The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1925-10-09
AN UNWARRANTED ASSERTION

UNLESS some economy is p~racticed in our state
educational institutions, the public will finally
become Disguised and deal them a blow that will
take years to overcome"
So declared Judge w. B. Rhoades of Great Falls,
a member of the state board of education, in
reply to intimations at Helena that because of
a gain of 1872 per cent in enrolment this year at
Montana's universities and colleges, the allot-
ments for those institutions should be proper
t~ionately increased.
Sharp issue must be taken with Judge Rhoades
in this matter. His assertion that "the public
will become disguised and deal them a blow that
will take years to overcome" is entirely unwar-
ranted and is unworthy of a man Of his know
ledge and position.
It is a well known fact that the Montana public
has, from the earliest days in this state, been
peculiarly well disposed towards the establishing
and development of institutions of leaTning-bOth
elementary and advanced. It has never shown
any desire whatsoever to curtail unduly or to
refuse to make necessary appropriations for such
purposes. 1t has approved, almost without ques-
ton, constructive suggestions along educational
lines, and will continue to adopt every plan that
will raise educational standards here.
Just now, when a great and most desirable in
flux of students is taxing the facilities Of the
units of the Greater University of Montana, clever
propaganda emanating from well known quarters
is being disseminated with the object of justify
ing a curtailment of allOtments for those institu-
tions, even though that means, as suggested by
the state board of examiners, the denying to many
of Montana's sons and daughters an opportunity
to acquire, at home, the higher learning they 81
woefully need.
The reason for this propaganda against the
Treasure states educational facilities is not hare
to find. During the last campaign, when thu
cry of economy had been raised in an effort t.
defeat Governor Joseph M. Dixon, the Democratic
candidate for that office lavishly promised hug
cuts in state expenditures. His opponent thel
asserted that such promises could not be fulfilleC
except by Gripping Montana's educational pro
gram.
After assuming office, Governor J. E.. Erickson
discovered that Mr.. Dixon was right. He ha
been unable to make any considerable saving i
state disbursements. Now, faced with the neces
sity of making a move Of some kind, the Demo
cratic administration-tO save it's face-wOul
cripple the Greater University of Montana an
force a considerable number Of our young me
and young women to go to other states for tn
educational advantages they should have at hOm
For such a course, no criticism can be to
severe. There may be, as Judge Rhoades has d
clared, some waste at our university and our co
leges. Perfection is not attainable by human kin
and no Institution set up by men has yet prove
perfect. But this wastage can be eliminate
without dealing a vital blow at the very found
tions of the institutions of which Montana h
every reason to be proud and the facilities
-LsoL ~o,cA I~ooD .ooo nth 4L,o vooIo of ~
present and future generations.