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AN EDUCATIONAL LINK OF EMPIRE
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have had no central school on the level, in point of equipment, of those abroad is indeed matter for serious reflection. Everywhere we are deficient, not in certain kinds of technological training—for to our workmen we offer in a multitude of splendid evening schools opportunities that are nowhere surpassed—but in the highest kinds. And this is in some measure due to the excessive dislike of theory in this country. The more one examines the facts, the more clearly is the conviction borne in on one that the condition on which alone a nation can give the highest technological training to its captains of industry is that it should first have provided for them general culture. This need not be the study of Latin and Greek, but it ought to be a liberal education, such as tends to broaden the mind and develop the capacity, both for acquiring special knowledge and for giving it its right place. With all their faults, it is the strength of Oxford and Cambridge that they have held firmly by this truth. Yet it is a truth that, while it is the beginning of wisdom, it is only the beginning for a colonizing and commercial nation like ours. The place of science nothing can take, and more science we must have if the close of the twentieth century is to find us still occupying the position which we now hold.

The Mother Country ought to be a great and sufficient educational centre for the Empire. The time has come when we shall do wisely to devote money and time and energy to making it so. The great self-governing portions of the King's dominions may be able to provide for themselves in highest education, as in other things; but for them and us alike it will be well if there is linkage of organization and interchange of students and professors. Others of our Colonies must depend on us in an increasing degree for a long time to come. I have for long thought that the educational link might be made a very real one in the organization of the Empire. This will be especially so if we can adhere to the tradition which Dr. Gurlitt admires, and keep our students rooted in a deep