The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1912-05-12

that the hit and miss choice OF an immature
mind In new and strange surroundings
the blind cropping for truth by the process
OF trial and error. form a poor propedeutic
to the serious tasks OF free investigation
Of original thought and OF practical ef.
ficiency.
We believe. moreover. that the best
preparation for the freedom OF the life
Of reason ia that group OF studies whose
very nature tends to the training OF the
powers OF the mind. developing in q man
both capabilty and resource and at the
same time giving him knowledge Of him
self and of the world in which he lives.
Hibben Outlines Course.
The new president went on to tell what
studies he though. ought to be prescribed
for the first years Of a college course that
young men might receive the mental
training which he felt was 30 essential.
They were:
First, science. for the training in habits
Of precision. accuracy and sound reason
ing He said there had been some mis-
understanding in regard to Princeton's 3
attitude toward science. and he wanted
to state clearly that Princeton regarded
this field as essential to a liberal educa-
ton.
Second. a man should be trained to
give in an accurate and facile mode ex-
preston TO knowledge.
Third. this early training should in
clude instruction in the beginnings Of
logic and psychology. at least to the ex::
the workings Of his own mind and the
laws which govern the processes Of reason
ing He continued;
A systematic mind does not develop
naturally out of miscellany OF intellectual
iutaraSta md aNtiyitiaa thia
early period Of required studies the liberty
which is bern of discipline can be wisely
encouraged to manifest itself in the free
choices of studies for the remaining years
Of the university course. 1t Is In accord
ance with the Prin ceton programme that
this freedom OF choice IL granted to every
student at the beginning OF the second
half OF his undergraduate course-at the
opening OF his junior year-but the choice
is not allowed to lose itself in n maze Of
unrelated subjects.
The university Ia not specifically de-
signed for the purpose Of fitting man
directly for the daily duties OF his future
work Of life. Methods of instruction should
not narrow down to an anticipation Of the
customary procedure OF the office and
counting room. The undergraduate educa-
tion should not attempt to train specialists
nor to drill the students In any definite
routine or rules OF practice. Make u map
and he will find his work.
Preceptorial system Best.
Among oil the forces which tend to de-
velop the strength Of personality. went on
President Hibben. one OF the most efficient
was the Princeton preceptorial system
Of instruction He said II rested on the
principle that nothing develops per-
sonality so fully as personality itself,
and that the most satisfactory results
were obtained when the instruction be-
came personal and individual Then he
referred to President Taft:
We are highly honored upon this occa
sion by the presence Of our distinguished
guests. his Excellency the President and
the Chief Justice OF the United States.
Your illustriOus predecessor in ONCE, MIR
President tho first President Of our coun-
try and the hrst American. received ia
this building the grateful acknowledge
ments by Continental Congress for his
service In establishing the freedom and
independence Of tho United States. For
q part Of the year i7s3. from June to No
vember. Nassau Hall was the Capitol Of the
yOuDc republic. and here Adams, Jefferson, \,
Nadia IN and their distinguished collea gues
sat in council. And now by your presence
on this occasion. MIR. President and Mr..
hief Justice, yon give an enhanced value
TO our patriotic possessions
The love of country has been a central
Il hs.on In tho teachings Of our University
Naturally Va cannot expect our students
Generally TO attain tO the high once OF
public trust In our country, but Ne do sx-
psct every man who bears the PrincStoa
0ost sad Who 10 tsue 70 the Priucotoa