is, I think, too weak to call for any argument to refute it; I will therefore at once proceed to the other point. Mr. Rock proposes that the room should be supplied with the Bible and a few other religious works. Now, without wishing to deny the value of reading of this description, I think it would be highly injudicious to attempt to carry such a proposition into execution. The daily papers and the same sort of literature used by the Mechanics’ and other institutions would prove far more attractive to the working-man, and would offer him more inducement to visit the room. He would thus find relaxation for the mind and the body; would be given an opportunity of becoming acquainted with and discussing the important events, personages, writings and general topics of the day; and in short, would be able to pass away his leisure hours profitably and agreeably. To implant religion in the minds of the lower classes, is, no doubt, a serious and important matter; but religion I venture to submit, is not the chief object aimed at by those who desire the formation of a Working-man’s Reading-room. It is, I believe, intended to form an institution for their amusement, instruction and recreation; let it be confined to this, and by stimulating their intellect and raising them higher in the scale of civilization it will more effectually advance the cause of religion than it would do if simply devoted to religious and theological subjects, which I regret to say, by their very solemnity would keep away many a one who would not appreciate them.” “W. B.”
A Suggestion. “H. B.” writes – “in the multitude of counsellors there is wisdom. Let me suggest to those friends of the working-men who are advocating a new reading-room to supply what they consider a want, that the end they propose would be equally, indeed, more effectually obtained by an arrangement with the existing Mechanics’ Institution, by which employers and others could, by an annual payment have the power of nominating a certain number of men who would have all the privileges of membership. Some arrangement of the kind might work well. A ticket for a twelve-month would be a graceful acknowledgement to a good workman from his employer.”
A Similar Suggestion had been made by “A Member of the Mechanics’ Institution”, but, evidently from the tone of the letter, in a spirit of rival jealousy. It assumed that all the writers had overlooked the fact that the Mechanics’ Institution had already such a room in existence and that it had been diffusing these sought-for advantages for the past thirty years. -
