Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1909-01-14

have provided In cart for the interior
decoration; we have neglected the ex-
omfnend therefore, commission author
ICED to purchase land adjacent to the
capitol grounds, with the right of con-
aemnation where necessary, and with
FUNDS sufficient to secure such land as
may be deemed necessary to provide n
beautiful boulevard of approach and sur
roundings.. An Appropriation of Sl50ooO
would probably suffice.
Agricultural and Military Hall.
In this connection 1 would suggest that
we might well recognize at this time
that our capitol Is not sufficient workship
for all those who labor in the service OF
ne state. IL was not possible for those
who planned the state house to UNDER
stand how much work w1uld be done by
the officials and employees of the state.
We should therefore take at least first
cultural industrial and military hall.
This might properly be similar in design
to the historical hall and library There
should be ample offices for the. depart
ment or agriculture, with Its allied bu-
reaus dealing with dairying, horticulture,
stock breeding, veterinary, pure food and
crop service; the commissioners OF labor,
mine inspectors and geological survey
the board of health, dental board and
pharmacy board; the headquarters of the
Iowa National guard and commodious
for drill room, for examination classes.
and for public meetings. IT is no exag-
geration TO state that more than half the
business of the state is now done in Of
ices wholly inadequate and that were
originally intended onry for storage
rooms. Already the state has started the
policy OF surrounding the. capitol with
small office buildings, a policy which can
best be avoided by planning now for one
commodious building such as have sug-
gested. AT least the site should be Sc
nd Mo l,n a1n hat hn
work may be done as soon as con-
venent.
School Laws and Education.
A commission was appointed under au-
thority of the Thirty-second general as
senbly to investigate and report to you
upon the need of changes in the school
laws, and believe that the report which
will be laid before you will show that
the commission has devoted itself in
dustriously and thoughtfuly to the task,
chief problem was that OF suggesting
amendments to bring our educational
system. especially that part which re-
lates TO the rural schools. into conform
ity with modern Ideas and enable us to
get best possible results from the very
large expenditure for schools. 1t needs
little argument to show that coditication
of the school laws Is advisable. The
present laws are notoriously vague. de-
fective and conflicting, due to the fact
that. they have been built up piece
meal tb The srt to graft new r ideas
TALLY SUCCESSFUL / am convinced the
codiflcation int line with the recommended
tons of thisE commission Is essential
Among the important changes suggested
by the commission is that of sHbstitu-
ton OF the county district for the town
snip district. better facilities for consoli-
dalton of rural schools, greater economy
In handling school finances and preserva-
ton of the best features of our present
certifcation plan. Important changes
are also suggested In regard to the
the state board of education.
Training the Youth for Life Work.
Within recent years there has been an
awakening throughout the United States
to the Importance of providing as part
of our public school system something
that Will more definitely give to our
cupations and better prepare them for
their life work. The demand seems to
be just now for manual training and for
instruction In scientific agriculture and
being done in the town and city high
schools, and 1t is found to very helpful.
Our state college has done much to give
the young people. this special training.
But the fact remains that there is a very
large proportion of children who do not
continue in school beyond the eighth
grade and who cannot avail themselves
either of the opportunities of our high
schools or of our colleges. These young
people become the bread winners of the
state. They need special training in use
full occupations. | am convinced we must
meet these conditions in a way little
dreamed OF by our forefathers. Some
thing must be done for this large class
which does not now remain in school but
a few years. l believe we can well afford
to take step in the direction of the
establishment of special schools In manual
agriculture and giving military training.
The provision for military training Is I'M
portant because 1t Is from this class
that will be recruited our army of nation
al defense when needed But the chief
value of these schools would lie in the
fact that we would be preparing to meet
the coming world competition, in the arts
and industries There Is no doubt what
ever that this competition will be felt
far more in the future than in the past,
and we should give to our state body of
trained and skilled artisans capable OF
maintaining industries the equal of any
in the world.
You are doubtless aware of the move
ment for cooperation of the federal gov
eminent with the states In training the
young people In useful occupations. The
time Is not far distant when we will be
called upon to decide whether Iowa shall
join in this cooperation. In other states
operation. The success of the agricul-
tural college extension work shows there
is q real demand for this IN Iowa; AS a
pare our teachers to give instruction In
agriculture and other Industrial lines.
This work should be taken UP without
delay at the state educational institu-
tions. II has been suggested, and be-
lieve with propriety that the state might
well assist private colleges and educa-
courses where this special training of
teachers Is made a feature.
The State University.
The university is properly the head and
center of the whole educational system
of the state. Our progress will always
be measured to some extent by the sue
Which Sgsb ah has s aiready attained high rank
among institutions of like character, but
which Is coming TO time when Its
power for good will be greatly increased.
The growth of the student body con-
tnues at a rate which makes 1t impera-
tive that there shall be continual adding
to the teaching force. There should UNI
questionably be additions to the support
fund. and ! invite thoughtful study of
the report of the board of regents. so
that you may act with full knowledge of
the needs of the university
An ina deuuate campus has always been
serious obstacle to the development OF
the university. / recommend the pur-
chase OF additional land and suggest an
acreage across the river to the west.
believe the state must ultimately acquire
this property. and when 1t Is connected
with the old campus by concrete bridge,
the university will then have opportunity
for expansion as II should The oppor-
tunlty thus made for giving the uniyers-
ity more beautiful Surroundings will be
an inspiration to all who come within its
influence. 80
In view of the fact that the university
is becoming great institution for the
education of young people of both sexes,
provisions should be made for womens
building I would recommend an appro-
priation of s125,000 for this purpose, with
the restriction that the cost should not
axceed 81 900 per caDita for those accom-
modated.