120 JOHN C. ALMACK
permanently benefitting the town where it is situated. . . . In some instances, the interference of local interests cripples the institution, enters the social life of the town, and in some cases has been known to hamper the efficiency of the local public schools."
There is a slight allusion in the preceding paragraph to what later was often mentioned: namely, that state institutions located more than five miles from the state capital were thus located in defiance of the state constitution, and they therefore had no claim upon the state for support. Marion County, from which Governor Geer hailed, has oftenest voiced this sentiment, and the classical reply to the remark is for politicians to threaten to remove the capital to Portland or some other section of the state.
Though the demands for public education were growing in favor the normals were apparently losing the confidence of the people. About three thousand students were enrolled in the high schools, of which there were 16 doing four years' work, 12 three years, 38 two years, and 44 one year in 1903. Three years before there were but four year high schools of first rank in the state. In 1901 district and county high schools were authorized, and there seemed less reason for giving state support to schools doing work of high school grade. There was also competition in normal work from sectarian schools. The state board of education in 1898 adopted a rule to the effect that all persons who completed a required course of study and received a literary degree in any institutions of learning of college or university rank should, upon passing a satisfactory examination, be entitled to a state diploma, and after six years of teaching receive a state life diploma. Re- ferring to the state laws on certifications the state superinten- dent said :
"The law provides that colleges and universities chartered as such with authority to grant degrees, and candidates com- pleting a course in said institutions, may receive from the state board a state diploma. This law is so indefinite that possibly its spirit and purpose have not been fully regarded. Courses of study called normal have been adopted, and the require-
