New-York tribune., 1900-01-20
MAKING GOOD CITIZENS.
RR. OSBORNE, PRESIDENT OF THE
GEORGE JUNIOR REPUBLIC. EX-
2 PLAINS THE METHOD.

The meeting in behalf of the George Junior Re-
public. held at the home of Mrs. Levi P. Morton,
No. 6l Fifth-ave-, yesterday afternoon. called to-
gether a large number. Notwithstanding the un-
pleasant weather. The large drawing room and re-
ception hall were completely filled by Unmistak-
ably interested audience. The meeting under
the auspices OF the Womans Aid to the George
Junior Republic and was intended to increase pub
lie interest in the work.
Thomas NJ Osborne. of Auburn. n. Y, who is
president Of the George Junior Republic Associa-
tion made the first address.
I'm this republic modelled after the larger, for
whose ultimate benefit IT works." he said. I'VE see
children from many States and many conditions Of
life. yet how like they arei We learn there that
there is class distinction in broad humanity.
AS Victor Hugo said: Underneath the gloved hand
of the aristocrat and the grimy horny fist of the
workingman there throbs the There is
but thing 10 bow to-that is genius. There is
but thing to kneel to-that is goodness
THE impressive feature of this Republic is the
proof II gives OF the capacity for regener
alton held by the youth of the race. 1t has
turned all my ideas about heredity and environ
ment, for have found boys with the possible
in both righting themselves under Mr. Georges
system. and becoming moral, law-abding and
earnest young men"
Mr. Osborne gave instances of the remarkable
change in individual cases. Last week he went to
the republic with some friends, and one said of
boy who went around the various buildings with
them: What a nice looking boy!" Yet that boy
was two years ago apparently hopeless case.
There has never been." continued Mr. Osborne "a
system that develops sef-control and character.
The citizens do not become angels. but they do be-
come law-abiding, self-respecting youths and men,"
The experimental stage has passed Seventy boys
have gone out from the little community at Free
number has even partially retrograded. and he was
enters Harvard next year, four are studying for
the ministry, others are farmers at work in Mr.:
osborne's mills IN Auburn and several have good
places in New-York City. A number Of the last
noticeably bright and earnest looking men
ETHICS OF THE REPUBLIC.
Three distinct lessons taught there" said
Mr.. Osborne that balance and will extirpate three
obvious evils. First the necessity and dignity Of
work They must labor 10 live Work is supplied
for ali, and if they do their food they go
dinnerless If they not their clothing they
remain ragged; If they do not earn their lodging
they are arrested as vagrants and not allowed
choice Of la Dor. but compelled to break stone
work, and the root of pauperism is struck at
Second, they are taught the rights of ownership
by being encouraged in every way to acquire prop
defence Of their own and criminal propensities are
lessened Thirdly, every function Of government
Junior and the citizens learn to respect law, see
what It means to have power and government. real
Whole e political deal is eevafed vote is not to
be sold II is privilege to be defended"
After Mr.. Osborne's address, Mr. George. the
founder of the republic, gave long and interest
read a note handed TO him by some one who pre- seo
ferred not to give his name, offering 10 add SlO0
to every $1,000 raised by the Woman's Aid or to
he Of fifty 10 give 500 each. or one Of one hum
dred to give $1,000 each, for three years.
There were present besides Mrs. Morton Mrs.
Aha and he foowhs hs ID Ms
Duncan Bukley. Mrs Henry Burden, Mrs. John
Markoe, Mrs John Wells Mrs. Edward Oothout,
Miss c. H. Patterson. Miss Van Santvoord and
Miss Damon.
Among others in the audience were Mrs. Daniel
s. Lamont Miss Josephine Wismer Mrs. Wilton
Merritt Smith, Miss Elizabeth Prentice, Mrs.
Austin, Mrs. Jewett and Mrs. Thompson.
The annual dues of the Woman's Aid are S. and
new members desired. Gifts of money, cloth
ing and household articles of use ornament will
be received gladly. Any one having contributions
OF money is asked to communicate with the treas
urer and secretary Miss Edith Hamilton White,
NO 10 West Fifty -ninth-st., and contributions of
goods to be forwarded will be cared for If Miss
&. II. Patterson. No 20 Fifth-ave., be notified.