The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1896-01-09

THERE Is no contention between / uo
Sentinel and The Pilot as to what is due
the University from the people OF the
state,-unswerying loyalty and hearty
support. The more it grows in usefulness
and reputation the more glory it sheds on
the state. The Pilot is averse to any
criticism which will prove IN the least IN
furious to this institution, and Is ID no
sense in sympathy with unfavorable CON-
ment upon 1t which is not inspired by the
corrective of good will
There is no denying that the University
has not shown that cathollcity OF spirit
ID efforts to shape legislation favorable
to itself which would rebound to the adj
vantage OF education IN general, through
oat the state. It's policy has been some
what selfish in that it sought to be the
direct beneficiary of legislation, unmind
full OF the success OF the lesser Institu-
lions. Indeed it has manifested d1spo-
sItion to be the sole donee of what the
state might be willing to do ID the cause
OF education, and for years absorbed in
large measure the proceeds of the states
liberality. 1t cannot be blamed for doing
this, but 1t was a shortsighted policy and
has borne fruit 10 the estrangement from
1t OF the common school men.
But this is depression before touch
ing the subject 10 mind. The Sentinel
states correctly the steps to be taken by
which high school is placed upon the
accredited list, and in appearance the en-
tire responsibility rests with the patrons
OF the school whose course OF stddy has
been changed to meet the requirements of
the University. There is no apparent
duress, no lmportuni1g, and the Univer-
s,.y NAV say as boldly aud as truthfully
90 did Macbeth: Thou canst not say l
uld IT," But discriminating facts are not
always concurrent with the deed. On An
average there are not 10 patrons of high
school in the state which is on the &C.
credited list, who are aware of the fact;
not five who know what 1t means. These
things are done IN a corner" The Uni.
yerelty has long and shrewdly piled the
trade OF the propagandlst. The high
schools have not been made cogs in this
fine machine, which the writer has heard
lauded time and time again, in minute
nor by the spontaneous action of the peo-
pie. This fine system of progression has
had master minds directing it.
Vanity pays an important part in ex-
tending the system. To be on the &C.
credited list is a patent Of nobility and
every one must plead guilty to having a
"sneakin2 fondness for lord" The
school not on the accredited list has a
faint of provincialism. To be required
to show fitness by examination for en-.
trance to the University, is plebeian. In
West Point the student who receives a
free appointment feels grade above
the one who has earned his by competit-
i've examination.
1t Is the recognition of the accredited
school which is working harm. The Uni
versity has placed this temptation before
the high schools so that its enrolment
may be swelled. It is bride which is
snatched at by teachers who fancy their
schools thereby gain IN reputation There
are hundreds of graduates of accredited
high schools who could not pass an ex-
ANIMATION which would entitIe them to
teach backwoods school. They are not
Ia the majority by any means, but the
system" makes these eligible to Fresh
man privileges.
This fact of itself should discredit the
Chain OF progression" OF which the high
school is the link nearest the University.
But this is not the worst. No one will con-
tend seriously that the function Of the
high school is to prepare students for the
University. They are being compelled to
take on this complexion. much to their
ietriment and with positive disadvantage
TO the University. The teacher who stuffs
for an examination is not adding much
TO his mental equipment. Nor is the
student who is making special prepare
ton for college course. The demands
OF life are broader than the requirements
for admission to the University, and it is
with reference to them that every school
should be conducted.
Worth, not diplomas of schools which
have fashioned thsir course to forefeud
examinations, should be the open sesame
TO the University doors. Il is no hard
ship on these Young people to prove their
worth The examination is educating
and should be welcomed as such, not
avoided as reflection. Every student
should invite test. It is evidence of
weakness to shrink from it. No school
should have latch key to the University
Ii 1t deserves 1t, II is within reach. but it
should be deemed worth reaching for.