Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-05-05
SECRETARY BAKER
ST|RS ASSEMBLY
Proceedings at Conference of
Educators Looking to U. S.
and State Co. Operation.
NATIONAL DEFENSE, TOPIC


mission of resolutions looking to the
greatest possible cooperation between
governmental and educational institutions
in war emergency work were the out
standing features of joint conference
today, participated in by the National AS
ISOLATION of State Universities, the Asso-
citation of American Agricultural Colleges
and Experiment Stations, the Associa-
ton Of American Universities and the
Association of American Collgs.
The gathering is being held under
the auspices of the committee on
science and research. including en-
cheering and education of the ad-
visory commission of tho council OF
national defense. both morning and
afternoon sessions being in Memorial
Continental Hall.
In Four General Groups.
The conference at o'clock split up
into four general groups organized for
constructive criticism of the very de-
tailed resolutions and later as whole.
will consider and after possible revision
of certain minor points, will undoubt-
eddy pass them.
The country is prepared to make
every necessary sacrifice. but 1t must be
saved from undergoing any unnecessary
dislocation or infringement of the proc
|esses of it's common life" said Secre-
tary Baker to the scores of distinguish
ed college presidents and deans, who
gave him an ovation on the completion
of his speech. You must help US
guard lest first enthusiasm be chilled.
but you must help the nation also in
preserving a discrimination in its en-
thusiasm.
You and your students also can exer-
else calming and curative influence in
preventing through inevitable hatreds
and griefs the discoloration Of the ma
tons high purpose in this war and in
securing lasting and firm tolerance of
public opinion.
Attitude Of War Department.
1.-The War Department is most anxious
not to disturb college curricula unduly.
1t has necessarily no present definite
answer to the question What can do
to serve my country" except to en-
phasize the fact that the country needs
officers. and that college men are ex-
ceptionally good material therefor Boys
anxious to serve. but too young or pos
sessing various disabilities. can per-
haps do best by staying on in the in
situations in which they are enrolled.
| and simple curriculum changes can help
| them understand this fact"
Discusses Junior Camps.
Secretary Baker discussed also the
| policy, affected by the necessity for
parsimony, of the War Department in
dealing with the question of establish
| ing junior training camps to meet the
widespread demand for them. and told
the college presidents that they will
have a peculiar opportunity to exert a
restraining influence in the dislocation
of every art, science and craft which
the call for war inevitably produces
| in a democracy.
The declaration of principles which
introduces the resolutions to be voted
on this afternoon recommends that col
fled SO as best to serve nation and stu
dents: that technical students may
render better service by a continuance
of training than by premature enlist
ment: that the colleges require the
teaching of military science, and that
| the states relations service of the De-
partment of Agriculture and the bureau
| terror be made the media Of communi-
| cation between the government and the
colleges.
| The resolutions proper look to the es.
adjustment of a comprehensive policy
| of college cooperation, to be effected
| through the council of national defense
| looking especially to government plans
regarding college work. study of the
| best methods of the colleges of the al
| lies and to conferences from time to
! time between government officials and
educational officials to improve and
strengthen the educational systems OF
| the country.