The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1893-11-18
A school of Democratic Culture.

For thoroughgoing endeavor to train
young men and young women for the actual
life which common people lead, and to give
them an artistic, scientific and practical
apprehension of its meaning and possibili-
ties, few, if any, schools viii compare
with the Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, which
Mr.. ]. r. Campbell describes in the Cen
tury for November. 1t is quite impossi-
bic to follow him through all the ramifea-
tious, new and old, of schooling which he
traces. A few illustrations will suffice.
When the homeliest of home duties are
based on science, are studied and praeticed
as an art, the method pursued in less hum
bic branches of work can be readily imag-
ined
THE SCIENCE AND THE ART OF DRESS.
"The department of domestic art gives
morning, afternoon and evening instruction
in sewing, dressmaking, millinery and
physical culture to over twelve hundred
students Without any precedent in this
country-it might almost be said in the
world. Besides instruction in methods
and manipulation, the courses are designed
to cultivate the pupils taste. She is con-
stantly led to consider the style Of the
making and coloring of hats and dresses
from an artistic and hygienic standpoint.
The instruction is broadened also by talks
given in the classroom ON the history and
manufacture of materials and textiles used,
and upon colors and FORM Physical cul-
ture is essential in teaching the principles
of artistic dress, since well-proportioned
body is necessary to symmetry of effect In
dress. There is, therefore, a course in
calisthenics, which students are encouraged
to take. A course in drawing is given
under the direction of the department of
industrial and fine arts, beginning with
pencil practice, and including study of
drapery, drawing of waists and gowns,
practice in use of color, problems Of de-
sign, and study of the human form.
THE THEORY OF COOKERY AND LAUNDRY.
"These cases of food products, and Of
the chemical constituents of food; the
charts showing what the food must supply
to the human body; the models of different
cuts of meat-all these facilities of instruc-
ton are only hint Of what is attempted
in the kitchens, lecture-rooms and labora'
tories. In word, it is the training oi
women in the sciences underlying the right
administration of the house. and in the
arts based upon those sciences.
sHere is the normal class in domestic
science. 1t is a liberal course which they
are pursuing, including German, the physi
cal sciences, biology, psychology, household
economies, and applied chemistry. Al
instruction is by lectures, quiz, and labora
tory practice Besides these as theory
they are given practice in cookery and il
laundry work. "
BLACKBOARD JOURNALISM.
The daily newspaper of this institute
which is read Immediately after morning
prayers, is not bad idea.
"Blackboards stretching around three
sides of the assembly room are filled each
morning with important news, each edito
being answerable for the news he place
upon his blackboard. Maps and picture
are drawn to illustrate important events
Biographies are accompanied by portraits
The exercise lasts only twenty minutes
and doubtless has its value not only ii
keeping teachers and students up to date
but in its educative discipline. Othe
exercises of the school, intended to be sup
Elementary to the study of civics and
training in practical politics, are campaigl
speaking, caucus, joint session Of Hous
and Senate, balloting and registration. Il
literature, language, and science the labora
tory method is employed"
BEAUTFYING THE HOME.
'In addition to the general institute ex
hibit above referred to, there is an alcov
showing the work of the women pupils anc
graduates. Almost every piece of worl
here is in some way connected with th'
idea of home. Woman S true emancipa
patton, it would seem, does not take he
from her mission as the maker and glori
fer of home"
Though only five years old the institut
numbers nearly four thousand students
1t has sent forth thirteen hundred an,
twenty women workers in professional AM
industrial spheres. 1t will shortly b
transferred to more commodious an,
beautiful building, its founder having con
structed the present edifce ia such styl
as TO admit of being turned into factor
if the school failed.
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