The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1860-10-10

Union Schools. should Foreign Students
he Admlted."
I'VE have received a we'll written communiea-
ton upon this topic, of which We publish so
much as our space will permit.
In our State the townships are divided into
districts, and all students, rot residing in GER
tain district, are foreign to that district, and
though they may reside within mile or half
mile, of splendid school building, where is sup
ported a superior school, yet cannot attend that
school under any circumstances on account OF q
prohibito.y resolution passed by the Board OF
Trustees, or taxpayers of the district in which
said superior school is located. Now, is this
right. Does this accord with the promptings OF
a generous nature? Most certainly not. But
should foreign students be admitted on condition
of obeying all good and wholesome regulations,
and paving satisfactory tuition: We most as
suredly hold that they should, and further, that
inducements be held out for them to attend, in
stead of Encouragement. The following are our
reasons: 1t is the policy of great nation to es-
tablsh those Institutions that shall result in the
tor the interest of community to be too selfish,
especially in regard to educational matters, for
thereby in endeavoring to sail clear OF Scyla,
they are b.indly dashed upon Charybdis, or in
other words if the people of district attempt
to support a school, to the exclusion Of foreign
students, they are voting money out OF pocket
instead of voting it in, for nothing tends 70 pro-
mote the welfare OF city, increase its reputa-
ton, enhance the value OF property so much as
good reputable schools.
1t is quite generally understood, that at the
late annual school meeting, the people voted the
exclusion of foreign students. We cannot re-
gard this as wholly justifable and expedient, as
it must necessarily affect the growth and prosper
ity of our city. Some have publicly declared
that the reputation of our Union School must be
raised, yet by a vote On the admission of foreign
students have cut off the broadcast avenue lead
ing to reputation. 1t savors little OF inconsis-
tency to advocate the raising OF school reputa-
ton by saying it. 1t should be our aim in this
our isolated city of the west, to adopt every
measure that would tend to draw in from other
States, and from our own State, men OF ready
means, enterprising, industrious men, those who
would invest their wealth in the promotion OF
our citys welfare.
Why are Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and kalama-
zoo progressing SO rapidly. Why are splendid,
costly dwellings, reared so numerously? Why
such hum of business? The question is easily
answered: in those places are found the nOblest
institutions of the land-moneyed men with an
eye to the education Of their children, knowing
the reputation of the schools there established,
have settled there, and to-day doing more
for the interest and welfare of the city than all
other causes combined. These schools indirectly
pour money into the Golfers of merchants, tail
ors, book sellers, land-holders, and mechanics Of
every order
The Union School of Ann Arbor, last year
with an attendance of one hundred and fourteen
non resident students, received from the same ST..
2S6 so; Sturgis from nineteen received 1888 20;
Tecumseh from si1ty.fve 1920 90; Ypsanti
from two hundred about $1,000. Now who will
say after looking at these figures, that money
invested for the accommodation of foreign STU
dents is not invested most fortunately at more
than compound interest.
Now why should Lansing, the capital of the
most beautiful State in the west with increased
facilities, aside from schools, paralyze itself by
the passage of resolution absolutely preventing
its rapid progress? If there be not room for the
accommodation Of foreign students, then by all
means, the school accommodations in that re-
spect should be increased, for every dollar thus
invested is out at twenty-five per cent. interest
Yea, more, by increasing the facilities for obtain
ing an education, as before limited, the value
of every foot of property in the city is enhanced
to great degree.
Again, those students who would attend our
schools, had they the privilege, comprise those
with the very best talent of the surrounding
country; when such students enter any school,
they add character and reputation to that school.
| Now should our districts make accommodation
or provision for foreign students, the funds real.
lied from tuition alone would more than compen-
safe in a short time for the outlay in making such
provisions; more than amply pay for sufficient
enlargement of school building.
Then why this deadly hostility towards our
best frends-those who aiding us in build
| ing up this city, and would lend more ready
hand did we allow them an opportunity for man.
ifesting their generosity!
| Briefly repeating, We hold that the character
and reputation of our schools demand the ad'
mission of foreign students; the interests of ev-
cry class of citizens in our city demand it; the
noble cause of education demand it; the gener.
GUS impulses of candid sober thinking men sanc-
ton it :; our duties and obligation to our fellow
citizens require it; hence, then, as there can be
no pecuniary loss, but great pecuniary gain, as
we shall be bestowing favor upon our fellows,
that will result in the education of their children
that will afford US the consolation of having acted
we'll our part, let US open our college doors let
US exercise mite of charity; and admi. those
foreign students who are knocking at our doors,
for superior advantages in obtaining thorough
education.
Let us work with ZEAL to center here all that
will tend to make our city prosperous, let all be
done that can, then in swift coming years, the
sylvan grandeur of this western city will fade,
but in its place will tower up magnificent insti.
tntions for the education of the youth, insttu-
tons whose glitterng domes will pierce the
/ hroad hiua Of haarau and reflect Ia, L tho an.