The Washington times., 1913-11-12
URGES NATIONAL
SCHOOL IN CAPITAL
South Dakotan Has lust Com
pleted Careful Survey of
Conditions Here.

That Washington should have a ma
tonal university equal to the un'ver-
stiles of foreign countries, and that
there is no place in the United States
more perfectly adapted for the location
Of such a national university is the
view expressed today by Prof w. H. H.
Phillips, Phi. D., of South Dakota, an
eminent educator of the Northwest Mr..
Philips has made a careful study of
Washington as university center, and
the advantages offered by the city for
such an institution, the extent to which
Congress has already gone, and numer-
Gus positive reasons for the acquiring
Of a national university here is set
forth by him as follows:
By W. H. H. PHILLIPS, Phi. D.
The question Of founding a national
university at Washington has been agl-
tated for more than century. Wash
ington proposed ii, chose a site, and
contributed $500 in bonds toward its
support Many of the Presidents in
their messages to Congress have urged
it's establishment. Bills have been pre-
pared and favorably reported by the
committees of the House and Senate.
but lack OF time, want of appreciation
Of its Importance. and opposition by
supposed rival institutions have pre-
vented the passage of these bills One
hundred and fifty college presidents and
every State superintendent of schools
but one united in a petition for the es-
tabhshment Of this university.
Named To Draw Bill.
The national university committee
appointed sixteen of our most promi-
nent scholars and statesmen, including
the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
TO prepare a bill which was laid before
both houses of Congress. Toe men who
man our State colleges and the highest
universities and the thousands of ex-
perts employed by the Government ap-
preciate the advantages such an institu-
ton could offer. but have had to seek
such advantages in European universi-
ties, especially German.
This has been almost a necessity in
the past, but it should not be in the
Iuture. Indeed, We should attract STU
dents from all the world. No city offers
such Inducements for a great uniyer-
sfty. The complete, well-arranged IL
braries, the vast collections in mu-
seums already classified for study, as
well as the many different departments
of investigation established and sup
ported by the National Government,
would lay the foundations of a univer-
sity that would equal any in the world
and do for our industries, economies
and culture what could be done by no
foreign school.
These collections and facilities have
been estimated equal to an endowment
of SSo,0o0,000. They belong to the United
States, and could not be placed at the
disposal of any Institution not subject
to the control of the peoples repre-
sentatives.
L have been somewhat interested in
this enterprise since 1886, but have been
amazed since i came here recently and
examined some of the work being done
under the patronage of the Govern
ment. 1 find twenty-five of thirty
working libraries containing 1.5o0, 900
volumes and pamphlets. ten chemical
laboratories where important investi-
cations are being pushed and produc-
ing results, the mineralogical, ethno-
and agricultural collections. large and
arranged for study, the United States
Fish Commission, the Museum Of Hy-
giene. the six or more hospitals where
instruction is given and Investigations
are made, the fine collection of materia
medica, the surgeon generals office
the Naval Observatory, one of the
most complete in the world, and the
electrical department
Advantages of Studies.
The advantages for advanced studies
in law and jurisprudence would be
unsurpassed. for here in addition to
more than 1900 volumes of law books
and reports, the scholar would have
access to the works of the worlds s
greatest iurists living and dead. Here,
too,. sits the greatest judicial tribunal
of the wCrid, the Supreme Court of the
United states, besides other courts Of
general and appellate jurisdiction. some
of which are always open. To these
facilities would undoubtedly be added
lectures given by some of the most
eminent lawyers and judges of the ma
ton.
/ would not omit a department for
the study of comparative theology.
The unbiased study and comparison of
the different religions of the world
would tend TO break down the barriers
between people and nations that have
kept them apart and led to strife. con-
tention, and religious wars. This is
the first necessary step toward the es-
tablishment OF one universal religion
which would promote the brotherhood
of man. 1t would add to the strength
Of our home churches, and aid their
great missionary enterprises. The de-
partment would not need advocates,
but Investigators.
1t has been objected that such an in
stitution could not be conducted free
from political interference. In answer
IL is only necessary to refer 10 the
Smithsonian Institution, ANNAPOLIS,
West Point and the agricultural col,
leges established in all the States. They
have done their share of the work thai
has given the world more progress the
past fifty years than was ever made
before in a thousand years. Beyond al
question. there must be secured for its
future perfect federation in all subjects
lawful for investigation. Partisan pol
itics must be completely divorced from
its management Competent men who
have had large experience in educa-
tional work must be chosen to direct
and shape its entire policy and devel'
opment- The scholars chosen to teach
and investigate Natures laws must bt
assured that they will be required Ic
stand before no tribunal for judgment
and condemnation but the God OF
heaven, who instituted those laws. We
believe that such a enforcement OF
scholarship may be accomplished.
Good Men Demanded.
We learn from a careful investigation
OF the facts that, almost without excep.
tion, every position in the gift of the
Government that has demanded higt
scientific attainments has been filled
by men eminently fitted for their work
irrespective Of their social, political ol
religious creeds, and that they have
been generally supported. II the wisdom