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Caption: Book - History of the University (Powell)
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Industrial Universities for the People 419 Were this result attained by such institutions, as are suggested by Prof. Turner, the consequences would be not only an early application of science to agriculture, but valuable additions to the stock of knowledge, induced by stimulated enquiry and experiments. I t cannot be doubted that with the advance of agricultural science we should witness an almost incredible increase of production. The condition of the farmer would be improved to opulence, and the increased means would be attended with enlarged ability and leisure, that encourage devotion to the pursuits and tastes that elevate and refine the intellect and character. The triumph of a republic can only be successfully achieved and permanently enjoyed by a people, the mass of whom, are an enlightened yeomanry, the proprietors of the land they till, TOO INDEPENDENT TO BE BOUGHT, TOO ENLIGHTENED TO BE CHEATED, AND TOO POWERFUL TO BE CRUSHED. The proposition of Prof. Turner, seems to be entitled to peculiar and favorable consideration, and it is urged with a force of argument and eloquence that cannot fail to secure it. His address displays a full acquaintance with the subject, and his views are practical as well as profound, and are conveyed with elevation of style and earnestness of purpose. I t is impossible to read his remarks without realizing the importance of connecting agriculture, as a special subject with the course of American study. It is desirable as a corrective of the delusion, that induces so general a rush into what are termed—not from any pecuniary promise—the liberal professions. Agriculture cultivated to its highest capacity, demands a mind as large and well stored as the liberal professions, and is at least equal to any human pursuit in intellectual and moral elevation.% Liberally taught, it would become an object of ambition to those youths who now yearly swell the unhappy hosts that over-crowd the professions. By making agriculture a liberal pursuit; by connecting it with science, (as it is already associated with all that is most beautiful in literature;) by elevating and refining it, it would be rendered a noble amusement to the luxurious—a noble distinction to the earnest and ambitious,§This has already been done to some extent: it remains that a system of education should render it general."
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