New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-07-09
THE CLASSICS IN COLLEGES.

Mr.. F. ADAMs's LECTURE CRITICISED.
COMMENT UPON THE LECTURE BY THE PRESIDENTS
OF HARVARD, DARTMOUTH AND BROWN.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRBUNEl
BosToN, July S.-The paper by Charles
Francis Adams E read before the Phi Beta Kappa So
ciety at Harvard few days agohas created sensation
and is fertile topic Of conversation among thoughtu
people, The views presented by Mr.. Adams meet Win
general commendation and college graduates VINO
might be supposed to oppose his views, II any class
would, generally indorse his sentiments Several
college presidents have interviewed the subject
President Eliot, OF Harvard University, is evidently
in sympathy with Mr. Adams He says
"The practical measure proposed by mr.
Adams. namely, an option between Greek anu
modern languages in the examination for admission 70
the college, seems TO me judcous one Indeed, pro
posed it ten years ago to the academy council OF
Harvard University but it then obtained the votes OF
only onefourth of all the professors, those OF tie
Scientific and Medical schools included. Since 1873
think there has change OF opinion upon the
subject but still great fear lest Greek lapse
into the condition OF Hebrew, unless all
boys who 60 TO college forced to study
1t. The unsubstautia character OF tho study OF
the modern languages, commonly pursued In this
country, is also serious obstacle to the adoption
of tho proposed option, but In this respect Mr..
Adams his standard very high believe the meas
would advance scholarship in all departments
of learning, and Increase the influence OF universities
President Bartlett, Of Dartmouth College, says "The
opinions expressed by Mr. Adams have long oeen before
public attention they attract is largely
due the person. the place and the occasion. For
quarter Of O century / have been meeting them,
constantly and honestly ponderinS them and at times
trying persuade myself that they sound My con-
cuson is that his criticisms apply 10 the undue excess
and the inadequate aud barren methods OF classical
study further. Criticisms OF this kind have been
for years In my own mind, and I have endeayored TO
profit In advocating wiser modes Of classical
study have deemed 1t proper and necessary 10 recog
nize the existence OF these strong preudces In the
minds Of many highly intelligent men so lar
10 the Introduction into tie
curriculum at Dartmouth College four years ago of
Latin. scientific course, which cunts the study OF Greek
have conversed with intelligent meh OF all professions
this subject, heard aud considered ali the oblectiou-
and been a constant and careful observer OF the ci-
fects OF the two styles Of education eontTased by MI
Adams, and my conclusion Is that for an education
broad, developing and elevatng, education that shall
make man thoroughly master OF himself and all his
faculties their best education that shall NJ him for
the best mastery OF any specific calling he may choose
education that shall give him the highest aud widest In
uence whatever specific calling, there has yet been
found adequate substitute for the wise study OF the
two classic tongues The precise Influences aud agen
cies by which this Is brought about various aud
complicated for 10 state here IA detail, aud they may
be, great extent, lost by merely mechanical aud
perfunctory method Of teaching. which is too frequently
maintained TO the very end, aud II Mr. Adains's
hard blows can tell effectively toward higher
and better methods shall have rea-
son TO be grateful for tho interest be
awskens. But the study Of SCIENCE or oi French and
German. cannot. in my judgment, confer the benefits
derived from the wise OF the ancieut classics.
while conceding the Latn-sc.enthc cOurse.f do not
deem IL the lest; aud here, believe, express the
somewhat unanimous opinion OF the faculty OF Dart
mouth College, derived from observation. believe
that the opposition 10 the ancient languages,
which Is no greater now than many years ago, n
so great, IL destined gradually 90 give way
before certain obvious facts may say in conclusion,
that my opinions have been formed, not only
by experience. reflection and discussion but by carefully
watching the different methods OF education the process
and immediate results by comparison OF the two classes
Of men results, from the only OF
the great OF classicay educated men, but Of many
OF the keenest and abest business IN my circle OF
knowledge and of other highly intelligent persons, who
always have felt and deeply regretted their lack Of
classical training The experiment Of the last few
IN Germany, too. must have great weight In
the discussion, and while expect 10 hear
in the future in the past highly respectable aud even
MghiY euncateu men eApIoss tneisoncs % Anu
the study Of those languages aud their literature modl-
P,psirnt Robinson. Of BroSn sSid that there was
certain amount OF truth In what Mr. Adams had stated
American education" he said, is IN great danger Of
being ld IL Is not desirable " compel all Young
10 30 the amount OF Latin aud Greek II
largely matter OF taste aud capacity, and have
doubt that great deal OF time Is wasted In pnrung the
study OF Greek still think that Mr. Adams has over
stated the For thorough education think that
certain amount OF Greek II necessary. do not thnk
Mr. Adams fully appreciates the benefit 10 be derived
from the study or this language aud II will be sad day
when entirely discard 10 In colleges There Ia
certain OF training 70 be obtained ia the study OF
Greek that cannot be gained elsewhere Our literature
Is less rooted In Latin aud Greek Preh!dcnt
Robinson also OF the opinion that more attention
should be given TO the English language for there
few students day who had graduated from American
colleges who can speak their own language nneuty
and AT the time correctly. There s large class OF
who wish 10 follow literary pursuits alter their
graduation and for them perhaps IAN extensive stldy OF
Greek "a desirable But for the average graduate he
did not believe 10 was profitable 10 pursue II to such
extent 10 has been the case In sOue colleges Brown
University had made the study OF Greek and Latin
well mahenatics optional after the close OF the stu
dents second year In college, aud the time might come,
le said when IL would end with the first year re-
peat" said President RoDinsou that there Is certain
OF truth In what Mr.. Adams has SAID but do
not think that he sufficiently qualities his statements"