Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1903-06-25
HIGHER EpucATIoN.-.III.

theoretic preparation yet devised TO
the higher mental and intellectual
callings Of life.
The conscientious student is sur
rounded by an atmosphere that deep
ems and develops the mind in wa,
that equips it for the greatest range o
activity in the realm of usefulness
provided that neither mind, body
spirit, ambition, character or tenden
cies are allowed to suffer from certain
harmful influences that are here en-
countered in their most dangerous
forms. Our chief criticism of modern
higher education is this that toe
much importance is attached TO books
and book instruction, and too little at
tention is paid 10 the development OF
the students faculties toward apply
ing his talents and knowledge in the
common way that he viii find neces-
sary when he shall have stepped forth.
We need fewer abstruse studies and
more practical application of the re-
mainder. The student should never
lose himself in a maze of text books,
but should constantly remain in touch
with the moving world about him
Above all, he should never be allowed
TO conceive that his learning is to alb
solve him from diligence and industry
in whatever lot he may be called TO
act. The best possible way to impress
this is to require plain, ordinary
work in connection with the course it.
self. Too many college students &C.
quire-even if they do not possess it in
advance-an aversion to work that
proves utterly destructive of their
hopes in life. Study itself is work.
but it is not labor of the productive
kind, nor OF a kind that fits one es-
pecially well for the day-by-day toll
that makes up the lot of the average
citizen.
Only a very small proportion Of
mankind can live by their wits alone
the great mass must live either by a
combination OF wit and muscle or by
muscle alone. 1t is impossible that
the thousands of young men whom our
colleges are sending forth annually
can win success without a generous
admixture of common toll. The coun-
try cannot assimilate so many scholars
and give them all places OF high merit
without their soiling their hands by
some form of plain labor. To educate
a young man to the level that units
him for this kind OF toll is to run grave |
chances of spelling his usefulness.
There is nothing inconsistent between |
letters and labor, but somehow our
colleges serve to make a distinction |
between them, to breed in the student
an aversion TO common toll; and TO
foster a spirit OF assumed superiority |
over the masses, which is naturally
answered with contempt, so that per-
ect harmony does not exist.
Years ago. when the negro was
reed from bondage, the first effort to
'aise him to the white mans level
,ame in a spontaneous outbreak OF
book education. All that was needed.
according to the jealous view Of that
line, was a liberal application of
scholastic lore, and it was applied
without stint. The negro readily re-
'ponded, but it was soon evident that
lis conception OF education was a
means to rise above the necessity OF
abor and to become preacher, law
'er or statesman, where he might
wear fine linen and live a life of prom
hence and ease. Naturally, the ex-
pertinent failed. Only a few possessed
he natural ability to hold such a sta
ion; the rest became the objects OF
and the race as body lost in
Prestige.
Finally, came certain men with a
litferent idea-to raise the negro by J
making him useful to educate him,
lot for life OF sloth, but Tor a life OF
abor and industry. Accordingly, we ,
lave the great institutes at Hampton.
Duskegee and elsewhere, whose infu- ,
nee is telt all over the country. In II
hem the colored boys and girls are
aught how to work. as well as how to {
tudy, and instead of acquiring dis
aste for labor they learn to blend the
wo most effectively and harmonious
Y.
In our opinion, something of SINH
ar nature might form a part OF the So !
allied higher training for white folks. c
i've the boys a chance to learn some G
seful trade while they are pursuing
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