The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1913-12-05
WESTMINSTER, MD.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON, DEC. 5, 1913
A GOOD PLAN OF TRAINING FOR
CITIZENSHIP.

Training boys for the obligations
and responsibilities of citizenship has
been undertaken In Winston-Salem.
N. C., along rather broad and unique
lines. After nearly a years success
full operation the Winston-Salem
plan is worthy of careful considera-
ton, and possibly Of imitation. rhe
principal characteristics of this plan
are, first, cooperation between the
public schools and the local board of
trade; second, the establishment of a
department of government and econo-
mics in the city high school; and
third, the formation of BOYS depart
ment. or Juvenile Club. as 1t Is call
ed, Of the board of trade.
At the beginning of the 1928
school year. supt. r. II. Latham. Of
the city schools, provided, as a part
of the high-school curriculum, a
course In government and econo-
mics open to the senior students. and
placed the new department under
the direction of the secretary of the
board of trade, who. With the approx
al of the board, had volunteered his
services. Under this department, the
students are taught the elements of
government. special attention being
given to analysis and comparison of
the city, county, State, aud Federal
Governments. During the term end
ing with tue Christmas holidays.
mock elections were held. and the
class was organized as city council.
State general assembly, and as the
Congress of the United States.
Immediately after Christmas =
series of lectures treating of the
fundamental principles OF economies
were arranged, and the attention Of
the students directed TO the import
ant industrial, commercial. and ag=
rieultural problems of this country
particularly the problems of the
Southern States.
As result of this work the boys
developed q very active interest in
public affairs. and 10 hold this inter
est and at the same time make the
work of lasting value II was suggest
ed that there be organized juvenile
club of the board of trade and the
establishment OF closer co-opera-
tion between the work OF the high
school and that of the board.
To become n member of the club.
however. the boy must be at least L
years of age and under Fl years old
Another condition Of membership Il
that the hoy must subscribe to and
reelte from memory before the secre=
tary of the board Of trade the an
cient AthenIan oath. pledging himself
to perform faithfully his civic obliga-
tiaas. This pledge Is as follows:
We will never bring disgrace 10
this. our city, by any act Of dishon-
egty or cowardiee. nor ever desert
our suffering comrades In the ranks
We will fight for the Ideals aud sacred
things of the city. both alone and
with many We viii revere and Jbey
the city's laws and do our best 10 IN
cite like respect and reverence IN
those above us Who are prone II
annul or To set them at naught. We
will strive increasingly TO quicken the
public sense OF cifIe duty. Thus. in
all these ways. We will transmit this
city not less but greater. better. and
more beautiful than 1t was transmit
ted TO us"
Every effort is made to properly
train these boys fer the duties O.
citizenship. 10 create in them respect
for honest and eazaient public ser
vice, and 10 actively interest them IN
the work Of making their home city
better. greater. and more beautiful
city In which TO I've.