The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-01-24
THE RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS.


Letter to the Editor of the London Times.
The organization of the Rhodes scholar
ship scheme on the lines outlined by the
founder presents difficulties which have
will. On the other hand, the simplicity
and greatness of the central conception
have manifestly struck the imagination of
the world in very remarkable degree.
This has been shown by the flood of in
Quiry, often very crude, which has poured
in upon the trustees and their represent
atiyes. upon the vice chancellor and other
the educational centers of the various coun-
tries interested.
To satisfy this widespread interest and
task, but it will probably be greatly sim
plified if statements are made from time
to time giving publicity TO any steps taken
to put the bequest into active operation. 1t
is with this view that 1 now address you
AS the will of Mr.. Rhodes suggested that
all the scholars provided for should go into
residence at an oxford College, il was OBJ
viously necessary in the first place TO ascer-
tain clearly the conditions on which schol-
ars will be admitted to the university. and
also the willingness of the individual col
legeS to receive the men selected The
result of careful inquiry made officially on
these points at Oxford, under the direction
of the trustees, may now be concisely sum-
married..
Almost all the colleges have already ex-
pressed their willingness to receive a GER
tain number of the scholars annually.
line minimum standard or ADMISSION 10
be kept in view by the trustees in making
their selections is the ability to pass re-
sponsions. For the most part, election by
the trustees will in the first instance be
accepted by the colleges a sufficient
guarantee of fitness of admission. Some
colleges, however, reserve the right of
testing scholar by further examination If
they are not fully satisfied with the testi-
monials furnished; others propose to insti-
tute an examination If the earlier results
are not satisfactory. In order that this
etc ,Ior hap la ri hra a
arrangements are being made to have sets
of responsions papers, together with the
students handbook, and other books CIV
ing information about Oxford and it's sys-
tenn, placed at accessible centers.
AS much weighty evidence has been
placed before the trustees TO show that i'm
parts of the United States, and in many of
the colonies, it was felt that the bequest
would be more useful and effective IL schol-
ars were accepted for postgraduate and
re search work as well as for merely under
graduate standing, the colleges were asked
to state their preference In this particular.
The replies were varied-some colleges in
Ginning distinctly toward men prepared for
advanced study. IL within moderate age
limits-while some are ready to take in
scholars of both classes. Several colleges
will only receive men prepared to read for
honors in some one of the schools, but IN
this particular they are only following their
regular system.
In all the colleges rooms will be allotted
to scholars at entrance, but in many cases
some months notice will be required
Scholars entering for an October term will
| thus need to be elected early in the year
Several minor conditions are made by indi-
vidual colleges, but none that seriously af-
| feet the general question of admission
| i ought to say that 1 have found at OK
! ford the strongest desire on the part of the
| university and college authorities to CO.
operate heartily with the trustees in max.
! ing the most of the splendid benefaction OF
| Mr.. Rhodes. Ii now remains to consult
| opinion in the various countries interested
hof he fr,tc how full In.
formation before finally deciding upon the
methods by which scholars will be selected
| With this attitude Of Oxford clearly de-
| fined this part OF the problem will be-
greatly simplified. I remain, sir. your ODE
| dent servant. GEORGE r. PARKIN.
| Halifax, n. s.. Dec. Is.