OH, TO BE IN ENGLAND

The clipping from the Princeton Alumni Weekly, printed in an adjoining column, voices, somewhat too vociferously perhaps, criticism of an attitude that is altogether too common in these United States. No one will deny that there are obvious broadening advantages for an American who studies in England, but similar advantages exist for the Englisher who attends a university in this country.

Somehow, distance lends an educational enchantment to institutions. There seems to be difficulty in making Americans admit that the height of scholarship can be reached at home. Thirty or forty years ago, the home of the more important muses was generally considered to be in Germany. Today, the scene has changed, but it is still on the other side of the Atlantic. Instead of the Heidelberg scar, one must now have the Oxford accent. At present English influence on our educational methods is almost as potent as the German once was. We notice the trend, very obvious despite the modifications and adaptations, right here in Cambridge. One truth seems evident. No system can remain the same. They are like streetcars and women. There will be another one along in a minute.