Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1893-01-17
UNIVERSITY NEEDS.

UNIVERSITY NEEDA
It has been decided by the board of
regents of the state university to ask
the legislature for $40. 900 to build an
addition to the literary building. The
rooms IN the present structure are all
overcrowted, and something must be
done to relieve their condition. That
the building devoted to tho literary de-
partment of the university needs addi-
tons is evident to everybody acquaint-
ed with Its condition; but the recon-
mendation of the regents suggests an
other Improvement that the university
needs even more than it does addl-
tionsl room. Every true friend of the
institution believes that too much
attention Is being paid to the number
OF students and not enough attention
to the quality. 1t is creditable
TO maintain university that
stands frs. in point of num-
bers; but it Is more credit
able to maintain one that is su-
perior to all others in point Of scholar
ship. The present standard of the Uni
versisy OF Michigan should be raised.
The requirements for entrance should
be increased and the examinations
made more rigid. Courses now re-
garded rs ''snaps" should be strength
eued. The entire course of studies of
the university could be revised with
profit to the institution. That the
present entrance requirements are in
sufficient for entrance to so great an
institution 10 conceded. Until the
standard is raised and applicants not
capable of dong the required work,
are more carefully weeded out, the
University of Michigan can never hope
to do the work that it rightfully ought
to do. President Angeles administra-
ton OF affairs has never been excelled
in the history of American colleges,
and unquestionaply he, of all other
men, most keenly rsalizesl ITS present
shortcomings. With the powerfully
equipped University of Chicago as q
competitor the University of Michigan
should not be handicapped by low
standard of admission that will make
it the refuge for educational barnacles
that have been unsuccessful in their
efforts to fasten themselves upon an
other institution.
FoR years the city has paid the taxes
on \. l.. Avery's property on Canal
street for the privilege Of using the
vacan. portion of the property for .
market place. The lots are low and
fo- 1t least SIX months in the year are
so muddy that it is dangerous for q
farmer to drive onto the site with q
load of hay or wood. Last night the
council, after some months of constant
effort, decided TO rent q large fine
block of lots one block north OF the
old site. There is not farmer within
q radius of twenty miles who brings his
produce to Grand Rapids that will not
throw up his hat and shout for Joy
when be hears that decent market
place has been secured by the city.
liz the senate will act with the same
directness the house has acted the
proposition to submit . constitutional
amendment. providing for the election
of senators by popular vote will crystal
Ize into law in few years. Such M
amendment must be submitted to the
states. severally, for ratification and in
view of the fact that some of the states
hold biennial sessions OF the legislature
with no general elections intervening,
it viii be at least two years before a
final vote can be had. Such q delay
will not be Objectionable while the de-
served end is in view.
-
IT does not pay to keep saloons open
on Sunday unless the patrons are
afflicted With observation-disclosures Even
when witnesses cannot remember" 1t
Is an expensive luxury to the saloon
keeper. Il is quito impossible TO en-
force the Sundsy-closng so long 81
men viii continue TO drink. but the
officers are making an heroic effort t.
do 80. and deserve to be com meuded
for their zeal.
oNE Of the first fruits OF democrat
vicsory s the resolution introduced by
Desmond 10 suspend for the first year
Of the presidents term all civil service
Avs. The object OF such . resolution
- 10 sggrsvste the evils the civil ser.
vice law was expected to cure. The
democrats will provide . way to sweep
every republican out OF Office.
Ma. McGS1sv, the childish and re-
sentful member for Wayne. Who was
defeated for the speskership hy an
Overwhelmingly large vote for Tstsuua,
VII not be compelled to label himself
for future Identification. The Detroit
papers seem determined 20 magnify
the sse Of bis ears. 50 that no mistake
snail be made.
That rebate check from the gas
company viii set ~ issxseed poalsioe
20 TIE wounded pride Of the light con-
mltiee q the council. IL shoss that
a&sfa a.. -. - -