Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/150

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THE WISCONSIN IDEA

tinuing, so that it can lay plans for the future with a certain hope of maintenance. This does not mean that the legislature cannot modify the plans of the university at any time, but it does mean established continuity. The wisdom of this is shown by the fact that some of the universities and educational institutions of the country have been in a turmoil of strife because under the so-called budget system their appropriations end every two years. They are helpless under the attacks of politicians and have no way to plan ahead. Freedom of speech in the university might have been seriously impaired recently had a minority of the legislature had the power to withhold appropriations for the university. It is evident that, if the legislature every two years passes upon the entire appropriation for an existing institution, a small minority of one house is able to threaten or block an institution so that it cannot extend to its fullest usefulness.

The college of agriculture in Wisconsin has been maintained as a part of the university, and although the state in its early days wasted its public lands reserved for educational institutions in a reckless manner, the state has been generous and cheerfully borne the burden of paying for a university. During the session of 1911 the normal schools also were placed upon a mill tax basis, so that they too have a continuing appropriation. Throughout the state county schools of agriculture have