The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-07-08

"HE average American Is apt 10
think OF oxford university as an
institution where characteristic
= British conservatism and exclusive
ness have attained their highest de-
velopment. He would in IA measure be
correct. for TO an Englishmar trad
ton. custom and habit OF thought and
action are supreme law Changes and
innovations there are Of n growth which
TO an American would be eXasperatingly
slow. The men at the tops of the lad
ders in England are generally old men
and they direct the affairs OF an empire
and lead in their respective professions
and business pursuits with a caution
against which young. ambitious men in
new countries would .mpatientlv rebel,
but here they are followed with uncom-
planning devotion and profound respect,
Conservative tendencies are naturally e
be found In the English universities, hut
let II not be supposed that oxford and
Cambridge are less alert TO the advance
ment or learning than the younger inst-
buttons of America and the English col-
ones. oxford has not, II Is true been
prone TO establish separate technical and
professional courses Of study. It's aim con
tinues to he the attainment OF a broad.
general culture. sealed by It's degree In
arts rs n preliminary TO professional
study or the ordinary occupations OF life.
There has been no dim.nution at oxford
Of interest in the classics. although fol
tho last forty years the sciences have re
ceived marked attention. Facilities fol
scientific study have been constantly en-.
lareed and three large n,' ~ags. now
nearing completion have been erected
within n year TO meet the growing needs
Of the university in this department
Most Engishmen are today ready to de.
clare that this statement. made 80 year,
ago by Anthony Wood historian and an.
tiquary. is still true: MANY places IL
divers coasts and climates OF the world
have hourished at sundry times In the
studies OF divers sciences but the ITniver-
sity OF oxford Is found to he for founda.
tion more ancient. for plurality Of SCI
ences more general. In possession Of the
catholic truth more constant and I'm mul-
tlpying Of privileges more excellent than
all other schools that are known among
the Latins."
Nestor Of Natural Science.
oxford may fairly claim TO possess the
most comprehensive and complete insti
tuition in the world for the study OF the
natural sciences. Until 1--WE years ago the
only degree obtainable in science was
that of bachelor Of arts for which IA -four
years course was required. II is now
possible TO procure the degree nf baehelo,
Of science after a residence Of only two
years, this provision having been made
to enable mature students who could not
afford the time required for the degree
In arts to avail themselves of the ex.
ceptional advantages provided for scien.
tifc study, A bachelors degree In letters
IS now obtainabie after n two years
course
The greatest reform ~ the preSen, CEN
fury Mt oxford was the opening II he
university to men Of all shades ~ re-
ligous belief. This was effected Ivy m
act Of parliament, The admission Of non
conformists and Roman Catholics Ia the
university was followed by the establish
fnent OF "A strictly Anglican college, found
ed In 1858 as a memorial 20 Rev. John
Koble, the author OF the Christian
Year" and also by the location at oxford
Of several divinity schools for posts grad
uatc study. as WycliTe hall and ~.
stephens house. connected with The
Church Of Er gland. Mansfield ,ollegs
founded in lssi by the ConErseatianaliAt'
and Manchester college opened IN 1889. un-
der Unitarian auspices. The ltoman
Catholics have opened hall FOR under
graduate residence. and now contemplate
! the establishment Of "a theological asi'n-
| nary.
The founder Of the university extension
was Rev william Sewell, fellow ~ Exc