The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, December 6, 1903, Page 12

'SYMPATHY BETWEEN PARENT AND CHILD---ELEVENTH TALK BY W.]J.Shearer THE SUNDAY CALL. STRIKING FACTS ABOUT (" e R by HE parison only attempts to deal with wages In the ordinary accept- ance of the term—the money received In payment for labor. It is, however, evident, that to examine thoroughly the rewards of labor in different countries and to compare them, many other factors. such as cost of living, would. call for consideration. For, as Adam Smith says (“Wealth of Nations,” Bk. L, V.) “the real wages of labor may be said to consist of the quantity of s and conveniences of life that are given for it; itsnominal wages in the qu )£ money. The laborer is rich or poor, is well or {1l rewarded, in proportion to real, not the nominal, wages of his labor.” A comparison of real” wages w d be an extremely difficult, if not an impossible task. The best practicable substitute consists of an account of money wages, with the reservation that the “real” wages may be either greater or less than the “money” wages—greater where the cost of living is low, less where this is high . Even with reference to money wages it is impossible to give as exact a comparison, when dealing with large classes In different countries, as v hen dcaling with smaller classes or with indi idu in the same country. I shall endeavor to present a fairly correct picture of the conditions which prevail by firsi giving an estimate of the general average of wages in the three ccuntries in which the conditlons arg most interesting, viz.: America, Eng- lapd and Germany, and then by giving in more detail particulars of waygcs in epecial branches of industry in several countries. Let us take America first. An officlal estimate (the Wage ‘Census) gives $454 per vear (38s 8d per week) as the general average of wages for the whole of the States. In the slave States, where the competition of cheap black la- bor is feit, the average runs from $211. to $395 per year (16s 11d to 31s 6d per week). In the States around New York the general average is $493 per year (388 64 per week). I have made an estimate from the returns relating to 255,000 workers in the State of Massachusetts (published by the Massachu- setts Bureau of Statistics of Labor) and obtaln an average of 43s 6d per week, or a little more than the average above given. I do not know of any al general average for this country, but Charles Booth gives particulars 000 workers in various trades i London, and their average following com- of the wages is approximately 31s 5d per week. In Germany particulars are recorded as to the wages of 10,000 employes ZEONARD YOUATT M-8 - in'various trades in Baden, and here the average is 195 7d per week. Broad averages such as these are, of course, liable to certain errors, but probably they are sufficlently accurate to give a fairly correct impression of the gen- eral level of money wages fn the three countries. The employes have been divided Into classes according to the amount of their wages, those receiving under 20s per week forming one class, from 20s to 258 the next class, and so on. The vertical height of each column repre- sents the number in each class out of a hundred work people. In England it will be observed there is a very large group in the classes ranging from 20s to 358 per week, and the numbers fall off rapidly above and below these limits. Almost half the workers are in the two classes which earn from 25s to 358 per week. In America there is much more varfety in the Incidence of wages, and the population is much more evenly divided among the various classes. It is interesting to note that the proportion earning less than 20s a week is near- - ly twice as large as it is in this country. At the other extreme the figures are more favorable to America, as the number of people there. who earn more than 46s per week Is five times as great as it is here. The diagram does not throw a very favorable light on the state of wages in Germany. More than half the wage earners appear to receive less than 20s a week, while the number of those recelving more than 30s a week is only 7 per cent, and does not admit easily of a further division . into classes. Indeed, in order to get a complete picture of German wages it Is necessary to subdivide further the group of wage earners receiving less that 20s @ week. When this is done it is found that 12 per cent recelve less that 12s a week, 14 per cent receive from 12s to 158 a week and 20 per cent receive from 15s to 1857a week. The most important industry in every country is agriculture and on the whole it 1s one of the worst paid. The following figures give an idea of the rate of pay given to agricultural laborers in various parts of the world. In England the general average of wages of ordinary agricultural labor- ers is 178 a week without board. There are considerable variations in dif- ferent parts of the country, the rate being highest as a rule in the nelgh- borhood of coal mines and in other industrial centers. The highest rate Is found in Durham and is 20s 9d a week; the lowest, in Suffolk, is 14s 5d. In America the general average is 17s 11d a week and the rate varies from £1 10s 2d in Washington to 12s in South Carolina. The lowest rate of ag- ricultural wages in the States is thus lower than the lowest in this coun- try. Y On the Continent the wages of agricultural laborers are much lower than the rates given above. For instance, in France the average Is 123 a week, Dc mark 9s to 10s, Belgium 9s 6d and in Hungary only 6s 3d. On the other hand. in the colonies the average rates are higher than either in this coun- try or in the States. For instance, in Canada the general average Is 21s, while this is exceeded in Manitoba and British Columbia. In the older col- STRIAING THINGS Va2 onj of Australia the average runs from 10s to 20s a week with board. and in Western Australia reaches 650s a week, but this does not Include board. The mining industries show very considerable varlations. In coal mines the following are average wages: 5.4 s d 10 0 to 14 0 per week 15 6 to 21 0 per week France 16 8 to 25 0 per week Prussia . 18 6 to 24 0 per week In each of these cases the lower fig- ure refers to the wages of “putters” and “trammers,” while the higher one refers'to those actually working at cutting the coal. In Belgium the miners day !s 12 hours. In England the general average rate of wages in codl and iron mines Is 36s 84 per week. but of course there are wide varfations above and below this figure. The metal trades produce high rates of wages in America and to a less extent In this country, but on the Continent wages are very low. Foun- dry work and pattern making form two fairly typical branches of these trades and the following wages are obtained In the countries named: Founders. Pattern Makers. Austria . .. 3%d per hour. 43%4d per hour. Belgium 5a per hour. 4%4d per hour. France ... .. 2%d per hour. §d per hour. Germany . . per hour. 3%d per hour. U Rokie 14%4 per hour. 15%d per hour. England ... 83,d per hour. 8%d per hqur. Somewhat similar rates are found in the buliding trades: For example, bricklayers’ wages are as follows: Belgium, 3d per hour: Denn:nrk, 6d; Germany, 6d; Holland, 3%d; United States of America, 13%d to 20d; Eng- land, 84 to 10%d. Carpenters receive the following wages: Belgium, 3d to 31%d per hour; Denmark, 5%d to 7'2d; France, 4d; Germany, 6d; Holland, 31; United States of America, 16%4; England. 8d to 10%d. These examples are sufficlent to show to some extent how money wriges vaiy in England and America and on the Continent. In order to obtain a complete dicture it would be necessary to find out the cost of living in each country ahd to es- timate the surplus left out of the wakes when the ordinary expenses of lite had beem provided for. This it i3 mpossible to do with any degree of accu- racy, and we have to be content with the generally accepted conclusion that In the United States the cost of living 1s considerably higher than In England, especially as It affects clothing, coal and rent, whiie in' continental countries it is probably not much lower. Austria . Belglum + 'REMARKABLE DEVELOPMENT N educational measure is now in view which demands the pathy and widespread attention of the people of Cali- 1a. It Is a part of a movement which has for its ob- 3 the helping of every person, young or old, to broader views of life, to a wider outlook on the world, to a culti- f the best that is in them. These alms are to be shed, first, by a general use of traveling libraries; i, by an extension of public libraries to every place which is able to bort one. The traveling library Is easily described. It is simply a little collection of books of variéd selections—usually of fifty volumes—sent from a center to places more or less remote. Its object, like that of the public library, is the recreation and instruction of the people The most noticeable feature is seen In the fact that the book is brought to the individual. instead of com- pe g him to go weary distances to the library. It is free to all, excepting transportation charges. The ready response to the widespread use of the traveling library in all parts of our country reveals the longing of the common people for quickened intelligence and broader knowledge. They have long walted for such a help end now cheapness of printing and transportation and rapid communication nbine to make the wish a reality. California is distinguished among her ter States for zealous educational efforts which have given her schools and iiversities exceptional rank. What then has been done in traveling library work? With the exception of several scores of libraries sent out by women's clubs, which have done valuable pioneer work, nothing has been accom- plished. Organized womanhood stands for the best in this, as in all other uplifting plans for the State. The States of New York, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, JTowa and others have for many years past found this labor, conducted by the various library commissions, to be of the most productive they have undertaken; in fact, it is impossible to estimate the educational value of the missionary purpose which these itinerant libraries have performed. They have been sent to min- ing and forest camps, to distant hamlets and towns shut away from close touch with the world, to little villages whose local libraries are struggling to live, to granges, schools, societies without number and women's clubs, every- where carrying the refining and elevating influences which are the message of good literature. Surely it was with prophetic vision that Horace Mann, the distin- guished educator of Massachusetts, forty years ago exclaimed, “Had I the power I would scatter libraries over the whole land, as a sower sows his wheat field.” 2 The charge of indifference to this great popular movement can no longer be made against California, for preliminary steps have been officially taken to a wide and general use of traveling libraries. The initiative was effected a year ago by the California Library Assoclation, which after due discussion succeeded in obtaining the interest and co-operation of the trustees of the vation L o 3 * State Library at Sacramento. Legislation was soon procured which gave the trustees ample authority not only to send out traveling libraries, but also conferred the long-desired right to make the library otherwise helpful to the State, o The State Library, established in 1850, has by the generous appropria- tions made for its increase become one of the largest and best selected State librarfes in the United $tates; in fact, it is surpassed only by the State Library of New York. But during the half century of its existence its functions have been limited solely to th of a reference library, save that a few State officials eould borrow t::o.&c for short periods. The time was ripe for a change, when the great storehouse of 120,000 volumes of his- tory, art, literature and law—and all other departments of knowledge— should become beneficial to its owners—the people of California. The first liberal measure of recent adoption to be described is that of individual loans outside of Sacramento. Respousible individuals and all approved in- stitutions throughout the State may now borrow—perferably through their Jocal library or the school authoritics—any volume which in the judgment of the State Librarian can be spared, or which is not of such rarity as to forbid loaning. Such books may be borrowed for two weeks, subject grdi- narily to renewal for the same length of time. The sole conditions are good care of the books and payment of all express charges. 3 Speclal stress is laid by the State Library upon the value of this work, and no pains will be spared to accom modate all applicants, regardiess of their. location In the State. Teachers and women's clubs will find this boon to bgof the highest value in th:ir studies. 2 M i No two States have exactly the same educational problems. Hence, be- fore undertaking the dispatch of traveling libraries, the State library trustees determined to send State Librarian James L. Gillis on an exten- slve tour of investigation and comparison of the traveling library systems in the East, 8o that the best features of their work might be incorporated, if desirable, ip our own, During his month's absence Mr. Gillls visited many State and public libraries, was everywhere received with special courtesy, had every facility for information opened to him, with promise of subgequent co-operation. His report to the trustees indicates that he was profoundly impressed with the value of the work as a'whole and hear- tily believes in its widespread adoption in California. The trustees immediately voted to send out fifty traveling libraries of fitty volumes each as early as possible and they are now in process of preparation. These 2500 selected volumes have been purchased in the Bast and will form the basis of a duplicate department of the State library, for it has never been contemplated—as has been erroneously supposed—to de- plete the existing collections on the shelves by large drafts on them for traveling library purposes. S OF TRAVELING LIBRARIES IN C_ALIFORN!A -+ | l 5 By William P. Himball - The rules governing the issue of traveling libraries are very simple. They will be loaned to any community now without a public library. Five resident taxpayers must organize as a local library assoclation and must pay $3 In advance for transportation of the library both ways. Other details may be learned by correspondence addressed to the traveling li- brary department of the State library. \ i B Inevitahly' the question arises, will this lbrary extension work be a success? , Before seeking an answer, let us look gt some of the prevailing conditions. It would seem as If it were supremely appropriate that the traveling llbrary should have a permanent home among us because of the peculiar topography of the State. The vast areas and the great mountain ranges of California ordain the existence of hundreds of scattered hamlets and villages that will never be able to support a local library. For that very reason the State should reach out its helping hand and say to the boy and girl, the lonely housekeeper and the teiling man, “You shall not, be- cause of your Isolation, be deprived of the mental life and power which comes through the reading of good books; it is your birthright.” Such read- ing i1s part of the education which every State in this age of the world should give to these of its youth and adults who desire it. No argument is needed that without such knowledge there cannot be realized the indis- pensable qualification of a democracy—the best citizenship. In further seeking a solution of our question we cannot be unmindful of the far-reaching results that may flow from this work. It is not merely & proposition of a few hundred libraries circulating throughout the State, but rather, what is to be their effect?—to what will they lead? Said Oliver Wendell Holmes, when asked at what time a child's educa- tion should begin: “A hundred years before he is born.” To'our query then we may briefly reply, that, like other worthy enter- prises, the results will largely depend on the management. Rarely does there come to any body of men an opportunity to do finer work for a great State than is now presented to the trustees of the State Library. A new educational fleld is to be occupied—fortynately with the use of ample means—yet there is another imporant factor to be secured. This is noth- ing less than-the good will and co-operation of the people. No measure for the uplifting and enlightenment of the masses ever succeeds If it fails to command that element divine—human sympathy. From the known strong interest of the State Library Trustees, the deep concern of Governor Pardee in all educational matters and the well- founded belief that our leading educators will counsel and assist, there is no room to doubt that the future of library Interests in California is as- sured. As time rolls on, to all race lovers comes more and more the con- sciousness that “Phe education of the peopfe is the real underlying work for earnest men who would best serve their country.” . + HOUGH we sometimes speak of the great importance and the wondrous power of sympathy, too few realize how In- concelvably potent is its function in the formation of hu- man character. Especlally powerful is its influence over the tender feelings of a child. In his joys and sorrows every child wishes some one to share. At every turn he needs, and should have, the tenderest sympathy of the lov- ing parent. Too often he receives no sympathy where he has a right to expect it. The child who has injured himself is made no better by being told, “It serves you right; be more careful next time.” “I told you you would hurt vourself.” Such a statement will tend to stir up all thut‘ll worst in any child, but especially in the child of some temperaments. Parents must ever remember, and never forget, then, that sympathy is the strongest bond of union between human hearts. It is not possible for any heart to shut itself against it. When all else has failed it will prove to be the most powerful factor in reclaiming the lost. Indeed, it seems almost impossible to exaggerate the strength of the influence which it exerts in forming character and in regulating the habits of all. If a child feels that you sympathize with him he will imitate you, and you can mold him almost at will. As children grow older their habits become firmly fixed, and determine character. That which is once fixed in a child's mind through loving sympathy will scarcely ever be removed, even by the most skiliful argu- ment. Each one of us can trace most changes in ourselves to the influence of some one whom we loved, because of the sympathy which was shown us. It may have been silent sympathy. It may have been almost or en- , tirely unconscious. It was none the less powerful. The child who loves the parent and feels that he possesses the parent's sympathy needs but little admonition or criticism. When he perceives what the parent wishes the bond of sympathy tends to firmly establish the desired principles. Be assured that in no way can any parent gain such power over a child for the purpose of shaping his character as by manifesting warm sympathy with the child. Next to a lack of loving kindpess there is no more potent cause of unhappiness to children than a lack of sympathy in those from whom they have a right to expect it. Almost every person has wondered at the peculiar power and action of sympathy. One child stafts to cry, and nearly all the young children present will do the same, as if they had been injured also. The actress feigns great grief, and two-thirds of the audience join with her in shedding tears. Or one or two start to laugh, and, in a short time it will spread to the whole company, though none may be able to tell why they are laughing. Some one sneezes or yawns and many others do the same. A joke which Is scarcely understood by a single hearer will set a whole audience into sympathetic laughter. It would thus seem that there is some mysterious, inexplicable power in sympathy. By this power the mental or physical conditions of one may be communicated to others, increasing in Intensity as it passes from one to another. Since this is 8o, need we wonder that that sympathy, prompted by holiest love, should have such an all-powerful effect upon children, who are so delicately deeply sensitive to every influence? . Some may assert that there i{s no difference between sympathy and love. If this is the case, then, having considered the power of love and kind- ness, we are not justified in spending even a few minutes In .the, con- sideration of sympathy. But are they the same? Love may be upon one side alone, and therefore unappreciated and without any power of affect- ing the object loved. It is not so with sympathy. Sympathy is two-fold. It starts as a response to an express need. It is an answer to a call for it, whether expressed in words or not. It is therefore certaln of grateful recognition, even where love is neither felt nor welcome. . As before stated, next to love, there i nothing a child needs so much as sympathy. It is much easler for a parent to love a child than to give the child the sympathy which it should have. Parental love is natural. It may not be unnatural, but it is comparatively seldom that a parent is found who shows great sympathy with his child in both work and play. When such a parent is noticed it is considered worthy of remark, if not re- markable. This may seem a.strong statement, but it is belleved that it will bear the test of investigation.’ 7 — Let the reader ask himsél{ the questions: “How many playthings have T taken home to my child? Of these, how many have I taken time to enjoy with the child in play? How many books have I purchased for him? How many of them have I enjoyed with him or even made Inquiry concern- ing? Of the things lost how many have I simply replaced? Concerning the lost how many have I really sympathized with the dear child in his then great sorrow?” Truthful answers to such questions as the above will give & parent some idea as to whether or not he is showing that sympathy to which every child is entitled. To sympathize with a child you must be able to put yourself in the child's place and feel as a child. You must forget that you are not a child any longer. By being a child again for a few minutes you will not only makeé the child love and adore you, but you will again renew your youth and be the better and the stronger because of it. Let it be acknowledged, then, that the most effective way of securing that confidence and love of children which #ill make their management easy is by sympathizing with them in their hopes, in their fears, in their sorrows, in their plays and in their work. Certain it is that the parent 0 does not sometimes descend Into the world in which the child lives a sharer of its fears and sorrows and not as a faultfinder or even as & counselor cannot have the fullest power over the child. Nine “times out of ten—yes, ninety-nine times out of a hundred—the child does not mean to do wrong. The right kind of sympathy will have a more powerful effect at this time than at any other, for the heart Is es- pecially open to such Influences when bowed down by grief. Why should not the loving parent sympathize with the weakness which has resulted in some folly? Then is the time a child is most happy to turn for advice and comfort to some one stronger than he. God for- give the parent who could turn an unsympathetic ear to a penitent child’s cry. Foolish is the parent, and not often truthful, who tells the child he does not understand how he can be so bad. Hard-hearted he who can turn such a child away without the sympathy to which he is entitled. If he does this he need not be surprised If, at the same time, he builds between himself and his child a barrier which will probably never be removed. / /A LN \ J ), (3 \ (A oY 4 1 (¢