Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-05-14

Three hundred and fifty students
| from the University of Maine have
stepped to the front and are doing
their "bit" in this time of national
crisis.
This body Of young men have not
conferred their attention on just one
line of activity. They have entered
every field where they may be of as
sistance to the State and Nation. Just
what this great institution is doing IN
helping Uncle Sam and the cause of
democracy in the world is convincing
ly told in letter from DR.. Robert j.
Alley. it's president, to Governor Mill
ken and the members of the Execu
tive Council. This letter fairly
breathes patriotism and efficiency. 1t
reads:
| "Orono, Maine, May 2, 1917.
The Honorable Governor and Council,
| State House, Augusta, Maine.
Gentlemen:
| 1 desire to make brief statement of
! the work of the University of Maine in
the present crisis:
tuition is to release students for mill
tary or naval service or for the purpose
of taking employment that will con-
tribute to preparedness or the general
welfare. Up to the present time we
have released $50 students. These
men have gone into the army, navy.
coast patrol, signal service, engineer
ing corps, farming. shipbuilding. mer-
! 81, o,io ST Onn6HtiC service
chemical works, etc. The attempt has
been made and we believe with consid-
cradle success to direct men into the
sort of service for which they are best
suited.
2-The College Of Agriculture
! through its DEAN faculty and extern
! sion force is assisting in organizing
the State for increased production,
and in giving information as to best
methods of planting, spraying and cul-
tivation We believe that much valu-
able work has already been done. The
work now begun will be continued, eX-
tended, and improved SO long as the
need exists. The entire extension
force of % men and women will de-
vote all the time needed to the service
| of the State.
\ sine ASTlCulttlld l I<ApSi iiiiNiie '''eN
ton through it's director and staff is
giving valuable assistance in helping
to organize, in spreading information
on fertilizers. suggesting methods OF
combating disease, and in helping to
introduce good seeds and new Varle-
ties of grains and vegetables.
Although a competent intelligence
committee within the faculty, the
University has asked for a report
from every graduate and former stu
dent of the institution. These people
have been requested to fill out a
blank showing the type of service Tor
which they are best fitted. The re-
turns are being tabulated and Will be
available for State and National OF
I ficials.
5-The faculty, the laboratories the
buildings, the grounds, and the re-
sources of the institution are at the
service of the State and Natlon. IL
desired, the grounds of the institution
NAV be used for a training camp. Our
laboratories and our engineer MS
departments are ready for use and may
| he made to contribute IN man! way
TO the present needs. 1t is possible IL
the necessity arises to use our Silop9
for the manufacture of certain parls
of munitions. They are at the ser
,.;oo of the state and Nation for TINS
purpose. +b,+
In conclusion, l desire to say tha'
we are seeking opportunities 10 neip
wa will welcome suggestions tha'
will, make it possible for us to increase
our service.
Very respectfully,
fSipned) Robert J. Alley, President.
How much Governor Milliken ana
.bo members of the Council appreclate
What DIR. Alley and the University %
. Maine are doing is demonstrated os
tho Following letter sent by the Chlei
1 EAeou'' May 4, 1917.
4 Mr. Robert ]. Alley, President
university of Maine, Orono' Nc
Dear DR.. Alley: c,;, van,
read informally to the Councli YOU
ad,,irable statement Of the actiVA,ies
of tho University of Maine III t,e
nrosont crisis and the members OF 'he
Council desire me to express 70 ~.
the;r keen appreciation of the ef1lc'eh
and varied service being rendered W
the University to the State ana NAHUM
in this time of emergency
With personal regards,
Yours very truly,
lc,or.d, Carl E. Milliken.