East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1906-10-06
NORMAL NEEDS MORE ROOM.

The foundations for one of the
largest and best schools in the state
OF Oregon have been laid at the Wes-
ton state normal school. The plan
upon which this school was started
was ample, practical and expansive.
and is intended to meet the growth
of eastern oregon with good equip
ment and adequate facilities.
There are now over 125 students in
the normal and its living capacity is
crowded to the utmost limit. In fact,
students who should have comforta-
Bile rooms in one or the other of the
dormitories. are now living away from
the school buildings in small cottages
where 1t is impossible to live as much
"at home" as in school dormitory.
The first impression which one re-
ceives on entering the buildings of
the Weston normal are the home-
like appearances and tendencies and
in this hcme influence, students can
do better work than in quarters where
they must feel uncomfortable and
under tension all the time.
The Fast Oregonian believes that
if the members of the legislature could
visit the Weston normal school and
see its practical work in progress, see
the 125 bright, active students at
work, in their own section of the
state, within a days ride of their
homes. feeling that they are a part
of the great state of Oregon and at
tached TO their school loyalty, that
there would not be moments hesi-
tation in appropriating money for
new dormitory which is so badly
needed.
This paper believes that there
should not be word of objection
against making these students COM
Portable, furnishing them ample living
quarters while they are acquiring an
education, many of them on their own
labor. paying their way in school by
their work.
This school fills a need in eastern
oregon. Its large attendance after a
years suspension proves that the peo-
pie appreciate it and must have it.
1t is part of the state life in eastern
Oregon. Children from the far inter-
ior who cannot afford to go to other
institutions are in the Weston normal
and viii become educated, useful men
and women because this school is
within their reach.
In face of these patent facts, can
the legislature do any less than equip
this school with ample facilities and
make it school home for eastern
Oregon? Can a parsimonious policy
be maintained toward it and its de-
velopment and expansion be neg
lected?
With the number of students in
creasing every week, and with the
dormitories filled up with two. three,
four students in a room, there is real
ly urgent need for facilities. The |
eastern Oregon members of the legis-
lature should visit the school and be-
come acquainted with conditions there
so they can make an intelligent and |
comprehensive statement of condi-
tions at the coming session of the leg
islature.
The other state schools are amply
provided for. None of them serves
as many people as the Weston nor
NAL does. 1t stands alone as the sole
educational institution in eastern Or
egoD, receiving aid from the state.
Its territory extends from the Cas-
cade mountains to Idaho and from
Nevada to the state of Washington.
with number of students in attend
ance from Utah this year.
The time has come for more dor
mitory facilities in order that It NAV
accommodate its patrons Justice to
eastern Oregon demands that the
students Uf this part Of the state be
as well provided for as those of the