University Missourian. [volume] (Columbia, Mo.) 1908-1916, 1914-12-31

10. The author is yice-president o
the Simmons Hardware Company. HI
is known in Columbia as one of th'
group of st. Louis music lovers whC
make possible the symphony orches
ira of that city. Mr.. Douglas, though
a graduate of an eastern university
is one of the most enthusiastic boost
ers" for the University of Missouri
By A. W. Douglas.
II has ever been an axiom among
the educated that the essential re.
quisites OF successful university are
traditions. Like many another axiom
this is principally remarkable for not
being so. For in the case Of the state
university, the absence of traditions
is at once its strength and its inspira-
ton. Freed from the shackles and
( inheritances of the past, even though
I lacking that sentiment which great
historic past undoubtedly inspires, it
was forced TO make record for itself
OF successful accomplishments in
fields that were hitherto largely virgin
soils in higher education. While not
originating in the West, it soon found
it's most congenial home there. be-
cause il typifies that spirit of militant
democracy which is Transforming the
social and economic thought of the
world.
Inevitably it became the exponent OIL
democratic ideas in every phase OF
modern university work from the lat
est biological and chemical discover
les in dairy husbandry to the most
recent entanglements in the maze OF
for like Lord Bacon it has
taken all knowledge for its province.
Its creed is strictly in accord with
beliefs and impulses, and
its principal tenet is that education
and culture shall be widely distrib-
uted among the many, and no longer
reserved for the select and chosen
few. Its early history was full of the
of lack OF needed funds, and |
of being made political machine and |
in some of the southern states it is |
still in this sad plight. Ortside OF |
some Federal aid, usually in the shape |
Of land grants, and a few scattering |
1t is dependent for sup
port entirely upon the people of its
state, either through legislative ap-
or a tax upon the as
essed wealth of the commonwealth.
That it might find favor at the hands
hat fed it, it naturally. in the begin
ling. turned its thought to the accom-
,lishment of material things. Hence
is incursion in the domain of agri-
ulture.
But the motive was not all self-in-
crest nor at the behest of popular
hought, for the men in the various
tates who have guided these institu-
ions early perceived the all-embrac-
lg important relation of the material
of the people to any en-
uring civilization. For a long time
1ey were the voice of one crying in
ne wilderness, while the SNUG con-
ent of protected interest, of vast
of speculative exploita-
on, of high finance, transportation,
{ self-centered banking and of sub
ervient economics dismissed as ar
1aic those maxims of a needed rela-
on between producer and consumer
nd satisfied themselves with the soph-
tries of new industrial relations that
'und their chief support In concen-
alton and privilege. 1t was but
lief orgy, however, and then a start
d world awoke to the portentous
ills of congested centers and to the
alization that the farmer holds in
S hands the solution of many of our
'ciai and economic problems.
In things distinctly practical the
ate university, through its agricul-
raj college, has taught every phase
farming as business, and as the
eatest and most important business
the country. Its work of teaching,
rough trained practical men of both
perience and education, is not mere
that of precept, but even more of
boratory research and field expert =
ent. At every university and scat \,
red through each state there are ex-
riment farms where rotation of
ops, fertilization of soil, modern
ethods of farming, selection of seed,
e best methods of combating the in
ct enemies of agriculture, the care
d feeding of live stock, the opera
N of dairy husbandry and a thou
nd other matters pertinent to agri-
lture are shown year by year by ac-
al experiments. Added to this are
trains, carrying trained
'turers who tour the entire state.