The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-10-31
THEY TAKE TWO VIEWS.
DIFFERING OPINIONS ON CO-EDU-
CATION IN THE UNIVERSITY.

Some Say IL Would BENEFIT the Instf-
tuition, others Think 1t Would In
jure It-Higher Education for WO-
men All Right, But the State
Should Furnish Separate Facili-
ties-Tenchers Are Divided-What
Supt. AshmOre Thinks About 1t.
One of the Principals Says 1t Is IA
Bad Plan.
Co-education of the sexes at the Uni
versity of Georgia is a matter upon which
the teachers of Savannah and many
citizens, too, who think upon such sub
jects disagree. If one will inquire among
his friends he will find that the sentiment
is pretty well divided, with probably the
majority expressing strong objections
against 1t being allowed.
Supt. Otis Ashmore was asked yes
terday for his views upon the
subject. II am heartily in favor of CO.
education" he said, 'in case the proper
provision for its conduct is made. With
the present facilities that are had at
Athens, It would not be wise to make CO.
There are several reasons that induce
me to think that co-education would prove
beneficial. There are many arguments
upon both Sides and l know that there
are a great many who do not agree with
me In my opinion. There is no question
in my mind but that it Is as clearly the
duty of the state to provide for the higher
education of its women as well as its
men. l believe that the admission of girls
into the university would prove a great
power in raising the general character Of
the institution. Association with the
young ladies in the class rooms would
have tendency to make the boys more
careful and attentive to their duties and
would tend to elevate the moral standards.
II do not think sending the girls to the
school would have a deteriorating effect
upon them This, of course, is provided
the proper provisions for their manage
ment are made, and that these provisions
are vigorously adhered to. Discipline at all
times should be exercised, for without it,
l think the measure would be a hurtful
one. Unless it is proposed to have this
discipline, 1 am opposed TO the idea"
Supt. Ashmore has visited the Univer-
sity of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and Is
greatly impressed with the system of CO
education as it is had there. He found
that there are about as many girls as boys
attending, and that the results of the as
ISOLATION of the sexes are good. He would
like to see the measure adopted for the
university by the legislature, provided the
proper restrictions are to be had and dis
cipline exercised.
One of the principals did not agree with
the superintendent. He said he is vio-
lently opposed to co-education. 81 have
no idea he said, that southern girls
would take advantage of the opportunity
to attend college with men, even if it
were afforded them. There might, of
course, be a few of these strong minded
ones, who would think it all right and
who would glory in thinking that she was
raised that much nearer the envied sphere
of the lords of creation. In addition to the
inclinations of the southern girls which
would keep them away from the universe
ty, there would be the objections of the
parents. / do not think any father would
allow his daughter to enter a school that
is also attended by boys.
Girls have Institutions of higher edu-
cation, anyway" the principal said, land
there is no reason why they should not
be content to attend them, instead of
wanting to get into the university for men,
l have never heard yet of any of these
lesley, being thrown open to boys. 1t
seems to me as If the thing ought to work
both ways. No we don't want our girls en-.
tering the same school with boys. 1t
would not conserve the best objects of the
institution if they were admitted to the
university
IT find that too many women are get
ting into all kinds of business now TO
please me. When 1 was growing up it
was rare thing to find one of the op-
posite sex engaged in any kind of work.
but now matters have changed and wo-
men are losing husbands by branching Off
into pursuits that many men regard as
unfeminine."
One of the ladies who has been most
influential in having the legislature take
up the matter of coeducation in the uni
versity lives in Savannah. She is an ar
dent worker for what she regards as the
right of her sex and as a measure that
could not but fail to be productive of the
best results for both sexes The interest
she has taken in the matter has won
her recognition among the legislators, and
her opinions upon the question have been
sought by them.
There are great many who favor the
higher education of women, but they think
they should be given 1t separately. For
this reason ii is thought the state ought
to make a provision for a distinct univer-
sity for women, or else to establish
branch of that which is now conducted for
men. 1t Is said that such a branch could
easily be established and conducted with
as much success as is found with the In
dustrlal School for Girls supported by the
state, at Mlledgeville.