The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-10-10
NEW YORK STATE ATTACKS PROBLEM
OF nLITERACY AMONG IMMIGRANTS

Ineligible oaths of allegiance, per-
%functory observance Of legal require
ments-these impress the usual spec
tator everywhere. They suggest that
we are not particularly concerned
about citizenship itself. Perhaps. in
deed. this is not far from the fact.
Attempts to improve the situation
are being made in all directions. This
Is a good, healthy sign. Many cities
are conducting naturalization classes
In the public schools. Los Angeles,
however. got the courts to recognize
certificates Of sue training as part of
naturalization requirements.
Settlements, churches, missions,
Young Mems Christian Associations,
Sons Of the American Revolution and
other organizations are providing for
and encouraging special preparation
for citizenship. Citizens committees to
participate in naturalization proceed
ings and welcome new Americans into
citizenship ave rendered splendid SER
vice In Cleveland. In Philadelphia last
spring was held the largest gathering
Of its kind. a mass meeting for new
citizens addressed by President Wilson.
characterization Day" this year on
July 4 became a national movement
recognized officially by scores Of cities.
In their programmes conspicuous at
tention was given to new citizens nat
uralized during the year. Naturaliza-
ton authorities will now forward the
names OF applicants for naturalization
papers to public schools so that the
latter may provide for preparatory
classes.
These are all movements in the
same direction. II is now planned in
New York States experiment to utilize
all such good idels. Public schools
and naturalization authorities are ex-
pected to cooperate. Naturalization
requirements should become increas-
ingly rigid. but the public schools and
other agencies must seek 10 provide
increasingly for that upon which the
courts will increasingly insist.
Naturalization should be made to
mean more than 1t does Such will
only be attained, however. when citl-
zens themselves definitely demand i'm
~proyenent in the system"
\ training course on immigrant
methods IL a special feature of the
State effort in eastern New York this
fall. Sessions are being held in the
State Education Building in Albany.
Some OF those participating are Pres
idont John H.. Finley. DIR. Frederick &.
Howe. United States Commissioner Of
immigration at New York; X. f.. Cole
and Miss Frances r.. ke.lor Of the
Committee for Immigrants in Amer
lea: II. n. Wheaton. United States Bu-
reau OF Education. Washington, DR..
Peter Roberts. international Commit
tee, Y. NJ. &. A.: DR.. Arthur ID. Dean,
director Of vocational and industrial
education, icy York State. n Will
IAN e. Smith. special agent for the
State.
Delegations Of teachers. committee
men. citizens, educators and socia
, workers from the eight participants
= cities and from within striking dis
; lance are attending. These are som'
!, of the topics for discussion: New
Americans-How to Reach Them,
: How Shall We Teach Englisl
= IL Immigrants" Naturalization
: Challenge. How Shall We Translat
. American Purposes. Ideals and Ma
n tionalism 20 the Foreigner" Coop
: Grafton How Shall II BE Attained il
Q Behalf of the Immigrant
n leaders Of the new movemen
state It's ideas and principles some
what in this way Social solidarity de
r ponds upon unity and a large degre
Z IT likeness in the population. ont O
= this com. the development Of strengt