The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-01-25
UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IN FRANCE.
From the Journal des Debats. !

From the Journal des Debats.]
The debate on freedom OF university education,
which extended over three days IN the National
Assembly, has proved that our parliamentary
habits and our political knowledge are both very
detective. Discussion was very passionate ana
stormy; the broadcast charges were banded about
and every one displayed great ignorance OF the
true principles of liberty. We were very
much astonished to hear NM. Louis Blanc
anu Paul Bert adjourntng freedom OF university
education to period wnen all barriers should be
removed at once, and the press clubs and asso-
Citations should be completely emancipated. They
know history too well not to know tnat liberty
does not descend from heaven all at once and ia
q state OF periection; that IT Is acquired little by
LITTLE foot by loot, by series OF sustained efforts
and nardly-won concessions. Everything or moth.
French liberals since 1889; and 1t Is Tor this
that after 50 many struggles and trials, we are
still SO lar from the glorious end which we aspired
TO- Let US accept freedom OF education-it Will
aid US to win more But, 1t Is SAID, our adver-
saries will make use OF the privilege when you give
US in the same way that we Will, perhaps in
greater measure and carrier. LOOK at the
names OF the men who demand freedom OF
university education, and you Will see whittier
such liberty leadsl This Is an Old despotic
argument which recos directly Oh those who
employ II. There Ia no mean. Either liberty Is In
itself thing good, just and truthful, and then the
intentions OF those who ask 1t matter little, or
liberty to DO GOOD should be alone authorized, and
IN that case we ask the Lett by wat sign TRUTH Is
to be recognized. Liberals complain with justice,
OF the absolute dominion formerly exercised over
substitute one tyranny Tor anothery lntol-
erance on the part OF the state would appear 10
US more fatal than the In tolerance OF the
Church. 1t would be even more dangerous. for
II would be more caprlclous each revolution
carrying into authority new doctrines and men
ready to proscrioe each other. What IS TO be said
oil the appre hen sions expressed by some speakers
respecting the moral unity OF FranceS NM. Chai-
lemel LaIour and Paul Bert are AFRAID OF the
divisions which might be produced by different
systems OF education In country agitated ny
opposing parues. these apprehensions would
affect US mucn more II the men who leel
them were not In the habit Of praslng up the
lberty-which according 10 them Is aosoIute-of
the German universities "In Berlin" said NJ. Paul
Bert. some years ago an eminent professor
taught series OF doctrines. and beside hin or
rather In the same chair, his assistant attacked
them and demonstrated, In my opinion, that ms
superior was wrong" ana you quote this as an
example TO be initiated. You wish 10 Introduce
DIVISION into the very bosom oil the scnool. aud
you ieign TO fear the discussions which might
break out between different schools The con
tradiction Is little too striking Happily the AS
semDly remained faithful to truly liberal doctrines
and voted BY great majority the second reading
OF the University bill The question OF principle
may now be regarded - fairly settled.