CRUX CRITICORUM

Announcement of the date for Rhodes Scholarship applications focuses attention once again upon the question of efficient administration of the Rhodes Fund in America. A growing tendency has been noted throughout the country to criticize sharply the Rhodes Trustees for their selection of the type of man now nominated for the three year term at Oxford. An examination of the facts appears to show this attitude not entirely unwarranted.

Four groups of qualifications were mentioned by Mr. Rhodes as the basis of selection: literary and scholastic ability; qualities of manhood and truth; leadership and interest in others, and physical vigour as demonstrated in outdoor activities. Critics of Dr. Frank Aydelotte's policy declare that not enough emphasis is placed by the Rhodes Committees on the all-around abilities of the successful candidates. Some account should be taken of this criticism, as beyond a doubt, certain sections of the thickly-populated regions produce a greater number of capable candidates than the sparsely settled western states. It is unfortunate that the Rhodes Scholarship is awarded according to geographical location and not in regard to population distribution. Even if an amendment to the Rhodes Trust is necessary, some plan should be adopted to make a more uniform selection of men. Also, men should be nominated who have a vital interest in pursuing research in one intellectual field and not in mere generalization and the acquisition of a superficial dilettantism.

It is apparent that the present system of competition does not offer the most effective and impartial method of selection. Yet it must be borne in mind that the advantages of three years of study in a foreign land are many. A man develops a cosmopolitan culture, finds his intellectual, literary, and historical background broadening, his range of comprehension enlarging. Oxford itself, with its quiet and scholarly background offers the student everything his intellectual largeness is capable of absorbing.