New-York tribune., 1897-06-27
THE PEOPLES INSTITUTE.
IT'S OBJECTS AND AIMS EXPLAINED BY
CHARLES sPRAGUE' SMITH.

Charles Sprague Smith. chairman OF tho Com
rnt;ee for Organza ton OF the Peoples Institute.
told a Tribune reporter yesterday what has al
ready been done with regard to it's formation.
This information has hitherto been withheld. II
cas- known that several influential persons in the
CITY were organizing Peoples Institute" but of
IFS scope and objects and the name. OF those in
,erested in It nothing had been ascertained.
From the information given by Mr. Smith It ap-
pears that the objects Of the founders of the In
sti,ute are varied and comprehensive. The Idea
originally was Mr.. Smiths. and grew out Of de-
sire 10 furnish the people systematic instruction
in social science history literature and other sub
iects. AT the same time Il was felt that an insti-
tuition which was absolutely undenominational and
belonging 20 political or social party might
provide means by which those holding various
opinions following different occupations, could
meet and discuss social and other questions. In
this way the thoughtful elements of society might
he united with the intelligent wage-earning class
in searching for solution TO many problems now
before the world
Mr.. Smith spoke OF his scheme to ex-Mayor
Hewitt Miss Grace u. Dodge the Rev. DR.. w r.
Rainst5rd and others interested in social Ques-
tons. and the idea favorably regarded by
them. a preliminary discussion held at the
house of the Rev. DR. r Heber Newton, and on
May 2S a conference was held at ex-Mayor Hew-
tits house. which arranged for third meeting
on June IL. and invited Samuel Gompers. Henry
w II.
son. J. W. Ghent. Edward Thimme. and other
labor representatives TO be present Most OF these
attended the third meeting. and spoke in favor of
the scheme. a suggested constitution read
and adopted. An advisory council suggested
as the most convenient ruling body for the lnsti-
tute. and ii was determined that this council
should consist OF thirty members
\ committee was appointed 10 prepare the articles
OF Incorporation These sent Albany, and
the charter granted Friday last The fol-
lowing are the incOrpora;ors: The Rev. DR.. Rains
ford. the Rev. Dr. r. Heber Newton. Miss Grace H.
Dodge. Dr. E r. L. Gould, Robert Fulton Cutting
Abram S Hewitt, George Tombeson. Edward
Thmme and Charles Spiasue Smith The trustees
V. E. Macy. Howard Mansfield. R. Hober New
ton. Edward D. Page. Charles B. Spahr, Charles
Sprague Smlih, J. @. Phelps Stokes. Edward
Thmme ana George Tombieson.
The constitution consists mainly OF a statomen: Of
the objects already outlined. One paragraph. de-
signed 70 make the institute ABSOLUTELY Endenom!-
ma ,ional reads as follows The Peoples Institute.
as such shall not ally itself with any political.
lig.oUs or SOCIAL parry or sect"
,r, ne hst o. meinoets OF the Adv!sory Council OF
fave as yet rePsa + + viii H probably 'SS conssi s[ Of
toned: Waller Hervey. Albert Shaw James r.
Reyggqlasi William F: Dodge JACOB Ii. schin: Ed
+. I. y Seligman. Charles w Warner Ernes; H.
Crosby. Jacob ~ Riis. Miss l. B Wald. Clarence
/; is intended TO make this council representative
OF a. ne classes interested in the institute. The
terms OF once Of six members will expire each year:
by the founders and donors OF the institute. two
by the ass, associates and Two by the members.
autumn or winter. No attempt has al present been
made 20 coloct funds though some of those inter-
on this point is ANTICIPATED Just VIVA; direction
the work viii take az frst is not ye determined. but
h.s, American and English authorities on social
historical and literary subjects.