104 The Transformation of the Rural School 



professional classes. We said, especially to the grow- 

 ing boy: "Now, if you wish to become a lawyer, a 

 physician, a minister, or a teacher, here is your op- 

 portunity. Pursue this well-arranged course, finish 

 it up, and that all at our expense. But if you wish 

 to become a farmer, a merchant, a craftsman of any 

 sort, then this institution is not at your service. 

 We will teach you to read and write and cipher, after 

 which you may look out for yourself." Thus we were 

 taxing the masses for the exclusive education of a 

 few classes. To-day the best ideal is a radically 

 different one, as it attempts to serve all worthy 

 classes and vocations through the school adminis- 

 tration. It assumes that artisans as well as artists 

 and the professional classes have the same inherent 

 right to both the practical aid and the direct culture 

 which an educational course may furnish. 



As a practical result of this new ideal, now rapidly 

 advancing throughout the country, we are about to 

 have an age of cultured farmers, high-minded stock 

 raisers, refined architects and builders, and so on. 

 That is, our newest and best educational courses 

 are beginning to provide the means and opportunities 

 for the education of all worthy classes. So it behooves 

 all interested rural parents to turn their best efforts 

 toward the transformation and the betterment of the 

 country school. Certain specific achievements in 

 relation thereto are now being planned for and in 

 many instances accomplished. Let every one con- 



