The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-07-08

democracy. We believe that this on the
whole In the noblest and safest form OF
government. But we equally realize that
X the world Is to be safe under demoo-
racy. then democracy must be intelli-
gent OF all forms OF government, de-
nocrscy can least AFFORD to neglect uni
versal education.
Especial Value of Children.
All educationalists, indeed all thought
full people, have long since recognized
that the most effective service to the
State can be rendered through the edu-
cation and care of the young. Early
formation Is better than later re-forma-
ton. Prevention is better than cure.
1t is easier to train the child Alright
than to restore the adult The age OF
the rights of man was succeeded by the
age of the rights OF woman" Now we
are living in the age OF tho rights OF
children" Chief among their rights is
the right to sound education. But
the appalling losses OF our choice young
men In these recent years have further
enhanced the value Of the present gen.
Grafton of children.
War and influenza between them
so writes the medical correspondent of
the London TSmes-have accounted for
the deaths of 100000 young men
throughout the world. The children OF
to-day deserve special educational care,
both because of their added obligations
through the passing OF so many of the
worlds young manhood and because OF
the altered world into which they will
grow up. The State must. therefore. dis
charge its duty to the full. no matter
what the cost. toward the conservation
Of the child. This means not only the
~. -
life and the fullest development Of ma
tive gifts.
Broader Meaning OF Education.
We construe education TO mean more
than the imparting OF knowledge and
the training OF the mind, Its broad
scope covers bodily health and fitness
mental culture, devotion OF spirit and
social efficiency. The German educa-
tionalists thought OF civilization In
terms Of intellect: tho British, In terms
of character. Which ideal IS the safer
and wothier, history has already pro-
nounced.
Efficiency in itself Is no more moral
than lightning. From what motive does
It spring? To what aim is It directed
The proper place of efficiency is as the
servant OF a moral ideal. Apart from
such an ideal, efficiency may be an evil
and wicked instrument which in the end
works woful disaster. In the early
stages of the war. the organized eff
cheney Of Germany. brutal and immoral,
was hammering at the doors OF human
civilization and had almost beaten them
down. But the free peoples held the
enemy until their moral ideals could
evoke their own efficiency and form Of
organization. When this was accom-
pliahed fha end xuaa In aiUht
Our educational activities to-day must
serve various purposes. They will cul.
tivate the mind by liberal studies and
aim to produce trained intelligence
They will inculcate moral and patriotic
ideals. They will also seek in some
degree to prepare the pupil for his life
work. His training will be both practi
cal and theoretical. During the pas
year We have had TO contend with many
disturbing influences. but notwithstand-
ing these interruptions much has beer
accomplished.
Several acts for the Improvement Of
the educational system were introduced
during the last session of the Legisla
ture, These acts contain many new fea
lures which have been thought out from
the standpoint OF the child. The RICH
OF the child to a full development fol
service has been recognized, and pro
vision has been made in the Legislation
brought down 10 create opportunities fol
such development
Amendments to School Laws.
Prominent among the enactments in
troduced are:
| l. An act to amend the school laws.
| 2. An act respecting compulsor!
school attendance.