io8 POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



ployers are invited to meet those of the working class who may wish 

 to be present to discuss in an informal manner questions of common 

 interest. Under the genial leadership of Mr. Janssen and the di- 

 rector, much of the restraint usual on such occasions is thrown aside 

 and the employer and employee sit side by side, and each listens to 

 the undreamed opinions and experiences of the other. At one of 

 these meetings the question of a shorter work day was discussed from 

 the standpoint of the employer, the laborer, and the humanitarian. 

 The investigations of our own Bureau of Labor were quoted to 

 show the benefits resulting from a shortening of the day of work, 

 and it is more than likelv that the outcome of the discus- 

 sion will be an intention on the part of the manufacturer to curtail 

 the hours of work just as soon as possible, while the laborers, in learn- 

 ing of obstacles of which they were ignorant, will await more pa- 

 tiently the action desired. 



The classes or individual pupils contribute their services to the 

 committee in charge of entertainments. This committee sees to it 

 that three Sunday evenings of each month are provided for, either 

 from the ranks of home talent or with the aid of outside artists. In 

 the concerts some of the best performers of the land have gladly 

 taken part, and the music of the greatest composers has been heard 

 here. As in all other cases, there is a charge for admission — four 

 cents for one and six cents for man and wife. A feature here in 

 vogue might well be copied. In arranging the selections for a con- 

 cert the effort is made to always include at least one popular piece, 

 or a song of national, artistic, or patriotic interest; then on the pro- 

 gramme the words of this song are printed. The audience may be 

 asked to join in the chorus, but even if this is not practical the people 

 can catch the air, and with the words before them in later days they 

 can make melody in their homes. If we recall the class of people 

 for whom these provisions are made, and keep in mind the limited 

 avenues of enjoyment open to them, we will appreciate the boon of 

 such a considerate act. 



It might be tedious to enumerate the various classes here con- 

 ducted, and give even in brief an outline of the methods, experi- 

 ences, and results. Each lesson costs from two to four cents, and the 

 pupils — many of whom have reached middle life — show a commend- 

 able zeal in prosecuting their studies. However, two topics deserve 

 mention — the lessons in mending and in cooking. Since it is the 

 poorer people who are to be benefited by the work of Our House, les- 

 sons in economy are needed, if not demanded, and the earlier oppor- 

 tunities for acquiring these lessons have been meager. The authori- 

 ties have therefore wisely decided to so instruct the housewives of 

 these people that their clothing may look well even if mended and 



