New-York tribune., 1900-08-12
A NEW SOCIAL SETTLEMENT
ONE TO BE ESTABLISHED BY THE PAUL
IsT FATHERS NEAR THEIR CHURCH.

where social settlement is a necessity. What
was originally boys club meeting in fine
old house at Tenth-ave. and Fifty-ninth-st. has
now broadened out into such dimensions that
the original form of organization is thought in
adequate. The residents of the first settlement
will be women, but already there is talk Of
starting also house for men. The settlement
idea is in a way, new to the Church of Rome.
but it is pointed out that it is after ALL merely
revival Of the medieval spirit and that Cath
ohcs are by the democratic training Of the
Church especially we'll equipped for such work
1t is certain that all that enthusiasm and train
ing can do to make the projected settlement
success will be done The PauIists have always
been in the van when work of this kind was to
be undertaken, and there is confidence as well
as enthusiasm in their ranks.
The work at present consists Of the organiza-
ton Of clubs and classes A gymnasium is open
for the boys. In all about two hundred and fifty
children are reached-a fine nucleus for the set
tement that is to be. Work at present can
be carried only in the evening but all that
| will be changed when there is a fully equipped
| settlement, with resident workers. The clubs
are chiefly for practical purposes. such as sew
ing and cooking, but there are circles in eco
nomics and cvics, and these viii doubtless IN
crease in number under the new regime The
great principle Of the settlenent-that charity
shall be a word unknown-is already recognized
in the work of the Paulists. for a monthly fee
Of 10 cents has been instituted.
The neighborhood is cosmopolitan The Irish
predominate, but the Germans send many chill
dren to the embryo settlement. and the Italians
contribute few. The emphasis viii be laid On
the development of the social spirit, and non
Catholics will be gladly welcomed workers,
The institution will. however, be Catholic in is
character, and the religious motive viii not be
relegated TO the background Children of all
creeds welcomed at the present house, and
will be equally at home in the future settlement;
but it is believed that to have the settlement
regular adjunct to and under the patronage Ct
the parish church would probably be its best
security
As one worker said: Tt would safeguard it
at once from the dangers and uncertainties Of
a mere haphazard undertaking. with the poz-
sjbility of a certain tendency toward Bohemian
ism. which it might take on if it were started
as 4 private enterprise by a party Of young
persons, no matter how good their intentions"
The cooperation of the settlement with the
missionary labors Of the parish priest will, IT IS
thought be invaluable. although the residents
will not endeavor to do proselyting.
Much of the missionarys valuable time"
said the worker before quoted. is taken up IN
clearing away the debris of misinformati0u
about or misunderstanding Of the faith and
practice of Catholics. most Of which could BE-
removed in many cases by half hours con-
versation with some intelligent lay Catholic
More than all these people could learn by per
sonaI contact with such Cathoics-which the
working system Of Catholic settlement would
constantly bring about-what the Catholic Ideals
! really are. What argument could be stronger
/ in removing prejudice than in learning through
the evidence of their senses about these ideals?
| With the preparatory assistance in his work
which the missionary would then have he would
be able to proceed at once to the preaching Of
| the doctrines Of the Church, which is the main
business Of his ministry. This would not be the
sphere Of the social worker"
Perhaps the greatest reason for hoping that
this work will be pre-eminently successful
comes. according to those most interested, from
the fact that the convent-bred girl is in many
/ WAYS ideally trained for such undertaking.
She has passed years in an atmosphere Of devo-
| ton OF seIf-sacriice. where such was the high
standard of life. She has, moreover as a rule,
received a knowledge Of the domestic arts and
a preparation for practical housekeeping far
beyond that obtainable in secular schools. This
sort of education is what the settlement worker
needs Further. the convent girl needs tn
settlement for her own sake on leaving IN
secIusion Of the school she is often disapponte
with the life awaiting her outside. \ settle
ment offers her an opportunity 10 apply her con-
vent ideals and to gain, at the same time a
valuable knowledge Of very real life.
IalD at u-ha ia he