New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-02-17
PRAISE AND BLAME.
MoseIy Found Mach to 4dmire
Here and Some Things to Condemn.

Alfred Mosely. the progressive EngliShman who
recently led n band Of British schooltaachers to
these shores IN order learn how the public schools
Of America are conducted. has written letter to
the editor OF the London Times" reviewing the
Impressions he received here. He has words OF
sincere praise for the American school, but thinks
our standard Of living Is recklessly high and fears
disastrous reaction. though he sees signs Of Its
coming Just yet His letter Is hero reproduced in
part:
ITO the Editor OF The Times
Sir: Having lately returned from tho United
States and Canada. where had been q visit 20
prepare for the arrival Of the British teachers who
are now Investigating the public school systems
there think letter from myself may be Of inter
est to those who follow what is being done IN this
direction and the progress OF these countries.
First. It IS only courteous and right to again
express. my own behalf and that OF the teachers
who are receiving its benefits our Indebtedness to
Mr.. Bruce Isrnay. OF Liverpool. through whose pa
triotism and generosity practically free passages
were granted to the teachers. Through his indu-
ence all the othor steamship companies running to
the United States OF America desired Join In the
scheme. while the Canadian Pacific Company and
the Allan Line informed me that they were pre-
pared to do all that was done by the other COM
panies In order that our teachers might get a
glimpse OF that valuable part Of our empire-the
Dominion OF Canada Only a nominal fee Of IS IS
asked for the return passage to cover the cost Of
food (Which the steamship companies rightly
thought they could not make charge upon their
shareholdsrs). so that. while an enormous benefit
Is being conferred upon the teachers and the nation
at large. no one Is the poorer.
President Butler. the head Of Columbia Uni
versity. originally interested Mr.. Bruce Isrnay in
this scheme. and believe Is now craving similar
advantages during the slack season Of American
tFaVe Tor American teachers who desire 20 exchange
views on this side Of the water
The interchange Of views between two great Eng
ush speaking peoples must be of enormous benefit
70 those who are trying 20 work out practical lines
'oE the education Of future generations; but as all
tho teachers are themselves preparing reports FOR
their authorities. ami many are writing articles
TOT The newspapers VIII say little more than that
believe they have been enormously Impressed
with the G:cat belief IN the value OF education
shown By Americans drst, rs means OF enabling
every chid 70 earn honest livelihood: and this
done. 20 pass 70 the second important object
'WhicH cannot 30 accomplished without the means
o. tho hrst-v!z., II raising tho ethical standard
OF inc pupil and teaching him his duty as citizen
4his belief In education finds O ready echo
among a! classes OF society who ara nreparss
70 pour Out their money to further these ends both
't'oIsH taA1t'A and b. ugincely gifts 10 educa-
ton IN every direction; and the material ADVANTAGE
OF the American system OF education Is rnanifest.
itself by the grea, prosperity o. the country and
10y the ce1seless how OF Inquiries az the doors OF
every university and higher academy OF education
Tor The services OF the students as they graduate
IN TACT. there are many applications for every,
pupil available ana The stream is ever a growing,
one. But. while the universities are prescribing n
highly technical course Goy tleir students they, ero
wisely realizing that theoretical education is useless
without the practical and students therefore or-ou
break thel1 course and take q year or two In the
workshops before finishing. taking care nj SOM.
time during tucir course Of education 10 be thor
ouEhly vorsed In the practical side Of the vocation
that they intend t. adopt
"One OF the most noticeable features n, tr r-,,,5
States is the desire of the pupil ably backed by I'M,
parent TO take fun advantage OF the magni0cent
system AFFORDED by tho country Of practically free
education from tho kindergarten to the university
moments consideration must bring home 20 on,
that nation must be growing stronger and richer
Tor tho full utilization OF all tho gifts OF natl,r,
which she bestows upon her children. Irrespective
OF position. Those responsible for the government
OF the United States realizing how great an
asset this is to tho nation, how it IS making then,
and will build up and support them in tho future
and feel that they cannot afford lose the services
CT a single bright citizen. whether ho have been
born rich poor.
Compare this with our system CT higher educa-
ton only for the children Of the rich or (throuch
scholarships) for occasional prodiges who often
fail to realize the promise OF their early Interl-