The Robesonian. [volume] (Lumberton, N.C.) 1870-current, 1917-08-27
A CALL TO SERVICE
Bv President w. C.. Riddick

this final appeal to the people OF
the State and especially to the grad
yates and former students Of the
North Carolina State college of ag-
riculture and engineering.
These are stirring times for insti-
tutions as well as for individuals.
Not since the foundation of the col
lege has she been so profoundly NOV
ed as she is today. The college has
always responded to the summons Of
duty with a consciousness of service
boldly undertaken and faithfully rem
dered. These later days, however,
have revealed anew to our college
along with other educational institu-
tons, how close college training has
been to some of the most vital af-
fairs of our State and Nation. 1t re-
joices US to see the nobility and de-
termination with which college men
and women have rallied TO the sup
port of our country. Many sons Of
the college are now in training for
military service or are holding them
selves in readiness to answer theif
country's call. At the training camp,
in the hospital, upon the ambulance,
and in the air, they have devoted
themselves to the cause Of Democra-
cy, civilization, and liberty. This the
college proudly expects of them. 1t
is their duty, also their privilege,
and their badge Of loyalty. Accept
I, hn1
mons to FULFILL the pledge of service,
the college is all the more eager that
her great function of upbuiding the
mind and character of the young
people Of North Carolina shall be
exercised to the utmost in the days
that are to come. She is not appre-
hensive for her own existence and
prosperity, Or that students will not
in the future, as in the past, par
take of her store of learning. Woe
to the nation when universities and
colleges cease to perform, with dig
nifty and fidelity, their duty of train
ing the young in the ways of offic-
iency, truth, and righteousness. The
college fears, however, that the boys
Of the State of North Carolina may
be detected by reason Of the anxieties
of uncertainties Of these days of war
from realization of their true
American heritage-the opportunity
and the duty to secure for themselves
a higher education. Our atmosphere
is heavy today, and mems minds are
bent on obtaining by direct means the
victorious peace which all Americans
expect with absolute confidence. In
the midst Of these conflicting inter-
ests young people, and many of their
parents, are in danger of seeing the
Immediate advantage of little "job''
close at hand and Of failing to appre-
ciate the much greater service which
they can prepare to accomplish. AS
heretofore our country will expect
the great things of life to be done by
men and women Of the wider educa-
ton.
If you are an alumnus Of the North
Carolina State college of agriculture
and engineering, you can do much to
encourage right attitude and prop
er action on the part Of our young
people. You have done so before.
Today it is encumbent upon you to
be even more energetic in offering
counsel and encouragement. It is a
matter Of life and death to the Ma
ton. The State college Of agricul-
ture and engineering expects it Of
you, as she believes is her right, for
you are her offspring.
Federal authorities are unanimous
in urging that our agencies for edu-
cation, especially along technical
lines, shall be maintained with full
vigor and Intelligence. President
Wilson has spoken with his usual con-
vincing logic. Secretary Baker has
advised all young men who are not
eligible for military service to con-
tinue their training in school or in
college. Secretary Daniels and Com
missioner Claxton have given the
same advice in the public press and
in personal letters.
This call to service by your alma
mater does not mean that it requests
you to lay aside your customary
Soou JuuSIHenC anu DISCRIMINATION.
1t is not possible now or at other
times for every boy and girl to at
tend college. But perhaps it is bet
ter that here and there boy or girl
should try in vain than that any
promising youth should fail to real
ize the Importance of his opportun-
tiles.
Again, the college is far from de-
string you to proselyte. Your own
leanings are towards your alma ma
ter. This is right and creditable to
you, but there are other good COL
leges. The real necessity is the ed
ucation.
This college anticipates a full at
tendance for the coming year. Ev-
cry effort will be made to care for
these young people in q mannor