28li The ^\riienr<i)i (Teohniiat. Novcinbci-, i«y6 
old one, every scliool must make an exhaustive ininiiry to tle- 
terniine the relations between the proposed course and its en- 
vironment, constitueney. faculty, trustees, eciuipment, objeet, 
etc. That scheme most in harmony with these should be 
adopted, and in determining which one most nearly meets the 
required conditions, nothing is more necessary than a liberal 
use of that very rare commodity, common sense. 
It is surely unnecessary for nie when addressing a body of 
engineering educators to point out the uselessness of mere 
copyists or servile imitators; temporary success may crown 
their efforts in some cases, but not one like this, because in 
every problem the requirements are so diverse. In every case 
the scheme must be worked out anew in every detail from the 
very foundation. 
Every educational scheme, and the elective system more 
than any other, demands for success that schools be conducted 
on sound business principles. The governing board raxist be 
composed of experienced, able, judicious, and conscientious 
men; they need not of necessity be educators or engineers, 
but they should have the wisdom to perceive that the success- 
ful direction of a higher educational institution requires ex- 
])erience and ability on a par with that demanded in any f)ther 
business or profession. They must realize that no success can 
crown their efforts unless they clearly understand that their 
duty consists entirely in formulating the objects of the insti- 
tution, providing the means to reach these objects, choosing 
an able and discreet director or president and seeing that he 
attends to his duties. Assumptio7i of any other power is math- 
ematicall}'^ certain to cause friction and throw painful obsta- 
cles in the way of progress. 
"^ The success of the institution depends largely upon the 
chief executive officer and the faithfulness with which he is 
supported by the board and faculty. The president need not 
of necessity be an engineer, but it is absolutely indispensable 
that he be an able and experienced educator, a man of broad 
gauge, liberal spirit, unbounded energy, perseverance and 
firmness. To him should be left, without any interference 
whatever, the carrying out of the plans formulated by the 
board, and he should be held strictly accountable for results. 
Nothing short of incompetence should be deemed a sufficient 
reason for interfering with his plans. 
