New-York tribune., 1912-12-05
THINKS DIR. PARKJN ERRED
Oxonian Regrets His Public Criti-
cisms Of. Rhodes Scholars.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: DR.. Parkins remarks about the
oxford Rhodes scholars have received a
wider attention than he doubtless In
tended. As executive secretary OF the
Rhodes trust II is plainly his duty to see
that Il is dispensed to the greatest ad-
vantage. 7 feel sure that he was actuated
with the sole desire that the splendid and
broad minded munificence OF Cecil Rhodes
should be bestowed alone on those VINO
were competent to take the fullest ad-
vantage OF It. No one, however can gain
say that among the fifty or so young
Americans who yearly receive these
scholarships there must be few who
fail 10 come UP TO the high level or their
fellows
I am writing as an Oxonian who was
"up" I'm the 1Os, when Rhodes was yet
unknown, but who has had the great
pleasure OF meeting intimately most OF
the Rhodes scholars now IN New YORK
and its vicinity who are members OF the
Old Oxonlans Club, OF this city. ] wish
TO state most emphatically that they at
tained to the highest standard as gentle
men In the true sense OF the word, first
class athletes, men OF wide knowledge
and culture, and esteemed by all VINO
have the privilege OF their friendship.
I think that II DR.. Parkn had tactfuliy
communicated any criticisms ne may
have felt that it was his duty to make
directly to those who have charge here
of the selection OF these scholars, no
would not have failed to effect much
good in a matter he has so much at
heart But evidently. unintentionslly or
otherwise. he spoke urbi ct orb, unmind-
ful of the fact that any words uttered by
a man in his position would be treated as
excellent newspaper copy, and would be
discussed at large by a host OF soi-disant
critics who have no knowledge or interest
in the matter He has thereby given pain
TO all Oxonlans. whether Rhodes scholars
or not. II is OF no advantage TO WASH
ones linen in public and thereby call
down unkind criticism on those VINO
whatever may be their shortcomings, are
one In devotion 10 the first of 'varsities'
which is, as Or. Parkin truly says the
centre Of culture OF the world"
Had Cecil Rhodes only seen his fouhda-
ton in working order his great mind
would have doubtless attended 20 seVerai
details which seemingly admit OF I'M
provement. II remains for those VINO
hold II I'm trust TO use discreetly ana
firmly their experience 10 the best advan-
tage. and consult with their co-worHers
in America. the British colonies and Ger
many on such reforms as will Insure that
only those men can be selected Tor such
n gift as are willing and able to receive
the utmost benefit from II. Then the
name OF Rhodes scholar will bestow on
IN. recipient a lustre and position that
Will last him all his days.
IL there are shortcomings in this re-
spect they can be removed without cast
ing a stigma on two-thirds OF these Amer
lcan Oxonians. II Is not kindly to them'
nor wise. and reacts on the trustees OF
the trust and the fair fame Of oxford. l
am an Englshman and an Oxonian' ana
proud OF both blessings. and as such am
eager 10 declare in what high regard the
Rbodes scholars now resident in New
York are held BY the many friends they
have deservedly made while at OXFORD
as well as among their fellow oxonians In
this city. WERNER DE "CioD
Late Pembroke College. OXFORD.
Hichwood, n. j.. Nov. %. 1872.