The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-05
Cyrus ". Field EntertainS Mr.. Phelps and
Party of Distinguished Men, and Ex-
changes kilograms with the President.

many distinguished men participating. The ora
ton of the day was delivered by James McCosh,
D. D.. LII. D., president of Princeton College,
on the subject What an American University
Should Be- In concluding his address Mr.. Nc
Gosh said
at is suggested to me here to propose two
important reforms in university regulations,
which should be carried out whether there is or
Ia not senate or council. In Europe the exam
nations for degrees are all conducted by persons
other than the professors In some cases the
examiners are entirely different from the in
structorS. In other cases (having acted under
both systems, prefer this), there are competent
scholars associated with the professors. 1t
stimulates professors when they know that their
work is thus to be overlooked by competent men;
and the best teachers always like the system 1t
stimulates students to know that they should
have not only knowledge of the teaching of
their professor, but Of the subject which he has
taught 1t should always be understood that
the ordinary teachings and recitations should be
left with the professors under the control of the
trustees But the examinations for degrees
should lie with impartial examiners, who are a
guaranty to the public that the degrees are prop
erly bestowed.
''The public are demanding a reform on
another point, and that is Ill regard to the mode
of conferring higher degrees and especially hon
orary degrees. The terms which such de-
grees as Doctor of Philosophy Doctor of Science
Doctor of Literature. and the like, should be
granted, might be reviewed with profit, and with
public appreciation. The general sentiment is
that they should be given only after course of
study in special department has been pursued
and an examination held upon it.
'There is a deep and growing dissatisfaction
with the mode in which honorary degrees are
conferred at commencements and on other occa-
sions. They are bestowed on no principle that
can discover The end intended by all academic
titles is to call forth, encourage and reward
scholarship. They are prostituted when
1t is alleged that they are given at
times merely from personal friend
ship. | believe that such cases are
not numerous in our higher colleges. The
avOwed principle on which they commonly
bestowed is to secure friends to the college, in
ministers of religion, in teachers in wealthy or
influential men. But this end is not always Sc
cured. The public are shrewd enough to see
through the whole thing, and despise the action
and the actors. Trustees should see the sneer
that gathers on the face of intelligent people
when they hear or read of a degree bestowed on
some person who has done nothing to deserve it.
A decent, respectable minister gets d. D., and
it is supposed that he is thereby pre-engaged to
the college, to which he will send all the bows in
his congregation. But he is surrounded by
half dozen ministers, who feel that they are
quite as good as he is, and, having been over
looked. they are tempted to send their boys else
where.
Surely way may be devised, by which these
evils, about which the public is now sensitive,
may be avoided, and honorary degrees given only
to men who have promoted scholarship, or done
some great work fitted to elevate mankind The
recommendation for degrees should not be left
with common board, which has no means of
making scrutiny. 1t should proceed from
company of select men, who make careful in
Quiry as to the qualifications of the persons
nominated. 1t might be left with the Senate or
council, when there is such body; when there
LIS not the board Of trustees might appoint
standing committee, consisting of its most schol-
II, ol3onr b. e.
to the board. AS to American colleges scattering
titles over the world, the practice might now
cease. and every man be left to seek the honor
from his own country, where they can best Judge
of him This would certainly have one good
effect; it would prevent American degrees from
becoming the laughing stock of Europe.
IL have said enough. 1t is not for me to draw
out the constitution of the American university.
am satisfied if have furnished good ground
plan. My hope is that have scattered this day
few seeds which may germinate possibly in
the minds of others.
'No institutions are making greater pro gress
at this present time than universities all
che world. If America is to keep up with other
countries, it must advance with them. In prac-
tical inventions-such, for instance, as reaping
machines and sewing machines-America is be-
fore other countries. II ordinary college
work we equal to them. Our students are as
hard working and drink in as much knowledge
as the English, the Scotch or the Irish But
there are still certain superiorities in the old
world. The European universities still surpass
us in rearing few ripe scholars, and in produc-
ing greater number of profound scientific men.
Students have still to go to Europe-especialy
to Germany-for certain branches of study.
America, while carefully keeping what it has
got. should strive to equal the countries of our
fathers sepulchers, on the point in which it is
deficient; that is, in not only sending forth a
large number of usefully educated youth but
in rearing body of truly learned men, who ad-
vance scholarship and make scientific discover
Soc Xuhi ch noH 70 oil If tioo1
tions
'"This, as it appears to me, might best be Sc
cured by superindueing universities upon few
OF our more advanced colleges In some respects,
we are at disadvantages when compared with
Europe; IN others we are in a superior position.
They have the prestige of ancestry and antiquity;
but on the other hand, we have the spring and
elasticity of youth. They have larger expert
ence; but we have new life and wider field.
Except for the benefit Of travel and of seeing
other countries, it should no longer be necessary
for youth to go in troops to foreign universe
ties to Stake their thirst for knowledge; for they
should have all the learning they need in their
own land. The universities of Europe
cramped by antiquated laws and prescriptions
and by vested pecuniary rights which cannot be
interfered with. America. not being so him
dered. might stretch out wide its terri
tory This, however, is for the future; for the
present is simply to be earnestly aimed at. But,
according to a shrewd proverb of my native
country, "A thing we'll begun is half ended
An original poem, THE Daybreak," by
Maurice Thompson, of the features of
the day. The text of the poem is as follows:
The day celebrate is freedom day.
What gift upon the altar shall we lay!
What incense shall we burn to fill the air
With perfume meet to mingle with prayerF
What psalm shall suit our longing to express
Our gratitude boundless thankfulness'
How good to lead the nations of the earth
in every field of val0r and of worth
How GOOD Is bold the lightning in our hands,
And flash our energies to other landsl
How sweet erewhile to see the slave go free.
How dear to-day the breath Of liberty!
How good TO draw the larger, purer breath,
After the years of battle and of DEATH
TO feel how we'll our country bore the strain
And settled back TO rectitude again.