The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-04-29

LACE u u HI Al n
ogy OF Boston and the school of mines
Of Columbia College, New York, we
largely owe in this country the rapid
advance that has been made in the
establishment of schools for practical
training. In Europe the first Worlds
Fair at London made the necessity for
such schocl Is apparent, and the result
ia seen in the improved work OF Shelf
field, Birmingham and Manchester.
The change thus begotten has been
greatly accelerated by subsequent ma
tional and international fairs, all OF
which have strengthened the convic'
ton with thoughtful men that through
and by technical schools supremacy
in industry Is to be obtained and
maintained. Here, in cur own coun-
try, the changes that have been
wrought in the life Of the rising gen.
Grafton OF Indians by the Armstrong
school at Hampton, the Mission school
at Sauntee, OAK, over which Mr..
Riggs presidee, and the govern
ment schools at Carlisle, Pa,
Lawrence, Kas., aud at other
places in the West, have more than
tisfied the most carping that in prat-
cal training boys and girls are to find
their beat equipment for lie. So con-
vincing are the results attending the
labor accomplished in these schools
that II is deemed fair to predict that
the American Missionary Association
will within tho next two years have
all its schools at the South well
equipped for manual training.
What the drawing. class OF the ordi-
nary echool has done to advance the
taste OF the people and force manu-
factursrs into the accomplishment OF
more artistic work the manual train
ing school will do for the mechanic
arts. II will force better and more
conscientious work, aud will help to
elevate the mechanic to his proper
place and dignity labor as the basis Of
the nations wealth and greatness.
The next speaker was
Rabbi sRmneId.
who made an eloquent impressive
and interesting address, taking for his
subject the Dignity OF Labor" 1t
was the opinion OF many of those
present, who had frequently heard
the learned Rabbi both in the pulpit
and on the platform, that he was
never more happy than in his effort
last night. lie drew literally from
Jewish lore in support of the po-
sition that mechanic was not
without honor even in the earliest
days, and contrasted with tell
ing effect the relative positions
of the knight of chivalry, wasting
his manhood in idle gallantries and
fruitless deeds OF valor, and the mod
ern toiler whose strong right arm
builds the fleets of commerce and sets
in motion the busy workshops of the
world.
"The design of mans activity and
work, said the learned speaker, "is
already found on the trestle-board OF
nature. The universe is sustained by
intense activity. Because we do not
detect noise, clash and rattle similar
to the roar and clatter Of our machin-
cry in the whirling Of the planets and
the conflict Of atoms we are apt TO
overlook. the Ceaseless changes that
are going on in everything around us,
and which are indispensable TO sta
bility and order. Perpetually decay
ing are NATURES wide realms, but also
perpetually rebuilding and recon-
structing, and this decaying and
building up require most intense act
ivity and never ending labor. II the
plan of LIES work is indicated in
natures activity, every mans duty is
TO assign himself some work to
do. Man goeth forth to his work
and to his labor, declares our
text, to that unto which he is called
and for which he has been fitted. 1t is
folly to think that we are placed in this
world ia serve identical purposes. Gods
wise and inscrutable laws in regard to
the activity Of man are so constituted
that each man has his original endow-
ment, adaptations and correspondent
cies which set him apart for the per-
Torrance Of some special work. Hu.
man society is piece Of wonderful
mechanism, composed of wheels, pull
leys, hammers, springs, wedges, levers,
rivets and eranks. By the combined
operation of all of these, certain def
mite results are attainable, and the
specific functions Of the different
parts of society are important and val
liable, no matter what they are
and however insignificant they
look II considered by themselves.
No labor in mans life work
is TO be called Insignificant, and no
man ought to grumble or grow dis
satisfied because he has chosen an
humble occupation, subservient
avocation. There is permanent
principle Of divine government in the
fitness OF man for his place in the
worlds great workshop. We are what
we are fit to be il we do only consider
our capacity, tastes and aptitudes, and
give due attention TO the enyirons and
contingencies around us.
Remember every man God made
| is different, has some deed to do,
Some work 10 work be undismayed,
Though thine DO humble, do Il well. q"
And Owen Meredith is correct in his
poetical exhortation.
Rabbi Samfield also dwelt at some
length upon the widespread opinion
that laborious pursuits, trades, me-
chanical callings, are Incompatible
with good social position. He urged
upon wealthy parents even the impor-
lance OF sending their children out
into the world equipped for any emer-
gency aud qualified TO make their liv-
ing with their hands should thu tide
OF fortune turn against them. Give
them the knowledge OF a trade as a
capital, and even If they never see the
the need Of it's exercise, they will be
equip ped for any fate.
The speaker also showed the value
OF manual training schools in develop
ing the peculiar bent Of individual
mind and giving to each pupil an op.
portunity to follow such mechanical
studies as he shows special aptitude
for. Every man should be allowed tC
do that for which he is best fitted, and
Il is one Of the advantages otthe train