The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1900-11-26
A FALSE STEP.


The episode of the resignation of DR..
Ross from the faculty of Stanford
University is by no means creditable
to that institution of learning. The idea
of the University is perfect freedom
of thought and expression. bounded Of
course by the ties of a pure morality
which is the same in fundamental
Christianity, Buddhism, and funda
mental Mahommedanism of the pres
ent, as it was of Stocism, Epicurian-
ism and Judaism of the past. Stan
ford is not a religious University. The
idea was a good one, and it is the ripe
idea of the best modern thought. The
reason that the German Universities
are so highly thought of and so eager
~ sought after, is that the Professors
are untramelled. They handle their
subjects without gloves.
OF course there are Universities and
Universities. Some have one specially
some another. In this it is mathe-
mates, in another classics, in
that medical science, in this the
oriental tongues, in that a deep
and again another may be great
in ecclesiastical lore. though this
is usually bounded by the limits of
some particular sect. Some UNIVERSE
ties give a social standing, and some
an erudite standing. Some command
the recognition of the world, and some
have hardly any reputation outside of
a small circle.
Stanford was founded, and received
princely endowments. with the object
of being the pattern University of the
West. Like the West it was to have
a freedom belonging to that golden
cline. 1t was not to be hide bound
like the effete educations of the older
State and communities. 1t was to
brin" in freedom of speech and free
dom of thought from the breezes of
the Pacific coast
DR.. Ross was one of the leading pro-
fessors in the University. He is at
the head of the school of Sociology.
He is, thou"h young, a man of emil
nence, a contributor to sociological
publications, a member of scientific
has expressed himself freely upon So
Geological problems. He has discussed
the cOolie labor question, he has dis
cussed all forms of trusts and has
condemned them. He is radical in his
opinions. But if you are going to have
great University you must have ra-
dical opinions as well as conservative
offended Mrs. Stanford, and as she
has control of the continuance of Pro-
fessors DR.. Ross has been practically
asked to go.
The result will be a serious blow to
the prestige of Stanford. 1t will give
the idea that the place is being run
on the grand motherly system, and
none except young students, who are
under parental control will seek its
nails. Other Universities will absorb
the students seeking the light from
great masters. 1t must be very plain
that great University cannot be built
up under the control of one old lady,
who however great her charitable
impulses may be- is unable, by the
nature of things, to be thoroughly I'M
biassed. Stanford has certainly gone
backward. If we ever are to have a
University here, and it is no dream
that We shall have one, let us hope
mat its lines will be as broad as our
own vast ocean, as free as our own
trade winds. The University Of the
Pacific, when it materializes, will draw
he 70
and 1t will receive instruction from
professors Of several nationalities. If
such a plan were carried out, it
might win world wide fame, but it
could never be won by such narrow
ideas as seem to dominate Stanford Of
California.