USA > Pennsylvania > The Register of Pennsylvania : devoted to the preservation of facts and documents and every other kind of useful information respecting the state of Pennsylvania, Vol. XII > Part 79
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But notwithstanding this system strikes the intelligent eye with imposing aspect, as to the theory; yet, serious difficulties have to be surmounteu before it can be car- ried into practical effect. Not but that young men, and those who are destined to be "the bone and sinew" of our country; and will make our pulpits, our forums, and our legislative halls resound with their powerful and persuasive eloquence, may he found who will labor and study in these Institutions, but to aid them in their course, the Institution must be furnished with the ne- cessary means to labor with. The student cannot bring a farm, a shop, tools, &c., with him, these things must be provided to his hands, and when once furnished may be used by succeeding students to the latest age of time, being favoured with the repairs and renewals which their use and time may require.
Our College, therefore, to be furnished with the ne- cessary apparatus for the Manual Labor System, must have a farm, furnished with a sufficient stock of cattle, horses, sheep, hogs, &c., and implements of hus- bandry suited to an agricultural establishment. We must have houses, barns, and other out houses for the comfort and convenience of those who manage the farm. We must have, also, work shops for our mechanics, and dwellings for those who manage them: together with dwellings for our Professors, and boarding houses for the students. But all these things cost money.
There will, in all probability, be one hundred stu- dents in the laboring departments in the course of two years, if provision is made to receive them. Of these, fifty will probably be farmers, and fifty mechanics. Al- lowing each student to work three hours per day, the daily labor of one hundred students will be equal to thirty men at ten hours per day, one half of whom will be farmers. And to employ fifteen men profitably, will require a farm of at least 200 acres, which would cost, in the neighborhood of the College, probably $20 per per acre, or $4,000
And to furnish this farm with teams, wagons, carts, chains, ploughs, harrows, axes, hoes, scythes, &c., for its proper management, would cost at least 500
And to furnish it with sheep, cows, hogs, poul- try, seed, &c. 300
The necessary buildings, houses, barns, out houses, &c. 2,000
Mechanic shops for fifty students, or twenty hands, furnished with tools, materials for working, &c. 2,000
The necessary houses, ware-houses, &c. for su- perintendent of the mechanical department, Boarding houses 100 students, say 5,000
2,000
Dwellings for four Professors, (supposing two Professors to reside in the two wings of the College, ) with necessary out-houses, 4,000
The necessary fixtures to the College to pre- pare it for the reception of students, 200
Making in all the round sum of $20,000 These several sums may vary from this calculation,
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but they are more likely to exceed than fall short of the estimate. And as it is very desirable to place a classical education within the reach of every young man in our country, who may have a taste and inclination to pur- sue it; your committee do most earnestly wish that the Institution could be so endowed as to support the Pro- fessors without the aid of tuition fees, when the student, who, by his own industry and the help of his friends, could furnish means to pay for his board, clothing, and other incidental expenses, could have the privilege of a gratuitous collegiate course. To do which, it would require an endowment of at least $80,000. Which would extend the present real wants of the Institution to $100,000.
But great and discouraging as this amount may ap- pear at first sight, we are not to be discouraged. The history of our happy republic, and of the church, to- gether with the rise and progress of the settlements of the West, teach us not to despise the day of small things. If we cannot raise the means to accomplish the whole at once, let us do what we can. We have not forgotten that we creeped before we could walk, and we could walk before we arose to the size and stature of men. Nor do we know, in the history of kindred institutions, even in those whose present gigantic forms are the admiration of the world, that any one appeared at first in their present magnitude. They all passed through the different stages of infancy, youth, and manhood, before they arose to the honorable standing of hoary age.
It is believed that a sufficient sum may be raised to commence, if not complete, the preparations for the Manual Labor System, as soon as the public mind is sufficiently awake to the importance of the subject: and this will be the case as soon as the public see what is palpably true in reference to it. The inhabitants of this county alone, if so disposed, could raise the amount, and in a very few years reap a benefit of more than 200 per cent. in the value of their estates, the improvement in the mode of raising stock and cultivating the soil, and the consequent increase of the products of their farms.
There are, at this time, perhaps, 19,000 inhabitants in this county, of whom probably two thousand are farm ers. Now it is well known that our farmers in general, labor under very serious disadvantages in their agricul- tural pursuits, from the want of that information science would give them. Every farmer knows the benefit of a good coat of manure on his land; and he knows also, that sometimes the manure does not produce the same effect it does at others. If, therefore, he knew how to make manure so as to suit every kind of soil, and suit the crop to the soil, and the manure to the crop, he would save the labor and gain in crops perhaps fifty dollors a year.
A distinguished citizen of Massachusetts, who is also a practical agriculturist, says, that "in that State there are about 400 townships. In each of these town- ships there are at least one hundred farmers who experi- ence an average loss of fifty dollars each, per annum, in consequence of lacking that chemical knowledge neces- sary for the judicious mixture of manures, and adapting them to the different kinds of soils, in order to obtain the greatest product, from the culture of different grasses, grains, and vegetables. I have not a doubt, " he says, "that the farmers in this State annually sustain a loss of $2,000,000, for the want of that knowledge of the practical uses and application of chemistry, geology, &c. which they might obtain in a Manual Labor Insti- tution, and which most of them could not afford to procure elsewhere."
Again it is a well known fact that the breed of horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, &c., in this county are not of the most valuable kind; and as it would cost no more to raise animals of good quality, than those of poor. the farmer by improving the character of his stocks might be the gainer annually, of from fifty to one hundred
dollars, and in some instances even to the value of seve- ral hundred dollars; but by not thus improving, they of course sustain a loss of the same amount.
In addition to these items, we may enumerate the losses sustained from having a poor quality of fruits, grain, vegetables, &c. Good fruit requires no more cultivation, and occupies no more ground, than poor; and the same may be said of grains, grasses, and vege- tables. But the difference in the value of a crop of good or bad quality is certainly very great. The apples which grew on less than one acre of ground, bring of a supe- rior quality, brought in the New York marke! $300, while the same amount of fruit, of ordinary quality would not have brought $100. If a farmer raises 1000 bushels of wheat of a quality which will demand in mar- ket six cents per bushel more than ordinary wheat, he will gain sixty dollars in the value of his crop. If the difference in price should be twelve cents per bushel, the value of the crop would vary one hundred and twen- ty dollars. And the loss or gain in all these cases, depends on the ignorance or knowledge of the farmer, in reference to the best mode of cultivating the soil. And taking all these things into consideration, after making sufficient deduction to be safe, and without undervaluing in the least the intelligence of our worthy farmers, under the present state of the agriculture of our country; it is presumed that on an average they lose, in the value of their crops, fruits, horses, cattle, &c. at least $50 per annum, which would make the an- nual amount of loss sustained by this county, equal to the whole wants of this Institution, to place it in the most favourable and flourishing circumstances.
But if our two thousand farmers would give on an av- erage only ten dollars, the amount necessary to put the Manual Labor System into complete operation, would at once be secur-d. And then,it they in return, should so improve in their agricultural knowledge as to save but ten dollars per annum, instead of fifty, and that not under five or ten years, it would be the most profitable stock ever invested. But the Institution does not con- fine its expectations of support to this county, nor will the benefits derived from its successful operation be confined to these bounds. The neighboring counties, both in Pennsylvania and Ohio, are expected to share largely in the benefits,and it is most confidently expect- ed that they will share largely in the contributions ne- cessary for its support.
It is not necessary that every farmer should attend the College himself, to acquire a knowledge of these im- provements in agriculture. This knowledge will be disseminated in different ways.
1. The College farm will be conducted on the most approved plan, and the farmers in the neighborhood, will be able to observe and profit by it. 2. The loca- tion of the College at the seat of justice for the county, will give the farmers of the county an opportunity, when they attend Court, or visit the town on other business to visit the farm, and notice the mode of its cultivation. 3. It is hoped that every township in the county will furnish more or less students, who wish to obtain a good English, if not cassical education, and. will return to their farms scientific agricul:urists, and from these, all in their immediate neighborhood may learn the improvements of the day. 4. These improve- ments may, and no doubt will, be published in the coun- ty papers, which will give them general circulation. All which means of dissemination, will in a few years, greatly improve the mode of cultivating the soil, im- proving the stocks, &c .; and the farmer will of course be the gainer annually to a considerable amount
The farmers of the surrounding country will derive a very considerable benefit from the system, in another particular. They will not only learn the best mode of cultivation; but as the College farm will be furnish. d with the best breed of horses, cattle, &c., and the best kinds of seed, and an extensive nursery of the best kind
276
MANUAL LABOR SYSTEM.
[NOVEMBER
of fruit trees, they may be supplied with facilities for practical as well as theoretical improvement.
In contemplating the advantages the country will de- rive from this system, we must not lose sight of the me- chanical department. 'The most casual observer must see, that, as improvements in mechanism are made, and the facilities of business increase, the price of ma- nufactured articles decreases, and at the same time the profits of business advance. In proof of this we need only look at the domestic good, and wares offered to us by our enterprising merchants. Cloths can be had for but little more than the cost of the raw material. How is this? Why, the improvements in labour saving ma- chinery, which science has discovered and brought into operation, have produced this astonishing effect The same may be said of almost every article of consumption and of convenience now in use. Axes, hoes, rakes, scythes, ploughs, tubs, pails, churns, &c., are now to be had much cheaper and of better quality, than they could a few years since. This principle will ap- ply to all kinds of mechanism, and in the same propor tion in which it applies, the farmer and other consum- ing citizen is benefitted by it.
The improvements in commercial intercourse by means of roads and canals, and steamboat navigation, brings the farmer nearer to market by placing it within his reach at less expense and trouble than before, and consequently enhances the value of his produce; all which are among the benefits the country derives from science; for it is science that has done it. But the sci- ence which produces such happy consequences is taught in Colleges and Universities, which are depen- dent on the liberality and munificence of the public for their existence and support
Another advantage which may be derived from the system under consideration; which too, is of the highest importance to the community; is the facility with which the citizens of the surrounding country may have their sons educated, and the advantages to be derived from the education. By affording an opportunity for students to labor, they not only preserve their health and mo- rals, but they earn something by which to defray a part of the whole of the expenses of their education.
In the Maine Wesleyan Seminary, "the students generally pay their board by their labor; some pay all their expenses; and some even do more than this." In the Oneida Institute, "the students pay their board by their labor. Some do much more."
In the third annual report of the Cincinnati Lane Seminary, we have the following statement of facts, which give a clear and practical view of the benefits of the system.
" Fifty of the best farmers earned 53 cents per hour each, and worked upon an average 16 hours per week; average amount earned, allowing each to have worked during the whole 40 weeks' sessions, $35 20
" Those who worked the regular 18 hours per week, earned 40 00
"Several of the above have earned during the vacation by farming, teaching, agencies, or otherwise, 40 00
" Twenty eight of the best mechanics earned upon an average, 8} cents per hour, and worked 16 hours per week; average amount earned, allowing each to have worked during the whole 40 week's sessions,
" Those who worked the regular 18 hours per week, earned
" Some of the above earned during the vaca- tions,
"Seven regularly trained mechanics earned 123 cents per hour; average time of labor per week, 16 hours; amount earned, allow. ing each to have worked the whole forty weeks,
" Those who worked the regular 18 hours per week, earned
90 00
" Such of the above as worked during vaca- tion, earned
50 00
" Though numbers of the lads of the institution, and others not accustomed or disposed to habits of activity, have earned not more than from one to four cents per hour, and of course will not expect the important pe- cuniary results before us; yet, the above statement gives cheering evidence of what may be done by young men of active, energetic, and laborious habits; and in- spires the hope that the day may not be far distant when by the increasing improvements and success of Manual Labor Institutions, the means of self-education shall be placed in the hands of all young men who have suffi- cient force of character to obtain or be benefitted by a thorough education."
The operation of the Manual Labor System, is not confined to the Institution itself, its practical effects and pecuniary benefits may be exhihited by the student on the road to and from their places of instruction. Thus several young men who were educated in the Oneida Manual Labor Institution, in New York, wishing to en- ter the Lane Seminary at Cincinnati, instead of taking the stage and steam boat, as most young men would have done on a similar occasion, they took their packs on their backs and travelled on foot to Olean at the head of the Allegheny river, hired themselves out on rafts, and descended the stream about 800 miles, and received each $22, to help him to an education, instead of having spent that sum for travelling fees.
This System does not contemplate so much a direct reduction of the expenses of education, but an in- direct one. The board, tuition, and other incidental expenses of students must be paid in these Institutions, as well as others. But the excellency of the System consists in a provision by which the students may earn enough to pay a part of the whole of these expenses, at the same time he is pursuing his studies. And in addition to the advantage he will derive from the pre- servation of his health, guarding his morals, and con- tracting habits of industry; he will in many or most in- stances form a character for usefulness, and lay the foundation of future wealth and honorable affluence in life.
But while the labor student is thus enabled to pay a part, or the whole of his expenses; the system contem- plates also a reduction in the expense of board, both from this kind, and the mode of obtaining it; which ren- ders it still more easy for him to meet the expense by his labor. Such students as live high, and "fare sump- tuously every day," must expect their expenses to be accordingly. But such as are willing to subsist on the most simple diet, (which, indeed, is admitted to be the most healthy for studious persons,) may reduce the expense of their board to a mere trifle In most of the Labor Institutions the price of board is from one dollar, to one dollar and a half per week, when taking with the families of the department; but when students club to- gether in a room, furnish it themselves, and prepare their own food, the price of their board has been re- dured in some instances to fifty cents per week, and some times even' lower. At present, several students in this College find employment enough with the me- chanics in the village to pay their board, and a number more can be accommodated in the same way.
This system above all others should be encouraged, because it is so completely adapted to the wants, genius, and institutions of our country. The safety of our Re- public, is admitted to depend upon the general erudi- tion of the people, and no system heretofore extant has offered such facilities for the purpose, as this. The old systems confine the advantages and consequent influ- ence of education to the wealthy, which tend strongly towards aristocracy. But this system opens the door to science and its consequent influence, to every mem- ber of the community whose taste and industry is suffi- cient for its acquisition. And what is remarkable, and at the same time encouraging to the Manual Labor
54 80
61 21
40 00
80 00
1833.]
MANUAL LABOR SYSTEM.
277
Student, is the fact, that men who obtain their educa- tions in this way must have genius and enterprise; and these are so disciplined and matured, and habits of in- dustry so formed at the time, and from the manner, in which they receive instruction, that they have in many instances become the most eminent in their professions, and the most successful and us ful in their business.
Perh .ps some of our farmers and mechanics may object that they do not wish to make lawyers, doctors, or preachers of their sons, and therefore have no interest in the Institution in a literary point of view. But learn- ing is not, and should not be confined to those profes- sions. And it is highly improper that it should be so, unless the people with to establish an aristocracy, and endanger the stability of our happy Republic. Learning is power: for the learned man has a greater share of influence than he would have without learning. There. fore, to confine learning to those professions, is anti- republican. The farmer and mechanic should be learned. They have particular need of it in a country like ours, where every man is eligible to office, if quali- fied for it. If the farmer or mechanic has the advantages of education, he can make the better Magistrate, Con- stable, Sheriff, Commissioner, Assemblyman, Congress- man; nay, he may be fit for Governor, or President of the United States. 'These offices often fall into the hands of lawyers, doctors, and sometimes preachers, not because,as men, they are any better than other men, but because their education renders them more compe- tent for the duties of the offices than others. But let farmers and mechanics educate their sons, and though they should follow the plough like Cincinnatus, or hammer the leather like Sherman, or handle the type like Franklin; yet, being learned, they are qualified for office, and may like the above named w rthies, be called by the voice of the people from their domestic employ- ments, to wield the destinies of the nation, or guide the helm of State.
In carrying the system into practical effect, a question naturally arises as to the best mode of applying the avails of the students' labor to his benefit Some institu ions give a week's board for so many hour's labo .. But this is found not to be the better way. It exposes the student to temptations to idleness, and inattention to business, and to while away time t, little amount, only so the time is spent, and be neither profitable to himself or his employers. At other institutions the student is requir- cd to do a certain amount of work for a given sum, (where the nature of the work will admit of it, ) which has proved, by experience, to be the best. The stu- dent is thrown upon his own resources, his ambition is spurred, he learns to provide for himself, and is sent into the world not only a man of science, but a man of business; which is one of the great objects of the sys- tem. And when once left to the resources of his own genius and industry, he may extend his hours of labor so as to include all the time he can spare from his books; and by laboring during vacations, and other spare days, he may obtain the means of defraying the whole of his expenses, as the above extract from the Cincinnati Lane Seminary, abundantly proves.
such portion, or portions of the day for it, as will best suit the convenience of the faculty, and the improvement of the students.
It has been thought by some to be inexpedient to have two classes of students in the same Institution, one to labor and the other not; Jest it should create envious distinctions, and retard the studies of the laborer by throwing discouragements in his way. But the trial of the case in the Maine Wesleyan Seminary has demon- str.ted that these fears are groundless. Indeed, the present popularity of the Labor System, gives a greater share of credit to the young man who has genius and enterprise enough to work his way through a Literary Institution, than to one who depends entirely upon his friends for support And if it was otherwise, your com- mittee have doubts whether it would be in accordance with the charter of this Institution to exclude students who do not wish to labor, in as much as the charter was granted before the Labor System was generally adopt- ed, and of course with a view to establish a classical school of the ordinary character. But while the usual privileges are given to monied students, there can be no legal objection to extending the privileges of the Insti- tution to those who labor for their support.
But the great and momentous question is yet to be answered, whence shall we obtain funds to effect all these benevolent purposes? The most reasonable an- swer would be, to say, from those who may expect to be benefitted by it, and this would include the whole community of the surrounding country. But experience has long since taught that benevolent institutions de- pend on benevolent individuals, and benevolent go- vernments for their support. We may, therefore, look for aid,
1. From the State. We look for this, (1. ) because this College is, in a great degree, the creature of the State, and all that the State has bestowed upon it is useless to the community, unless enough now be added by some means to put the institution into successful operation. (2 ) because the benefit to be derived from the Institution when in successful operation, is such, as to interest all the northwest port of the Stute; which renders it an object of public munificence. (3 ) Be- cause it is acknowledged to be the best policy of the go- vernment to encourage literature and universal educa- tion, in order to suppress crime, promote virtue, and thus perpetuate our republican Institutions; and no opportunity is offered or can be offered at the present, to extend the benefits of this policy to this section of the State equal to the one now offered, in the liberal patronage and support of Allegheny College.
2. We look for aid from the liberal and benevolent in the vicinity of the College, who may expect to de- rive, as it were, a double benefit from it, and who may be waited on by the College agent for that purpose.
3. We expect aid from other liberal and benevolent individuals who are more remotely situated, and who expect no other benefit from the Institution, than to do good to their country, and fellow men, by contributing to facilitate the education of the youth of our land.
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