“That opens up,” said he, as he smiled graciously, “such a vista of
human thought that I know you will excuse me from its contemplation
this hot weather.”
The shade of the veranda where we sat was deliciously somnolent, and I
was beginning to regret my question when the president relented for a
moment.
“You know I have always advocated an earnest, intelligent study of
political subjects by young men. Our American politics offer a clean,
wholesome field, after all is said and done, for the young man of
character and ability; but never should one enter politics for a
living.”
“Now, we know that you approve of college education for boys, but want
your own words about it.”
“It depends somewhat on the boy. I don’t believe in every boy going to
college.”
“But do you not think it makes them less practical than they would be
if they grew up in business pursuits?”
“Not at all. The best kind of college graduates are the most practical,
and they are becoming more numerous every year. Don’t you think I’m
practical?”
“Do you think the boys in towns like this have as good a chance for
success in life as those who live in large cities?”
“Certainly, and often better chances. I have always been glad to have
been raised in the country. Of course it is often a good thing for a
boy to go to the city when he is grown. He sometimes does better there
than in a small place; not always, though. It depends upon the boy.”