Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-07-11
tional tariff for revenue only policy. 1t
remains to be seen what kind Of campaign
can have without the old familiar dis
cussion
Why Not a National University?


I 7 is a wholesome sign that the Democratic
and Republican platforms present little
difference in their declarations on cduca-
ton. Both are committed to Federal aid
for the public schools to the removal of
illitcracy and the directing OF educational
endeavOr toward the ideal OF patriotic
Americanism. 1t is wholesome, because
education has no rightful place in partisan
politics, and in the practical unanmity Of
the two major parties there is seen the
recognition of the force of public sentiment
which has raised it above the political plane.
This stage having been reached. the next
few years should witness wonderful strides
along educational lines. Whichever party
wins, the government will be bound to the
advancement of the schools and more
liberal pay of teachers, that their profess
sion may be put on plane where the re-
wards are commensurate with the prepa-
ration demanded, the labor involved and the
results attained
1t is just well that each party con-
fined itself to a general statement on edu
cation, although they might have gone
much further and still have been in agree
ment There are certain things upon which
the educational world has set its heart. and
which should be granted to it. One is the
creation OF a Federal department OF e6u-
cation, with seat in the Cabinet along
lines OF the Smth-Townor bill. now pc:d-
ing. We have Department of Labor, one
for tho farmer, one for commerce. one for
every other great national interest. Then
why not one for the nations children, its
future citizens, on whom its safety depends?
II may be taken for granted that the Fed
eral aid measure will be adopted. for good
which waits on education GER
tainly is important good roads, and
children are entitled to equal consideration
with good cattle and good hogs. Virginia,
having taken the lead in the better-stock
cannot AFFORD to lag behind in
this movement in behalf of its children.
When Federal aid is assured. the depart
ment OF education will be the next logical
step.
Another thing on which the progressive
educational world has set its heart is
great national university at the seat of
government. And why not? 1t would be
the center, not the controlling center, but
tile great advisory. co-ordinGting hub Of
the nations educational system. 1t would
be n model of methods. clearing house
OF ideas. a fountainhcad from which edu-
Gators of every State would draw instruc-
ton and inspiration, to go forth and spread
scientifically directed educational enthu-
siasm broadcast among the people. 1t would
present and preserve the American educa-
tional standard. and the practical pa
triotc results would prove an insurmount-
able bulwark against Bolshevstic doctrines
and evils largely the outgrowth of isnor-
ance Bills providing for such a univer-
sity have failed of adoption in the past.
When the next one is presented, as ii will
be, il should have the support OF every real
American
y third issue TO which educators are
largely committed is compulsory education
in the public schools. This is a matter
that properly belongs to the States for such
measures as they may see lit TO adopt but
the movement is gaining momentum so
rapidly that soon the time may come when
every State in the Union will have adopted
laws for the removal of the blot of illiteracy.