The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1913-02-01
FOR A GREATER UNIVERSITY

There are several things which we can do, things in which
we can all have a part if we will, to give Montana a greater
university. We believe the discussion which has been 60
ing on for thirty days or more will have a good effect in
that it has directed to the affairs of higher education, the
attention of a good many men and women in the state who
have not, previously, given much thought to these matters.
We hope that this attention will ripen into interest and that
this interest will lead to- personal participation in university
activities.
There is a bill before the legislature now which provides
for the permanent revenue of the university and its sister
institutions. This measure fixes the states appropriation
at a fixed tax-levy of one mhls The enactment OF this
provision into law is the first step which is necessary for the
successful execution OF a program to add to the greatness
of the university. No argument is necessary in support
of this proposition. The people of this state do not need to
be told that it is disgraceful to have university men before
the legislature, begging for an appropriation to carry on the
work of their institution. The state provides money tor
%junketing trips for its officers; its appropriation for the
state fair has never been withheld by the board Of exam
liners; there is enough money wasted by the legislature in
its own extravagant expenses to do much good were it
properly spent. If we can spend this money, surely we
can spend enough to carry on decently the work OF higher
education. The thing to do is to make the revenue Sc
cure; attach it to the university SO that it will be safe from
the depredations of any state board.
The management of affairs of higher education is now in
the hands of a political board. 1t should be placed where
it will receive more than passing attention. ne members
of the state board of education have SO much other work to
do that they cannot possibly give to this important matter
the attention which it deserves.
There is no tenure of office for members OF the faculty
of the university; their positions are not secure against the
Whim of compliments; they are robbed OF their independ-
ence OF action. lhere should be assurance gwen OF a Sc
curity of tenure which would make it possible for the fac
ulty members to give their whole attention to their educa-
tional work. l..
Here are three suggestions, then, which we believe will
do more to promote the welfare of higher education in Mon
tana than anything else which can be done, right now.
The legislature has before it this week. a bill which author
ICES the state institutions to accept gifts. This has not
been possible under the present law. The enactment OF
this bill will open possibilities which are great.
These are general suggestions. They are made as a re-
suit of careful study of affairs in higher education in this
ctate We ,rUe their consideration hV those who are sim
cere in their desire to see a great university in Montana.
There are other questions to be raised and other sugges-
lions to be made; but these will do as a starter. There are
matters Of purely local interest which we must consider.
But these which have been mentioned are instances in
which the legislature can contribute greatly to the cause OF
higher education in Montana.