Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1907-12-26

Of the development Of our western
country, and In his history shows 4
sound knowledge and appreciation af
those general affairs which form the
| back ground OF his subject
Asa record of facts regarding the
cullege, Professor McMurtry's history
Is accurate and complete. the fruit Of q
long aud patient labor OF investigations
Aud white faithful TO its purpose as q
detailed record, one that must serve As
a work OF reference for ali the future.
the book Ia nevertheless readable and
attractive as narrative, and Is writ
en- in style of distinct literary merit.
But perhaps the deepest interest in
Professor MoMurtry's history will lie
ia its Interpretation OF the spirit of the
college, aud Of that class OF Institutions
to which 1t belongs. Referring to the
American College as one of the most
important agencies in 'ashioning our
civilization, Professor McMurtry de-
clares that 1t has ever stood 'sas the
foremost representative and champion
OF those principles of idealism, of that
supreme regard for things of the spir
it, the complete and lasting dominance
OF which over the more material ele-
ments OF life is the most vital coalition
Of Americas successful accomplish ment
of her mission While recognizing ia a
broad minded way the stroug work of
state universities, the growth OF more
recent times, as largely animated by
the same spirit and ideals and con
tributing in similar ways to the
thought, activities, and life OF their
respective commemorative, Prof. Nc
Murtry nevertheless beieyss, "that the
characteristic contribution made BY
the College as an institution to the
enrichment and ennoblsment of Ameri-
can life has been, In preeminent de-
gree, the gift OF the institutions
established under distinctively re-
ligious auspices" The Cone regational
churches are justly proud of the part
they have played in founding and
developing institutions OF higher learn
ing. Established in weakness and
poverty, in scantiness OF equipments
and resources, all these institutions
were; yet the mere mention OF such
names as Harvard and Yale, Amherst
and Williams, Dartmouth and B0wdoin,
Be- lott and Oberlin, Iowa and Colorado,
Is enough to show how wisely the
foundations were laid" Yankton Col
lege, lone of the youngest In the noble
! sisterhood of Congregation il colleges"
land Ia this point powerfully animated
| by the spirit OF its founder, has been
| faithful 10 the traditions and Ideals OF
! these older institutions.
Professor McMurtry concludes his
book with affirming his 'unquestioning
acceptance of two beliefs: first that the
| most important factor in the success of
our college, during the first quarter
century OF her existence, has been
large measure OF fidelity to the
historic Ideals and aims of the Amer-
can Colleges; second, that the strongest
| pledge OF the continuance OF her sue
cess during the second quarter century
will be an Increasingly earnest and
thorough devotion of herself and
all her powers and resources to the
embodiment of those same great ideals
10 the minds and hearts and lives of
her students, and, though them, In the
life and institutions OF our State: amid
whatever changes ia means and meth.
ods changing times and circumstances
may render advisable p