The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-05-23

OLYMPIA. May 22-Gov. Rogers re-
Gently received the following letter:
"Drexel Institute.
philadelphia. March "a. 1897.
asked by Mr. Victor +. Lawson. president
OF the Associated Press. and publisher OF
the Daily Record and Daily News, of Chi
al courses to be published BY a syndicate
of daily newspapers during tha summer
months
Many distinguished authors and widely
known college professors are contributing
10 the literary and scientific courses. For
a teachers course which will really be
course for the general public. l have Sc
rectly upon the education OF the masses.
One of these questions is as follows:
What. In your opinion. are the most
important subjects TO be taught In Amer
lean public schools?
Twill You not give me briefly your an
swer TO this question. | am not soliciting
newspapers: see in this movement simply
a great opportunity for benefting Amer
lean schools and for helping American
children. As for the newspapers; when
der to give inspiration and life, they should
be generously encouraged.
II know that you are exceedingly busy,
but feel that / must ask very busy peo-
pie to answer this question: those who
have an abundance of life have the great
er abundance Of hfes experiences. privi-
May I not have your cooperation and
interest? The answers will have several
millions of circulation. the announcements
viii be Thoroughly dignified and respect
SEYMOUR EATON.
Hon. J. r. Rogers. Olympia, Wash
The governor replied as follows:
state OF Washington, Executive Depart
merlt. Olympia. April IL, 1897.
Mr.. Seymour Eaton, Drexel Institute.
Philadelphia. Pa.-My Dear Sir: You ask
me; What, In your opinion. are the most
important subjects to be taught in Amer
THE question is indeed a weighty one
ore. too, 20 which have given, In the
years that are past. much thought and at
tention. and as a result my opinions in the
matter whether well founded or not are
fixed and most decided. AS | view IL. true
education does not consist In adding 70 the
mind. In filling IL with certain facts. fig
ures and opinions. no matter how irnpor-
tant these may be. but rather In drawing
IL out and eniargfng It's native powers by
right use and direction. SO and IN conso-
tsns results TO be attained in the education
"first-The formation of habit Of self
'fSecond-The evolution within the mind
81 a high ideal OF iife, the creation OF a no.
with these two firmly fixed in the men
tai constitution the future of the indi-
vtdual thus armed and prepared Is safe
forever. Against the character mus foEIu-
ei the bleak winds Of adversely and trial
and the gentle ssducfions OF deceptive and
luxurious ease are alike powerless. The
best that any one Of as has ever known.
or ever viii or can know. Is within for
even the kingtem Of heaven IS there. Upon
himself and upon the God within every
man Is privileged 20 rely. and with this
understanding he who most fully depends
upon himself will most fully answer the
end for which ne came into the world.
''But. the first alone Is imperfect. breed
ing egoIsrn and seif-worship when uncon-
trolle3 By the second Influenced. however
carried forward mastered. by noble pur-
pose BY a high IDEAL % l.se and duty. no
man ever yet had too N uca OF dependence
upon himself. for thus pAnoptied and In
sg,ired the power OF the Infinite IS al his
back
Teach the youth Of America this: let
them rely upon themselves AMI upon the
indwe.lEug power there waiting 70 - I'D
Grated inspire them with great purpose
and their future, and the future Of our
country IL thereby safely carried forward
toward that high destiny for the attain
raent OF which all things exist. Very t-2iy,
-. n. ROGERS.