The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-10-10
THE SCHOOL CONTROVERSY.
A Plea for Tolerance and Unity of
Action in the Interest OF All.
, the Editor of the indianapolis Journal:

To the Editor of the indianapolis Journals
The discussion now going about the
state and nonstate schools is bringing out
some interesting historical data at least.
There is a spirit back of all this on both
sides hardly worthy of times-I mean
the spirit of bitter antagonism 1t is be-
lieved that a majority keenly alive to the
discussion do not share in this spirit. The
fact is. all the institutions of higher learn
ing in Indiana, in the best sense. are state
schools. Certainly every unprejudiced.
broad-minded citizen is proud of the work
done by all of them, and ought to be hope
full for greater efficiency in the future.
Whether supported and controlled by state
or private corporations, Indiana ability has
practically developed all our college and
university life. These institutions have
helped to make Indiana what it is. The
glory of the State must be kept in mind
in this discussion. The determination to Go
all that can be done to increase the power
of every school in the State must be the
ruling motive of every one of us, or we are
going to miss the opportunity to do great
things for our Commonwealth.
Admit that there have been errors in
legislation; we cannot help it now. For
one 1 feel that we are better off because
of the appropriations. We are paying tax
for education, and it is the last item Of
taxation to complain about Assured of the
right use of the fund so raised, L wish it
were larger. Who feels it? 1t is the
States very best investment. !, for one.
could never argue against the State schools
from the view point of taxation We would
better let the past go. Might as we'll try
to pick up last years rainfall in sieve
as to wrangle about the past. The future
is before us. Let us all get together like
broad-minded educated men and plan for
the common good. There is more work to
do in Indiana than we can all get at. We
need the State schools and the so-called
nonstate schools. They are necessary TO
the larger and better life of tomorrow, and
the next day. and you all know it. For
one, l am not quite ready to trust either
, exclusively at the educational job of the
future, but am willing to trust both. The
State institutions will stand, and they ought
to grow stronger. The UNCONVENTIONAL coll
leges will live also if they have the spirit
OF the Master; otherwise they will not sur
yive. have no fear about the outcome.
but feel little anxious about the income
for while as to the church schools. The
end will be good enough. Thousands Of
Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists Disci-
pies and Friends ought to make their wills
before the century closes in favor of their
respective schools: Many of them will do
ton. | am advised that many wills have
been made lately in favor of these noble
but ver+needy colleges. This is another
good result of the agitation So we are all
here to stay Internationally. Is not the sue
cess of one the success of all? We are in
the dawn of new era in education New
conditions confront u.s. making new adjust
ments necessary. Money is a power in ed
ucational affairs, the same as in everything
large sums of money, our nonstate schools
aid not feel the pressure so much. De-
nominational schools must have more
money They will get 1t, but not at the ex-
pense of the legitimate growth of the State
institutions. This is not the way to come
at 1t. Hold fast to the proposition that the
education of the youth Of our State is worth
more than the triumph temporarily OF
either party to the controversy. There IS
no logical antagonism. Both sides must
triumph to secure the best results. The
State University must be tirst-class be-
cause many members of the churches pre-
Ter to go there, and are there now. This is
their right and none dare to hinder them
In the exercise of their choice. This is true
OF De Paw University; that all her stu
are candidates for the ministry of that
church: Most of De Pauw's students are
Methodists-many are not, but all are the
children of the State. For this reason our
UNCONVENTIONAL colleges must be the very
is room for more and better work than any
one or all have ever done. The true friend
of higher culture in Indiana will not do
anything to hinder the work of any school,
but will do all he can to increase the eff
cheney of every one Of them Do our edu-
Gators need educating? If they entertain
for any cause a spirit of destructive an
tagonism in this controversy, they do. The
culture of church institutions is not sur
passed. at least by State schools. VIII one
De pe found willing TO contend otherwise?
Then treat all alike before the law as all
are beneftng the State alike. If the non
state colleges are educating our young peo-
pie as thoroughly as the State universities
and that, too, without the aid of one cent
from the State treasury, why should their
graduates not have equal recognition be-
not this just? Can good reason be found
for any other view?
Reorganize the State Board of Education.
Let II represent all Of our people as nearly
as possible. Change the law to foster edu-
cation Tor the whole State, whether done
oy the state directly or not. Raise the
nlgner: Let all stand on their merits. The
State institutions will be the last TO object
70 this. They are too able. 1 find this is
the way the people want it, and the people
VIII have their way in due time in spite Of
any or US. The State must support, by di-
rect and specific appropriations. her insti-
other view is too selfish for federation. Like
wise any course that would reflect
favorably upon or hinder the noble work OF
our UNCONVENTIONAL colleges in Indiana Is
selfish and so narrow as TO admit of no
apology. Some of these institutions have
worked too long and too well for the public
veal. because of private benevoence, TO be
ignored now All lovers of higher culture
Tor the good OF all, get together; frame
new bill, both aggressive and liberal:
knock at the door OF Hesitation: ask united.
" ior the best things the State can give
70 Improve the intellectual life of INDIANA
t lou WI receive: Come gentlemen. no fac
norance and poverty. We all aim for the
same result II we apprehend the mission Of
e es dlon. Give and take-but move up,
more glorious because Of an Intellectual
cit'1ensnip. This IS our opportunity