Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1912-06-02

VI PofGi U ttHu to dGStF0y SelElShneSS and to induce that spirit so well ex- pressed in our great Declaration of Independence, "a decent respect for the opinions of mankind" While, on the other hand, riches tend to pro- duce usually the opposite effect, by creating naughty spirit which holds It's possessor accountable to none and under no obligations, even to show kindness ot their felloWmen. Hospit- allty, an excellent trait Of character. seems part of the nature of the boy i or girl brought up in the midst of poor surroundings. The hurts suffer- ed from the arrogance of others arouse the consciousness of what hos pitality means, and produces in na- lures that spirit so seldom found in 1 those more able in material way to show hospitality.
 Burns, in the delightful little poem, "The Cotters Saturday Night teach es us beautiful lesson in his DOT trayal of the simplicity, happiness and hospitality of the life of poor fam fly, a life which he understood so well from his own experience as a plough boy
 Perhaps, after all the most marked advantage of the poor mans child is in the educational line, where he has far surpassed the children of better circumstances. Through his experi- ence in practical matters he has gained a marked self training which gives him a wide knowledge as basis for further mental activity ill school, and this knowledge comes with cer- tain sense of satisfaction because it is worked for, and not merely con ferred upon him as a gift. This knowl edge, too, though often crude and in- complete, is undeniably sure and clear In Benjamin Franklin's achieve ments we see a true example of the results of a poor hoy's yearning and seeking for human knowledge. The child of wealthy parents, unfor- tunately, is almost invariably satis- fled to leave school in "half-baked" condition, feeling that all has been accomplished in obtaining a smatter ing of information and agreeable man. ners with the accompanying results, an untrained mind and will weak ened by an education which has not educated. He follows the line of least resistence so we'll that he can not accept college life seriously. To him it is only place to while away a few years, because it is fashionable to have college experience. Ex-Presi- dent Eliot of Harvard stated that the boys who are leading the ranks in our great universities are those com ing from poorer family |es-familles where to break twenty dollar bill is serious thing. They are the boys who will make college training mean strength and force ill the his- tory of the nation.
 The attention of the rich boy is continually distracted, his mind over- burdened, his sense of pleasure over fed, his will so weakened that he can not resist the pressure of temptation. It is on account of the well-to-do boys and girls that college life ill many of our educational institutions is becoming too much overburdened with pleasure, and to accomplish any thing under such circumstances a strong will is required. The democ- racy, implicitly, and valor which are of such infinite importance during the College period are given way to class distinction founded on money spending, to luxury and elaboration of quarters, and to the athletic field and automobile. That moderation and spirit of equality inviting to study and reflection, so strong in the Old World universities, are in danger of being swamped in our institutions of learn- ing. Here the advantage of the poor mans child is distinctly seen. We state again, from the family circle, in the natural surroundings of poverty, from the field and forest he secures firm foundation of characteristic power to do and to resist. Conse- quently, the giddiness and tempta- tions of the college pleasures do not disturb him. At the same time the earnest endeavor to which need has pushed him at all times gives him that capacity for concentration and sustained effort so invaluable to a student.
 In five senior classes at Harvard, Yale and Princeton, the records show that there were one hundred and six ty-six sons of the families leading the fashionable society of New York, and out of these only one took first class honor. At Harvard only one in three won a degree of any importance, and only one out of eight of the number gained any distinction. They showed a marked inferiority in comparison with the students who were In less fortunate material circumstances.
 At Princeton one out Of every two of the graduates of these five years had opportunity for some honor, but a,,1 1,, ono in fo1Ir Of the rich boys gain