It is always to be borne in mind that Longfellow's self-restrained and well-ordered temperarent habitually checked him in the career of innovator. Both in public and private matters, it was his way to state his point of view and then await results. It is clear that his mental habit, hi foreign experience, and the traditions of his immediate department predisposed him to favor the elective system in university training. This system, after temporary trial and abandonment, was now being brought forward once more and was destined this time to prevail. Towards this success, the prosperity of the Modern Language Department formed a perpetual argument, because it was there that the reform was first introduced. The records of the Faculty at that[185] dealing with this important subject. The study of modern languages is beginning to connect itself with the life of the nation. It no bears a real connection to national life and interest. No great subject in educational thought ever obtained a firm hold that had not some modern connection with the day. I do not overlook the literary element in the study of modern languages, but you will have a stronger hold for the next twenty years than you have in the past, wing to this use of modern languages in daily life, incident to the industrial and commercial activity of the country.
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Boston and New York, Hougton, Mifflin and company, 1902.
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