New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-12-21
THE, UNIVERSITY SETTLEMENT IDEA.

The organization of the University Settlement
Society on an enlarged basis promises to
promote work of which NewYOrk, unfortu-
nately, has the greatest need, and one which
offers a prospect of much usefulness. The task
which the society sets before itself is neither an
experiment nor visionary scheme Of sentimental
philanthropy but an extension OF useful activ-
ty already in operation Its purpose is to spread
over the lower part of the city such colonies as
the Neighborhood Guild of Forsyth-st. and the
College Settlement of Rivington-St. In these
East Side districts men and women OF education
and gentle breeding have taken up their abode,
to live with the poor on footing of equality
and intimacy, learning thus, as it can be learned
in no other way, how to help those whose present
lot is poverty and degradation. They have
found out that only those who "know how the
other half lives" can inteiligently dispense the
charity which aids without injuring its recipients,
and bear that personal service which is the high
est helpfulness. To bring the poorer classes into
relation with things outside and above the sordid
aims and manifold distresses Of their daily life
is primary aim of this work. Such a quick
ening of the intellectual life nothing else can
bring so surely as personal contact with men and
This was the idea that set Arnold TOynbee
at work in the London slums, and after him q
train of enthusiastic followers who have seen
good results from their activities everywhere
and this is the idea which is happily coming to
be more and more the foundation OF all phan-
thropical work. Tho distance that separates
"the classes" from 1.-THE Masses in the great
cities is an element of the social problem that
takes on more sinister appearance every day.
1t is time, say those who think with Toynbce
and who are founding University Settlements,
that the two elements OF society should approach
nearer to each other in feeling and sympathy ;
that the general attitude Of avoidance on the
one hand and Of distrIst on the other should
be overcome and that basis Of mutual knowl-
edge should be established that each may profit
BY friendship with the other. Only by such re-
atons of kindly and intimate intercourse can
right feeling on either side be gained.
The Ncighborhood Guild and the College Set
Element have both accomplished much material
good in many directions. Work of direct help
fitness enters naturally into the activities OF
such organizations and 1t is expected, from the
enlarged sphere of the University Settlement So
ciety. that such benefits will be extended. Nor
does this idea of the University Settlement aim
to exclude or to enter into any rivalry with the
great network of other charities which spreads
wherever there is misery and poverty. 1t rather
Joins them in hearty cooperation, and offers
most valuable supplement to their efforts.
The recent meeting in this city put President
Low at the head of the institution, and secured
the active interest and support of many men
whose names are promise of earnest and in
telEgent effort. IL is fortunate, and significant
of the quarter from which help may be expected,
that the presidents of the chief universities Of
tho land have identified themselves with the
work, or have signifed their intention OF doing
so. 1t remains to win the interest and devotion
of their younger graduates in increasing num-
bers, for whom the work offers so much OF in
SEPARATION and attraction.