The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-07-18
THEY LEARN TO FARM.
Rabbi Krauskoffs School to Train
Boys and Girls.
Farm Training VIII Be In Operation--A
Very Interesting Experiment.

Not long ago DIR. Joseph Krauskopf OF
Philadelphia, an eminent rabbi In Juda-
ism, promulgated plan for the establish
ment of national farm school, designed
primarily for the benefit of Jewish orphans
in America. When the rabbi visited Rus
sia last year, he found at one place there u
Jewish agricultural settlement and train
ing school of remarkable character, and
IL was this Russian institution that gave
him the idea which he determined 10 at
tempt TO put into practice IN this country.
He believed that the thing could bc carried
to success Notwithstanding the failure Of
sundry schemes for the founding of Jewish
farming colonies in the United States.
Rabbi Krauskopf recently issued cir
cular upon the subject, ia which he gave
notice that the national farm school was
about TO be put into operation, and in
which he says that the object sought is the
"training Of graduates Of orphan institu-
tions and of other capable boys and girls,
irrespective of creed, into skilled farmers Z"
The design Is that these youths shall bo
instructed in direct and orderly manner
IN the theory and practice of scientific
farming, as also I'm the best methods Of
stock raising, dairying, gardening and
fruk growing. IL Is the belief Of the rabbi
that the benefits TO be derived from such an
agricultural school and establishment are
incalculable.
Already tract Of land, 1o2 acres In size,
situated near Doyiestown, in the vicinity
Of Philadelphia, has been purchased at q
cost of $4,000. The land was paid for as
soon as IL was secured, the money having
been obtained from friends of the project.
This land Is now fully under cultivation,
nd ho. fa 10, 4, 10 A e,,I,
stantial and commodious school building,
with dormitory attachments, is in course
Of construction. Additional funds will be
needed for tho execution of'[he plans that
have been drawn up. A good sized fund
has already been raised through the assist
ance of people living In all parts of the
country. Contributions have been received
from nearly oil the states, and even from
Canada. The list OF New York city con-
tributors Is OF good proportions.
The management of the affairs of the
institution Is under the direction OF local
board, a national board and a national
auxiliary board, the latter consisting of
members living in all parts of the United
States. A qualified man will be chosen TO
fill the Office of superintendent of the na-
tional farm school
1t looks as though there would be a full
supply of both money and agricultural
students. Already there are more appli-
cants for admission than could bc accom-
modated in the buildings under oonstruc-
ton, and the number of them is increasing
all the time The magnitude of the insti-
tuition will be dependent upon tho nagnf-
tude of the contributions 1t Is hoped that
1000 boys ard girls will yet enjoy the ben
eflts of 1t. The boys will both work in the
fields and receive training in the farm
school The girls will render service in the
dairy and in the fruit gardens, while also
trained at the school.
AS the founder of the institution is a
rabbi, and as nearly all the contributors to
the farm fund are Jewish people, it will he
mainly tho youth of that religion who
will enter the establishment to prepare for
"a life of scientific farming. Rabbi Kraus-
kopf says, however, that the institution is
"for boys and girls irrespective of creed. F"
1t is his purpose TO have the school ready
for opening rs soon as the first week of
November next. The experiment is cer-
tainly one fyery great interest, and there
can be no doubt that the distinguished
man who has undertaken To carry it out is
well fitted for the task. IL successful, it
must rebound to his honor.--New York
sun.