The record-union., 1893-12-01

bSdiilg SOllS say ludG IL IL no DuSIUGSS
of the State TO provide higher education
that it is luxury to be paid for by those
who want it. But the State does not pro-
vide education because it is good thing
for the people. Other things are good for
the poor, but it provides education be-
cause its own safety depends upon an ed
ucated,electorate. 1t is doctrine OF true
democracy, which believes III the majesty
OF the people.
AN ECONOMICAL SYSTEM.
To mention some general considera-
tions, it is plain at once that the system
is an economical one, using to the fullest
extent the existing educational facilities.
The State really gets more work out Of
the college professors. Higher learning
is made possible to those who have been
denied the privilege Of sharing it in their
youth but long for it in advancing age.
High school graduates who would be
glad to keep on with their studies. but
are prevented by the pressure of circum-
stances, are enabled to keep in touch
with the centers Of learning. For all
AN AWAKENED INTEREST IN HIGHER
THINGS STIRS THE MIND
From slothful intellectual lethargy to
activity. New and worthy objects OF
thought fill the mind where before there
was only barenneSS or littleneSs. By
the study of history and science the mind
is turned from the humdrum of exist
ence to the consciousness Of a participa-
ton in the affairs of the world.
The English extension workers have
given US one sentence to express the pur-
pose Of the movement: ''To make self
culture one Of the serious and permanent
interests of human life"
1t must be as much our care as religion,
or business, or politics, a necessity of
human existence.
Ifuniversity extension then breaches
the doctrine Of fself-culture-of the obli-
cation to pursue education as long as life
it also breaches the sound doctrine TO
the masses to take up and care for the
educational interests of the community,
and this perhaps is mission in ITSELF in
a country where the welfare of the school
is largely dependent upon public interest.
Parents who find that university ex-
tension courses can interest them, become
more concerned in the education of their
children, more helpful therefore to the
schools and the teachers. For indifferent
parents are stumbling blocks to teachers.
University extension aims to bring all
classes together, thus striking
\ BLOW AT THE CASTE SYSTEM,
For there are forces constantly at work
to build up new class distinctions. No
matter what the differences of opinion
may be they give way before the desire
to know the truth.
All will trust the scientific method for
the impartial investigation of the prob
lens of life when they see that scholars
have no ulteriOr motives, other than the
direct statement of fact. 1t is a miscon-
ceptiOn TO think that dogmatic principles
of cut-and-dried doctrines are to be
taught. but rather challenge is given
for personal investigation a guidance to
teach people to think, but to think on
sufficient premises.
1t teaches them that a knowledge OF
higher things is not alone for the college
men and the rich, and modern society
cannot afford to dispense with any Of the
unifying and leveling influences in these
trying times of social reform.