SCHOLARSHIP AND THE STATE 515 



can not help but improve conditions. The man whose researches have 

 shown him definitely what can be done to improve morals will always 

 mark progress. The man who can point out just how the practise of 

 the simple virtues of honesty and faith can better any particular condi- 

 tions is certain to better social conditions. 



It may be mentioned that all research in the right spirit has a 

 moral value, which, however, it is difficult to evaluate in simple units. 

 Any man who is striving to extend the bounds of human knowledge is 

 thus far a source of inspiration to all who know him, and a lesson in 

 faith and hope to those who know of him. Particularly in a university 

 the teachings of a man of research are those that are most likely to in- 

 spire the spirit of wonder and high ideals among the students. It has 

 hardly been the province of this paper to point out how the installation 

 of the proper ideals, free from tawdry sentiment, among university stu- 

 dents, permeates the whole society of the state. 



Why must not a state entrust the seeking after knowledge to insti- 

 tutions outside the state? One university professor once said that it 

 was useless for a state to try to build up a respectable graduate school 

 near Chicago University. The inference was that the state could well 

 let Mr. Rockefeller's millions seek after new knowledge and then 

 help itself. Of course it might, but this attitude when looked into 

 carefully is ridiculous. It is just as bad as for a citizen to depend 

 on his generous neighbor's parlors to entertain his company. If a state 

 would be a parasite and depend upon forces outside itself to develop 

 new knowledge, then by the laws of nature it must take the chances of 

 a parasite. But I believe that with a healthy, wealthy and vigorous body 

 of people, state pride will forever demand that the state shall do its 

 share toward productive scholarship. 



