Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-04-18
Use OF Hand Tools in the Schools

Speaking of the refusal of the Massachusetts
house Of representatives to pass to a third
reading the measure which authorizes instruc-
ton in the elementary use of hand tools as q
part Of the public school course, the Boston
Journal says: If the true aim of the school Is in
reality the preparation for active life, that aim
cannot be accomplished by exclusive brain. de-
veiopment for even in the most clerical pur-
suits the hand must often come to the brains
assistance, and with practical skill be en-
pOyed In practical uses.
How many of our graduates can drive a na,l2
How many can split frewoOd in the easiest way?
How many can saw, plane, bore, glue make a
box! Many of our youth in the schools to-day
who seem to lose their ordinary wits when
book is placed before them, would become
master workmen with tools, If once given the
opportunity of their use; and even the most
studious scholars would rather gain than lose
with this power over inanimate things which is
won by the knowledge of the use Of tools Be-
sides the advantage Of manual skill, it has been
shown by experience that intellectual training
Ia assisted by q carefully arranged and syste-
matte instruction In this branch Of Industrial
science.
Undue attention to purely mental studies is
diverted. the intelligence ia aroused, and a
healthtul and revivifying change is brought
about by active occupation. The testimony of
physicians has shown the advantage to pupils,
physically, IN the use OF tools II the course Of
study is already crowded with different
branches, there could easily be formed plans of
either emitting not indispensable study or of
adapting the scheme OF Rotations to. the ad-
ditlon OF the tool practice. Results In Europe
and IN this country have proved that this
course Of elementary training Is in nowise q
burden, but benefit to instruction in the regu-
lar old time branches: AS the educational
science advances, new ideas work an imnrove
ment upon old methods. 1t Is the spirit of the
young to look upon citizenship through labor
as right beyond the right Of birth or wealth.
If instruction in the hand working trades can
assist in intoxicating this true spirit of de-
mocracy, it is certainly the privilege Of schools
to supply the elements OF instruction.
You may know the dude by the way he sets
his feet when he poses for the admir- ton of
Womankind; at right angles, thus: -!
Here Is story told to illustrate the efficiency
OF Russian police:
Gortschakor having missed wallet with
5o,ooo roubes in 1t, informed the police, who
promised to find 1t In week At the end Of
tue Time specified they brought the money, but
sara they could not recover the book. The
prince admired and praised the efficiency of the
ponce. Some days later he found the missing
wallet III another coat, with the money intact.
Stlii greater admiration Of the policel
Inc franchise bill introduced by the govern
ment INTO the house of commons at Ontario,
ehacts that adults sons disqualified farmers and
1Hecialiifs, snail nave vote. 1t also provides
Ior female suffrage, giving to spinsters and
&4OO. f'p'''' f"''''io"''on VI