The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1883-12-26
HIGHER EDUCATION.
From Our Lady Correspondent.

Aa
which discusses propositions set fortl
by contributors to the Inter Mountain
have not seen the articles referre,
to, and cannot of course, tell hoy
correctly "Flotsam" has interprete.
their ideas, but wish to notice few
of his own statements.
First.-"Fiotsam" states that al
Estate universities are generally in
firmaries for playedout polititians anG
cast away clrrgymen," he hopes Mon
tana will be able to hold her own ir
the educational world without one u
greatly fear Flotsam" shows his
ignorance of State universities. Fur.
ther on, his plea is for practical edu.
cation, and, from observation and
personal experience, Il can say, the
State universities are the most prac-
tical schools in the country.
1t was my good fortune to gradu-
ate from one Of these State universe
ties, and, although legislators and
discontented people grumbled and
found fault, I can confidently state
that every department was practical
as we'll as theoretical.
The agricultural students, besides
the usual text book studies in the
course, were favored with lectures by
intelligent practical farmers, and
worked on the model farm where ex-
periments were carried on.
The horticultural class had similar
training in theil department.
The military students had special
drills and lessons in tactics, and after
examinations, were made officers in
the general drill of the whole body of
students.
Students of chemistry had
most completely furnished labora-
tory, where they assayed under the
guidance Of the professors for two or
three years. or as long a. they chose.
Philosophical instruments and ex-
periments were furnished students in
physics, and some of them developed
great genius.
Students of botany were required
to analyze and prepare specimens of
plants, and had the use of fine micro
scopes for closer investigation. Some
of these students still keep up their
minute study of nature in this way.
Geological and mineralogicai stu
dents collected specimens, and had
access to the university cabinet.
Those who studied zoology pre-
pared keletons and stuffed animals
in a manner worthy any taxider-
mist.
Those who made entomology a spe-
cialty collected and studied harmful
and beneficial insects with great zeal
under professor who is greatly re-
spected in scientific circles.
Students of mechanics had practi-
cal work IN the fine machine shops of
the university, and became expert
workers in wood or iron, often receiv-
ing and filling large orders from
distance.
Civil engineering students who |!
graduated from our university al
most Immediately took important
positions.
Even the lady students had prac-
tical department., and many of them
worked in the large greenhouse.
Drawing and modelling in clay are
we'll taught, and some of our students
are on the way to fame as artists and
sculptors.
Telegraphy was taught practically;
lines were put up between rooms and
between the university and boarding
houses or private residences.
Students of surveying had
practical field work with instru-
ments. II fact, l know of nothing
which was not made as practicable
as possible. The modern languages
of French and German, are needed
for scientific research, and are useful
even in every day reading.
Latin and Greek are also inter-
woven in the foundation of our own
language, that slight knowledge. at
least, is necessary to a good English
student.
OF mathematics, need not speak,
as everybody knows the practical
uses of the higher branches in some
departments. 1 do not know OF
single "broken down politician" in
the faculty, and the "clergyman' who
effieiates as regent, is an acknoWl-
edged leader in educational circles,
and fine writer while, as preacher
he never fails to draw large audi
ences.
Our motto was Learning and La
bor,n and it was well carried out. l
say that Montana cannot "hold her
own in the educational world"
without one of these grand public
institutions of higher education CT
practical term.
1t is true, as "X" says, that peo-
ple, who cannot afford to send chill
dren East, can afford to send them
to public university, where ex-
penses are trifling.
Montana cannot afford to let her
boys and girls grow into mere
drudges, who have never had a
chance to make the pest OF them
selves.
A State University with every de-
partment thoroughly practical would
he of incalculable benefit to Montana
and to each of her children who
chose to receive it.