The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1910-07-28
INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION.

a X
the amount of Importance given to in
dustrial training in the schools. The
man who studies profession is no
longer the only one to receive his
training in school. The trade schools
are now important parts of the educa-
tional system and the annual training
departments have become important
factors in many of the high schools
and the grammar schools in many
parts of the country. Two new plans
for Industrial training have been put
forward during the past few months
by Oregon educators which are indica-
tive of the trend.
Prof. l.. r. Alderman, of the depart
ment Of Education in the University
of Oregon, was in Hood River few
weeks ago and delivered several ad-
dresses 10 the graduating classes of the
valley schools. While here Prof. Al
derman outlined briefly to the editor
Of the Glacier a plan which he had in
mind which would encourage school
children in the performance of home
duties by having school credit given
them for it. We have received from
the professor letter outlining his
plan which seems to be very practi-
cal one. In recent communication to
the 0regonian DR.. James Withycombe,
of the Oregon Agricultural College,
outlined a plan to establish demonstra-
tion farms in each county in the state
to be operated in conjunction with the
high schools and thus instil knowl-
edge of the rudiments Of scientific ag-
ricuture into the minds of the stu
dents. The following from the pen of
the agricultural college man is we'll
worth consideration:
Perhaps the greatest sociological and
industrial problem confronting this
Nation today is that Of strengthening
our rural population. In time of gem
eral prosperity, such as we are now
enjoying, this paucity for rural popu-
lation is Of little moment, but when |
times begin TO tighten, then the pinch |
Of hunger and distress will be felt in
our over-congested cities. This possi- |
Bile condition should be averted.
The problem, then, is not only to ex-
pand the ratio Of our rural population,
but to utilize more perfectly the soil |
as well. This can only be solved
through systems of education. De-
spite the efforts Of the various states
and Nation to educate the farmer, only
a small proportion is directly inhu-
enced. Some means should be provided |
whereby larger proportion of our
people may be brought TO realize the
Of the farm.
People need not be especially alarmed
at the present high cost of living, but
should be keenly solicitous of the fu-
lure prosperity and happiness of our
people. The hope of the Nation rests
with the farmer who owns his own
home. Hence, every effort should be
made not only to populate the country,
but to train our people 80 as to make
Il possible for them to own their own
farms. The tenant system of farming
is not to the best interests of our
country.
We should aim to stem the tide from
the country TO the city. To do this.
the country boys interest in country
life must be stimulated and his ability
to succeed strengthened. There have
been number of methods devised to
this end, but these have all more or
less fallen short Of their purpose. It'll
would seem that TO reach this end, the
work of education must include our
public schools. This work should be
made both attractive and practical. |
Our state, in a measure, is committed
to the country high school. If, in con
nection with the high schools, dem
could be maintained, |
this would afford an excellent means |
of stimulating an interest in farm life |
and would also prove to be lively |
factor in the promotion of better GEN |
eral methods Of husbandry. Such a |
farm could be maintained cooperative |
ly by the state and county. 1t would |
not only be a means of great educa- |
tonal value to the high school student, |
but would also be of intense practical |
interest to the general farmer. Such |
n farm would demonstrate to the far
mer, the possibilities of crop produc-
tion in that locality, would become the
center Of agricultural education and
for the county, and if |
conducted, would be an inn
portant source of inspiration to the
boy and valuable agency in dissemin-
ating knowledge of the correct princ
pies of agriculture among farmers.
These farms should be brought under
the immediate supervision Of the Gov
Experiment Station If the
state, SO that the work can be co-ordi.
mated and economically administered
Such farms should be established upon
a permanent basis and when once es-
should only be discontinued
by an act Of the Legislature.
II is true a movement of this char
acter will require some money, but
nothing in comparison with the in
creased value of the products of the
Iarm and the development of an active
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