THE ESSENTIALS OF A MODERN LIBERAL EDUCATION
I beg permission to preface the main body of this address with two remarks, partly apologetic and partly explanatory. The subject brought before you this evening may seem to some quite lacking in that freshness of interest which promotes a flow of novel and entertaining thoughts. Only last February 20, in this city, an elaborate report from a number of experts was presented which dealt primarily with studies in elementary education. This report, however, suggested important modifications in that subsequent training of the smaller number which is traditionally esteemed worthy of being called a liberal education. And for some years past, not only in this country, but in France, in Germany, and even in conservative England, discussion has been rife over the order and the character of studies proper for collegiate and university students. In spite of writings and speeches innumerable, on the part of men and women most competent or very incompetent, it can scarcely be claimed by the non-partisan observer of this contention that agreement has been
