uantity or
improves the quality of that which is produced, but does not redound to
the improvement of the producer, rather contributes to his degradation,
has somewhere a fatal flaw. Mind may legitimately fashion matter into a
machine; but when it would reduce mind also to the same level, it steps
beyond its province. When it fails to continue through the sphere of
mind the impulse it communicates to matter,--when its benefit stops with
fabric, falling short of the man who stands over it,--it lags behind its
mission, and is so far unsuccessful.

The movement for diminishing the number of laboring hours has already
been brought before the notice of the Massachusetts Legislature,--has
been made the subject of careful and extensive inquiry by a special
committee, who have returned a report so able, eloquent, and convincing
as to leave little to be said in that direction,--and is now, for closer
and more exhaustive investigation, in the hands of a committee whose
names are a guaranty that nothing will be left undone to secure a just
and righteous decision, for which let all Christian people devoutly
pray. In the intelligence and virtue of its workingmen lies the hope of
the Republic. If the proposed change shall tend to promote that
intelligence and virtue, it will be the part of true patriotism to
effect it. Whether this particular means be or be not the wisest for the
end in view, the path of the higher life unquestionably lies in this
direction. The accomplishment of the greatest results with the least
outlay of time and toil is the problem in physical science. With the
leisure and strength thus redeemed from lower needs, to build up a royal
manhood is the problem of moral science.

The Saturday half-holiday is less an affair of law and legislature,
depends more upon private men and women, but is of scarcely less
importance. It is not to be disguised that there are difficulties and
dangers attending the plan. It is as yet probably regarded only as an
experiment, though certain classes of mercantile men have been trying it
for years, with what satisfaction their persistence in it indicates.
Undoubtedly there are many young men who misspend their holiday, and
many more who do not know what to do with it, and who will finally fall
into mischief through sheer idleness. The hours drag so heavily, that
they half conclude they would about as soon be at work as at liberty
with nothing to do. Possibly there are more who abuse th