Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1912-12-21

schools Of Iowa with teachers. The
common school of Iowa is our greatest
educational institution, as it Is in every
other state, for the reason that per-
haps 95 per cent Of the students do
not reach farther than the common
school branches. 1t would appear to
me that il the institution at Cedar Falls
was devoted absolutely to work along
this line that 1t would have all and
more than it can possibly handle and
Tor that reason believe 1t would be
better for the student body of Iowa to
confine the institution at Cedar rails
within such reasonable limits as Will
provide teachers for every requirement
Of the common schools in Iowa. Any
thing beyond that can certainly be sup
piled by the state university II 1t Is
up to the standards which it should be
as great university in such as state
as Iowa.
We, as a legislative body, cannot be
controlled by the desires Of the par
ticular Individual residents Of the diff
ferent cities which will be more or less
affected by this change. AS state
Iowa is mot indebted to Cedar
Falls, Iowa City or Ames. On the other
hand each Of these places are very
much indebted to the state of Iowa for
what they have already received. l
realize that any of these institutions
are very anxious to have any additions
which they can possible get by this
"-Oposed change, while on the other
hand they are very reluctant to give
up anything which they now nave.
This is a matter which we cannot con-
slider and furthermore we cannot con-
slider the wishes of the particular stu
dents who have organized them
selves into bodies at these
different institutions for the pur-
pose OF protesting against the action
of the board. The thing we must de-
termtne Is whether or not the board
has done thing which will be to the
great interests and good Of the future
student Of Iowa and If in our judgment
they have done this it is the duty Of us.
as legislature, to stand back Of their
action. II, on the other hand, they have
not done this we, as legislature, have
the power to make such changes as we
think would be best. SO long as 1t does
not violate the federal statute under
which the agricultural college at Ames
was organized. known as the Morrill,
law" enacted July ~. 1852.
All things considered 1t Is my judg-
ment that If the board has made mis-
take it Is a mistake of the head and
not OF the heart as they have no selfish
ends to serve. They have undoubtedly
done the thing which they thought best
and I have no doubt but that II they
made mistake that they will be tho
first to withdraw their order which
they have made. I know most Of the
members Of the board personally and
know them to be among the most able
and practical men in the state and
although they may not be schooled In
matters Of education yet I believe no
one can take exception to it's make up
from the standpoint of their being
practical men from most any other
viewpoint.
I realize that this is matter Of
great Importance to the future student
Of Iowa and to the schools Of this state
and I assure you as a member Of the
state senate that wish to do the thing
which we will be called upon to do,
which will In the end prove to the best
interests Of all concerned in the state
OF Iowa.
Sincerely yours.
IJahh