We believe the tendency of American education is to return somewhat to the _Humanities_, enrich the secondary school with studies heretofore included in the advanced courses, and thus shorten the College course. This is the language period of life, and fourteen years’ experience has shown us that the two modern languages can be easily carried parallel to the mother tongue, with benefit to the pupil. It furnishes excellent mental discipline and has the advantage of awakening the habit of comparison earlier. There is a slight sacrifice of the mathematical or scientific side, which is pushed into the next division where it logically belongs. The first division in this system aims to reach the great mass of society and force it up to the level of _safe_ and intelligent citizenship. The second reaches after the great middle class and purposes to fit its members for the highest duties of citizenship, as well as equip them for trade, manufactures and all legitimate activities, at public expense. It gives a sufficient amount of formulated knowledge and mental training to enable them to continue their studies independently through the opportunities afforded by the Press, public libraries and lectures. The next step embraces three years of a _culture_ course for that comparatively small class who desire to take a profession, or wish a _liberal education_ in literature, art and sciences, as a stepping-stone to still more advanced studies. Entrance to this class ought to be guarded by severe tests in order to exclude the weak-brained who want a degree simply as an ornament and because they can pay for it. The brainy, poor young man can always find means. This is the College, reduced to three years. It lies between the public school system and the specialized University courses,--not absolutely necessary but highly advisable. It is where the student is thrown into the larger current of independent action and takes on the responsibilities as well as the privileges of manhood, either to prepare for entrance into the higher spheres of active life or to enter upon other studies. This gives a minimum of school life, at public expense, of four years and a maximum of eleven years.