Payette enterprise. (Payette, Canyon Co., Idaho) 1909-1935, 1924-11-27
A PROCLAMATION BY
THE PRESIDENT

: mary grades through the university
constitutes Americas Roblest contri
button to civilization. No child oil
, youth in the United States need be
deprived of the benefits of education
suited to his age and degree of adj
vancement.
Nevertheless, either through negli-
gence or because of unfortunate cir
: cumstances which might be controll-
= ed with sufficient effort, large num-
bers of children do not receive the
full preparation for their life's work
to which they are justly entitled
Many have reached maturity with
, out even the rudiments of educa-
ton.
This condition demands the solicit
tude of all patriotic citizens. II in
wolves not only the persons immedi-
ately concerned and the communit-
les in which they live, but the ma
: ton itself, for the welfare of the
country depends upon the character
and the intelligence of those who
cast the ballots.
! Education has come to be nearer
to the hearts of the American peo-
pie than any other single public in
terest. The plan of maintaining edu-
cational institutions from public
funds did not originally prevail in
most of the states, and even where
it was in use it was but feebly de-
veloped in the early days OF the re-
public. That plan did not arise
spontaneously in the minds of all
citizens. 1t was only when the sug-
gestion came forcefully, convincing
ly, and repeatedly from a few
pioneers that popular interest was
fully aroused. Vigorous campaigns
were required not only to establish
the idea of public education, but also
for its maintenance, and for its i'm
portant extensions.
Campaigns of national scope in be-
half of education have been con-
Quoted annually since 920, and they
have been increasingly effective with
each succeeding year. They have
concentrated attention upon the
needs of education, and the cumula-
tive impetus of mass action has been
peculiarly beneficial. 1t is clearly
in the interest of popular education
and consequently of the country, that
these campaigns be continued with
vigor.
In the last few years we have
placed much emphasis on vocational
training. II is necessary for men 10
know the practical side of life and
he able to earn a living. We want
to have masters of our material re-
sources. But it is also necessary to
have a board and liberal culture
that will enable men to think ano
know how to live after they have
earned living. An educated fool Is
a sorry spectacle, but he is not near
" so dangerous to society as rich
fool We want neither in this coun-
try We want the educated to know
how TO work and the rich to know
how to think.
Now, therefore, I, Calvin Coolidge
president of the United States OF
America. do designate November II
to %. inclusive. as American Educa-
ton Week. 1 urge that the citizens
do all they can to advance the inter
ests of education. 1t is especially
recommended that the governors Oh
the states issue proclamatiOns en-
phasiz:ng the services rendered D!
their educational institutions. aud
calling upon their people TO observe
the occasion by appropriate action.
Further, l urge that all civil onlcers
whose duties relate to education, ana
all persons connected with the pro-
fession of teaching, exert themselves
IN diffuse information concerning the
condition and needs of the schools
and to enhance appreciation Of the
yalue of education. Patriotic, civic,
religious. social, and other organiza-
tions could contribute by conducting
meetings and demonstrations to pro
mote the desire for knowledge. Min
listers of religion and members OF
the press are asked to exercise the
means within their power to increase
enthusiasm for educational advance
ment and to stimulate zeal for en-
lightened citizenship.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have
hereunto set my hand and caused the
seal of the United states to be af-
fixed.
Done in the city of Washington on
this fourteenth day of November IN
the wear of our Lord One Thousand
Nine Hundred and Twenty-four and
OF the independence of the United
States the One Hundred and Forty
ninth.
(SEAL)
(signed) CALVIN COOLIDGE,