THE CHILDREN'S HOUR

The statement of President Henry Noble MacCracken of Vassar to the effect that "Civilization, as far as children are concerned, is a good deal of a mess", is gloomy enough to be worthy of Deanlnge. Cynics may reply that civilization, as far as adults are concerned, is also a good deal of a mess, so why specify? But President McCracken is not making such a declaration without a basis for his pessimism, and least of all would he be inclined to utter it before the Child Study Association of America an organization which is noted for its tendency to see only the theoretically bright side of things. Certainly the modern child is somewhat of an enigma: in many cases a terrifying specimen, reared in an age when old ideals are being ruthlessly shattered to make way for new. It is dangerous to generalize and especially so in referring to children: nevertheless this, the youngest generation, is betraying an alarming sophistication and ennui to the extent that parents are wondering what will be able to please their children when they have reached maturity. The child is definitely taking the form of a Problem.

The most logical disentanglement of the situation as stated by President MacCracken is to be found in another portion of his own report. "Twelve years ago at Vassar the only mention of the child in the catalogue was a reference in the sociology department to the delinquent and dependent, and in a course in psychology describing the study of mental development in lower animals and children." The cause for the evil may prove its cure. If, as some claim emphasis on scientific and hence materialistic life has been unfortunate for the spiritual state of the modern child, then careful examinations of present conditions and a consequent improved understanding of the case may bring the child back to normal. It may be a question for psychologists alone, or even pathologists--at any rate a diagnosis should help to clear up matters. One hopeful sign is that educators of the calibre of President MacCracken are recognizing the need for action.