The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1892-04-01
EDUCATION.
People In General stand In Great Fear
OF Innovation.

NAN NNUSNN w manu- ndolJ
slowly, can be applied to the autici-
pated results of economic teachings
with more propriety perhaps than to
any other one subject. Because the
human race to large degree, par
take of the same proueness as the
balance of tho animal kingdom--to
follow in similar course as did their
immediate ancestors.
Considering the mental powers OF
man and intelligent calculation
granted to the human family over that
of the brute creation the obstinate
refusal on their part to accept innova-
tions and hasten to change methods,
and thereby better conditions. seems
to justify the belief that after all the
animal controls the intellectual The
seeming satisfaction with present
conditions and the obstinacy with
which beneic. al changes are contested,
point out clearly the fact that each
and every step taken outside the regu-
lar beaten path must be the result of
laborious education. 1t is also true
that impotence and its usual sequence.
an attempt to accelerate the speed Mt
which this education is being received,
and thereby hasten the day Of ultimate
results are in nearly, II not quite
every instance the premonitions Of
complete failure. 1t is evident alike
from past experience rs from present
conditions that the people, us u rule,
have elected and still continue TO pre-
fer Ito bear these ills We
have than fly to others that we
know not Of" 1t is to this fear
or innovations that all the opponents
Of reform appeal in their effort TO
keep the people within old party lines,
and it is because of this fear. to
largo extent that the people cling to
old methods and measures, Without
prccedents to bring forward to estab.
fish the fat (and there are none with
first changes), the only recourse is
through reason and intelligent iudg-
ment The nero matter Of assertion
unsupported by example or intellectual
analysis should never be expo ted to
bring about change from old-estab-
lished theories or systems. The
natural animal fear which either halts
or fees from anything that is out Of
the regular usual surroundings is just
as strong in the human rs in the ami
nal, and stands as n bar until re-
moved, to all further progress, AS
ISOLATION will TO some extent remove
this obstruction, but in tho case Of
man 1t was doubtless the intent OF tho
Creator to have this work accomplish
cd through the mental faculties,
Hence 1t happens that all methods
which smack of coercion reasons the
National Economist begeJ at once an
antagonlsm born of animal instincts
which interferes with, If it does not
entirely prevent the action OF reason
and argument on tho mind In such
cases a double work is made necos.
sary, which prolongs the @ Fort and
brings Encouragement and often
failure.
There are also other and important
distractions which to a more or less
degree conspire TO make education upon
economic subjects slow and tedious.
Partisanism, rs rulo, stands Mt the
head, and with n majority OF people Is
so intensified Us to preclude even an
examination Of any proposition that Is
not strictly within party lines.
Again, the young man will usually
take tho word OF his father upon these
matters in preference to the most CON
elusive arguments aud authentic
propositions presented by the re-
former 1t Is also lamentable fact
that the father in too many cases OBJ
tains his economic code from the
politician. Such conditions form
| network OF distractions which are
difficult TO remove even with the most
care and earnest effort. But amid
this tangled mass OF ignorance super
stition, and party slavery, there lies
spark which, at some word or idea
advanced by the educator may be
kindled into flame that in good timo
perhaps when Encouragement is the
most oppressive and an abandonment
Of the task is contemplated will
burst forth In blaze that will light
up the dark gloom and consume in its
fierce heat the strong walls OF opposl.
ton and melt down the barriers Of
partisanlsm and bigotry. II is never
safe to Judge only by appearance, ne
II Is too often deceiving Seed does
not always fall upon stony ground,
but many times unexpectedly finds
fertile soil and thrIves where and
when least expected. The fruits Of
education ire not always apparent
neither is wise, conservative efforts
in that direction very often barren OF
good results. II IL safe TO DO earnest,
conscientious, and diligent in all
matters OF education. and rs u rule
such labor will not be in vain.
Land Ownership.