The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1889-10-18

measurably apparent in the increased
confidence Of the settlers that their
hard-earned rights are not to be dis
turbed, and in the assurance of stabil-
ity which is given to real estate secu-
rites and farm loans. On the other
hand. clearly-proven fraudulent entries
are being as equitably disposed of.
Hon. II. H. Keith of Sioux Falls
made an address before the Baptist
convention, lately held in this city,
with much of which the REPUBLICAN
would take issue. The convention
had under consideration the subject
of Christian education. President Z.
B. Meredith of Sioux Falls university
introduced the subject in an able ad-
dress and after several others had fol-
lowed. supplementing and confirming
what he had said, Mr.. Keith was call
ed on and responded in speech, earn
est almost to vehemance, that was
packed with more errors than we have
ever known to have expression from
a professedly patriotic Christian citi-
zen. We can note but few of them.
Mr.. Keith said, in substance, that if
he could have his way he would have
no state institutions of higher learn
ing and would thus make it necessary
for parents to educate their children in
colleges controlled by Christian de-
nominations. In other words, Mr..
Keith would put himself in the pre-
else position, with reference to public
schools of higher grade, that the Cath
olic church has taken with reference
to the public schools of all grades.
This position is so manifestly at vari-
ance with the spirit of our government
that be it taken by Baptist or by Cath
olic very large majority of Ameri-
can citizens will always take exception
to it. So palpable an error is this
that its presentation is entirely ade-
quate for its complete apprehension.
Take another-he said if state in
stitutiops were to be maintained in
South dakota their attendance should
be limited to students residing in the
state. The people here should not
by their taxes provide education for
any save their own children.
This is specious argument which
largely obtained among members of
the last legislature oyer which Mr..
Keith presided. But it is specious
gument-nothing more.
Institutions of higher learning to
worthily realize their mission must
be cosmopolitan-they must be
in the great stream of world
knowledge to which all the ages have
contributed-they must touch the
world-life of today at as many points
as possible-in truth, they must be
miniature worlds, having incorporate
in their full-orbed beings all that is
grandest and best of both past and
present. Can this be possible to state
universities if there be limitations as
to the sources from which they draw
their additions of fresh life? Most
certainly not. Those sources must be
world wide.
Mr.. Keith, even, we presume would
not prohibit universities having books,
records Of the thought-life of men
and women, come they from any state
or countrY-why then would he pro-
hibit young men and women bearing
ideas, not on printed paper, but better
still in aspiring minds and throbbing
hearts, come they from where they
might? But is just such irrational
discrimination that lie proposes. If it
were adopted we are positive the results
would be most harmful to the educa-
tional institutions Of thestate.
Let US briefly consider the fallacy OF
Mr.. Keith's argument as established
by experience. Now is it not fair
assumption that if hepolicy he would
have South Dakota adopt were correct
there would be some one state at least
following it? What do we find to be
the fact? In all these United States
there Is not one state that has accepted
this policy.
1 More than this, each state has made
of her university great institution
just in proportion as she has departed
from this restrictive policy.
| Why is it that the university O.
Michigan has gained the place of pre-
eminence among sister institutions?
is because she has ever had her door
wide open to all who might seek in
struction and has, under wise and pro
gresslve management more nearl,
realized than any other state institu
tion the true ldeal-that of being {
cosmopolitan university.
The policy that no state adopts, tina
every state seeks to get the farthes
possible away from, Mr.. Keith woul,
have South Dakota adopt. Are ",
not right in pronouncing him unquali
fiedly in error?