Evening star., 1924-11-15
COOLIDGE BACKING
EDUCATION WEEK
In Proclamation, He Urges
Full Observance by All
Citizens of U. S.

Full observation of American Edu-
cation week, November II to %, in
elusive, by all citizens OF the United
States is urged by President Coolidge
in a proclamation on Education week,
issued yesterday afternoon.
The proclamation follows:
"Education for the children OF all
the people, extending from the pri-
mary grades through the university.
constitutes Americas noblest contri-
button to civilization. No child or
youth in the United States need be
deprived Of the benefits OF education
suited to his age and degree of ad-
vancement.
Nevertheless. either through neg
ligence or because Of unfortunate cir
cumstances which might be controlled
with sufficient effort. large numbers
Of children do not receive the full
preparation for their lies work to
which they are justly entitled. Many
have reached maturity without even
the rudiments Of education.
This condition demands the solicit
tude of all patriotic citizens. 1t in
wolves not only the persons imme-
diately concerned and the communi-
ties 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 Near Hearts of People.
"Education has come to be nearer
% the hearts OF the American people
than any other single public interest.
The plan OF maintaining educational
institutions from public funds did not
originally prevail In most OF the
States, and even where It was In use
1t was but feebly developed in the
early days OF the Republic. That
plan did not arise spontaneously in
the minds OF all citizens. II was only
when the suggestion came forcefully,
convincngir and repeatedly from a
few pioneers that popular interest
was fully aroused. vigorous cam
paigns were required not only TO es-
tabiish the idea Of pubic education,
but also for its maintenance and for
It's important extensions.
Campaigns of national scope in be
half OF education have been conduct
ed annually since 1920. and they have
been increasingly effective with each
succeeding year. They have concen-
trated attention upon the needs of
education. and the cumulative impetus
OF mass action has oecn peculiarly. :.
beneficial. X is clearly in the interest
OF popular education. and consequent
ly of the country, that these cam
paigns be continued with vigor.
In the last few Years We have
placed much emphasis on vocational
training. II is necessary for men to
know the practical side o. life and
be able TO earn a living. We want to
have masters of our material rcsourc-
es. But it is also necessary TO have
a broad and liberal culture that will
enable men to think and know how
to live after they have earned d liv-
ing. An educated fool is a sorry spec
tacle, but he is not nearly so dan
gerous to society as a rich fool. We
want neither in this country. We
want the educated to know how to
WORK and the rich to know how to
think.
Urges General Observance.
Now. therefore. I. Calvin Coolidge.
President of the United States OF
America do designate November II
to %, inclusive. as American educa-
tion week. I urge that the citizens
do all they can TO advance the inter
ests OF education. 1t is especially rec
commended that the governors OF the
States Issue proclamations enphasiZ-
ing the services rendered by their ed
ucational institutions. and calling
upon their people to observe the oc-
c6Slon ny dSlloii vi (llel #,
/ urge that all civil officers. whose
duties relate to education. and all
persons connected with the profess
sion OF teaching. exert themselves to
diffuse information concerning the
condition and needs of the schools and
to enhance appreciation OF the value
OF education. Patriotic, civic, relig-
ious. social and other organizations
| could contribute by conducting meet
ings and demonstrations to promote
the desire for knowledge. Ministers
OF religion and members OF the press
are asked to exercise the means within
| their power to increase enthusiasm
for educational advancement and to
stimulate zeal for enlightened citizen
| ship.
In witness whereof, ] have here
unto set my hand and caused the seal
of the United States to be affixed"
(Signed) CALVIN COOLIDGE.