The Twin Falls times. [volume] (Twin Falls, Idaho) 1905-1916, 1916-02-04
PUBLIC PROBLEMS
TO Be DISCUSSED
University Department OF Economics
10 Branch Professor Scores
Those Opposed to Activity.

Declaring that the university has a
practical and not merely a theoretic-
al function to perform in matters per-
tanning to economies and sound gov
eminent and that it is its duty to
place its department of political econ
omy at the disposal of the people as
whole to help them solve the practi-
cal economic problems with which
they are confronted, Howard 7. Lew
is. professor of economies and politi-
cal science in the University of Idaho
in the current issue of the News Let
ter. the new university paper, de-
nounces those who for selfish reasons
oppose the performance OF this duty
and declares that his department will
do it's part in solving public questions.
The letter follows:
OF late several new lines of activity
have been undertaken by the depart
ment of economics and political sci
ance in the university, notably taxa
ton, municipal problems and rural
credit and many people, some openly
cooperating, others openly suspicious,
are inquiring why 1.-The university has
been so economical of late" The de-
partment of economies as part Of the
university, is supported in part by the
people of the state, and it is due the
people to know it's attitude toward
these fundamental questions.
/ 1t is obvious that the one main
/ function of a university is to aid the
people of the state to solve the many
and perplexing problems confronting
/ it. This truth which it seeks to as
certain and apply must be fearlessly
sought and carefully presented. To
color it by partizanship, by prejudice,
or by fear is to deprive it of it highest
value to just the degree that these
factors intrude.
There are many willing to concede
this promise theoretically. Particular
/ ly are they willing to concede it pro-
viding the presentation of the truth
does not force them to readjust or in
convenience themselves. They are
perfectly willing that an institution
should seek the facts with reference
to the authority of the plays bearing
Shakespeare name or investigate
smut in wheat. The difficulty comes
in applying this same principle in the
same spirit when some department
calls attention to economic or politi-
cal NAL adjustment, and suggests some
avenues of advancement. At once some
one exclaims: 1.-THE university is get
ting into pOliticsl" and don't listen
to mere dreamer-things must not
be tempered With" There are men
and women in the state of Idaho who
do not seem to be able to conceive
of anything being done for the people
as a whole-into whose thoughts en-
ters no motive of unselfish effort;
men whose minds are so clouded as
to seem to be unable to comprehend
that everyone is not guided by the
one principle" and section al
ways" Fortunately these people are
in a minority. The great majority of
the people are willing to listen, and
act in accord with their better iudg-
ment.
Because the university is convinced
that this is so it stands ready to out
line its policy and enter the field
of economic service regardless Of
whose private interests seem to be af-
fected.
This service consists, first Of all, in
teaching the young man and the youns
woman who come to Moscow to UNI
derstand and interpret the economic
and political life of Idaho and to dir
ect this economic thinking along lines
of sanity and clarity. But the uni
versity is going further than this. II