The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1874-06-10
The Apprenticeship system.


sideratiOn:
One of the worst features of
the so-called trades-unions, is that
which diseOurages the apprenticeship
system, and seeks to prevent discrim-
ination between skilled and unskilled
labor. No doubt the Introduction of
labor-saving machinery has much to
do with this false policy, which tends
to degrade the standard of good work
mans6ip but the fact should not be
lost sight of that the increasing use
of machinery has multiplied new in
dustries, ard these, in turn, especial
lly in the United States, have not
only augmented actively in old ones,
but enlarged the field for new ones,
thus aiiording opportunity to the
youth OF the land to learn trades,
and work with their hands for q living.
The desire OF the average young
man, however, to get his living by
his wits, has led writer of note to
remark that "the institution Of APP
premiership established by the an
cient guilds has had its day" We
have only to look around in our
large cities to realize that there is a
good deal Of truth in the force Of this
observation. The reasons assigned
for this are as complex as they are
numerous. Among other sources,
in addition TO the arbitrary rule of
trades-unions, thousands of "ready-
maden workmen have emigrated
from the Old World to ill the gap in
our industrial departments. The
policy of employing workmen, already
skilled, from abroad, in preference to
raising new generations of native
skilled artisans, by the apprentice
ship system is one worthy of profound
consideration. In the early history
of the country, every able-bodied citi
zen was expected to be able to fall
back upon his own resources, in GER
tain cases. If he had no opportunity
to obtain his bread and butter by his
wits, he could use his hands skillfully,
and thus secure o livelihood and keep
the wolf from the door The fingers
OF Midas, now as then, turn every
thing that they touch into gold or its
equivalent, but the great question
involved is the one pertaining to the
acquisition of that power which eX-
tracts money and comfort from labor
and skill and renders the industrial
calling dignifed, influential and pow
erfll.
This matter Of apprenticeship is a
key to the labor question, and we are
almost prepared to say that, in view
Of the tendency Of the mOnopolizing
features Of the trades-union, coupled
with the opportunities offered by the
liberal character Of our political and
educational institutions, apprentice
ship like compulsory education,
should be the function of the State, |
as it was one of the functions Of the
ancient guilds. A step in the right
direction is the establishment Of
schools Of technology, the necessity
for which will not be denied. In
Massachusetts,, New York, and sever
al other States change in the char
acter and work of the public schools
is gradually going on. There is an
equal necessity for schools of trade.
The only such schools now are
those connected with the penal in
stitutions of the country, and it is to
be regretted that, in many instances,
those who have been compelled to
thus become skilled in various de-
partments of labor, instead of pur-
suing their vocations when set at
liberty, have again turned their wits
to account, generally dishonesty, |
rather than work with their hands
Tor a living. 1t is now about four
years since the attention of the Legis-
ature of Massachusetts, was called to
.he general subject of industrial art
oy the petition Of certain gentlemen
setting forth the disadvantages under
which our manufacturers have to
with foreign manufacturers
or workmen skilled in drawing and ,
n other arts of design. One result
1f that action has been the establish
nent, in Boston, of the Normal Art
School and several free evening
lrawing schools, conducted on the
English and French plans. The COM ,
Dlete course at the Normal School
will take tour years, and the work ,
5 of great variety and of a practical
nature. There are now over one
hundred students here The draw ,
ing schools also are well patronized, !
md are amply supplied with models !
selected with great care in England I
md on the Continent, together with {
Examples illustrating the course Of !
tudy pursued in the Art School at :
south Kensipgton. There are more 5
han two hundred students in these {
chools The School of Instrumental
Drawing is well calculated to make .
rood, intelligent workmen- and its ;
members are principally from the !
classes-machinists, carpen- q
ers, ship-builders, etc. The instruc- :
ors are practical workmen, and in E
truction is given in original design o
nd in detailed construction. At GER :
ain points of progress, the student !
hooses some one branch of industrial 9
rt, to which he is afterwards to de- !
ote himself exclusively. 1t is un- .
ecessaFy to add that this innova- .
ion has proved a successful one, !,
nd its practical and commercial val :
e cannot be over-estimated.
There is also n moral question in ,
olved in this subject. A man with :
ut a trade, with the chances of get .
ing his living by his wits always :
gainst him, and always endeavoring =
, conceal his povcrty-for to advcr- y
se ones self poor is to deprive ones :,
elf Of CREDITS apt to lose his self .
espect and exist on the principle '
lat the world owes him a living, j.,
onscious of the truth of the old :
ouplet:-
Dimes and dollars, dollars and dimes, q
An empty pockets the worst OF crimes. -
The method of wages, which the S,
,aders of the trades-unions declare
; simply q method which demands b
le most labor for the least pay" t.
,ay or NAV not he wrong. but co