL supported for the ben a. Of
ths iiCh by tax on the lsbIr u the p,or. llghy
endowed INSTITUTIONS Of this class abound Ia the
city snd throughout the country, where tha mora
,d1aAced ,tudeI and elegant literl'urs and
scIcn can be pursued At small 4 Dense Why shou
tho sons oiiicn mes recs Va gratuitous instructon
~ the hands of tue pubc, wuea slm 81 every part
Of our ci'y II hl'd with iigent women aid hs p
less chrldisn buiitd the Seahs ofphviiion- dos.
pair Vpd vice.
Tus children Of the poor hay, a universally con-
Ceded right IT, that degree Of elementary in,ttuG-
'ion Witch will enable them to assume the post.
ion Of good citizens, ant I" enter with success ths
various sits Of productive industy. To that ex.
tent II ia alike the duty sSd lhs policy Of every
good cu1an, Possessing am le tne ans, " CONS t.
the aid u the poorer classes In the m ter OF gensr
al popular instruction. Our ward schools are
sbiudsn,ly sufficient for this Legitimate purposs
Al that point the sxpene o popular and charitable
instruction should stop. The Free Ac.dsmy should
at once DO given up aud the building
appropriated ~ the purpose Of house
Of refuge and organized labor for destitute women
and young girls. The location Is adm rabls, and
10 ons deny that such estAblishmsnt 10 one
Of the pressing necessities Of this community. Un-
der proper administration, such an institution
would be made nearly 10 support itself Bat should
the Ttquif ements OF this pubic charity amount W
rESru thpenss Uf the Free 'sdeny, can sny
BE- fuund who would contest the greiisr useful
css "i suCa ~ inbt,tGtOn, cJmparad - the hyp >
usi,I - Aca ltmy, which annually hlches hundreds
400 u O4ENuJs from Ln oyer-ar.d public, tbr the
rxrlurys neDt At of the iudspend ent csEses wh lie
g-o. NhIn'n and children are ssndred to de O'
vol L ~ % gro W aud live in thi loves broth
'.S, ~..CE dIshCn)r humanity, and di'grch our
T.. NKnBUh SAT.