Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1883-09-07
Fatal Fire at 81, Louis.
Tho Value of N Liberal Education.

tBy c. +. p. Bancroft, Phillips At ademy, Andoyer.
The gradual increase of the numbers in
our colleges is hopeful sign. The wonder
is not that so many boys go to college, but
rather that so few go. There is no premium
placed upon it with us, as there is Germany,
where the university is the only gate TO
wide range of public Office, and secures ex
emption from large part OF the required
military service. But with us experience
has shown the value of college training to
such degree that not only boys preparing
for the learned professions but great numbers
OF others seek n liberal education. That
more do not resort TO the colleges is due not
to ignorance OF the advantages of college life,
not to indifference to them, but largely to
ignorance. of the possibility open to every
worthy and resolute young man of enjoying
them.
1t is sometimes objected that colleges
foster contempt for manual labor. But col
lege-bred men do not not despise labor, nor
do college boys. Many OF the latter come
from hard work to.college, and spend their
vacations laboring with their hands. The
antagonisms between capital and labor are
not promoted by the study of the "human-
ihNS, hiotOiJ, poitiCh tCouOnt, hlu CllllCs.
The free and intimate association in college
OF men OF all classes, from the absolutely
rich to the absolutely poor. under the same
impartial standards in sports, studies, and to
a large degree even in society, is the nearest
approach to a pure and rational communism.
In no community is wealth, everywhere
so feeble an influence as in college;
nowhere is a vulgar display OF riches so
despised and snubbcd. Many man can
say that in college his poverty has been no
bar to his popularity, promotion or happi-
ness. There Is In America a tendency to
class distinctions. The college infuenc. is
counter current whose volume should be en-
larged There is not the slightest danger of
our ever suffering from an aristocracy of
educated men. The tables show
that boys who stand high in college usually
take the prizes In life. Boys who fail after
going TO college in many cases would have
failed more conspicuously if they had not
gone. Boys who Edo not shine In college
come home to Alma Mater in after years, in
not few instances, with abundant sheaves.
The world is taught, governed, served by
men OF average ability. Let us rather treble
our college classes than cut them down three.
quarters.
College life il neither idle, frivolous, nor
corrupt. The prevailing tone OF college life
IS manly. The testimony of faculties, stu
tents and OF figures is convincing. College
boys are less exposed to temptation than
clerks, artisans, or any other class except
farmers. Mischief is fast disappearing from
our colleges. There is too much waste, no |
loubt; too much vice, we will admit, but |
he college atmosphere is pure. There is
wider range CT amusement than formerly, |
arger outlay, a greater diversity OF aim and |
method; but underlying it all is more |
serious endeavor to make the college course |
,ount for attainments training and character |
Where is safer or more inspiring place for |
he average hoy