Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1896-01-21


thorough sincerity made them beloved
by all the people. Among the careers
which in al 1.-The days of the common
wealth shall most illuminate its his
tory, and furnish fefcjtious lessons foi
it's youth, will ever be those of George
Grover Wright and Samuel Jordan
Kirkwood. al.
A Memorial Hall.
In this connection, allow me to en-
dorse most cordially the recommended
ton of my esteemed predecessor. fav-
oring the erection, at as early day as
possible, OF a memorial. historical and
art building 1t would seem appropci-
ate that this desirable project-secorC-
ed, as / believe. by every lover Of the
sBate-should be commenced, IL not fin
ished. in our semi-oentennal year.
Iowa's history has been made rapidly
during the fifty years, and is being
made even more rapidly year by year.
Thanks to the enterprise and unttr.nS
energy of a few OF our citizens and TO
many distinguished lovers of art and
literature without the state, who have
so literally contributed their generous
gifts. we now have many valuable
treasures. fine paintings and works of
E,tinSStcs : s.d .yl.cs Il SSsa!y days and
Of the war, fer the safe keeping and the
convenient exhibition of which we have
10 adequate accommodation. The state
is constantly being remembered in this
direction by liberal donors. and viii be
much more so, whe nthey are assured
that ample provision has been made so
that the articles contributed can be
suitabiy placed. safely cared for, and
fairly. exhibited for the benefit of the
public.
To this end, l recommend a suitable
building, fire proof, and complete in all
Its appointments, where may be gath
cred. preserved and exhibited these
much coveted treasures
Statute to Justice Samuel f. Miller.
Not alone as warriors and chieftains
are men great and should be cherished
in the memory of the people. When the
spirit left the body of the lamented
Judge Samuel F. Miller, OF the federal
court, a great man had fallen, and the
natiO nmourned.
AS young man he was a friend and
appointee OF the immortal Lincoln. His
was the sould OF wisdom and honor
he was Iowa's son, her greatest legal
light. the peer of Chief Justice Marshall
His pre-eminent ability was fully rec
cgnlzed, and his great heart, mind and
SOUL MS STREET sc=-c OF justice, his
purity Of cEarlctcr, shore forth to the
world. a guiding light well worth OBJ
carving. 1t has ben suggested that a
bronze statue CT him be placed in our
state capitol, and one in the capitol OF
the nation, / commend this to you end
our representatives in congress.
The Future and Education.
But reverlng the past. and building
monuments to its achievements, are not
sufficient. We must keep our eyes on
she future. The keynote OF Iowa's flu
cure greatness Is education. Iowa must
educate; al America must educate. or
perish. We who came to this state
when schools were few and INADEQUATE
and when colleges and universities were
unknown, whOh ad to loks to life's rug
Sed school for our education. are in DO
sit!on TO appreciate the value of schools
and colleges. AS individuals and as a
STAGE, we have In measure labored
wolth1y in the cause of educata.on
u, there Is much mere % be Gione 1t
must be done gradually, l realize, but
we ought as a state, to keep constantly
in mind some hish IDEAL, and then
strive to approach It.
That. ideal for Iowa. in my opinion,
ought ito be this: A system of education
beginning with the kindergarten. pass
ing upward through the primary inter-
mediate and high schools: completed
public system. open to all and adequate
to all; thence upward again through
normal schools, where teachers shall be
trained for the common schools, and
ending in the State university, with a.
course of study comprehensive as any
on the continent. Coordinate with IL
will be ample rom for he COLLEGES and
universities CT the various derom:na-
tons, which have done so much, and
made so many sacrifices for higher ed
ucation. / see TO room for rivalr!es. ex-
cept healthful rivaliies; whatever helps
one Institution helps all Nor would I
A. ~ No n
where technical. scientific, industrial
education ought to be offered to the
young men and women of the state on
the most generous terms possible
The public school system Should" h :
enlarged aud II ade more comprehen-
sive, until the ohildi en- of the state IAN
there obtain such complete educatio
as Will tit them .or any avocatiol O.
business puisuit
The Normal schools.
The state normal school, so essential
to the education and training of profess
saonal teachers OF high rank and scho!-
arship. we'll equipped for the most eff
Client service IN our common schools
Is worthy of your careful attention and
Of liberal endowment Our normal
school facilities are grossly inadae-
quaise. About $4,000 teachers are en-
ployed in our Iowa free schools. We
well qualified teachers, nor the irrepar-
able injuries of deficient teaching and
training OF the youth Of cur land Err
rors planted in virgin minds are very
difficult to eradicate. 1t is much easier
to teach correctly from the beginning
han TO correct erroneous teaching The
normal school system ought as soon aas
the state can afford It, TO be amply en-
larged.
Tho Agricultural College.
The Agricultural college, so necessary
for acquiring knowledge in agriculture
ard for the promotion of our agricul-
tural interests 10 the highest standard
OF systematic efficiency and economy,
hasa proven aa untold benefit to the
STATE, and | doubt not, will meet with
your very liberal encouragement
The state University.
Our State university has already at
ia ned a very high standard OF excel
lence, but there is room for further de-
Velcpment. A grsa.. struggle is being
made by It's entire mara cement, and IL
has many difficulties 20 meet and to
overcome. The buildings are made
qCa.e properly to acomodate it's prepnt
attendance, ard there are many necessi-
ties TO be provided for that should by
TO means be neglected. This institu-
ton Is deserving of your grertest con-
s,deration, and all its reasonable wants
should be met, so as 20 keep ii fully
abreast with like institutions in other
states.
State Institutions.