St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-06-12
MANUAL TRAINING.

MN y AL
The graduating exercises of the ST.
Paul Manual Training school occurred
Wednesday afternoon at O'clock.
During the two hours previous to this
event the reveral shops and working
rooms were in full operation and open
to the public. Large numbers of people
availed themselves of the opportunity
to observe the practical workings of the
school.
In addition to the usual literary
studies, the course consists of drawing,
embracing free hand, practical sketch
ing, designing, perspective, light and
shade, the preparation of working
drawings, architecture, etc. The shop
work embraces operations in wood and
metals, including carpentry, joinery,
carving and turning. pattern making,
holding, casting, forging, tempering,
soldering, chipping, filing, fitting and
the like. Many of these processes
were being carried on during the eX-
hibition of shop work just referred to.
Two facts were perfectly evident
from the observation of the work of
these shops: First, that the boys them
selves were thoroughly interested, if
not enthusiastic, in their work, their at
tention being rivited to the business in
hand, and they were thus acquiring
those habits of close application, indus
try, and accuracy in the handling of
tools. machinery and raw materials so
essential to success in the walks of life.
Secondly, that the visitors were thor
Oughly interested in witnessing the diff
fereDt processes i'll which the students
were engaged.
Thus the two essential factors in the
prosperity of the school, viz: The in
terest and enthusiasm of the students,
Joined TO the interest and approval of
the public. were apparent.
The conclusion which every intelli-
gent observer must have reached in the
inspection of this work was that no
more propositions for the abandonment
of this feature of our school system are
likely to be heard in the future, but
rather that every effort should be made
to build it up and extend its usefulness
to the fullest practicable limit.
The graduating exercises were ex-
ceedingly simple, direct and to the
point. The topics of the addresses of
the class were happily selected, and re-
Elected in remarkable degree the prac-
tical tendencies of the institution. A
discussion of the diamond point tool,
the micrometer, atmospheric pressure,
screw threads, air pump and the Undue
ton coil, were among the topics pre-
sented by the speakers. A description
of the blue print process of molding
and examples of sketching from nature
were very interesting. The subjects
were all illustrated by references to
actual work performed by the students
during the course. The time occupied
by these exercises scarcely exceeded
one hour.
1t should be more generally known by
the citizens of st. Paul that the object
of this school is the training of our
youth IN those branches of knowledge
which are most closely connected with
active life. The discipline of the mind
is by no means neglected; but the use
of the hand, on the contrary, is invoked
for the purpose of enhancing that disci-
pine. Its purpose is not to teach a
trade, but rather the ground work of
many trades, while sharpening and
training the faculties to habits of exact
thought.
incidentally this course gives prac-
teal knowledge of things, familiarizing
the pupil with instruments and tools.
forcing him to acquire habits of order,
neatness, perseverance and systematic
industry.
Undoubtedly large numbers who GO
determining wisely their true career i'll
out from this school will be fitted by it for
life. Many will aspire to the more adj
vanced studies of our engineering and
polytechnic schools, and will thus be-
come eminently qualified to take charge
of public works and great industrial en-
terprises of all kinds.
There can be no question either as to
the influence which this school will
exert upon the development of the in
dustries of our city. The great need in
all these industries is trained skill. The
experience of all who have important
buildings to erect and furnish here in
the Northwest is that the requisite
skill cannot be obtained without import
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that the operations OF the manual train
ing school will tend largely to correct
this defect. 1t will establish a high
standard of mechanical skill. and thus
act as powerful incentive to workers
in all lines to perfect themselves in
their respective trades and callings
The attendance at the school during
the past six months has largely in
creased, the number during the present
year having reached 125. By the recent
action of the board of education it is ex-
pected to greatly increase the benefits
of the school by opening the shops for
the use of the boys in the high school
who may desire to avail themselves of
their advantages. At the same time a
large part of the literary work done in
the manual training school will be
transferred to the high school. 1t is
also arranged that department for
girls shall be opened at the beginning