Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24

comparison with conditions IN FORMER gem
erations must, I believe. attest the fact
that not only in tho case OF the select
few who feel the intellectual impulse. but
also in the average case. the benefits OF
college training arc more marked than
heretofore. The necessity for more rigid
discipline in the earlier years and for
more careful guidance In selection of sub
jects may need emphasis. The problems
of liberal education have not yet been
solved, and present many difficult qucs-
lions which engage the attention of our
educational experts. But one who faith
fully compares the actual work done In
&C llege to-day with that Of thirty ycris
ago. for example. cannot fail to be I'M
rrrssed with the gains which have been
made. Nor is It to be counted loss that
many seek a college education who have
no intention Of devoting themselves to
distinctively intellectual pursuits.
1t is an advantage that more and more
largely the general activities OF business
life should feel the influence Of those who
have the wider horizon Of college educa-
ton and Of acquaintance with woHl
which lies outside the range of observa-
ton of the shop and the counting room.
II is cause for congratulations that
throughout our land from almost count
less educational centers there are com.
ing. not simply to the so-called learned
professions, but to the varied activities
Of trade and commerce, hosts Of men
whohc lives. through systematic training
have been enriched by the wisdom Of the
past and the study Of the progress Of
humanity.
we want more of this and not less.
,i.,,
of technical training Will be dsregarled.
but It's precursor to the fullest extent
possible should he found in that general
discipline and equipment which liberal
study alone can supply. Tho more men
that we ha"r in tho community who lave
come into contact with the masters Of
thought, ancient and modern. WHO are
familiar with the course Of history and
apprccia;ive of art and literature. who
are fortified with resources of profit and
endowment outside the routine of their
daily work. the more potent will he the
sway OF intelligent public opinion, the
moro progressive our civilization aud the
more stable orr institutions
The college should be the nursery OF
knirhtlv manhood. Tho college student
is naturally an dealist and full Of demo-
cratic sympathy. He Is instnctively at
war with privilege and oppression. He
Is happy In the sense of coinradeship
with kindred spirits. without regard to
wealth or social condition A college
snoh Is truly p despicable creature a
most painful contrast to his traditional
democratic environment. The sentiment
Of honor Is strong IN college life. Here
md there it may be obscured by a faulty
|
the college student is chivalrc and sets
great store by the essentials of manli-
ness. We could ask no better training
for our youth than liberal study. COM
hned with the goody fellowship from
which cads and prigs are excluded.
| 1t has we'll been urged that there Is
need Of increased stimulus to intellectual
| ambition IN college life Without dis
| para cement of distinction in other fields,
| and without losing sight Of the value Of
! the contests which emphasize the import
! ance of physical vigor. It's chief prizes
in common recognition should go to the
victors In the intellectual arena. The
goals OF scholarship and mental discp-
line should never have second place.
Nor would It seem to he difficult by jul
| dicious incentives to maintain them In
their proper prominence. It is we'll that
the college should tend to pake men
genial ard compa nionahle: physical
stamina and prowess should have it's
| need Of honor in the youth world: hut
without sacrifice Of either, and rather
as compliment Of both the college
should aim to produce scholars and
thinkers and combat every tendency to
reduce Its Intellectual life to dull medic
lus and zest TO those who are mentally
| alert and possess superior talent cannot
fail In some degree to pcrmeate with
wholesome influence the entire student
body.
| But the finest fruit OF liberal study Is
not In mere developed acumen or In in
! creased intellectual power: 1t is not to
be sought In mere trained ability. or In
acquisition. or IN wide range Of knowl-
edpe. or in zest for the exercise Of talent
| 1t lies In the point of view II will be
found in the capacity better to estimate
the true worth Of things and to form a
truer perspective Of life. II must be
sought In the philosophical detachment
which should make ono less susceptible
to the seductons of vanity and the temp
tations of ignoble aims, It should find
the false gods Of avarice and artifce
Technical training means preparation
for specific work liberal study means en-
franchisemcnt. It means that the worl
IL to be done not by slave of circurn.
stance. not by n victim OF the tyranny
of convention, hut by free man, en-.
reimbursement by the teachings Of his
! tory and the wisdom of philosophy. who
} recognizes no master but his own best
thought. who knows no final exigency
} but that of his honor. who can afford t.
; wait and carries within himself richer
resources than wealth or place can be
: stow
The vision OF the true worth of life II
open to every man. It dignifies with pa
thence and noble contentment many {
; humble worker who from n narrow rang,
: of experience has constructed a sublime
: philosophy. Ever and anon 1t flashe.
upon every thoughtful man when In ap
parent failure or amid the dissatisfac
tions OF so-called success he catches
glimpse Of what he might have done will
his own.
: But before the college man wisdom ha!
! early spread Its riches. Poetry and ar
have elevated his sentiment. The live
\ of the worlds workers have presented t.
l him their lessons, Low ambition ha
displayed It's varities Cunning and In
trigue have disclosed their final futility
: The highest satisfactlons have been tx
e hibited in their independonce OF c,rcum
s stances and condition. And aims nm,