The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-11-09

BILE means to end. Is 1t not all a ques-
ton of atmosphere-and assimilation OF
that atmosphere? Atmosphere is one OF
those priceless things that, like heaven,
is given away-to be had only for the ask
ing But this matter of asking, OF really
wanting earnestly that the prayer hoids
the rubi You cannot force upon man
gift so personal as culture, any more than
you can force piety upon him. Asslmlla.
ton requires a receptlvlty on the part Oh
the one to be benefited that can be hkened
only TO the natural thirst of the plants Tor
moisture, sun and air. There are those
who, like the flowers, breathe in Ife-glv-
ing elements instinctively and with de-
termination to possesS-not conscious OF
the effort; there are others who have not
this instinct, but these. in the Spectator S
hopeful mind, can surely acquire 1T by eff
forts of will so repeated that at last the
effort ceases because second nature mas
established itself. You can lead man to
to the fountain; you may teach him what
the fountain itself is, reduced 10 us lowest
elements and raised to its highest power;
but not ten colleges, nor twenty can make
him drink unless he Wills.
Some cannot drink of the spring We
all know that, and the Spectator yields TO
no man in respect and admiration Tor
those whose talents lie in quite other di-
rections than learning and culture. And
he holds no brief for the college education
or the college-bred man. He has seen
we have all seen-men of no education
whatever drinking deep draughts from that
elusive crystal spring which they have
reached, heaven only knows now, nnolns
it's source with no aid from any man or
any books, and lifting bowed heads to
pour out to spellbound world Tin VIII
famous English, it may be, but who cares y
all that the Intoxicating purity OF the
rare examples given us that none may
despair" These are not quite safe to
quote They are the inspired ones OF the
world-and a law to themselves The safe
rrnxv xx-lv
cation lies undoubtedly along and through
the college campus.
The Spectators present contention Is
that he wants the word education to stand
for more than it now means. He's col
lege-bred man. Is a familiar word. which
is equivalent to saying, He ought TO
know" Why ought he TO know! and what!
To have simply gone through college Is
not a great deal unless the graduate him
self has "grasped the moment as II flies,
has assimilated his food. not bolted IT
whole This very question of being able
to be college bred man and still murder
the Kings English is but significant text
for other and deeper failures to grasp all
that the college has offered beyond the
routine work. AS a matter of theory no
man should teach who cannot create the
love of learning and culture In his scholars,
thus leading them far beyond the routine
education where he wills they should go.
AS a matter of fact. If such a rule were
laid down our institutions OF learning
would be at once bowling wastes. The in
sity the few, the routine teachers the many.
How many professors have the courage
of one known Through the victim) to the
spectator? This rara avis, presiding over
one of the largest departments in one of
the largest of our colleges. "hunked'
youth who knew very well that he had
passed the set examination paper. In the
classroom he had been an obviously poor
student In wrath he sought his professor,
who patiently listened, calmly looked up
the paper. calmly replied. Yes. you are
right. You passed with some marks to
snare. / remember the whole affair. You
are not passed because you do not under
stand the subject My rule Is never to pass
evidence that he has not comprehended the
course" Amazing audacity. Even now
the Spectator is not sure that he thinks
This was right. It was manifestly unjust.
ant TO this day, whenever the Spectator
thinks Of that calm old gentleman stand