The Lafayette gazette. [volume] (Lafayette, La.) 1893-1921, 1901-07-06

~ the time approaches for the
0bening of the Southwestern LOUIS
lana Industrial Institute il is most
eaeisfactory to note the degree of
interest manifested throughout the
parish aud State in any item of in
formation bearing upon the institu-
ton or It's future prospects. 1t is
With pardonable pride and a keen
sense of appreciation of all that the
Institute augurs for the future
moral, intellectual and material
development of the State and par
ticularly Of Southwestern Louisiana,
that the people of Lafayette point
to the stately edifice with all its
splendid appointments and modestly
boast of their industry and self
sacrifice in locating the school at
Lafayette. The people have done
themselves high honor and it has
been proclaimed throughout the
State, from press and rostrum, that
no other institution of public
character in the State has ever re-
ceived at the hands of the people so
munificent an endowment.
1t is with regret. however, that
the writer would note the excep-
tions taken and criticism expressed
BY some as to the standard. dopted
by the Board of Trustees for matri-
culation. 1t is claimed that the
bill creating tie school provides for
kindergarten department and that
the people have been led to believe
therefore that children from wee
tots of three and four years up 10
young men and women would be
admltted; that under this impression
and understanding the tax was
voted and that the authorities will
be guilty of bad faith If this de-
partment is not esta blished.
At meeting of the Board Of
Trustees, the writer being present,
Hon. Robert Martin, father Of the
bill, explained to Capt. Buchanan
and the Board that the bill had
been copied IT, toto from the Ruston
school bill and this last in turn had
been copied from a State institution
in Mississippi which provided for a
normal department, never intended
for either the Ruston school on the
Southwestern Louisiana Industrial
Institute. This view met the ap-
probation of Gov Foster, presiding,
and of the entire Board with the
chanan who had raised the ohjec-
ton of too high standard.
AS basis for argument it must
be admitted, first, that the Institute
is a State school and under its con
troll; second, that the management
has been and is now in the hands
of competent and patriotic officials
and educators, and third, that there
10 Sinn1a ir1iriI,,o1
fayette parish who does NOT earn
estly desire and pray that the fullest
measure of success and efficiency
may crown the administration OF
the institute.
Without covering the whole
ground let it be recalled that the
Board, before entering. upon the
work Of outlining the policy of the
Institute and adopting its curricn
lum, sent President Stephens on att
inspection tour throughout the
United States. for the purpose of
gathering all possible inform alton
and acquainting himself with the
practical operation of the finest it,
dustrial institutions in the country.
After several months Of investi2 alton
and comparative study Pre- siient
stephens re turned 10 LOUISIANA ana
submitted the result of his researches
to the best educators in the State.
With the advice and approval Of
Prof. Brown Ayres, Of Tulane and
other prominent leaders of thought,
President Stephens formulate
system of industrial education which
met the unanimous appreciation Of
the Board This provides for
standard Of qualification for adj
mittance, correspondents to prof
cheney in the seventh grade in the
ordinary school course. Consider
ing the above indisputa bic facts,
who shall question the wisdom and
honesty of the Board Of Trustees in
the matter under considerat ton?
Finally; considering the deep IN
terest felt by all for the future de-
veiopment Of this grand institution
in Its largest and most comprehen-
sive sphere; considering the vast
army of youth trained, head, heart
and hand, to be sent forth from its
walls, a power and blessing 70 the
world; considering the mighty i'm
pulse this school will impart to the
educational world in Southwestern
Louisiana, and considering that La
fayette will be, must be, and, in
fact, now is, the center Of that edu-
cational world by virtue of the In
School who Shall foofishlx,