New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-02-17
MAY RAISE STANDARD.

In view OF the fact that its resources and the
character Of the conditions placed on its gifts
may result in the next ten years in the intro
duction 10 educational purposes in the United
states ot an additional amount. estimated at
from S20oC09O0O 10 S2JoO00O00 it is hardly
too much TO say that the board with its re-
sources Of knowledge and money viii be able
20 accomplish its purpose OF establishing
higher standard throughout the land. The total
value Of college property IN this country is only
twice the latter amount. The sum already al
lotted means that the institutions receiving it
viii be obliged to raise about SS.00OnOO among
their friends in order TO secure it. This means
an increased active interest in education
throughout the country. There are upward Of
two hundred and fifty applications for assistance
TO be investigated.
Everything about its work is planned on a
basis which takes thought for the future. II
gives money. but that is not all. 1t gives il
with an underlying purpose in view. In order
to secure money institution Of learning must
be doing a certain standard Of work It must
be located at a pivotal pont-that Is, a place
where there ought to be college In order to
i'll out the rounded scheme of education for the
entire country. The friends Of the college must
raise a certain amount themselves. The money
which is given is intended TO serve as a part
are prescribed in order TO bring it into line
with the broader object which the board has in
view. AS the institutions are anxious TO secure
additional equipment and funds. they are usual
" glad TO meet the conditions and the national
standard IS raised SO much.
The board has been criticised because Of the
conditions imposed upon its gifts. 1t is stated
Ruthoritatvely that no conditions except those
suggested by the receivers have ever been made
It's third and not so obvious purpose IS the
cultivation OF desire for education. Only far
seeing mind would think Of utilizing the Depart-
-nent Of Agriculture an auxiliary to education.
This branch Of fits work is well illustrated in the
South. Realizing that the first need Of that part
Of the country was more money II schools were
20 be maintained. and that the cause Of the aver
age poverty in the South was the low state Of
agriculture, the board has undertaken TO assist
the Southern farmer, with his average income
% $40 year. 20 earn more from his land II
is paying part OF the salaries Of representatives
Of the Department Of Agriculture who 20
through the South teaching men how to get
larger and higher grade crops from their farnns
These men visit different towns and meet the
farmers They invite some Of them TO give up
tour or nve acres OF their land for the purpose
OF demonstration OF what can be done when
the SOL Is properly prepared, good seed IS used
and the crop cultivated in q scienti6c ,norDor
The work is done by the farmer the seed beine
Furnished It is expected that the difference IN
the value OF the crop will convince the farmers
Of the superiority of modern methods and he .
source OF growing income to them. With an in
crease In wealth they VIII feel the need OF and
possess the means Of providing elementary
schools fer their children themselves
That something is being accomplished IN tbis
direction vas illustrated the other day al the
once OF the board, No. 81 William street. A
cardboard box was received from the South nv
r.su When t was opened it was found 90 con.
esin TWO stems OF cotton bolls. Each of the
stems was tied about with light CREAM riihor
ent Shere was difference in the quantity Of
COTTON on them. One was about the size OF one'.
nat The other was almost a quarter az Iarg.
again The latter had been raised under The a.
recton OF the agricultural experts on small