The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-03-27
SOLVING A BIG PROBLEM.
IMPROVING TIE CONDITION OF THE
RUSSILN HEBREWS.

IMPROVING TIE CONDITION OF TIE
RUSSIAN HEBREWS.
Beciuning with the Youngest Members Of .
raniiy, and Leading Them Through the
Various stages Of Practical 1nstruetios-
Parents Allowed TO Learn English asa
How to Handle Observation-Disclosures or the
Work That Has Bsen IN Progress siace
the Increase or Immigra from Russia
The schools In New York ana Chicago.
OF the subjects that have been presented to
thoughtful Americans within recent times
mono has caused moro discussion than the
great immigration OF Russian Hebrews to
this country. The propriety of shutting our
. doors to these ignorant hordes has been sug-
gested by many who SEQ In them dangerous
competitors to our workingmen and poor
material for citizens. Others. inspired. no
doubt by equally patriotic motives. have de-
clared In favor Of the old-tme hospitality
which has made this country the beacon OF
hope toward which the oppressed OF tho world
hook with longing Whatever may be the out
come OF the discussion all American are. I'M
QUESTIONABLE. united In believing that the i'm
migrants that have been admitted should be
moulded. as soon as possible. into rational.
self-supporting and self-respecting citizens.
Every effort. therefore. on the part OF Ameri-
can Hebrews which will hoston tho American
isng OF tho thousands who have como to the
United Statos within tho past few years will
recoivo tho cordial sympathy OF oil citizens
It is gratifying to know that in ut least two OF
Tho great cities Of the United States SYSTEM
alto work In this direction is under way. The
Hebrew citizens Of New York and Chicago
hnvo done their duty In regard to them. and
their unselflsh efforts and great generosity
speak we'll for their sense Of the obligation
chat rests on them for having encouraged at
least a part Of the immigration.
The task that the Hebrew citizens OF those
two cities have undertaken is not easy Many
OF the immigrants have shown an appreciation
OF the efforts to being them up to our civiliza-
ton: but others have acted as though they
had claim on their American co-religionists
and have not shown a disposition to help
themselves With tho latter storm measures
have boon necessary. and the American He
brows have not hestated to inform them that
In this country beggars receive scant cour-
tesy. Tho enlightened American Hebrews
appreciate the liberty to be enjoyed In this
country. and feel sorry for the oppressed
wretches who come to them imploring aid. and
they are endeavoring to raise the latter to the
standard OF American citizenship. Patience
appears to be the chief prerequisite in this
work. The immigrants have all the prejudices
which years OF oppression and enforced
separation from other people can de-
veop They nre weak physically. and
they regard those not OF their race as
their natural enemies. They are cunning. dis
trustful.ignotant.sup and uncleahly.
Imagine the efforts necessary to convert them
into frank. enlightened. soli-reliant and self
respecting citizens. with an appreciation Of
the virtues Of soap and water. and confidence
In tho integrity OF their fellow citizens. That
tho efforts have boon successful to certain
extent Is O great tribute to tho teachers.
THE SCHOOLS IN NEW YORK.
In Now York the moulding process has be0n
attempted In various ways The work has
boon more complicated than elsewhere. be-
causo Now York contains go many more immi-
grants than any other city. Even the large
number in Chicago Is small In proportion to
tho number OF those In New York. The most
saportant work. probably. is carried on In tho
new Hebrew Institute at jefferson street aud
East Broadway. A large number OF the imni-
grants receive instruction there. The build
ing. which Is OF recent construction. hns q
height OF five stories and covers o ground
area Of eighty-seven by ninety-two feet It
has entrances In East Broadway and Jefferson
street and AN elevator in the East Broad
way side The walls are OF yellow pressed
brick. trimmed with stone. and the in
tOElOE Is dUSOlut6ly ATopTOOls Will SOtlu SCllEs
cases OF iron and slate. It has electric lights
and steam heat, and pure air is introduced by
a powerful blower with ventilating nuea In
che first story arc the directors room. room
for the industrial school. and the kindergarten
section OF five large connecting rooms that can |
be thrown into one. In tho story below. which |
Is partly beneath the street level. is the audi
once hall. containing TO seats and platform. |
on which Is piano and space for twenty per-
sons. On Saturday evenings free concerto IRE |
given In tho hall. In the second story are |
eight class rooms. and in tho third are rooms |
for the Agullar FREQ Library. tho Young Mems
Hebrew Association. and two Glasses. The top |
story has a gymnasium. q room for a cooking |
school. and tho workshop OF tho manual train
Ing school, Tho gymnasium Is arranged on |
the most approved PLAN with series OF baths
and lockers. Tho roof has beun paved. and Is
to DO used as q summer garden. A high para
pet surmounts the wallis making the roof
secure pleasure ground for the children.
From 8 In the morning until In the after
noon tho children OF immigrants are In
structed In English In the class rooms In tho
second story. Two Thousand two hundred and
sighty-four children have graduated from
those classes into tho public schools since tho
classes woro formed ninetoen months ago.
Daring the last year thoro were TAO graduates