Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-03
THE UNIVERSITY AND SPIRIT
OF ROTARY

The State University needs def
mite sum Of money for it's running
expenses and to pay its present de-
felt, President Little told the Angus
ia Rotary last evening. He informed
them that the Agricultural Expert
ment Stations has been permitted to
deterorate, the only provider of re-
search in problems of agriculture
which our farmers have. Then there
is the agricultural extension work
receiving for the next eight years
fixed Federal stipend which must be
met by an equal appropriation by
the State. The forestry service can
not be made fully efficient under ex-
listing conditions. The institution,
he declares, is reverting to conditions
which existed twenty years ago. Adj
hitting that provision for adequate
support of the needs of the Univer-
sity is difficult, he insists that it is
not impossible and anything less
would not be in accord with the ira
ditions of the State.
The spirit of Rotary should be ap-
piled to this problem. If it might be,
and the situation be considered in
the light of reason and dispassion-
we might expect fair conclusions
and fairly permanent results.
Maine is better equipped with edu-
cational institutions than are some of
the States in which more of work
is undertaken by their state uni
verstes, and has less resources for
like purposes, nevertheless she has
definite need of the work for which
the state University should be fitted.
Any attempt to avoid this situation
would be discreditable to the State
as it would he detrimental to the
University. Such an attempt would
not be looked for among Rotarians.
On the contrary, we would expect
spirit Of cooperatioon. Could the
matter be left to body functioning
as does Rotary one might well expect
a sensible solution of the problem.
Without prejudice they would seek
information, without heed to politi-
cad exigency they would apply that
to, the settlement, and being citizens
and taxpayers they would do this
with regard to ways and means, with
regard to resources available, with
regard to the enthusiasm and optim
ism without which any institution or
organization would be useless. And
while they might find it necessary to
discount this zeal of the alumnus
and vision of those whose lives are
devoted to it, on a cash basis, and in
the stress of finding the funds, there
is one very important feature which
would not escape the notice of Rot
much should it be, or can it be, am
rlified by what is desirable?
1t. is too much to expect a Lesis-
lature to function just as would Rot
airy but it might we'll emulate the
Rotarian spirit. If it will, we may
expect funds will be found to pay the
bills Of the University, to satisfy all
its most pressing needs Immediately.
to. make provision for normal growth.
taking into consideration the demand
for instruction Of greater number
OF women than formerly. This. and
scl'upulous care Of the foundations.
TOO, there should he consideration of
the we'll established fact that con-
tinuity is greatly important. The
University must not be subjected to
fluctuations that are avodable. Its
work should be definitely laid out
and definitely provided for. And
something like this we expect to see
done, for Maine Legislatures, as
rule. after much use Of time and talk.
eventually arrive at a fairly good
business basis. However. the leaven
Of the spirit OF the meeting last ev-
ening could leaven the Legislature
+o <bn odyo pfaCo oP all cOncerned