Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/54

 that the great institution of private property was good, and furthermore existed for public good, but that if any particular part of it did not exist for public good, it should be made to do so. He was practically the organizer of the American economic association. The principles he laid down have extended over the country and are being taught in all the principal colleges; his pupils have inspired men who have taught others. He has gathered about him in the University of Wisconsin a group of men who have studied with him and received inspiration from him. At a recent meeting of the American economic association it was found that there were present seventy professors or instructors in colleges who at some time in their career had been his pupils.

The doctrine that the state should have more to do with economic welfare had spread throughout the entire country, but in no place had it found better soil nor had greater results than in the German state of Wisconsin. German professors have come repeatedly to Wisconsin and have been surprised by the German spirit in the university. Therefore it is only natural that the legislation of Wisconsin should receive an impetus from men who believe that laws can be so constructed as to lead to progress and at the same time preserve to the fullest all human betterment; that the advice of scholars may be sought; that what has made Germany happy and prosperous may be duplicated in