The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-03-03

wise and under it they are making 81
few strong institutions more powerful
and effective rather than dividing their
support upon a larger number OF weak
and scattered institutions.
The educational policy of the State
should be to devote every dollar it
contributes to the enlargement Of the
institutions already established. II
has a great University at Chapel Hill.
No other University is needed, but
there is needed a larger appropriation
for that venerable institution, SO that
It may measure up TO the ideals of its
founders and be worthy OF this great
State.
We have State Normal and Indus
trial College. No other such fnstitu-
ton is now needed. Small appropria-
lions arc made to assist normals in two
remote sections of the mountains far
removed from the railroad. But there
is now no need for establishing
another Normal College, certainly not
until the present institution has been
equipped equal to the college of the
same character in South Carolina.
During the past year this college suf-
fered severe loss by fire, necessitat-
ing a large appropriation to rebuild
upon broader lines. This is no time to
establish another such institution. II
there shall come demand in Eastern
North Carolina for normal school,
when the demands upon the State
Treasury are not so heavy as now, the
General Assembly will meet that de-
mand by establishing a college worth2
Of that section and the State, giving to
the leading towns of that section an
opportunity TO be heard before the
location is determined upon. To star,
a school upon a small scale will not
.comport with the dignity Of the State
and will be but opening the way for
future large appropriations to tear
down and rebuild upon plans that
would make the institution fulfill its
mission.
Some years ago, feeling the need OF
4 school OF technology and agricul-
ture, the State established in Raleigh
the College Of Agriculture and Me-
chanic Arts. 1t has grown steadily to
be great institution. Two years ago
a textile building was erected and the
work along the line of technology is
making felt the need of such in
struction in North Carolina. The
State has dealt as generously by il as
it could, and is yearly adding to its
equipment and efficiency. There is
need OF further equipment and devel-
opmcat and money. Every dollar that
.hc State can spare for this instruction
should he expended upon this already
established and useful institution, at
east until it is as well equipped as
like colleges in the Northern States
It would be 4 great mistake to divide
at all the funds for mechanical Or
,extiie education because the State
cannot do more than support one
such institution. When Mr.. Heriot
Garrison was in the House from Neck
ienburg he secured the passage of bill
to establish 4 school Of technology in
Charlotte. He made great argument
for the establishment of q school Of
technology in the industrial centre of
Charlotte. but the Senate wisely con-
Guided that North Carolina could
now support but one industrial col
icge and it should centre all its efforts
and contributions at the school al
ready established. The same reason
ing will prevail today and the work
being done for industrial education
and the small appropriation should not
DC dissipatcd or divided. Wheu the
time comes that there is need OF
another industrial college to be sup
ported by the state the location can
be made after a heariuG' from ali
the Industrial towns and centres of the
Piedmont and Western section.
Let North Carolina's educational pol
icy for this decade be to build up three
great educational institutions. This
cannot be done if the Legislature es-
tabiishes new and weak institutions
which will be coming every Legislature
asking for larger appropriations.