New-York tribune., 1873-06-27
rDrc,1,oy IN pgrIrC AFr1IRs.

EDUCATION IN PUbLIC AFfhihc
When venerable scholar and accomplished
statesman gives to the Eepublic his well-con-
sidered thoughts on tho education needed Tor
fit discharge of public duties, the young Re-
publican may well stop and listen. Such
scholar and statesman spoke yesterday when
the Hon. Charles Francis Adams addressed
the Phi Beta Kappa Society OF Harvard Col
lcge. by q long and laborOus life, devoted TO
tho highest interests of his country. Mr.. Adams
has earned tho right to give counsel when men
are considering what education is needed to lead
vouDc men from tho cool seclusiOn OF the
university into tho public service or the
country. His own happy combination OF raro
scholarship and fine appreciation OF the mSnes'
duties of tho citizen and the leader OF puoi,c
oninion is 80 widely acknowledged that his words
NAV seem somewhat Oracular. 1t Is one OF tho
GOOD signs of the times that Mr.. Adams has
chosen such o topic as this which informs the
purpose of his Cambridge OratiOn. lle would
warn against pretentiOus ignorance nestled IN
the robes of learning; ho would also warn
opainst a code of politics which would exclude
from public lfo tho highest talent and char
acter There ore not wanting those who scout
tho idea that anything but mcre acuteness IN
the discovery of popular feeling can possibly
succeed in public Affairs. Thcrc are many
others whose fine sense Of the fitness of things
reyolts at tho thought of choosing public
life rs career. Is il true that
orr ways arc so soilcd and our politics
40 debaSed that men Of fineness, senSblllty,
and culture must DO discouraged from enter
ing thcrcin2 The Grafton OF Mr. Adams ana the
movement of circumstances which induce his
utterances seem to be sufficient answer to
this question. 1t is undeniable that men IN
and out of politics recognize the necessity Tor
utilization of the power lying dormant in the
country. 1t is time that we had less fas-
tidousness in tho discharge of the duties
which como homo to every citizen OF tho
Republic. Now, as ever, we need moro intel
ligence in the direction of public affairs.
Mr.. Adams disayOws any intention to miugle
with due preparation in the study OF the
science of government any interest in the
casual struggles of the hour His plano of
thought, as might be expected is in the thin
ner atmosphere of an exalted craftsmanship
But, when ne descends to particulars, he in
stances journalism and OratOry as two fields
wherein tho publicist may render the highest
effective sclNlCts 1neS6 NOC'i'iOho u' NV ~
yOlve those who pursue them in strifes for
power aud place. Indeed, our wise COUNSELOR
insists that none shall belttle recommended
ton to study craftsmanship by suggesting
that If may be associated with the mere hope
of getting place. His views on this subject
the connection of journalism and effective
public speaking with the management of af-
fairs-are characterized by much soundness
and discretion, and must command respect.
The grafton, to which we directithe careful
attention it deserves, is one of the best pos
sible indications of the drift of public opinions
and events. Tho orator has thonghtfully
scanned the field Of human action, and in his
carefully-prepared address he has gathered
the conclusions of his search. 1t is not vIo-
lent supposition that the "leadings" which
have resulted in this work are such as exer-
else thousands of thinking men throughout
the Republic. We are yet long way from
any political millennium. The ruck and
dust and nOisOmeness of tho struggle for
pelf and place have not yet passed. But we
are nearer publication of public affairs
when the young men issuing from scholastic
walks take up manfully the burdens OF
citizenship with their duties privileges, and
responsibilities. To such fortunate conclu-
sion many indications point and we are glad
to believe that the wise words which the Phi
Beta Kappa orator uttered yesterday will not
fall upon unheeding or unbelieving ears.