New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-19
PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR GIRLS.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: The Woman's Health Protective Association
Of Brooklyn claims and with reason. that II is the
curse of present public school system that the
children languish under burden OF what Herbert
Spencer called 'il dGested information: also that
among the twelve different studies required OF
each child there various arts and accomplish
ments which in the pressure of many require
ments rather dissipate than educate the mind;
also that teachers required. regardless Of
natural fitness OF preparation. to impart what
they may have gathered to their classes And
the indictment goes on. Yet. in spite OF this
condition OF affairs. appeal for aid for the
Manhattan Trade School, which is distinctly the
opposite in system, receives no encouragement
Truly I cannot understand this indifference TO
plea SO vital the best interests OF the poorer
classes OF city.
From the reports made at the first annual meet
ing Of the Manhattan Trade School for Girls held
on January IA 1t is plainly to be seen that this
sort trade education though full OF grave prob
lens is vastly ahead OF the ordinary shop
perience Each worker is trained for special part
of her trade. When she shows ability she is ad-
vanced. having acquired the requisite experience
and speed in one stage before going to the next.
Direct with the trades is kept up their
needs and ideals carefully noted. the supervisors
and teachers of the school having visited and
worked in factories and workrooms OF many diff
ferent kinds. Employers, foremen and forewOmen
In the trades also make frequent visits the
school, and each girl has a months trade test in
the factory before adjudged fitted for a position.
such tests as well as the records Of the forty
three girls already placed in trades keep the school
in toucn all the time with the market and with
business houses. Through this too has come aid
from older wage earners. who have started auxilia-
Tfes in Workrooms and il d noble spirit of self
sacrifice have sent money that some child might be
enabled to take the instruction. Surely. here is
lesson TO taose who are able and who might provide
scholarships for girls whose wages needed 10
exc out the meaere income Of their families.
The students are placed in trades whenever they
definite time is for this. but it takes generally
months TO prepare the girl for z position,
Though much depends trade demands and on
the ability of the student. The trades taught are
millinery dressmaking fine underwear, necities
and those trades In which foot and electric power
used, such machine embroidery hemstitch-
ing and buttonhole making. The expert use of
paste glue, in labelling and in the making of
pocketbooks. cardcases. library outfits novelties
large numbers of women. and only expert workers
obtain the positions The wages are good the
conditions favorable and the chance of promotion
good.
The commissioner from the St Louis EXPOSE
ton has visited the school, and has asked for as
large a showing as can possibly be prepared
But what We, the friends OF the school want
most is Showing here in NewYorl1. and
ask The Tribune 10 help this most worthy cause
and so help to reduce the suffering in our Sums
and the number Of those who maintained in
Institutions At the public expense. New-York
must DO for the child that has no chance
in IT'S home 10 learn how become
dependent wage Garner. surely should do
much is done for the girls OF Austria Germany
and other countries. JOSIAH G. PUMPELLY.
New-Yor Jan. II. 1904