26 president's address. 



it is moulded in the same depressing manner. It must be placed 

 under influences such as will fashion it in harmony with the social 

 needs of to-day. There is no escape from these genetic require- 

 ments. Allow the new generation to grow up under the old 

 parental surroundings and it repeats the parental incapacity; 

 subject it to favourable conditions and it responds, fitted for the 

 complex needs of its class. 



The principle of the early segregation of the new generation 

 under improved conditions is not here advocated for the first time, 

 but its enforcement from the realm of genetics accords it the 

 support of scientific authority. The application of the principle, 

 however, presents great difficulties which cannot now be entered 

 upon. Some attempt has already been made by means of industrial 

 schools and institutions; a national asset is at stake, and the 

 State cannot shirk its responsibilities. Manifestly much propa- 

 ganda will be necessary ere intelligent sentiment in support of the 

 need is awakened on a national scale. Yet a nation's problems 

 receive their enforcement at particular periods in a country's 

 history; and in these days of awakened national aspirations, 

 re-arrangements of social ideals, and political stability, the time 

 may be deemed opportune. 



An effort to arouse public sentiment on behalf of the sub- 

 merged part of the nation should appeal with peculiar force to the 

 University youth of South Africa, appreciative of the blessings 

 he has himself received from the State in fitting him for a position 

 of enlarged social worth. Infused with the spirit of true South 

 African nationalism he should in turn be prepared to strive for a 

 chance in life for his humble brother. It is fundamentally a 

 problem of education, but with unusual features. It is suggested 

 that University Associations be formed to investigate the problem 

 in all its bearings, and to constitute nuclei from which may radiate 

 influences destined to arouse a sympathetic and intelligent public 

 opinion. No nobler nor more inspiring call could come to the 

 educated youth of South Africa, infused with true nationalism 

 as a part of a true humanitarianism, than to devote himself to the 

 reclamation of those in economic bondage, impressed by a formative 

 period in his country's history. In reflecting on the good work 

 of Mr. Geo. II. Hofmeyr, Secretary for Higher Education, in the 

 encouragement and co-ordination of the efforts in Child Welfare 

 and Industrial Education, it is permissible to express the hope that 

 the Universities themselves may follow his lead in the recovery of 

 submerged South Africa. No other part of the community is 

 able to bring to bear upon the problem such independent and 

 enlarged sympathetic minds trained in the conditions necessary 

 for the right development of others. Studies such as those 

 emanating from the investigations of Prof. W. M. Macmillan 

 may well be taken as inspiring models. 



In the assurance of tangible results a movement of this nature 

 is wholly apart from philanthropy as generally exercised, and 

 makes a different appeal. The one is wholly remedial, whereas 

 the other is plainlv palliative. Philanthropic effort usually con- 

 cerns itself with the naturally deficient and the incapable, and 



