The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-01-21
THE SOCIAL QUESTION.

WORKING CLASSES AND PUBLIC scHooLs-LEc-
TURE BY PROFESSOR IELIx ADLER.
The religion of humanity said Professor Adler
at Standard Hail. yesterday, could not Afford to post
pone any longer the consideration Of the social dues-
ton They had spoken long enough OF humanity IN
the abstract they should now behold humanity 10 the
concrete. Europe grand volcano, with I'M
meuse military establishments draining the le-blood
OF the people. Germany. alter successful war; had
scattered tho Immense war debt II had received from
France: prior time Of unhealthy speculation fol-
lowed, aud relief committees mad to be appointed
everyw keep the people from starvation. The
silent spectators Of all these proceedings
but their very silence ominous Here in America.
II any one only lew years ago had ventured TO say
that the social question ought be discussed ne would
have been told that he was premature And still tho
state Of affairs last summer gave them terrific
shock, 1t came like lhunderbolt from
clear sky. The majority alter having vented
their indignation upon the awbreaker appear have
forgotten those events, but the thoughtful knew that
the very nature OF such scenes to occur olten
anu to them they furnished not very pleasant vistas
of tho future. One remedy had been proposcd-vlz,
enlarge she military strength OF Tho country. How
absurd in governments by the people and Tor the
people to rely iorce when the people themselves
were afflicted! II Twas too expensive TO shoot down
the people, for all interests suffered then and all the
wheels Of industry would be clogsed. Far better
would II be TO deliberate IN time, and turn oil The
poison that the ranks OF the people
THE REMEDY PROPOSED.
There was but safeguard, and that was the moral
regeneration OF tho masses Both the rion and poor
shO ud be appealed 10. Tho rich must deny them
serves many things known Injuries; the poor
should earnestly and calmly push forward their own
Cause. The nrst thing that struck thoughtful
men in considering inns question was that
there existed no social harmony between the
Two classes OF society. Moro equality OF intellec-
,onto fnr RI n nan pliF
industrial education should DO enlarged. The public
schools did not realize one-half OF what Tho working
men had q right ~ expect from them fatal pars-
mony presided their govern ment, and hence The
methods OF instruction wero quite imperfect IL is
child. Here are 30 900 children annually leaving the
pubic SCHOOLS How are they equipped Tor the great
battle Of lie before themY little reading, little
writing aud little reckonng-andt this IS what We are
all SO proud OF. The Professor ad-l have no more
respect this educational trinity than tor the
mental nourishnent given them at the churches 10
worship the other Trinity.
THE STATE AND SCHOOLS
1t WAS shortsished poncy winch said that the
State could afford to give these children better
education What the State Could not afford was to
have ignorant people grow up as citizens. What the
State required was integeut honestvoters There was
one mouel school here, established by we'll known
phanl hropist but was totally inadequate 20 the
requirements of the hour Only ouc-hftn OF the APP
pcants could be admitted to the classes II the Stale
we're penny wise ana pound foolish IN the adj
ministralion OF pubic schools our OWE city would
have never known the rcgn oI tho lords OF misrulc
which has thrown such durK blot upon It's iar
fame. AS very little wisdom can De expected from
the city authorities in this matter he would look for
private uuicence 10 insure the intellectual culture
Of the workingman. The time Was last approaching
when forces OF socety-capital and labor
would be united. There need be no
revolution, no disturbance TO effect such
suit hut industrial intellect and freedom would DO
secured ultimately, though 1t might be the work OF
slow aud gradual growth, ana industrial freedom
would give US social harmony. ALI sorts Of interests
now cajoling the working classes; the masses
throughout the world refused 70 BIO led however, any
longer they had been In the past new spirit mad
come over them. The enemies Of enlightenment even
were endeavorIng TO secure their good WILL but &c
ligious EMANCIPATION mad given the worknsman
moral liberty TO hight for his own salvation. Inc re-
hgion OF humanity Intended not only 10 extend its
hand also its heart TO the masses and with firm
Will and animated noble purposes would wOrthily pre-
sde over the mighty changes oil the great future.