Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1901-08-23
Maryland Agricultural College.
Presidents Office, july 10, 1901

Il
Mr.. Editor Another year has CLOSED
upon the work OF the Maryland Agricul
tural College. For the past four years you
have given space in your columns to a cir
cular letter, giving an account of the years
work, for the benefit of your rural and urban
communities.
The technical nature of the different
courses gives an opportunity to fit young
men for some special work in life. Our
graduates find occupation without difficulty
upon finishing their work with US. Every
department is equipped with modern APP
plances for practical work; each scientific
department has its laboratory, and the young
man acquires the power to perform a def
mite work by becoming himself personal
investigator. The only rational method of
learning how to do, is to do yourself
The year has been a prosperous and salts
factory one. The average attendance for
the past seven years has been raised by this
years registry. For the eight years pre-
ceding 1899, the average attendance was
tifty-snce then the attendance has been
one hundred and twenty. The grade of the
work has been advanced, until to day the
graduates are admitted to postgraduate
work in Johns Hopkins University, or &C.
cept positions where special technical train
ing is required. Never in the history of the
world has there been period when quail
fed men, who can do one special kind OF
work well, were in greater demand, Think
over this statement for your son.
A departure from the usual methods of
procedure in certain classes of State and
National work has been welcomed by many
who feel an especial pride in the outcome OF
work requiring for its best execution special
training. There Can be little doubt that
such policy is the only true one. Bureaus
made up of laymen, with no special tram
ing TO prosecute the work, must necessarily
dissipate much of the means appropriated
Tor the spec .fic purpose in fruitess effort
The past conception that men of science
are necessarily impractical, if ever true, can.
not apply to this age. Closely connected
with, and animating every agency for the
public advancement IN this day, should be
carefully trained and scientific experts,
working out every detail of the problems
involved. This policy has been inaugu-
rated by the State of Maryland May its in
auguration be followed by the incorporation
of the principle as fixed policy of the
State, not only in its material concerns, but
likewise in ITS fiscal and economic problems
rs well.
The wisdom OF such is clearly demon
strated in the work of the Geologic Survey,
Weather Service and Highways, under the
control of the Johns Hopkins University
and the Maryland Agricultural College -
The publication from these sources bearing
upon the work under supervision, have not
only State and national reputation, but
inter. national as we'll Maryland's resour-
ces, and the factors entering into making her
territory a desirable place of abode, are
known over the world as never before, due
to these agencies.
The Food and Fertilizer Control, Farm
ers' Institute Department and State HOrti-
cultural Department, under the control Of
the Board OF Trustees, have given charac
ter of service which has commanded the
confidence OF the people of the State.
The growth and development of the Col.
lege and Experiment Station have spread
their influence in every section of Mary
land
AS powerful agencies in the uplifting of
your State, you are asked to emphasize this
work by bringing it to the homes of your
constituents
Very truly yours,
r. w. SYLVESTER,
President Md. Agricultural College.