The age-herald., 1901-07-14

l study of the subject go even further and point out that the blunder of modern edu- cation is due to the system of education l that aims at creating uniformity 6f l mind, a condition which cannot exist in the technical schools, which seek to make the systems adaptable to the stu l dent
 The "new philosophy" as it is termed l by an educationallst, "tralns the boy for leadership in practical life,' and along this line Harold F. Gorst, In the July Cur 1 rent Literature, calls attention to the sys- | tenn that consists in Jumping together masses of school children in what are 1 called classes and stuffing into their heads collectively quantity of knowledge based not upon the individual bent of each child, but upon a fixed code and curriculum. He l claims that it is a pernicious system which creates stupid children by forcing upon l their brains subjects for which they are not receptive.
 1 All this proves the value of the techni- | cal school, and tends to influence public l opinion in favor of establishing in Bir- l mingham an institution that WILL benefit 1 not the liesure class. but the masses: an institution that will be open to hurdreds of young men and women who are en- dowed with natural gifts and are without opportunities for development. MT Carnegie could certainly not go very far astray if he endows a school of tech nology in Birmingham.
 But on the other hand, if an opportunity has presented itself whereby Birmingham has only ito reach out her hand and re- ceiye as q benefcent gift a public library, should she allow the opportunity to slip? | Other and older and wealthier cities have accepted libraries upon MT. Carnegie's basis. There is no reason why Birming- ham should not assist in the distribution of his millions when the result could not but add to her own progress. The re- fining influence of such an institution need not be dwelt upon. A movement looking to it's establishment could not meet with opposition and until Birmingham sup ports a public library she cannot expect to take her place where she properly be- longs. Everything points to the estab- lishment of a library at some future day, for the brilliant life of the city itself de- mands libraries along with other institu- tions that are making Birmingham one of the finest places of residence In the country. /
 A magnificently equipped puclic library would give this city a prestige that no other institution would provide, and Bir- mingham should not forget that the so- called leisure class that, make brilliant the artistic life of the lcity deserve con sideration, and no opportunity should be lost that would result in making Birming- ham an ideal place of residence.
 There are those, however. who believe the library should be put on the waiting list tha4 the urgent need, the crying need so to speak, is a school of tech nology.
 I asked two educationalists the past week for an expression as to which in ctft Ipg- minghams present needs, a Carnegie r- brary or Carnegie School of Technology. They were both interested in the present agitation. but declared that their opin- ions were not clearly defined as to which would be of greater good
 In talking with several prominent club women, among whom was Mrs Robert Cunningham. l found that the suggestion regarding the school of technology was in greater favor.
 1 Mrs Cunningham was enthusiastically in favor of "the Carnegie School of Tech nology.''
 She referred to the Stevens School of Technology iH Hoboken, N. J., one of the most magnificently equipped institutions of the kind in the country, and expressed ] the opinion that a similar school estab- lished In Birmingham would contribute more to it's progress morally, scientifically
 
 other force
 ''As a moral uplift. this community needs school of technology. It would give to this district capable men and wo- men who would be able to compete with the best industries of the world and give our children an opportunity to be the principal developers of this great district "A boy could follow the bent of his in clination, and entering either the depart pin oba 1 try, physics, or applied electricity, develop | the best that was in him and be fitted for | practical occupation. Work would be made beautiful to him, for he would take an intelligent delight in his work by bringing art into practical life for tech nology means the practical application of science, letters and utilitarian arts Birmingham" she continued, should be given great credit for the considera- ton she has shown towards the unfortu- l nate class, for her first steps were taken in building homes for the friendless and | hospitals for her sick. For so young city she has made magnificent provision for the unfortunate by building Mercy Home, and for her sick by the erection of her splendid hospitals. With these fa- cilities provided Birmingham may now | turn her attention to the erection and maintenance of educational institutions and public libraries.
 T do not believe that Birmingham Is quite prepared to maintain a free library.
 We are very young and have so much to accomplish before we will have time to
 spend hours in the great library. I am not referring to our wealthy classes. Be- \, sides they buy all the books they want and are not dependent upon the free li-
 braries. l refer to the masses. to the boy
 and girl who is unable to go away to be
 educated In the utiltarian arts, and for
 whom advantages should be provided
 near at hand.
 'The children born here above the great | ore beds must naturally have a desire to lon .o. alai la1aa.I