Evening star., 1920-02-08
boy A AM|SS|ONARY /
! T0FORE|GN BORN |

One year ago Peter Chipouras prob
ably had never heard of the Dec
laration of Independence. Today
Peter is not only thoroughly ac-
venerable document. but. through
studious application. assisted by
Uncle Sam, he is preparing himself
to act as home missionary" to the
thousands of foreign-born residents
in the United States whose ideas on
the principles of our government are
decidedly hazy.
Here's how the change in. Peters
life occurred:
In the old Central High School
building Americanization classes
which convene every day and on
three evenings a week. have been
organized by the division of citizen
sbiP training of the Department OF
Labor. under the supervision of Miss
Maude f. Alton. All persons who
have made application for citizen
ship are given the opportunity, to
acquire a knowledge of the Engiish
language, of the principles of Amerl-
can government and, in short. OF all
things American.
One day Peter walked into the
classroom and asked. in his broken
English. if he could be enrolled as
a student He said he was a Greek
and unacquainted with American
ways. and that he wanted to become
ull-iedged American-language,
manners and customs.
Naturally, Miss Alton welcomed the
1ad-he was only seventeen years old
to the class. From that time on
Peter was a most voracious student.
He simply could not learn enough. He
demanded to know the why's and
wherefores Of everything. When
new word came to his attention TOT
the first time he would insist that Its
correct meaning and derivation be
given him.
Has Entered College.
Peter also worked with view OF
bringing his mother and younger
brother to this country. He has COW
cred many of the eighth grade studies,
and has just entered the international
College at Springfield. Mass. =,
The spirit manifested by Peter. &C
cording to Miss Alton. prevails
work has developed to sucn an ex-
tent that additional classrooms have
been obtained. The local Red Cross
chapter completely equipped room at
the old Central High School building.
where one night a week a teacher
also provided by the chapter-gives
instruction in home nursing. In addl-
ton, two home classes are conducted
by teachers under Miss Atoms super
vision. These classes meet at the
homes OF 1Orelgn-DOEH "OihCh, VIZ
find it impossible to go to the puonc
schools, but who rank among the most
enthusiastic and earnest workers
among the students.
Every effort is being made by the
division of citizenship training OF the
Labor Department. in cooperation
with the Washington public schools,
to reach the foreign-born residents OF
the capital. who are in need OF in
struction. and assist them In their de.
sire to become not merely citizens, but
brother Americans
Boy Scouts In Work.
The Washington Boy Scouts-indeed,
the Boy Scouts of the entire country
are rallying to the call of the govern
ment TO assist in this work of Ameri-
canization. Last October the national
scout council pledged 100 per cent CO.
operation with the Labor Department
,n its Americanization work. To-Day
scouts in more than 5000 communities
throughout the country, wherever in
struction in English and civics is
needed by candidates for naturaliza-