Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-08-19

able to fit people for the world citizen
snip that is coming. Our only caution
IN urging people to arouse interest i'm
their own community is that they must
not neglect the outside world at the
same time. Their realization and un-
Outstanding of the modes of govern
ment in foreign countries. the foreign
methods of adjusting social and poIitf-
cal difficulties and the institutions of
life In other countries beside their own
will stimulate kinship with the whole
mocracy.
"As a means of stimulating greater
interest in the issues underlying
Americas participation in the war and
deepening the understanding of the
principles of democracy which this
country advocates for all humanity the
board has started a contest. in which
1T offers prize for the best essay
States n sne Is sa as War the United
SI5. second prize of $50, a third prize
OF $50. fourth of So and a fifth of
$40 are offered to teachers in the pub
nc high schools of the state of vfr-
ginia for the best essay on the SUBJ
Ject mentioned.
"A first prize of SIS. a second prize
OF S25 and five third prizes of SO each
are offered for similar essays on this
subject by teachers in public efe-
mentary schools. A similar state COM
petition has been advanced in New
Hampshire. Massachusetts. Connecti-
Tennessee.
1T is intended that the treatment of
the subject shall be primarily historical
in character. bringing out those facts
of recent or more remote history which
ton"
1t is easily realized. IL one takes the
trouble to consider the question, that
a sound public opinion is necessary
to a victory in the war. One of the
reasons for the heroic fighting in
France is the unity, of its public opin-
ion: and one of the reasons for Rus
sia's weakness is her lack of IT. An
enlightened and powerful public opin-
ion in the United States will grow
through education. With this thought
in mind. the board is encouraging The
introduction of current history courses
in the summer schools this season.
which. because they are largely attend
ed by teachers. will ultimately benefit
all communities through the every
day training of the children.
In many sections of the country the
children are better educated than the
parents; but the parents are learning.
and they are learning through discus
sions around their firesides with their
children. If the children are fortified
by true conceptions of our national
ideals and through a true presentation
of our past experience in its bearing
upon our present problems. the par
ents will be helped to form correct
viewpoints.
Obviously. great burden during
the next school term Will fall upon
the history teachers of this country
BY a consideration of the problems of
the moment at summer schools their
minds will be freshened. their demo-
cratic ideals viii be illuminated and
their attitude toward their RESPONSE
bilites quckened. The board is, there
fore, urging through its own mediums
and those OF the bureau of education
the necessity for teachers to equip
themselves for their next school term.
I'VE hope" concluded DIR. Shotwell,
that through these lines of activity
on the part Of this board that the store
of competence and good will possessed
by those whose chief work is to teach
or study history. instead Of running
to waste or even lying untouched. may
eventually be drawn upon to meet the
demands of the public and the govern
ment."