A PROJECT IN INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION. 6^7 



the Adriatic in the west. It would bring to his mind a connected 

 chain of events. 



In teaching algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, objects are used 

 as much as possible. Thus, in the latter, the reason why the angles are 

 not employed as in geometry, but in their stead certain of their func- 

 tions are used, is practically demonstrated. Then a system of triangu- 

 lation might be begun by the scholars, in which a base is measured 

 from a single known point, the latitude and longitude of which are 

 computed, and the azimuth-compass brought into play to find the true 

 direction of the line. From this base, other triangles and finally quad- 

 rilaterals might be laid off and computed as well as the curvature of 

 the earth, which is traversed and comprehended by the scheme of tri- 

 angulation. The amount and variety of the information which the 

 young are capable of receiving when their interests are excited would 

 surprise those who, perhaps, have had neither the time nor the inclina- 

 tion to observe them. 



The little workingmen are instructed in decorating, molding, turn- 

 ing, the work of the forge, carpentry, and are made to take an active 

 part in experiments in mechanics, hydrostatics, hydraulics, sound, heat, 

 light, electricity, and magnetism. They are retained in the school 

 until they thoroughly comprehend their work and studies. 



The children who fill this great building from top to bottom look 

 to be those of well-to-do people, for their clothing is tidy, their faces 

 clean, and their eyes bright. Such, however, is not the case. The 

 school-workshop is recruited from districts the most squalid, from 

 abodes the most humble. No origin is so low, no intellect so dull, that 

 it may not demand and receive admittance within these hospitable, 

 catholic walls. 



In the eyes of many this will, perhaps, be looked upon as the most 

 commendable feature of the institution. 



Those whom curiosity or other motive has led into the by-ways 

 and the somber courts that mark the abiding-places of the very 

 poor laboring-man have often recorded their conviction that here is 

 the best, though perhaps the most difficult, field for philanthropic 

 work. 



The difficulties that stand in the way of such an enterprise as the 

 Workingman's School are sufficient to dissuade the ordinary enthusiast 

 in such projects. They can best be understood by those who are suffi- 

 ciently interested to inquire into the whole scope of the undertaking. 

 Children, especially those of the poor, are often very hungry early in 

 the day, and to attempt to instruct or even amuse them under such cir- 

 cumstances is alike idle and illogical. Again, poor children frequent- 

 ly lack proper clothing to protect them from inclement weather. All 

 this has been foreseen by the managers. A midday meal is provided 

 for the children, and clothing when required is distributed with no 

 niggard hand. 



