Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-15

down after much blowing OF trunpctS
and shouting in concert and marching
I In circles. Whether the obstacles have
been fairly battered down or whether
they have fallen through some miracle,
/ the Junior college has gained ;,dnis-
sion to the high places Only after
patient and persistent work
n Coming Contest.
certain question: OF real interest and
| import have alrcauy arisen in the long
discussion OF this matter. and these
questions are sure TO involve consid. .
erations that go to the root of many
NcNed problems of education The
champions OF training for culture and
the champions of training for utility
VIII once more lock horns and igh; all
'neF battles Der again. Technical
problems have already claimed atten-
'ioh ana given rise TO vigorous debate.
Serious differences of opinion us to the
court OF proper jurisdiction and rs TO
the best use of the thirty session
hours Of college work. have been cN-
pressed by men ana women of light and
leading. The time seems to have come
when the public should be informed OF
the general trend of these discussions
AS the final decision in these matters
OF pubic policy must rest upon en-
lishtened public opinion
a Touch of Comedy.
The movement has had its comic side
with rare exceptions, each participant
III me debate has taken the side that
seemed TO further his own interest
Inc college man insists that the junior
coliese course must conform STRICTLY
10 the hrSt two years OF the college.
whiie the Junior college man urges the
right of his school TO Il sphere and
work of its own. The one wants a
feeder. the other wants IA living; the
one wants benevolent assimilation"
lhe other wants an independent place
IN the SUM-. Doubtless. there is per-
fect sincerity in these varying opin-
IONS. but this play of human nature has
us humorous side in such serious dis
cuSsions.
Inc broad coined" of the piece is
tu'hiSheu by the preparatory schools.
AS the frog in the fable longed to
d'laih the size OF the on, SO they have
wished to gain college size. Unlike
me frog, however. they have not riskcd
'he attempt. fearing TO burst in the
expansion. But now that they see the
Junior COLLEGE a mere calf in conpari
son, some OF the high schools and semi
naries are making an effort to expand,
ana many frog III the school pud-
u!e Is now III process o: swelling. Il
nate 10 be frog, and cannot be an
on thinks the aspirant, but at least
may enlarge to calf size. Let ME
take thought and add a cubit or two
to my stature" And so the comedy
goes merrily on
There Is nothing ignoblc in this de-
sire OF the seminarics and high schools
70 attain higher rating, provided
there is real increase and growth N
faculty. equipment and courses OF
study Nor is it probable that there
has been any lacl; OF sincerity and
honesty in these transformations Yet
the whole effort does seem to indicate
a sad decadence OF The proud spirit
with which these schools have for
years proclaimed their own distinctive
merits. 4 frog may swell to true calf
size. but the effort would seem to In
dictate lack OF proper pride in the
frog estate.
Three Restrictive Factors.
In Virginia, however, several in
nuenccs are at work to ward off the
danger of any improper haste on the
part OF these secondary schools to
reach Junior college estate. Three OF
these factors. the State Board. the coll
leges and the Legislature, should have
especial mention.
First OF all. there is the State Board
Continued OH Last Pagc)