The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1918-12-26

by special books, par,-
phlets, aliases of the United States
and by wall maps.
The nature OF the textbooks shows
the effort which will be made to
bring the citizen soldier into closer
relation with the social group In
which he is to resume his part. He
will have better understanding OF
his economic relations to other indi-
and to the nation, and OF has
to society. This. OF
course applies in varying degrees u
different men; from those who have
a complete understanding Of lhsir
obligations and relations to those
who are not and perhaps never have
been in real touch with theig life at
home.
The practical aspect OF the inmed.
late aims OF the educational program
has to do primarily with the ability OF
the returned soldier to earn living.
1t Is the intention to make him able 10
earn q better living than the one ne
enjoyed before entering the army; as
well as to be able better to appreciate
his higher economic status. obviously
this intention will be realized quickly
In the case of the man who learns
trade abroad: and it will be realized
no less surely, although not so quick
ly, In the case of the man who takes
advantage of the opportunity for gen.
eral cultural education.
The army and the Y. NJ. G. A. pro
gram of education after the war,
which has grown to such great pro-
portions within few months. had It's
beginning through a visit to Europe
made by Arson Phelps Stokes, secre-
tary OF Yale university, and president
OF the American University union. His
errand was to help organize the Lnion,
but he was asked by DIR John r. Mott,
chief executive OF the national war
work council OF the Y M. c. A, to in
vestigate the educational situation in
the American army. Mr.. Stokes found
that the union already had considered
the matter. and on the basis OF the
conclusions which had been reached,
observations both with the American
same general nature he made re-
port.
Pershine Approves.
Mr. Stokes recommended creation
now exists. His report was submitted
to General Pershing, who approved 1t
in principle; and later on the basis OF
advice from Lieutenant Colonel M. A.
w. Shockly Of the general ctaff, the
basis OF these proposed orders THAT the
work has proceeded.
So fully has the scheme the support
of the military authorities that hous-
N nd winch ~ fha no NH o1fQ n a.
cessary will be furnished by the army,
together with great corps of teach
ers. To the army the great immediate
value Of the plan Is that it will assist
materially in keeping UP the morale
OF the men after the cessation Of hos
tilities. The soldiers will be eager, and
naturally. to get home as soon as pos
sible For many. however. the time of
sailing must be distant, and it is be-
lieved II they have an opportunity TO
make good use OF the enforced stay
abroad they will be more nearly re-
conciled.
The educational commission In
cludes in its personnel some of the
best educators in the United States.
Professor John Erskine. Columbia uni
Iversity, is chairman Of the commits
sion and in direct charge of all higher
academic and professional education.
DR.. Frank e. Spaulding, superintend-
ent Of schools, Cleveland, o., Is in
charge of elementary and high school
instruction. Professor Algernon Cole
man. Chicago university, is executive
secretary The other members Of the
commission are Kenyon l.. Butterfield.
president. Massachusetts Agricultural
college. Professor Reginald A. DAILY.
Harvard; Professor Peter Austin p.
Evans. Columbia; Dean Louis e. Re-
hur University Of Wisconsin; and
William H. Tough, Business Training
corporation.
One of the most formidable obsta-
cles before the commission Is that OF
providing personnel for the work. II
the United States were stripped bare
Of teachers. still there would be hard
lly enough for the needs abroad, and
this problem has been at least partial.
ly solved by the acceptance by the
army OF the responsibility of providing
instructors from It's ranks. There are
thousands Of men in olive drab who
are capable of giving the kind of In
st1uction needed; and the Y. M. c. A.
will be hard enough pressed to get
men to initiate and direct the work.
These men must, naturally, be profess
sional educators.
4