The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1933-05-12
MORE ON EDUCATION
Wilton, N. D.,
May 8, 1888.

May 8, 1888.
Editor, Tribune:
Now that there IS q lull In the con-
troversy over the appropriation for
dairy inspection the question Of edu-
cation seems to hold first place in the
Peoples Forum.
No doubt many are interested and
some will 60 too far either way, leav-
ing us to rightly believe that mid
die course Is the sensible way.
Suppose we think q few thoughts
on education, beginning at its source.
In the nerve cells Of q child there
are bodies which are not connected
and when the child performs some
operation q line of these particles
becomes joined together. Whereas at
first this takes great effort, it IL
easy to accomplish afterward.
Where does this impulse start from
which leaps out over the nerve, does
it come from the brain itself or
has it its origin some where In spirit
center Of our dual nature?
It would seem the brain itself is
not the originator Of many OF our
thoughts, but that it Is used in the
process Of forming and recording
thought.
Then education is cultivation Of
this important part Of our being.
Education may not change the ma
ture Of the person educated, though
the use OF the brain may create in
terest In some subject which Will
work back and fire enthusiasm, or 1t
may free from superstition and en-
able one to enjoy higher standard
Of living. Education, though, will not
make q coward brave or a mean ma
ture kindly. Education In India does
not free from the idea that persons
soul may turn into bird or flower
or animal. Gandhi keeps his sacred
cows and their women are not given
q fair chance. This seems to be the
case In all unchristian lands.
The touch Of the teachings Of
Christ, added to stalk education, lights
the way to q higher plan Of living.
Education Of the mind beyond q Ger
tain limit Is no doubt to the detriment
Of the body. There's saying we are
growing weaker and wiser. It does
not seem that this should be SO, but
suppose you take crew OF profess
sional men who have used their
minds for years and put them at hard
manual labor, such as ditch digging,
taking away the chance for mind ex-
ercise. I believe you would kill them.
Why not respect the common labor
er then, who can also do something
the other fellow can't do. Great
runners are likely to die from tuber-
culosis for their lungs, having been
over developed In running, when not
used are left to atrophy or become q
feeding ground for disease.
Perhaps then education above the
place q person is to fill in life would
become burden. Theodore Roose-
welt read a book q week to keep his
mind in shape.
No one should be against a good
education, but 1t seems like the edu-
Gators have been trying to go faster
than the times. So II the lack OF
money prunes the educational tree
back for q time 1t may result In more
stable and sturdier education. In
athletics I should think If there were
games where all the pupils could take
part it would result in greater good
than the training OF so few as bas-
ketball team. II q person could be
helped to get into the work he liked
to do how much happier the world
would be.
Too. there are children with special
talents and II the state would give
these their chance genius would be
saved to the world.
The department Of education be.
lieves 1t could handle the school bus
mess better than the little school
boards and the county officers seem
to believe they could better handle
the business Of the townships than
the different boards, but this work IS
education for the grown ups. IN self
government and Is great safe guard
against revolutionary tendencies.
Some would have the schools all
put under the control Of the govern
ment but with the schools under po-
litics, changing with party power, we
would have one of the most despotic
and unsatisfactory school systems pos
sible.
Schools should be kept partly un-
der the supervision Of local citizens.
for the school and a good practical
education must be a part OF the ma
tural lift Of society.
Wouldn't 1t be q good rule to edu-
cate to live rather than to live to ed
ucate.
Hugh Redington.
SOME PARENTS SPEAK
Bismarck, N. D.
Nav II 1879