Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1909-12-27
A PRICELESS ASSET.

Native ability is a priceless asset 10
an individual engaged in the business
OF getting along In the world; but year
by year more and more. in this age OF
advancement and progress, the appli-
cation OF technical learning and scion
tif1c knowledge becomes determining
factor In the measure of success to
which an Individual may attain II
matters not what the vehicle of ones
ambition may be-whethcr one may fol-
low the arts. the sciences or profess
sions; or whether one may engage In
commercial. agricultural or mining ac-
tivities-therc Is ever present con-
tInually broadening requirement for q
thorough mastery OF the intricacies of
the chosen vocation OF life; a knowl-
edge that shall prove equal to the Cruel
ling test of modern compctition-the
keenest the human family has been
called upon to meet: a knowledge so
perfect that with the confidence that
Goes of learning one may encounter
and successfully Withstand the on
slaughts OF intelligent and scientific
rivalry In the pursuits of life.
Responsibility grows apace in every
calling OF life, and on none does IL fali
more heavily than on the teacher. In
every human activity the problem of
adjustment to meet the rapidly chang
ing conditions of our social and eco
nomic fabric is constantly a subject
of discussion and consideration, and
the school teacher. holding as he does.
in the hollow of his hand, the future
OF our nation, must by reason of his
high and noble calling. meet and cope
with the problem OF adjustment In Its
most important aspect. And teacher
who expects to succeed In his chosen
field of endeavor, must. of necessity ac-
ttx ttA tfal lrarl n I>rf
VIII qualify him to intelligently handle
the problem of adjustment. Where
failure comes to a teacher, II comes
largely through want of sufficient en-
ergy to apply himself to the require
ments and demands of modern educa-
tional methods.
THE FUTURES STORE.
The future holds in store limitless
told and untold possibilities In the in
telligent application of human ener-
giess the years to come are filled with
inviting fields of conquest in the pur-
suit Of lifes vocations, and every near,
and every distant. possible triumph In
the march of our conquering civiliZa-
ton stands as an inspiration to those
whose calling 1t is to lay the founda-
tion for these future conquests.
Clothed with tho power to WELD an
influence over the child for good or
cvil-a power second only to that eXer-
cised by the parent exalted as you are
In the eyes of innocent. trusting child
hood, because of your calling and the
confidence its exercise has won; emu
lated as you surely must be by the
boys and girls who worship at your
shrlne-you. the educators Of the state,
occupy a position, at once both high
and sacred, Stripped of that indiffer-
cnce that is so apt to surround con-
sideratlons OF greatest concern, and
examined at the very center. what a
splendid calling the vocation of the
teacher is. Exacting AMI responsible,
demanding in It's successful pursuit the
exercise of the very highest mental.
physical and moral attributes, this call
ing partakes more of the nature of an
art than a vocation
II we will forever put behind us the
idea that the school teacher Is a mere
hireling, who grlnds. machine like, at
his daily task. and firmly fix him, not
only in his own estimation, but in the
estimation of the public generally, as
an officer sof the state, exercising in
the authority OF his high and dignified
calling the very broadest of delegated
powers, then. and then only will edu-
cation approximate the ideal of which
we are So iona OF uTcdHnTB-
l appeal to you to throw your whole
souls into the requirements of your
calling and lift your vocation above
and beyond the petty considerations
that govern menial employment to that
higher plane where ability and fidelity
join hands in the discharge of sacred
trusts.
In urging this thought, 1t Is far from
my intention to convey the idea that
- - Ill n
labor of love alone. / have hereto
fore expressed myself as believing that,
In proportion to the training necessary,
and the extent and character of the
labor involved, no profession is so
meagerly compensated as the teaching
profession. And it Is unfair that one
who adopts so dignified a calling
should be compelled to do so at the
sacrifice Of that personal financial gain
fort in almost every other line of
human endeavor.
IN THE WEST.
The spirit of learning has taken deep
root in these mountain wales. Estab-
lished in this remote wilderness, where
Indians and wild animals preyed upon
the starving. struggling people, edu-
cation was fostered and encouraged
during the years of pioneering Every
temple of learning that rears its sub
stantial walls In our state. stands as a
monument to the men and women OF
early days whose love for education
prompted them to sacrifice so much
for It
I regret very much that a misunder-
standing exists as to my attitude OF
the high school question. placing me In
the light of one opposed to the eXten-
sion OF state aid to high schools. This
misunderstanding. however, exists only
in the minds of the uninformed.
Because of a genuine interest in the
educational system of the state
strongly urged the passage of the con-
stltutional amendment presented at the
last general election. The amendment
failed of passage at the polls. Unmind-
full of constitutional barriers. certain
individuals who were deeply interested
in the extension of state aid to high
schools. urged upon me. during the last
legislative session. the sanctioning of g
measure clearly contrary to the con.
stitution of the state In opposition
to the expression Of the people of the
state as recorded at the polls: and the
impression has gone forth that because
of refusing to lend myself to the plac-
ing upon our statute books OF a mca-
sure of unconstitutional character
was not In sympathy with the higf
school movement. I am heartily ir
favor of the adoption of the amend.
ment to the constitution permitting
state aid to be extended to the higf
schools, and earnestly appeal to yo,
who are here present to lend your In.
fluencc and exert your efforts toward
the carrying OF this amendment a
the polls at the coming general cleo
tion.
UTAH IN THE FOREFRONT.
am rrond that In this dau of as