The sun., 1903-06-25
RELIGION IN THE PUBLIC
SCHOOLS.
Extreme Position OF an Infldel-Demand
that New York be Left Christian.


To THE EDITOR OF TIE SUN--.Sir: In regard
to the reading Of the Bible in the public schools
of New York, objected to by our Hebrew pop
ulation, it must be remembered that there is
no more reason why the Christian Bible should
be read than the Hebrew Bible. the Koran.
the Mormon Bible. or the teachings OF Con-
fucius and Buddha. of Pagan SIN or any, myth
ology objectionable to any OF our people.
The Bible can be taken up In special study
outside OF the schools without interfering
with the great mass OF the American people.
The reading Of the morning M sohn ahewspaspThrs s ,hs
Bible, In order to give the student an insight
into the daily conditions of the globe ana itS
people, Of whom he chances to be one. AL
sporting news, professional and amateur, as
well as the general news. should be read. ~
order to instl into the pupil that with hl5
mental development should Sc ms lnys,caii
news. In order that his mental faculties may
not be overstimulated. .
with the contentment OF the people in their
constitutional rights. CAEL El'kEMEfEH'
NEW YORK. june 20.
To THE EDlToR OF THE SUS-.Sir: II seems
to me that the Jews in New York are having
their own way entirely too much. Not so
very long ago Mayor Low permitted Jews to
peddle on Sunday when Christian pedler
would be arrested for the same offence, Their
stirring up of this question OF Bible reading
in the schools seems to me i'll ll-advisod. for 1t
makes the Jews conspicuous and provokes
resentment in those who would preserve New
'''N CuH.srlAN NEW YORKER,
NEW YORK, June 23'
To THE EDITOR OF The SuN-Sn: The
closing sentence to your editorial, "Dechris-
tianizing the Public Schools" in which you
say, New York can no longer be regarded as
q Christian city" deserves more than passing &
notice l wish to protest against the spirit
which has lately been shown by different
Glasses" of our citizens. who while they claim
America as their home, are still at heart "citi-
zens" Of their native land.
Why should the largest city in the New
World be governed in such matter by those
who make up only small part Of the popula-
ton? Why should they dictate to Protestant
America which Bible or what hymns should
be read and sung In the schools to which their
children are always welcome? This country
is still Christian land and as such its children
should be brought up In the Christian faith,
no matter what sect or creed they may pro-
II the reading of the Roman Catholic version
| of the Scriptures IL found TO be necessary, then
allow tn at to be used rs well as the King James
! or any other But think the line rather far
drawn when that race ThiSh can n hardiy nnd nm
other country but our own, with the possible
exception OF England, that people whom we
have gladly received Win j. open arms; 0 10 ods d
| in a most AFRO CANT manner that the Christi an
Bible should not be read in schools which
] their children attend.
| While l have always felt sincere, regard
| for the Hebrew race. and have no III feelin 9
toward 1t as a people. certainly believe that
| the protest which they make toward the, Use
| OF the New Testament Is uncaled for and in
| sulting to the American people.
| This country is Protestant land. and while
the members Of that denomination may be in
ooai on ia"i religion Of the Republje and its Bible
| Ia the one which should be used in the schools
| which are free to all. no matter what their
| creed or color may be,
| II the parents of children not Christian dc
not wish their children to hear the Word OF
children to some other than public school
| I am no sectaran-l can see good In AL
| forms Of worship at least all that have Christ
| as the cornerstone Of their creed, but for one
wish to lodge. a protest against the growini
tendency Of different classes of our foreign
| should run their country and who in many
| cases care less for our institutions and law.
| than they do for the Fathcrlan from which
| they came. We nre to-day great nation
but il is doubtful If with all our greatness WI
| can endure IL we throw aside without fnchini
that which in their darkest hour OF need ant
dam ger sustained those 10 whom we owe al
that we to-day as free people enjoy.
| OSCAR WEGEIlN
To THE EplroR OF THE SuN-Sir: II tn
Jews attend the public schools and college,
they must not expect 10 be given privilege
above and over other students. such as beinI
allowed to observe their Sabbath and othe
holy days What is the sabbath and whn
are holy days that they must be observed n
| such an expense!
Vat NOT CT