New-York tribune., 1903-03-25
A UNIFIED EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: The controversy that is being waged between
the Regents and the Department Of Public Instruc-
calls for particular attention by all interested
in education. This State, particularly New-York
City, has too long been behind in improved educa-
tional facilities and it is just beginning, under Dr.
Maxwell, to expand into new life OF betterment
for the coming generation With the divided de-
partments division Of direction has retarded the
real purpose Of educational system. Thou
sands can thank the Regents department for enab-
ling them TO improve their lack of early education
by inaugurating g system Of examinations and caus-
ing the standard Of admission to our professional
schools be raised. All this has awakened q
greater interest in educational preparation and
enabled many manifest keen interest in mental
Improvement. With the present system a want Of
concentration is felt. and until the two depart
ments united no improvement will be made for
a long time
tion because at present it is too large and its
tenure of office unwse. l should favor Protest
ant and a Roman Catholic representative in Its
membership and make the appointment Of mem
bers to the Board OF Regents for long term of
years, with the poSer to select a State superin-
tendent of Education, who should be trained
educator with deputies scattered all over the
State to supervise and encourage local inStruc-
ton. The prime object of this new system should
be, not to educate scholars but to improve the
character of the coming generation and enable
them to be true and women in a state OF
Christian ideals-teaching not only how to DO
honesty. We cannot enjoy this privilege and op-
portunty while the present divided system is
established Albany. Everything is tending tow
ard concentration in the commercial world. and it
seems wise that the boys and girls should be
brought up under the very best possible educa-
tionai organization the State give for without
it may gain IN the practical affairs of life but
there will come time when those who come after
US will require something to make life sweeter
and happier by OF having been taught the
principles OF love- obedience and reverence. If It
were not for the church secular education
would he filling bomb whose explosive power
would annihilate the most beautiful in our IN
teIectual and political life.
To-day education to a large extent consists
aminations and receiving certificates. But all that
IS beginning to pass away: / hope the present
agitation will result in unfying our State educa-
tionai system for the outcome, l know. will DO
thusiasm among teachers and pupils which will
be felt in every home throughout the common
wealth It is when our public education reaches
The h..-1c that usefulness will he apparent.
ing the home and 1t only needs wiser and more
un to date system, to be found in a reorganized
REGENTS department. further TO improve the home
bv the influence the teacher upon the Individual
the home and the school. shall learn that edu-
cation the development OF character, and not IN
telectu4l accumulation. 1t Is because believe the
ahoIIshnent Of two departments and the establish
bring about a better system along the lines have
advanced that advocate the Regents contentong
and hope the desire of citizens will be carried
out. we shall then have the best educa tional
II. ROOSEVELT OSTROM.
New-york March 81 1908