The San Francisco call., 1898-02-02
Shall the University Abolish the Degree of Master
 of Arts?
Four Professors Say Aye, One Is opposed and the others
 Have Not Spoken.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

PALO ALTO, Feb. 1.-The Stanford Council, consisting of the heads Of de- partments and associate professors, is at present divided over a measure which even for this university in its thoroughgoing academic simplicity Is considered decidedly radical. The pro- posal comes from the committee OF graduation, in the shape of a recom- mendation urging strongly that the de- gree of Master of Arts shall be abol- ished.
 The majority report was signed by Professors Elliott. Jenkins and Has kins. A minority report presenting the reasons why such a degree should be retained at Stanford was handed in by the remaining member of the commit tee. Professor Pease. The question was voted on to-day and the vote was a tie. The opinions of the nine absent professors will be obtained before Thursday, when the question will be finally decided.
 The majority of the graduation com mittee contends that the Masters oe- gree has the least significance or; any of the academic degrees and IS least uniform in its requirements through out the universities. It is held to be purely honorary degree, historically and for all practical purposes opsoiete.
 Another argument against IL IS that it does not stand for the well-def1ned academic ideas represented by the de- grees of bachelor of arts and doctor or philosophy.
 Those who favored retaining the de- pree felt that it's abolition would drive many graduate students from Stan1oro and work a great injustice. The popu- larity of the degree and it's intrinsic or commercial value were conslderatlons in it's favor. To them 1t represented the award for original research and for this reason should not be done away with. Of the colleges in this country Johns Honkins Is the only one that has, up to this time, put an end to the masters degree.
 The council decldeo that summer work done at another college or on the outside will. not receive more than six hours university credit and will have to be approved of by the faculty before undertaken.
 Examinations will have to be taken in the work so done within one month after the student re-enters the uni- versity. This action was taken more to anticipate the rush of petitions for outside work now that the summer school at Stanford has been abolished than to correct any existing abuse. The entrance requirement known as Eng fish A, which covers the regular prepa- tory work in English poetry, drama and prose, was made optional instead of compulsory for full university standing. Only those students who have worked during their whole course-and they are many-to remove such de- ficiency in standing can appreciate the full import of this move.
 The student athletics committee to- day recommended that an Eastern coach be engaged for next seasons s football team. This action Is directly opposed to the feeling of the faculty athletics committee on this point. The faculty committee believes that Stan ford has reached the stage, where she can furnish coaches from her alumni and develop her own game. The stu dents would like to believe this asser- ton. enabling them to spend their coach money for other purposes, but do not think the time has come when the West can cut loose from the East in football affairs. It is also believed by the students that the influence of an Eastern coach in getting the men down to work is as beneficial as the play he teaches