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Caption: Book - History of the University (Powell)
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366 History University of Illinois PREFACE The reasons for proffering this pamphlet to the public will be found in the proceedings of the INDUSTRIAL CONVENTIONS, held at Chicago in 1852, and in Springfield, 1853. But while the author has endeavored to comply with the general wish expressed by these conventions, and the Directors of the ILLINOIS INDUSTRIAL LEAGUE, it should not be inferred that any friends of those conventions or of the League are responsible for the particular statements or sentiments herein expressed. In all these incidental matters, the author alone is responsible, as it was found impracticable before publication to secure even a revision by the committee, which, had it been possible, was greatly to be desired. I t will also, be readily seen that it is no part of the design of this work, to notice the many and great improvements and excellencies in our existing systems of education, but rather to call attention to their remaining defects and urge these as a reason for immediate effort and action in the direction indicated. For a plan of action the reader will please refer to the close of the pamphlet. INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION The progress which the people of the United States, and especially of our own State, are continually making on the great subject of education, must be gratifying to every patriotic and philanthropic mind. This progress relates to the ENDS, INSTRUMENTALITIES and MODES of all mental and moral culture, and is most apparent in the condition of our best Common Schools—at once the pride and hope of our country. The END of all education should be the development of a TRUE MANHOOD, or the natural, proportionate and healthful culture and growth of all the powers and faculties of the human being—physical, mental, moral and social; and any system which attempts the exclusive, or even inordinate culture of any one class of these faculties, will fail of its end—it will make mushrooms and monks, rather than manhood and men. For similar reasons, any system of education adapted to the exclusive or unequal and inordinate culture of any one class or profession in the State, is defective: It generates clans and castes, and breaks in upon that natural order, equality and harmony which God has ordained. It will create a concentration of intellectual power in the educated head of the body politic—cold, crafty, selfish and treacherous, which will sooner or later corrupt its heart—will exhaust and overlabor and overtask its weak, uncultured and undeveloped,
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