Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-02-15
NO 80.

| on page 32 and judge whether in the place of
French and German and American literature,
logic, political economy and mental and NOR
al science, included in the course of agri.
culture. so much of natural history as is
necessary, might not be substituted,
and his separate department dispensed
with, which would result in saving of $500
year. Let us look further at the report of
Prot. Aubert and judge instead of physiology
Snd French, German, botany and rhetoric, so
much of chemistry as is necessary in the
studies of mechanical and civil engineering
might not be substituted, and a teacher
in that especial department at $500 a year
dispensed with. With the dispensing of these.
ii seems to me, unnecessary departments
saving of some $1,000 a year might be accom-
plished. | don't know what other teaching
these teachers do. hut | do not find their
names as teachers of civil or mechanical en-
gineering or OF agriculture, nor of wise or forge
work. As to the military art much or little may
be taught, and if omitted altogether should not
predict that Congress or the government
would make any reclamations. The man.
agement and experiments of the farm are
criticised and think justly. Mr.. Rust here
read from report of the investigating COM
mit:ee at last ses ssion making some structures
upon it, If this college is to continue to set
up as the rival of our literary colleges and
teach those special branches which thew do
not teach, it must continue to have large ap-
preparations but if it is to be restricted to
the leading object of its creation, l cannot
see, outside of keeping its buildings and ap-
paratus in repair, and constructing new ones
rs its wants may require, that single dollar
need be appropriated by the State.
Mr.. Weeks of kennebec said that he had
the profoundest respect for the gentleman
fran, Waldo Mr. Rnsf1 ht,ti II ovsJ
that he knew nothing personally about the
workings of the institution, or he would have
refrained from attacking it. The Senator
from Waldo has taken the position that the
students at the Maine State College
should have no general culture, but should
devote all their time to the study of things
directly connected with their future occupa-
ton as, for instance, how to pull weeds, or
how long il will take a pan of milk to sour in
the sunshine. The speaker defended the
college as a worthy and useful institution,
invaluable to large class of young men who
cannot afford four years course at CLASH
cal college. He referred to the post raduate
career of some of the young men who were ed
ueated ut Oreno, citing numerous instances
where they are filling responsible, lucrative
and honorable positions. The military
branches cost the State nothing, as the United
States government pays the salary Of a West
Point graduate, who instructs the students in
the various military evolutions. The college
turns out young men who are fitted to cope
with the world. Eighty-n per cent of its
graduates engage directly in some practical.
wealth-producink business, while only l | per
cent enter the learned professions.
Mr.. Young of Cumberland: 81 have heard
it stated that one of the graduates of the
Maine State College of Agriculture and Me-
e.
would like to know if this assertion can be
substantiated?"
Mr.. Weeks of Kennebec said, in reply, that
probably 80 per cent of the graduates have
entered agricultural pursuits.
Mr.. Lebroke of Piscataqus said that he
was not here as a special advocate of the
Maine State College, nor of any officer or
trustee of that institution. 1t was quite re-
markable, he said, that in almost every in
stance where he had voted for an appropri-
ton he found himself opposed by a certain
section of the Senate. He hoped no
Senator was trying to make political cap-
tai by opposing necessary appropriations.
As for himself, he should not be intimdated
or deferred from voting for what he thought
to be just and right by any clamor or remon-
STRANGE, nor should he vote for measures
which he did not believe in. Senator Le-
United States, by which the college gets its
fund of Sl32,000, and said there
was nothing in its provisions which
Disseminated against general culture.
The classical studies are not taught at
Orono, however. If farmers son wants
an opportunity for culture, why shouldn't he
have it? Why shouldn't he have an oppor-
tunIty to learn the French and German
languages, in which many of the most
eminent and exhaustive works on agri-
cultural topics are written? The speak
er dwelt upon the great advantage
which results from a study Of the mechanic
arts, claiming that in this age Of science,
electricity and invention some knowledge
of these branches is Of incalculable value TO
young man. Suppose we do educate a few
young men who don't stick to the soil like
mollusk to his shell? There are
4S of these colleges in the country,
only l6 of which are as distinctly agricultur-
al and mechanical as the one at OrOnO. In
stead of an annual income of 81 500, they
average more than S18,0 900. Shall we starve
and strangle this institution? tell you, sir,
there is no school in the world which fits
young man for practical life better than these
agricultural colleges. They educate the
hand "a well as the head, making it
submissive to the intelligent brain. No man
values more highly than do, said the speak
er, those old chartered institutions of learn
ing which have given us our Websters and
our Summers. They have certain work to
do, and they do it well But ! stand here to-
day to plead for the poor boy, the farmers
son, and ask that he, too, NAV have a chance
to make something Of himself. The com
mittee, after mature deliberation, have
voted to recommend an appropria-
ton of $4,000 for two years, which
is commensurate with the wants of the in
stitution. Let us give them this money now,
and keep them on their feet until they get
such an increased of their endowment fund
that they will no longer be obliged to apply
to the State for assistance.
Mr.. Rust of Waldo said that there seemed
to be feeling throughout the State that the
college had not fulfilled the designs Of Its
projectors. The institution has been open
| IA years. and there are but 13 farmers
among its graduates. He was not prepared
to vote a large appropriation to enable this
| college to compete with the literary and
classical institutions in this and other States.
Mr.. Lebroke of Piscataquis disclaimed for
the college any intention of setting up in OPP
position to old chartered institutions Of learn
ing. He read from the catalogue of the State
college, in which the curriculum vas printed,
claiming that it completely refuted the as
4 A. q l.