58 INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF EDUCATION. 
{ition : Should the examination be oral or written ? Should it be in one 
or two subjects ? Should these subjects be in the same or different depart- 
mente ? Should the examination in the different subjects be conducted 
by different professors ? We answer : The examination should be oral, 
for the dissertation is equivalent to a written one. It should be in three 
subjects, so that the student, although specializing, may not become one- 
sided in his specialty. The subjects should be in the same general field. 
The examination, even in a minor, should not be delegated to one of the 
sther examiners, although competent. It detracts from the dignity of the 
secasion and of the subject, that any other than the professor in charge 
should perform this duty. 
[f these conditions were required of candidates by institutions properly 
qualified to engage in this advanced work, the dignity and worth of the 
legree would be maintained and even enhanced. 
The giving of the degree in absentio—i.e., after a certain amount of 
private study, and on the preseutation of a dissertation—cannot be sanc- 
tioned. Although some would in this way do meritorious work, yet the 
opportunity for abuse is so great that no concession in this respect should 
oe made. Ought the degree to be given honoris causa? We answer No. 
On the other hand, we cannot see why certain exceptions should not be 
made. In many faculties there can be found professors without this 
degree who, nevertheless, have done original work, who are authorities in 
cheir subjects, and who themselves pass upon candidates for this degree. 
[t would be ridiculous to expect them to comply with the conditions 
-equired of others. Exceptions could properly be made in such cases. 
The second proposition is by far the most important. It matters not 
what conditions are nominally imposed, this degree cannot be guarded so 
long as an institution, without reference to its qualifications, can and does 
sestow it. This does not mean the outright selling of the degree. There 
are, however, so many colleges ambitious beyond their ability, that they 
are not satisfied with any narrow bounds. Not only must a faculty consist 
of men competent to conduct this work ; it must also be large enough, so 
shat the proper amount of time and energy can be devoted thereto. If 
;he undergraduate classes occupy nearly all of a professor’s time, he is not 
able, no matter how competent, to give to advanced students that indi- 
vidual attention they should have. Both of these cannot be done. It 
attempted, one or both will be slighted, and the institution will suffer. 
How can a check be put upon such institutions ? No legal enactment 
is possible. It must be dene by public opinion. There ought to be organ- 
zed a body consisting of the presidents or executive heads of the leading 
nstitutions, which would meet at stated times to discuss and pass upon 
various questions connected with colleges and universities. Some journal 
or magazine should be selected as its organ, or, at least, medium of com- 
munication with the public. This question, among the many others, 
should 
tions 
of Phi 
time, 1 
be pul 
names 
the su! 
greate: 
tate lo 
by thi: 
its rec 
who p 
hand, 
This o 
gradu: 
consid 
carefu 
be sal 
discus 
in cer 
other 
ask th 
body 1 
can ju 
they 
and ni 
unives 
will b 
pertai 
stand: 
Pre 
one, tl 
an org 
doctor 
feasibl 
some & 
He 
in tha 
zation 
their « 
educat 
the sit 
have 
freshr 
As 
nircler