THEORETICAL OR PRACTICAL.

Prominent among the student's ideas of the knowledge he acquires in the University is the one that the subject matter which he is being taught is mainly theoretical, and that little of it is practical. Especially is this idea apt to be held by one entering into the field of government and economics. Old beliefs as to the hesitancy in adopting various institutions of reform in governmental matters of the city, state, and nation are rapidly disappearing. New methods of city government, as taught to students in the University, are now given consideration by those in public authority. In this connection it is interesting to note the recommendations made by Professor W. B. Munro, of the Department of Municipal Government, recently before the legislative committee on cities. The enactment of a "business law" which would govern the financial management of the cities and which would be mandatory upon every city of the commonwealth, was chief among them. A suggestion such as the above, which rings sound in every analysis, discredits the belief that the best the University can contribute is theoretical and not practical.