The morning call., 1893-05-28


The scientific studies have expanded into pro-
fesSional courses. so that now, for instance the
Sheffield Sci nthc School at New Haven al
most rivals what is called the academic depart
ment. Not a few graduates have devoled
themselves to business pursuits distincttvely.
and thus many merchants are found In the Isis
OF college graduates.
AS our country has Increased in.wealth and col
lege instrneIo has come more and more with
in the reach of the majority OF well to-do faMt-
lies many have desired the advantages of this
training for themselves without reference TO
profession or an occupation. They wish to
gain wider knowledge not only Of the present,
but OF tile past; to inform themselves of The
wonderful developments in the scientific
world within the last half century; to prepare
themselves for an intelligent appreciation of
discussions on all the Industrial and political
questions of The day. They have not been Will
ing TO see others better informed than them
selves, when 1t was simply Il question OF a few
years III college 10 bring them upon level with
all The professions and all the literary and
learned and intellectual members of COM
muniiy.
We find, therefore, that farmers sons have
been 10 college who Intend To 90 back to the
practical work of agriculture; mechanics have
enrolled themselves IN college classes who have
not been eStrauged from the occupations of
their fathers. In all the industries of life,
parents have desired their children 10 become
as well Informed ana intelligent members Of the
community as possible, without abandoning
their previous occupations and walks OF life.
There is also coming to be a leisure class who
are willing 10 strive for the higher education.
Many OF this class cannot by any method be
stimulated 10 spend years of hard study for The
sake of Il college diploma. They care more for
other things, for things which merely amuse
and help to ill up the idle hours OF tedious days;
but many have risen to a higher point of view,
and are glad 10 avail them.e elves OF a college
training for the sake of its influence upon them
selves, for the cultivation of their own powers,
for the opportunity OF gaining influence over
Others for fitting thems+ Ives for possible public
stations. Thus we are beginning TO have
leisure class, whose possession OF a diploma i'm
plies at least some degree Of mental industry
and acquired power.
1t is true, therefore, that a growing number
OF students viii be found in our colleges and
universities. The thirst for knowl dge ana
mental cultivation will go on Increasing. The
early Californian passion for money making
has largely passed away. Our people are set
ling into the habits of the older communities.
Competition is keeger than formerly; money is
harder to get. We see sons of distinguished
men in compar ativeIy Voor circumstances.
There has been danger OF an aristocracv of
wealth that would overbear all other distinc-
tions. There seems now TO be fair field for an
arstocraey of lie rnng and culture. which VIII
not quail before those VINO have acquired
gigantic fortunes.
Seeond-To meet this widespread interest
and the desire for intellectual cultivation, what
Will be the lines OF college study The old ones
Will still IN a large m asure b. retained. There
VIII still be The old learned professions; aud in
the professional schnois of theology, law and
medicine. there will be an increasing demand
for students trained in college courses. The
theological seminary will demand them. the
medical and law schools will demand them.
This demand will be supplied by the various
curricula Of college work.
The classical cou sc will not be entirely su-
perseded. 1t Is much spoken against. but 1t
has claims that VIII still appeal to many as
presenting the best basis for the higher cul-
ture. 1t has done much for multitudes in the
past. 1t will do much in the future for those
who are drawn toward it. A similar literary
course will be maintained with increasing
vigor-a course like the classical. but leaving
aside one OF the old sical tongues. Ampler
time will be given tor modern tongue, for his
tory. political sci nee. mathematics, The nat
ural sciences and other studies. Still another
culture course is that which does not insist on
either classical tongue. 1t may ask one OF
these as an entrance condition, a a means of
the earliest and choicest discipline, but in the
college course all the time may be devoted to
other subjects. Such Students will find great
number OF studies c lining their attention.
The modern college courses are full OF impor-
tanr and fascinating subjecfs. Attention 10
Roman law, to constitutional history and many
other branches of political science will draw
students 70 This course who eXpeet to inin The
legal profession. Intending Journalists will
fud there annie opportunity for studies pre-
paratnry To their chosen work.
There Will be also distinct colleges for the
practical scientific proie sinns. Agriculture
has Il scientific side; chemistry Is usually
studied for the practical end in view. The mar
velous results Of such studies Will thus come
within reach of many who are give thrm-
selves to The more common oceupatiOns and in
dus' ries of life. There are different branches
OF engineering. The mechanical side. which is
now so popular in the line OF electrical englu-
eerng, Is doubtless liable TO some overcrowd-
ing but many will find use for so wonderful a
study. The first generation of electricians
will have enough to do. Mining is not dead
IN ustrv; as rich mines decrease there is the
more need of discovering and applving new
processes. Civil engineering is still important
tor the uses OF society. Railroad building is
not al an end; road G-mak ing Is receiving fresh
attention, rs witness the circulars of Albert A.
Zone. Travelling must be made mere secure by
InSurng solid foundations for the bridges over
which pass our heavily loaded trains Our
elites need continual scientific direction in Sc
curing proper drainag' and sanitation; our
honses must have the latest improvements in
ventilation. There viii be numberless calls for
the civil engineer.
Aside from the practical uses of science
there viii be an increased number of students
who study il as means of culture and salts
faction of heir scholarly interest. The natural
sciences will be studied for their own sake.
Along with mathematics and other culture
studies there Will be courses leading TO a scien-
tifc diplonIa which will represent the most
fascinating and possibly the most interesting
Studi s OF the time. Modern languages are
now 10 be desired for every scientific as well as
every literary student. college OF pure
science or general science, varying in the trend
of its elastic courses, VIII stand ready To wei
come every new application of scence for eX-
ample, In biology, which now occupies the
attention of so many scientists; in geology and
astronomy. But these In certain relations are
also applied sciences. Chemistry may be
general study for the mere love of its wonderful
re- ults.
The department OF art will claim It's MANY
students, who will study the masterpieces OF
painting and sculpture, and themselves in many
instances find the way 10 satisfaction and re-
nown from their own Kindred work. So with
music. These studies Will not be on the lower
levels. but be pursued as branches OF a high
aud generous culture.
There Is even now demand for commercial
courses in colleges on a higher level than those
OF the so.caled commercial schools and bust
ness cole ges which have sprung up in our chief
citirs. Quite recently question has been rro-
pounded from the Association OF Bankers
wheth' + our colleges should not give special
cOurse for their benefit. Professor James OF
the University OF Pennsylvania has pronounced
in favor of such course. Ii is doubtless
good request, but WHO at this stage of our
progress is TO furnish The endowmeuts?
All men are the better for being intelligent
cultivated men. There il no need OF lifting
them above their sphere.' The true dignity OF
labor Is we'll understood. All industrial pur-
suits are helped by The refining course OF study