The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-11-24

The lack of Bibles in many families certainly has significance, In Group A, PAY families, and in Group R, 1,2SO fam lilies, in all at least LAY families do not possess a Bible. These are as a rule Roman Catholic families. But this is to be considered. Many families have eX- pensive Bibles, which have cost from $5 to $50 (and in some cases even more), which serve as ornaments, but are neY- CT read, and are handed down, unsul- lied, from parents to children. But in their churches the people receive 1n- struction in Biblical truth, and often feel that this is safer than to seek truth for themselves from the Bible, with the danger of misunderstanding.
 The Connecticut Bible society does not seek data as to illiteracy. Nor is this necessary for its purpose. The state does not undertake the instruction of adults who cannot read and write. Such persons do not usually desire in- struction; the few who can easily se- cure it. But the children are all sup posed to be provided for in our public schools Thus, practically provision is made for all, whether more or fewer.
 The fact set forth in this and previous reports are momentous facts, or there are none. There are shown in their proportions the nationalities, which en- ter as component factors into our city life. These foreign people have brought with them their race characteristics, which have come down the centuries and which are to throw their force into our blood, our laws, our civilization. If these peoples are to be elevated this must be done with the knowledge of their race character and with respect for it, in both of which our people are thus far greatly deficient.
 Forms of Religious Faith.
 Our report shows also the forms of re- ligious belief prevailing among us. Without asserting that either one of these is in itself better or worse than the rest. We can say, without any hesi- tation, or fear of serious contradiction, that, viewed in the light of history, the fact of certain men among us of giv- en race, holding a certain set of relig- ious beliefs, is an instant appeal for our active aid.
 This report shows, to some extent the attitude of the people towards the religion which they profess; matter which leads to serious inferences re- garding the moral condition of the peo- pie and the character of the religious institutions which prevail among them. If this attitude is not a cordial one, there is very serious trouble somewhere and the future may reveal the develop ment of perilous forces in the bosom of SnciotU eOy IoI +p ortl, 5 5;coc trously when there is no power able to control them.
 Forecast for the Future.
 Once more, with a forecast of the future, we have shown how many chil- dren are outside of religion and moral training. Some of the children not con- nected with the Sunday schools are of course in families where they have good home training, but these are a very small proportions; the most are growing up without receiving the inn planting of moral and religious motives. There is little hope for their future. If so many go down before the fierce temptations of life, who have had all possible safeguards thrown around them in youth, those who are destitute of these are nearly sure to yield and fall and add so many more to the sum of human wreckage.
 This and the preceding reports, how ever, do not set forth all that has been done by this society. The society knows every family by name, residence and component membership, with other de- tails, and has placed complete records of these matters with those whose pc culiar mission it is to undertake the remedy of the serious evils of life, namely with the churches. Much in teresting material, which has been tab ulated, is not embodied in this report; but it is hoped that it will at some later time be give to the public.