Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1900-05-03


sources.
Apart from tho influence Of schools of
learning and church ordinances there has
been Il general increase Of Intelligence,
and more accurate knowledge OF the
affairs Of government, an unfolding OF the
political principles Of government, and an
expansion Of the national idea.
All this territorial growth, and all this
increase and development In our mental
and political status, have come to us,
without any infraction Of the constitution
or danger to the life of the republic.
The University Of Vermont has felt the
pulsing of the expansive idea, and has re-
spondcd to the demands for enlarged
life.
TWO score years ago two distinct types
OF civilization came into collision in our
land, and the civil war was the result
The Spanish-American war and its legi-
innate consequences to this nation have
brought into collision again two distinct
types of civilization one Of which Is es-
scntialY different from either OF the 9TH
ers. This collision is not within our bor-
doris, as aforetime, but 1t touches and af-
focts two hemispheres. IL Is a meeting
Of the social. economic. political and re-
ligious forces of the Eastern and West
ern worlds An aStute observer who has
recently returned home after years
travel around the globe, says "the West
ern civilization Is going back to the East,
whence IL came centuries ago.
( This collision produces shock too So
we're for some sensitive nerves. Some men
see in tho results which are fast shap-
ing the course of events in the expansion
of our national life Il radical departure
from the faith of our fathers They claim
thai expansion is Imperialism and that
the latter is a menace to our free insd-
tutions. 1t is not my purpose to differ
ertiatc these two forces and their re-
suits.
Other men see in these results, the un-
folding of i larger national life and the
expansion Of the nations inherent func-
tions in the extension Of American civil
iZation and propagation Of Christianity.
not by the sword and cannon balls, as
ironically stated, but by lawful means
and in obedience to high and solemn
duty.
BE the final results what they may as
to methods of administration, with which
at this time | have nothing whatever to
do, the fact remains that We have start
ed upon new national career We can
not turn back, lest we invite the judgme mt
which bctel Lots wife.
This new career opens many doors here
tofore closed. There comes eniarsemnt of
territory. and a consequent increase in
the power of the government, and the
r means of administration. New and i'm
portant Offices are crea ted and their num-
, Der and Importance will increase both in
, the home land, in our new possessions,
, and in our relations with the world. Tx
+ ecutive, judicial, administrative. cler
: teal. consular, ministerial and diplomat
&c Offices will have 10 be filled
/, and should be filled by wise and compe-
: tent men, whose tenure should not h'
wholly dependent upon their politica
, faith.
Whether the constitution follows the
, flag, as some political philosophers CLAIM
it does or whether it mus be adopted by
intelligent and self-restrained men, be
fore they can become citizens under It
. is not my purpose now to argue
Certain it is that business will follow
: the flag.
Christianity and an enlightened civiliza
>, ton Will seek and claim protection wher
. ever the flag rightfully waves. lnven
two genius industrial mining and agri
E cultural pursuits. commerce. religious pre-
: paGanda, and educational interests hav'
y all been stimulated into greater activit.
E by the expansive spirit. dominant in thes
q closing years of the 18th century.
> But what part shall this University pla,
: in this new national drama now being en-
" acted? Does its destiny parallel that o
L the nation outside of its particular spher
t of activity? Has 1t also an open door L
| newer and larger privileges? What ney
= opportunities invite it to action?
: Not many years ago some far-sighte
: men in business and letters, men VIII
+ Keep abreast of the times, saw :, move
5 ment towards enlarging the courses o
y study in our colleges and institutions
i This movement was not only diScovere'
IL hut recognized as "a factor of large signiii
n canoe for the future. Some wise men hay
= taken advantage OF ii and turned it &
= the profit Of their age. one of these is
= distinguished alumnus of this University
= Mr. John H. Converse. Ii is now matte
= of history that this enlightened and saga
5 cious man has given $1,000 to partially en-
= dow q department of commerce and eco
Monies What this gift may and VIII b.
If properly supplemented by other gifts
. is beyond present calculation.
our conception of what i meant 10y ed
Z uCation has expanded to meet the in"reas
; ing wants Of the individual, and OF tn
/ STATE. The educated man now is not sim
ply the minister, the teacher, ana the Law
yer, but ne may he the doctor. the me
= chanic, the artisan. thu farmer. and man
o another worker who would seek the full
= est knowledge concerning his work an
p the application of it to human needs @
Y pleasures, or its relation to the progress
: OF civilization and the administration o
II civic affairs.
a In the course Of the expansion of GU
J.. national life We have had need OF well
informed experienced and well-trane
q men. our failures have been in larg
c measure due to the lack Of such men t
transact the affairs of the government
= The most important offices have been ill
a ed by men Well-equipped, but the thou
= sands of minor places have been too large
= ~ controlled by considerations other tina
q fitness.
& As our nation grew in proportions an
i increased in wealth our individual want
{ increased and business houses were e.
: tablished in foreign lands to meet then
d We now maintain trade relations with III
whole world.
n OF necessity. therefore. there will arts