The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-05-16

A SCHOOL.


ject Of history and the proper methods
of historical research have not received,
in the universities Of the United States,
the attention demanded by their i'm
p%ortance. For the reasons of this COM
parative neglect, we have not far to
seek. AT the earliest establishment Of
our highest schools Of learning more
than a century ago, American history
consisted Of little else than the bare rec
ords Of the discovery and settlement of
the country itself. As it has been we'll
put, the independent, political and on
stitutional history of the nation did not
receive it's baptism till 1776, and, as a
natural consequence of the lack OF his
torical perspective, writer's worthy of the
name of American historians did not
make their mark until a much later
date. So far as tho pursuit Of foreign
research in matters historical was Jon.
cerned, the American student was Sc
verely handicapped by his distance from
Trustworthy authorities and the diff
culties in the way of extended travel.
The American people. indeed, until the
present time, has spent its time in max
ing history, making it in some of the
grandest and noblest senses of the term.
But with the lapse of time and the in
crease of material and intellectual pros
perity among the nations at large, the
subject is beginning to claim it's share
of attention. 70 the American states
men of the future, a thorough study of
our constitutional history and political
economics ought to prove, not only an
excellent mental discipline, but a profit
able pursuit.
1t speaks we'll for the advanced
ideas of the University Of Pennsyl-
vania that it has recognized
the need, and has begun it's
preparations to cater for it. For
the first time, We believe, IN the history
of American universities, the study of
our national history has been organized
into a splendid school, with specialists
as instructors. 1t will constitute a
special branch of the departments
work to form a collection of historical
records and documents, which will form
an important subdivision of the univer-
slty library. The work will be largely
modern in it's character, for the valuable
researches Of the historical society have
already gathered together nearly every
thing of Importance that touches the
colonial and earlier periods Of our politi-
cal and social entity. The work thus
done will prove Of more than national
interest, and will lay the foundations OF
what we hope may one day become a
great American school of history and
historical research. Work has already
been begun. Last winter, the initiative
was taken by the Inauguration of a
series of popular lectures in specified To-
c~alltles within and without the city. anC
large audiences attested their apprecia-
ton OF the energies of tho universit,
authorities. Now it is proposed to ex
tend still further this system of opera
tions, and, in addition to the specialist
OF the historical school, a number O
eminent scholars have volunteered thei
assistance for the good work. Branc.
associations will be formed in Chicago
st. Louis and other important cite.
and the reported attendance of 5000
persons at the popular lectures in Phila
delphia during last season ought t
prove of good omen for the successful
extension of the movement. The uni
versity authorities deserve the warmes
commentator of every one who j
proud to be an American citizen.