318 Missouri Agricultural Report. 



and the literature, specifically adapted to any one of the industrial 

 classes? Echo answers where? In other words, society has be- 

 come, long since, wise enough to know that its teachers need to be 

 educated, but it has not become wise enough to know that its 

 workers need education just as much." 



Professor Turner was pleading for an Industrial University 

 to serve the educational needs of the 95 per cent, as those of the 

 5 per cent, were served by the then existing colleges. 



His "dream" is realized, and more than realized. In every 

 state there is now at least one institution of college grade minister- 

 ing directly to these higher needs of industrial life. And what a 

 change they have wrought in the few years of their activity ! How 

 the industries of life are developing under the benign and stimu- 

 lating influence of higher education and systematic thought. How 

 the people themselves are improving as their occupations develop 

 and take honorable place among men! 



All this has come about. But since Professor Turner wrote 

 the. words I have quoted, an entirely new system of schools has 

 sprung up all over the country — a kind of schools unknown in his 

 day, and which does not exist elsewhere than in America. 



I refer ,of course, to the high school . Equipped as it is to 

 give what is in effect a college education, this institution of the 

 people is the most powerful modern agency for shaping American 

 life. The high schools of the country touch all the people of all 

 classes, and their influence is beyond computation. 



And now, I ask the final question : Is this new system of 

 schools to serve only Professor Turner's 5 per cent, as did the old 

 time college, or are they to serve the full 100 per cent? Are the 

 high schools to serve the people on the same broad plan of modern 

 colleges, or are they to restrict their attention and their service to 

 the few favored occupations? 



These great schools can serve all classes and all interests if 

 they will. It is merely a question of organization. Do I hear the 

 objection that their courses are full — then I will say, make others. 

 Do we have no material? The material lies all about us, in the 

 present-day activities of men and in the great body of scientific 

 truth that is rapidly accumulating. Are our teachers unprepared? 

 Then let them prepare themselves; for as sure as time passes, this 

 matter is upon us, and this question will press for its solution. 



If the existing high schools cannot or will not serve the in- 

 terests of agriculture and her people, then just as certain as the 

 sun rises and sets, a system of schools will be founded that will 



