New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-01-22
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
THE RHODES SCHOLARS AT OXFORD.
What They Gain from Study and Associa-
ton at That Home Of Learning.
To the Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sr:-By your courtesy I was permitted access
to your columns when a scheme had to be formed
for carrying into effect the of Cecil Rhodess
bequest- At the moment the radical press IN Eng
land protested against the notion of importing
transatlantic and colonial students 70 what they
pleased to term reactionary Oxford NO insti-
tuition has excited such blind jealousy and petty
malice as that university. It is not enough that
1t has given premiers like Fox. Canning. Peel,
Gladstone and Salisbury; not enough that 1t mas
sent forth such deni-gods as Shelley. Southey.
Keble Matthew and Edwin Arnold Ruskfn, swirl
burne ana host Of others; not enough that IN
every department of thought mathematics e1-
cepted It has outshone all competitors, its crime
is the avoidance of hasty and crude generalization
and that IN the eyes of the halfpenny press is a
capital offence.
own to having felt dubious as to how trans
atlantic youth could assnilate with the conditions
of Oxford even IL it shed it's prepossessions en-
from the States felt that If your best men
IN the reverential spirit of Bishop CIeVe-
land Coke, they would remain to be fascinated
and return home like giants refreshed with Wine
But asked myself is that possible? The atmoS
phere the environment, the tone and temper, all
different. Happily. my soiicitude was super
fuous. In the current number OF Macmillan s
Magazine is a noble article from the pen Of an
American Rhodes scholar, who had become MEM
Der of Merton College, the most ancient Of OXFORD
collegiate foundations. and the model wherein all
colleges in either university were formed. the
writer is critical. but warmly appreciatlVe WIN
the vivid perceptvity of American brain ne
has discovered the secret of Oxfords supremacy
In a word, this is thoroughness. Instead OF ac-
quiring fifty subjects imperfectly. Oxford demands
of her men the mastery OF two three; and IS
the writer remarks. she has reduced examining 70
q science whereby mans knowledge Is accurately
tested, his ignorance exposed. Such mental train
ing is supplemented by the even more valuable
education of association The student, unless ne
has the misfortune 10 enter one Of the less euphu-
istic colleges meets the polish OF Etoni the brains
These gentlemen really his best teachers ana
If an athlete he has a fine field for achieving dis
tnction The one mistake is that the Rhodes schol-
not permitted to select their own college
Briefly. Ballio Trinity, Corpus New College ana
Orie hold the highest intellectual position; CHRIST
Church, Magdaien Merton and University OFFER the
best social eGvanta ge6-indeed, there is nothing 10
approximate Magdaien in either university.
The writer In entering Merton College was fortu-
nate, and this is how he concludes: 10 sum w
my impressions of Oxford am CAD 10 be mere
I have doubt that my three short years at TINS
ancient university viii prove to be the most proha5
BILE of my life. Not only shall be better EQUIPPED
Intellectually but shall ever feel me improving
influence Of Oxford life and the subtle charm OF
this beautiful CITY. Aside from the charm of
age the beauty Of oxford exists for me IN more
absolute way-in the grace Of Magdalen rover
in the stateness of st. Mary's spire and IN thou
sand other pictures among It's ivy draped walls.
Was Cecil Rhodes right or wrong in his sIPero Pc
quest? COMPTON, READG.
Kenchester. Hereford. England Jan. 9. 1905