The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-08-06
THE HIGHEST DUTY

AOMCfSA AdGtoI1uS may udf0 USeu IuS
popular conception of David Starr Jor-
dams character and abilities as the head
OF the Stanford University. it has been
greatly raised by the remarkable interview
with him which THE CALL published yes
terday. His leading declarations, put in
few words, are that by reason of peculiar
climatic and social conditions the youth
of California have more mental and physi-
cal vigor and broader view of life than
the youth of the Eastern States; that by
the employment. of wealth for the pur-
poses which the Stanford University rep
resents a new California will rise, produc-
ing men and women of the highest type !;
that this university is founded on the idea
of individual need, the hitting of an educa-
ton to the student rather than the fitting
of the student to a system of instruction.
Speaking generally of the schools of the
State he declared them to be of a higher
grade than in other parts of the nation,
but he deplored the evil influence of poll
tics on their conduct.
An exceedingly interesting part of his
interview is that referring to the pioneer
class, graduated this year. 1t is as much
a credit to him as to the founders of the
institution and the general conditions ap-
pertaining to the State to learn from him
that sit is the strongest class / have ever
seen"-not higher in scholarship, but in
force and variety of individual strength.
Proof of it is found in the fact that most of
them have secured excellent positions,
those who have not preferring TO take post
graduate courses. The demand for teach
ers turned out by this institution has been
larger than the supply. Several OF the
members have gone to the United States
Geological Survey.
By far the most interesting point made
by DR.. Jordan is the one that the peculiari-
ties of the climate produce a high mental
and physical type. This is a matter upon
which THE CALL has been constantly in
sisting, and DR.. Jordan gives the same
reason for it that this paper has often
advanced. 1--WE do not" he says, shave
the extreme cold of the East nor the de-
bilitating summer" He might have added
other things, such as freedom in California
from diseases produced by local causes, an
opportunity for an abundant and unre-
stricted outdoor exercise, constant ocean
winds of absolute purity and rich in
SIISuS III giving OZOHSS anu al uHuSudi
prevalence of sunshine that is both agree
able and healthful.
The particularly attractive feature of the
Stanford University is its comprehension
of these facts and it's determination to
make the most of the opportunity which
they present for developing individuali-
ties. As yet the State is young and lack
ing in homogeneity and an understanding
of community interests, but these condi-
tons will be produced by just such work
as that which the Stanford University is
doing. 1.-The people of California" DR..
Jordan wisely observes, care not perma-
nent enough for definitely formed public
opinion, as in the East, and the lack of
general public opinion shows in corrupt
municipal government" On the part OF
such a man as he, welding so great a
power, an understanding of these evils is
sufficient to induce the strongest efforts to
counteract them.
The entire State agrees with him in the
hope and belief that nothing will seriously
interfere with the welfare of the university.