New-York tribune., 1879-08-26

IpTC ALTON Ann TIRE STATE Rv FRFTpRrCK A p
BARNARD, S. T. d. Svo PIP. IS.
In this Address, delivered at the first annual
Commencement Of the Regents OF the University Of the
State OF New York, President Barnard sets forth his
views regard the obligation of the State to provide
for the education of its citizens. Among the questions
which arise in the discussion OF the subject he considers
ihe expodency OF creating colleges by the author
i,y OF the State his point President Barnard main
tans that whatever may have been the in earlier
times when IL was, pornaps necessary TO establish col
leges by State patronage a9 part OF the educational
machinery OF the government, the necessity has now
passed away and IL seems important TO restrain rather
than foster the multiplication Of such institutions
We have too many colleges. he afrms and not too few
Their excessive multiplication Is not only not good,
but positive evil. As their number incr their
strength dlmiuishes, with a damaging effect on the
average quality OF collegiate instruction. II is a
impression that the number OF college students
increases IN proportion TO the number OF colleges. But
this a total mistake rule. the number Of students
in the American colleges In the ratio Of the population
Of the country. But tHs rule is not without exceptions
COmparug distant periods The proportion Of students
70 population spite OF the increased number Of col
ieges appears gradually have diminished The aggre-
gate number OF candidates for the first degree our
colleges, is, at present. the total population OF tic
country the ratio OF twenty-five hundred. Less
than half century ago il from TO two
thousand. During that time the population has in
creased nearly fourfoG, the number Of colleges three
iCces pu, together but little more than twoiod. The
college, moreover are costly establishments, and are
endowed chiefly by private munifcence But libcrahY
n thIs direction IN every other IS limited. and
not be overdrswu. Hence many colleges s another
preston for feeble colleges both IN respect the at
tendance they attract. the material
tuey command Besides, II should be cons ,dered
that the expense OF cQuppng college for one hundred
students great for two hundred, and very
moderate ADDITION TO the outlay will provide sufficient
equipment for thousand. The advantages arising from
the multiplication Of colleges, IN The opinion Of Pres
cent Barnard have been greatly oyeIratod. The argu
Inen that colleges thus brou g 10 those who
need them and reached with less expense OF time
end money, ne suggests. might have had weight
ufty years ago. hut has little at present II there
but college ~ state, and II every student should
attend the college Of his State scarcely would
need 10 he separated from his nome by twenty
four hours. Nor is the lsuJaoe ambition Of
thriving towns 20 build up within themselves
al the appliances Of the mOst advanced civiliza-
tiOn OF much greater weight. The most radical
change recommended 5y President Barnard the lmi-
tatOn of The right Of cOnfefrn ""odemic degrees
tie authority OF the state In b lon, State Uni
versty in each State would be empc I'd 70 charter
colleges for teaching all faculties, would
general rules their conduct, would examine all
Odates for admission, and would confer degrees by d
poma. setting forth the the college presenting
tie candidate. President Barnard enfoTces his views
regard 20 the economy OF cotgGtc tcucauOh ln thls
country with and zeal, Tut <h moderation
and good sense They not the sudden Impressions
OF moment but the fruit Of prolonged reflection and
study They Open pregnant field Of inquiry 10 the
friends OF liberal education aud sustained only
by the authority Of Official position and personal
thOry. but by great of argument and richness Of
illustration.
THE NATIVE FLOWERS AND FERNS OF TIE
UNITED STATES; By THoAAs &KEHAS. illustrated
BY ChTOIlOithORraphs Series z. Parts AHd 4. Phila
delUhla The American Natural History Publishing Co.
This is not a systematic TREATISE nor is il