The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-06-20
INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION.
What the Rhode Island Industrial
Exhibition Proposes To Do.
A COMPLETE TECHNICAL SCHOOL
Ths Prospects and Advantages Of the
school Set Forth In Paper by ID. M.
Thompson-what other Countries Arc
Doing.

The pamphlet just issued by the execu-
tive committee of the Rhode Island Indus
trial Exhibition contains most complete
article on the proposed school of indus
trial art and permanent exhibition written
by Mr. ID. M. Thompson. Lack OF space
prevents complete reproduction OF the
article, but brief extract will convey
the ideas in part. After an exhaustive
resume OF the origin and development of
the mechanic and scientific discoveries
and inventions. Mr.. Thompson continues
as follows:
The origin of the technics Of industrial
art is coincident with civilization. Tech
nical education consists in the acquisition
of knowledge relating to industrial la
Dor, or the art of knowing how to pro
duce articles of utility or ornament with
the greatest possible skill and economy.
It's influence has been a factor of wonder
ful power through all stages of growth
and development. Blot out the achieve
ments of astronomical, mathematical,
chemical aud electrical science, and there
would remain but barren plain OF desert
sands. Science and art are therefore the
essential elements which compose the
foundation, while industrial art is the
grand superstructure OF our CIVILIZATION.
Education and the means for practical
application OF the knowledge OF the arts
and sciences are prerequisite aud indis-
pensible to the highest development OF
our domestic industry. Industrial pro-
grcss Is coincident with education and
the enlightenment of the people. Labor
saving machinery.and improved methods
are the natural accomplishments OF
superior knowledge and skill. The union
of these forces begets steadily increasing
power of production, the results OF which
have rendered possible the unparalleled
luxuries we now enjoy.
Industrial progress Is best promoted in
localities where "A broad and liberal pub
lie spirit is to be found, and among
people who are able to realize the neces-
sity of art education and industrial train
ing. 1t is therefore question OF vital
importance TO a community and to all OF
its people, that they shall each and all,
whether rich or poor, render the most
earnest support to such means or meas
ures which may be proposed, and which
are reasonably shown to be necessary TO
the protection of their Industrial in
teresLs.
In consideration OF the present indus
trial interests of the State of Rhode
Island and with the desire and purpose
of their protection and advancement, the
Industrial Exhibition and a School of
Technology is believed to be OF such I'm,
portance as to command the approval and
support OF the people, irrespective OF sec
tional or local interests.
Within the dominion of this common
wealth are natural advantages OF almost
unparalleled value. Its vast accumulation
of capital justifies the expectation Of
great commercial interests in the future.
ly. Mt mi N m n nm
valuable marine and inland commerce.
Narragansett bay is one OF the finest
harbors upon the Atlantic sea-board. 1t
is unsurpassed In its location and natural
advantages for ocean and coast-wise
traffic. The city OF Providence
healthful and delightful locations in the
world as place of residence. IL is geo
graphically the natural port of entry and
the central point for distribution of pro-
ducts for New England and the Canadas.
With the completion of railroad terminal
facilities now In progress, moderate ex.
penditure in harbor improvements, and
railroad connections with the West via
Springfield, conditions will have obtained,
which will afford the means of rapid
and marvellous growth, and will inevita-
bly, result in fabulous increase in the
wealth Of the State.
In addition to the superior natural ad-
vattages. the city of Providence posses
seS the wealth in ample abundance for
the contamination of the most liberal i'm
provements which wise public policy
may determine, and for the extension OF
its commerce and manufactures. The
total banking capital is SIS, 397 ,S95 sur
plus Of $5,57l ,209.94 and deposits of s64,-
194, ,S39.79.
These conditions are peculiarly signiG-
cant. They are of such exceptional value
as to be eminently worthy OF reference in
connection with this important enter
prise, whose especial objective purpose is
the development of the manufacturing
interests OF the State, such as now COM
prise The important industries of the
people. They constitute the foundation,
and are the means which have been sue
cessfully employed in the production of
the vast wealth before named.
The industrial interests of Rhode Island
are Of q widely diversified character. Its
manufactures OF cotton, wool and wor-
steds. rubber goods, steam engines, cot
ton and other textile manufacturing and
finishing machines, machine tools, etc,
are second to none. Ii is also the centre
OF the manufacture OF jewelry and silver
ware, comprising among its products
many of the best and highest grade goods
and wares known to the trade. The
people employed in the various industries
az operatives, artisans and mechanics, are
0O0fS tiS oNcibkt III tuIittt lutclllkcuCt
and skill. In 1891 the deposits in the
savings banks in the Stale or Rhode
Island amounted to $50. 100000. There
were 136,64S depositors (equal in number
TO nearly 40 per cent. of the total popula-
tion). while the average to each depositor
was $490, an amount largely in excess OF
any other State in the Union. Therefore
the present conditions are exceptionally
favorable TO the adoption OF the means
herein proposed for further development,
the results OF which, it is believed, will
exceed al reasonable expectations.
The History of Industrial Art
fs replete with important Information de-
fived from the practical experience Of all
sections of the world. In respect TO many
questions OF vital interest, we have passed
the stage Of experiment. IL is clearly
demonstrated that there can bc no per-
manent or enduring success without intel
ligent, cooperative work. Temporary ad-
vantage may be obtained through an im-
portant discovery but in the end, its in
huence is sure TO be dissipated or neutra-
lized through the very methods employed
TO protect IL. There Is no just Cause for
closing the avenues OF approach TO this
great store-house OF Information. The
procession Is steadily advancing; when
The rear has to-day reached the position
occupied by the head of the line yester