THE UNIVERSITY.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 831, 1 June 1910, Page 4

THE UNIVERSITY.

The public meeting which was held last night to discuss the question of "University reform" certainly served to show that there are weaknesses in the constitution of the University and in the courses of study prescribed. We doubt if this will be disputed by anybody. But while the Professors disclosed quite a number of weaknesses in , the oxisting University system, they neglected to put forward any clear programme showing the. constructive side of the reform movement. The public in consequence is left with a somewhat vague idea of what the "reformers" desire. It is to be regretted that those who have been pushing tho agitation along did not produce a clear and definite scheme before appealing to public opinion. Tho world itself needs reforming, but men who feel the need for reform do not call on the public to "do something" of an undefined nature. It is only fair to say that the local Professors mado some strong points against the degree statutes. It is quite true that our Bachelor of Arts degree is worth very little from any serious point cj£ view j that the statutes contain many absurdities; that an astute duffer car. do by cramming what ought not to lie possible without real learning. On these points there is certainly need for reform. The speakers plainly showed that "cram" has not less encouragement under the system of Home examiners than it lias under any other system. What they will further require to show lo inako. out their ease for reform in this particular is Hint "cram" will not llourish under a system of local examinations. Professorial opinion on the Senate at present is against tli.i abolition of the present system of foreign examination, aud this will probably

prove one of the greatest difficulties which the reform movement has to face. It would almost soem that the real struggle achad of the "reformers" will be with tho Professorial Boards of the other Colleges. The suggestion made by Mi:. Herman that the whole question of University reform should be submitted to a Itoyal Commission appears to be the quickest road to the end desired. If the "reformers" can make out a good ease, and last night's meeting showed that there are numerous weaknesses to be remedied, this proposal should meet with vheir hearty support. A Commission consisting of the Hox. Theodore Fink, Mr. Justice Williams, and the Hon. C. C. Bo wen would command the respect of everybody and would do valuable service. But before a Commission is set up to go into the "reforms" which are wanted by local Professors both sides of tho question will have to be fully threshed out. Last night one side was heard, and the case for "reform" was well presented. It is hardly likely that those who favour the existing state of things will remain silent. Their reply should stimulate intercut and lead to a better understanding of the whole position.