The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1873-04-04
THE NEW PLAN.

4 III W now IL
| for the reorganization of the Boards
of Directors of our various State
institutions of tearing, evidently has
never been so intimately connected
with one of these institutions as to
become personally familiar with its
private history. He manifestly
knows but very little of the petty
jealousies and the spirit of envy
which constantly develop them
selves in the minds of many of our
present teachers. Nor has he care
fully noticed the various means by
which the Presidents OF these in
situations seek TO have their own
| way, even to the control of special
departments of learning of which
they are not competent Judges.
Had this been the case the writer
would not SO confidently have at
! tribuled TO these State officers any
more unimpeachable integrity than
to others. Had he stopped to scru-
| tiniZe the private relations of pres
ident and professor he would, we
think, concede that there was power
enough given into the hands of the
former. Ample provisions was
made for all matters of interest con-
nected with the true advancement
| of these institutions, so far as their
practical work is concerned. At all
events Harvard. Yale and Ann
Arbor-institution which are the
liust pride of our whole country
have prospered under such regula-
tions. This new law, therefore, to
say the least of il that can be said,
is entirely unnecessary so far as the
true prosperity of our institutions
is concerned.
Besides, the writer seems to have
ignored entirely the very important
fact that it was through the person.
nj influence of one of these presi-
dents tina. this same law was passed.
Now we ask, for what purpose did
this particular person desire such
privileges as this law confers? Was
it that he might be any more sim
eerely and unselflshly devoted TO
his work? Was he likely to con-
suit his co-laborers with any more
| Difference to their ideas and wants
But we are cautioned that our edu-
Gonal men are not governed by any
! personal motives in such matters.
| y ct h -re Is man who threatens to
resign lis Office unless such an OPP
HOrtunity is given him. Does this
seem as though 'no man of capacity
| enough to run q State institution
would vote on matters personal to
himself!" If he is not too pure
minded TO insist that a law granting
such privileges be passed, will he be
too honest and upright to take adj
vantage of it after it is actually in
force! We think not. The same
motives which influence III one case
will control in the other. We are
at perfect liberty, therefore, TO infer
that the chief object this person had
in insisting upon such n law was
that he might take advantage of its
privileges, not only to vote when he
felt so disposed, but also to influ-
ence the Board of Directors rs much
as he should be able. Does this
seem like the actions of ''high-
toned, conscientious and liberal
minded PRESIDENT"
This leads us TO remark that the
chief difference between the posi-
ton we have taken and the one &C.
cupied by the said writer is that we
spoke OF facts, while he appears
contented 10 treat of things as they
ought to be. Hence we do not speal-
of this law in the hands OF presi-
dents who are perfect models of
learning, virtue and integrity, but
as it appears in its government of
men who have their full share of
human frailties. Nor do we wish
to infer that all these men are cor
rupt; but We do put the question
pointedly, what would be done,
what could be done in case one such
man, selfish and arbitrary, should
unfortunately obtain control of one
of these State institutions of learn
ing? The very fact that there is
such q possibility is sufficient to
arouse every one who is interested
in the permanent advancement of
our educational standard, to oppose
this law until it is modified or re-
pealed. Better far have these STATE |
officers a little cramped in their |
personal privileges, than ever to al |
low even one man to exert a per-
nicious control over any institution |
of learning. The harm which re-
suits to educational interests thro' |
these means is often almost meal
culable. 1t will show itself in the |
course of study pursued, the kind |
of text books used, the proficiency
of class drill and the general stand
ard of education adortcd. Through |
all these it will have direct influ-
ence on the minds of the students /
under their control. Does not the |
force of our objections stand out in |
bold relief, gaining additional |
strength FROM the unpleasant con-
sideration that our ideal presidents |
and our matter-of-fact presidents
are two different personages? With
these considerations before us we
cannot justly be regarded as "pick-
ing flaws and finding fault without
there is some ground" for it.
So far as the Boards of Directors
are concerned, there are q great
many of the most important facts,
with the prosperity of
our institutions, which must come
to them through their presidents.
This in itself gives them sufficient
to present all their
claims, ideas and results without the
addition of the special rights grant
Dd them in this new law. The ques-
lion, therefore is not will a perfect
man abuse these privileges or what
will be the extent of his influence (?
IL is the principle which is involved
in allowing him under any ordinary
10 influence in any
degree by his personal presence the
minds of men who should act in
conformity with the strictest rules
Of Justice. If the president has
light TO be present and to vote, no
one can blame him for exercising it.
certainly the members of the Board |
'annot object to il, for in the law I
lnder consideration he had as good {
right as they 10 all the peculiar !
privileges conferred upon him.
Herein surely is a most glaring in
which needs no COM $
nent. /;
All VIC have to say of the remarks a
bout the State Superintendent of
'ublic Instruction, is that the OBJ
ections urged seem wholly person
]. They may have reference to the I
Individual who now occupies that {
nporiant Office, and not to the +.
rincipal involved in the law. We :
o not think that in educational mat
ers laws should haye reference 10 n
cases chiefly. They
hould rather be general, and be =,
ased upon the highest principles u
I rectitude and justice. s o
tribune. h