Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1917-08-09
SCHOOLS MUST BE MAINTAINED
DR.. E. A Bryan Asks Educators to En-
list Youth of State,

- otdbththN lSsutu pN Ut. r.. n.
Bryan, State Commissioner of Eduea.
ton urges the presidents of the higher
educational institutions and. the super
intendents and principals of high
schools to mobilize the youth of the
nation in the schools and universities,
insisting that the maintenance of our
educational system in full vigor is vital
to the country. A part of the state
ment reads as follows:
The Department of Education asks
you to put forth extraordinary efforts
to fill up the depleted ranks of your
respective institutions for the coming
year. The call of the army and navy
has drawn away an abnormal percen-
tage, as compared with all other classes,
of the young men who are seeking
higher aducation. Because they are in
groops they react on each other, and be-
cause they are young and brave and i'm
aginative, this class is swept out beyond
its just proportion. 1t has furnished
its normal share thru the draft and an
abnormal of volunteers. One small
high school in one week gave fifteen
youths to the navy and ten to the army.
The universities, likewise, have given
freely of their best blood for the battle
line. o
II is assumed as matter or course
everywhere that there will be a decrease
in the number of university and high
school students. Instead of this, there
should be an actual increase. The young
man before went to college for his own
sake; now he should go for the nation IS
sake. More young men, likewise, should
prepare to fill the vacancies which will
occur in increasing measure by reason
of the absence of the young men.
In Idaho there were in round numbers
$4,000 youths between the ages of
twenty-one and thirty-one. OF this
about 2200 were called; that is to say,
about five per cent. This draft on the
higher and secondary schools would be
small were it not for the abnormal num-
Der volunteering from these schools and
the psychological disturbance accom-
panying the present situation. To over
come this disturbance, to present to the
mind of the youth and his parents the
need of the hour for the preparation of
men for these higher services, is the
patriotic duty not only of presidents,
sueprintendents and teachers, but of all
good clear thinking citizens.
The higher educational section of the
National Education Association lately
meeting in Portland, and the entire as
sociation in fact, dwelt with especial
emphasis upon this need; not fewer
students but more is the logical conclu-
sion.
Adaptation of Courses.
There should be the modification and
adaptation of courses to meet ths
national needs; this does not mean that
courses should be less thoro but more
thoro and practical and pursued with Il
greater intensity.
President Van Hise of Wisconsin said
that the recent commission from Eng
land stated that England has made no
more serious mistake than to rush the
university students off into the first
battle line, leaving the country now and
for years to come without the normal
supply of scientists, engineers, and bust
ness leaders.
Not For the Schools but for the Nation.
1t is not for the sake of the schools
but for the sake of the commonwealth
and humanity that especial, effort
should now be put forth to keep up the
supply of highly trained men.
The state Department of Education
of Idaho, therefore, urges all presidents
and faculties of our higher institutions
and all county and city superintendents
and high school faculties at once to put
forth every effort to mould public senti-
ment in their respective communities
and thruout the state and to direct the
minds of the more mature youth to the
duty and opportunity of fitting them.
selves for service to their country by at
tendance upon the high schools and
higher institutions during the coming
year. Personal sacrifice and family
sacrifice should be made to accomplish
this end.
1t is suggested:
ID That campaign of education be
begun by all school authorities, setting
forth the Importance of this form of
national mobilization;
(2) That circulars be issued when
possible by presidents and principals
urging its Importance.
(3) That personal letters be written
| to possible students and personal inter
views be held directing and inspiring
the youth to this form of service;
a. That the, press be urged to as
sist in this propaganda; and
90 That patriotic citizens who are
able to do so render special assistance
to youths who are nuder this form of
training.