The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-11-28

from DR.. Hall is advice TO the same eff
feet. 1t contains a very interesting state
ment, viz: "A state university G. e., as
the University of Indiana. should be the
very apple of its eye in all matters where
it has interests" The opinion which Pres
ident Hall expresses that the existing or
ganiZation of the Indiana board lis far
better than that of my State, Massachu-
settS, while to be listened to with defer
the writer happens to know would be Wig
orously assailed by many, believe most,
of the educators of that State. What are
the opinions of Presidents Eliot, Carter,
Geeting tell US? The reply of President
Mendenhall means nothing to those who do
not share what seem to us to be Mr.. Geet-
ing's vague fears or morbid imaginations."
No one who knew President Jordan's opin-
ions and influence while in this State Will
be in the least surprised at his letter. 1t
would be interesting to know who conveyed
to DIR. Jordan criticism against the state
board in that UNCONVENTIONAL colleges are
not represented upon it. Perhaps Mr.. Geet-
ing will tell us. No nonstate president has
ever thought of making such a criticism.
those engaged in education under State
auspices to maintain and strength the insu-
tutions founded and controlled by the
State" What does the sentence mean?
Some time since report came to the writer
of a suggestion said, on credible authority,
to have come from DIR. Jordan to the eff.
go to each commissioned high school for
every student sent by it to the State Uni
".
tence brought to mind the report referred
to. The opinions of Dr. Boone and President
Greenwood seem to be positive expressions
as to the value of the present organization
of the state board. 1t might not be amiss
to put to these gentlemen the question
whether board made up of educatlonal ex-
perts, partly appointiVe and partly ex
officio. would not be as Well or even bet
ter adapted to existing Indiana conditions
than the present one President Cantlelds
statement does not touch the Indiana situa-
ton. DR.. Harris, as / should have antlcl-
pated from the character of the man.
thOughtfully refers to possible circum-
stances of which he may be ignorant He
evidently does not know the danger in In
diana of putting into the Governors hands
sake Of Indiana that he does not know
our State so despairingly-I will not say
ence without criticism to the MASSACHUSETTS,
state board as appointed by the Governor
is significant DIR. Coulter has his opinion
and states it. I have been wondering 70
what other educators the circular letter or
Mr. Geeting NAV have been sent. Presl-
dent Angel and President Draper 90 not
appear in the list of those who express
opinions. Doubtless letter was sent 10
these. =, -
fact remains that the whole trend of re-
form movement to-day. IN other mallerS
and in educational interests rs well, is TO-
ward concentrating me appointing power
strictly responsible for results. me furtner
fact stands that in States where educa,
t1Onal interests are Truly uOuIiSHlhS anu
where harmony prevails state boards are
appointed by the Governor and state boards
have not ex officio representatives of the
higher state institutions upon them. 1t
would not be difficult, every one knows
for the nonstate presidents to obtain, in
reply to circular letters. any number
of opinions agreeable to themselves from
educational experts of the highest reputa-
ton. and am free to admit in some cases
doubtless from gentlemen whose opinions
might not be entirety the same as their
own. In the last analysis 1t will be FOUND
that Indiana must settle her own educa-
tional questions according to the genius OF
her own development as a state education.
ally When this IS done the state board or
Indiana will not be organized as at present.
A NONSTATE PRESIDENT.
Charlottesville. Ind, Nov. %.