The call of the North. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1923-1924, 1923-10-15
A SECRETARY
OF EDUCATION
By HUGH S. MAGILL,

|
ways opposed the development of
public education.
A few years later the representa-
tlves of commerce and of labor set
up their claims for Federal recogni-
ton, and as result of their persis-
tent efforts the Department of Com
merce and Labor was establish in
1903 for the recognition and promo
ton of these two important interests.
In 1913 this Department was sepa-
rated into the Department of Com
merce and the Department of Labor,
each with Secretary in the Presi-
dents Cabinet.
In the light of this history it is
necessary only to show that educa-
ton is vitality related to national well
fare in order to justify it's recogni-
ton and promotion by the establish
ment of a Department of Education
with Secretary in the Presidents
Cabinet. This is so evident that it
would seem hardly necessary to offer
arguments in it's support. When it
was found that of the 100000
drafted men between the ages of 81
and 81 more than 100000 could not
read and write, the Federal Govern
ment came face to face with educa-
ton as a question of the greatest ma
tional Importance.
Importance of Education Has Again
Been Emphasized
When another 100000 of these
young men had to be rejected from
military service because of physical
defects, most of which could have
been prevented by proper attention
and instruction in youth, the impor-
lance of education from the national
standpoint was again emphasized.
No one will contend that our country
as a whole is not deeply interested
in the Americanization of our for
eign population, all of whom have
been admitted to our shores under
national laws.
But there is still deeper signi-
ficance to public education from the
standpoint of national welfare. 1t
was recognized by our forefathers at
the very beginning of our govern
ment. The Ordinance of 1857 de-
clares that Religion, morality and
knowledge being necessary to free
government and the happiness of
mankind, schools and the means of
education shall forever be encourag-
ed" 1t must be conceded by all that
the security and perpetuity of gov
eminent of the people is dependent
upon an enlightened citizenship. If
we are to develop civilization which
shall stand the severe tests of the
coming years, the right kind of edu-
cation must be promoted thruout the
entire nation. To give the greatest
impetus to movement for universal
education of the right sort, there
must be the stimulating influence of
national purpose.
A question of such transcending
Importance, so vitality related to the
security and prosperity of our coun-
try, cannot be disregarded by the ma
tional government and left entirely
to the states and local communities.
National ideals cannot be realized by
states and communities unaided by
national encouragement and support.
There must be the unifying influence
of national incentive that educa-
ton may accomplish the greatest
good and make the largest contribu-
ton to national welfare.
Department of Education Will Not be
AutOcratic
| The National Government thru its
Department of Education will exer-
else no autocratic power in the real
ization of this end. 1t will stimulate
and encourage but it can never die
tate. It will make a thoro investiga-
tion of all educational questions, and
comparative study of the education
al systems of all the states. 1t will
then suggest certain educational
standards, based upon this broader
knowledge, which should be attained
in all the states in order to preserve
our free institutions and make pos
sible the realization of our highest
national ideals. The Secretary of
Education, because of his high Off
cial position, will always have a
hearing. What his department pro-
poses will receive the consideration
of the President, of Congress, and Of
the people of the country.
Thru nat ional promotion and
stimulation standards will be raised
in all states. The day will be has
tened when it can no longer be said
that millions of American citizens
cannot read the Constitution, nor even
their ballots, a condition which
humbles our national pride and is
fraught with the gravest danger.
The perpetuity and prosperity of
our nation demand that it give all
possible encouragement and assis-
lance to the states in the develop
ment thru education of a citizenship
physically and intellectually sound,
and imbued with the spirit and ideals
of true Americanism. Thus only can
our Republic be made safe, efficient