Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1914-11-02
USEFUL WORK BY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE..

USEFUL WORN BY CHAMBEk OF COMMLhtE.
THE address delivered IN the Wilmington High
School last week by II. f. Miles, of Wisconsin
has excited much favorable comment not only with
respect to g. with respect to the Wilmington
Chamber Of Commerce. which instrumental in
bringing Mr. Miles to this city.
The opinion of many persons in Wilmington rela-
tive to the Chamber Of Commerce has been that that
organization stands solely the commercial interests
Of the community; that its interest Industrial ad
vancernent is active only where purely material gains
may be expected.
At the announcement that expert in the field Of
industrial education to be brought here by the
Chamber of Commerce. of those deeply inter
ested in developing the widest educational advantages
for the State were naturally fearful st was a
urge industrial education as it has been urged in
many places by the interest of the employer class,
which wishes in many instances, the education in the
public schools to be directed mainly toward turning
out at as early an age possible large numbers of
indusrialy boys and girls to take the places
in their industries Of older and hgher-pad employees.
This has been proposed the proper training for
the social classes that attend the public schools and
this, at the sacrifice apttudes and opportuni
ties for broader learning and higher callings
The plan Of industrial education outlined ana force
fully portrayed by Mr. Miles and approved advo-
Gated by Chamber Of Commerce is nothing of that
1t is practical and commOn-sense attitude
towards the needs and demands of industry and sim
and dsinterested spiritual appeal for the well
purpose of education
Mr. Miles summing up of the situation is, briefly,
as follows The percentage varies with the
munity but it is a matter Of statistical knowledge
that from fifty to seventy per cent. Of the children
in the public schools this country school be-
reaching the High School We are therefore, edu-
eating into useful and qualified citizens only from
thirty to fifty per cent OF the children in the
try Those who leave the elementary school at tho
of IA, so out entirely untitled to earn living
wage or to maintain a decent economic aud moral
standing in the community Investigations prove that
many Of them in the changed economic conditions due
to modern Inventions machinery etc. go under in the
struggle.
Mr. Miles does not advocate that effort be spent
in perfectng the training of the thirty to fifty per
cent OF the children economically fortunate intel
lectually inclined who to high schools and col
leges but he does insist that il is the duty of every
community to provide continuation schools which shall
train the larger percentage Of children who. because
! they concrete-minded and unambitious academic
ally. because OF lack of home support leave school
for work at fourteen years OF age. under In all
other countries except Russia, England and United
States such provision is made for such children
The child goes to work at fourteen, but works under
the supervision OF the school and must spend
hours per week in the school, learning make him
self herself skilled I'm the chosen accidental oc
cupation. The cash girl learns TO he a saleswoman
and to do every detail of her daily work WE'LL toward
that end. The boy in the machine shop learns the
principles OF machine construction operation, and
so on.
The value to the community of thus saving the child
hig-grade economic independence is incaloulable
the value OF this training to the child is what we
owe him.
Tho continuation schools in this country arc man
aged by commissions consisting OF employers mechan-
les. and educators The school themselves are con-
Quoted as a part OF the public school system In this
city the manual training and arts departments,
already existing could be broadened TO fit immediate
needs Mr. Miles suggested that the High School build
ing might be put 10 the 81 continuation work after
! go p.
The work has been established and is effectively car
ried in Wisconsin. Therefore the speaker could
illustrations He pointed how easily
tho work could be started in Delaware The proposal
to put It into operation here has the public endorse
mont Of Governor Miller. We are sure it would have
the less hearty endorsement Of all the unselfsh
interests in the community II the subject could only be
widely understood.
Merchants and employers in Wisconsin have beer
far-minded and generous I'm promoting the work
and admitted the benefit themselves. Worxmer
are in favor OF making their children better hap
pier vage-oarners and labor unions of adding skilled
workmen to their ranks. Wilmington need not b
behind the cities OF Wisconsin in securing continue
ton schools.
Mr.. Miles address have convinced everyone
who heard II that the Chamber Of Commerce. ant
particularly Col John j. Satterthwat its president
who was instrumental bringing Mr.. Miles here.
their appreciation OF the need for industrial educa
ton in Wilmington endeayoring to promote it O
the plane that deserves the highest commendaton
support from the public and the press.
The meeting at the High School should have bee
more largely attended It would have been if tn
parents. workmen and others in city had right
understood what a truly valuable, interesting an
entertaining subject was being presented Il on
OF tie best things OF its kind that city has had
the Chamber of Commerce follow up this particula
work and bring us other things of equal value il
service 10 the community will be we'll worth. while
WITH THE PARAGR APHERS