University Grants

Abstract

THE only elements of our society which seem to benefit from the great increase in the wealth of the world through science are those which it will be one of the hardest problems of reconstruction to divert into more productive and honourable means of livelihood. Those who sow the seed and reap the harvest alike, year by year, by their labours seem to be able only to increase their dependence upon private charity and public doles. Universities sow the seed, and their claims, like the claims of the farmer for seed for his future harvest, ought to be absolutely the first charge upon the yearly revenue. It is as idle to say the country cannot afford it as it would be for a farmer to grudge the seed for his next year's crop. It affords a plethora of most expensive evils and unnecessary luxuries. In the spirit of one of the early Methodist preachers, I feel, whenever I see a specially sumptuous motor-car, “There, but for the grace of Parliament, goes a professor of chemistry” and even a humble two-seater might in happier circumstances have become a demonstrator!