Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1901-10-10

Secretary coburn', Views.

has been printed regarding the con-
tention among the members OF the
board OF regents OF the State Agricul-
tural college concerning the policy
Of the institution. This weeks issue
OF the Kansas Farmer contains an
interview with F. D. Coburn,, secre-
tary OF the state board Of agriculture,
relative to his position in the matter.
The interview follows;
my contention is that the institu'
ton was intended to be and should
be, as its official designation implies,
an agricultural college' not nsces'
sarily for teaching agriculture alone,
but being our only school designated
for any such purpose it should ss.
pscislly give agriculture, animal
husbandry, dairying, cereal or crop
improvement, and closely kindred
interests an outstanding prominence
and support, with the various other
studies we'll maintained In import.
ance in proportion Is they are re-
lated In an institution go different
from the ordinary.
II think the tendency under the
present president has constantly been
in the opposite direction and that as
an executive bis conduct toward the
farm and agricultural department, In
innumerable instances and all the
time, has been In the direction Of Its
suppression rather than wholesome
development, and systematic ham
pering Of the man at its head.
~ do not think the president sees
the tendency, or that he is consti.
tuted to understand it; nor do think
the gentlemen who originally made
him president realize the tendency
nor its significance. Their inten-
tions are the very best, but think
that in many respects they unmis.
takingly fail to comprehend the stu.
alton as others see it-or have failed
up to within very recent period.
ANY man who is at the head Of
such an institution and has super.
vision Of its details day by day does
most to shape its policy, in spite Of
the intentions or resolutions Of his
board OF control, who, in this in
stance, had little familiarity with this
or any other similar school before
their appointment, and who hold
briet meetings but four or five times
q year. While the present president
is doubtless very worthy young
man and capable Of teaching physics
or mathematics, for which purpose
he was originally hired at Manhattan,
regard him as inherently unable to
comprehend in any large way the i'm
portaut position he occupies, or the
purposes, opportunities and possible
tiles OF the college so largely in his
hands, and he is so regarded by Others
most widely observant in this line Of
educational work. The board Of re-
gents ordinarily must rely much
upon the presidents counsel, and
sometimes for lack Of the best advice
the work has not been directed In a
way would regard as most desirable.
We disagree on some such PROPOSE
tions and am in the minority.
al want the school to be an agri-
cultural college and a leader in its
line, instead OF merely a common
place rural academy; not simply in
name but in fact; and so unmistakably
one that the public need not be con.
stantly in doubt as to just what Its
managers are trying to make it. 1t
can not DO this without broad,
iorceiul educator at Its head, In large
sympathy with its agricultural spirit
and purpose. The present incum-
cent Is not such a man. As a new
member in an old board l uniortun-
ately voted with all the others to re-
tain him and therein am blamable. |,
can DO recti6ed at the next June meet
} ing II the board so Wills and hope il
, may"