Evening journal., 1918-08-23
THE WAN AND HIGHEn rpucaTIoN


~ ELAWAREANS who interested in the higher
~ education Of our young and who have feared
that the war would destroy for the time being the
usefulness OF Delaware College and kindred institutions,
VIII be pleased TO know that closely in line with the
| War Departments recommendations to make the draft
ages is TO 80, with provision for training OF the younger
men, Is the report Of Secretary Lanes special committee
on higher education and industry Just made public.
wherein tho nations need for technically trained men is
defined and specific higher education program urged
The committee. which consisted Of Fuller E. Gala
way lnancer OF La Grange, Ga; Samuel M Felton,
dreetorsenera Of military railways for tho War Dc
parlment and President r. A. Alderman, Of the Uni
verslty OF Virginia. seeks to show how essential II ls
II the Governments far-reachng military plans are to
be carried out successfully that tho processes Of higher
education bo maintained the highest possible efficiency
especially those having to do with the future supply
OF men and trained IN scientific and technical
subjects Including teachers In these fields.
That 1t Is impossible TO cxaggorato the Importance OF
engineering knowledge and skill IN tho broades sense
is the judgment Of Secretary Lanes committed not only
directly in the conduct OF military operations but nd
rectly In the essential Industries including agri-
culture. The report says;
THE engineering problems confronting the United
States are Infinitely greater than those Of any other
OF the great nations For average distance of moro
than 45O miles, across the continents and the seas we
must transport oil Of the men, munitions and supplies
which are to represent in thls great struggle Fur
hermore the Central Powers prepared themselves for
this conflict long period OF years and by this
means determined s character TO their own advantage
In large measure. The loss by our Allies OF men Of
highly specialized training In the early stages Of the war
and the difficulties In the way Of recovery leave this
nation in the position Of trustee Of the only remaining
sources OF supply"
Pointing out how the War Department has already |
taken steps through the establishment OF the Student
Army Training Corps to utilize the higher educational
Institutions in training young mon under 2i, Secretary
Lanes committed makes the following recommendations:
The people Of the United States should recognize
that the maintenance Of the strength OF the nation
In Its full power demands the utmost efforts OF all ex
listing well organized and adequately equipped colleges
universities, and technical schools This means ever
increasing and more devoted bodies Of students as well
as faculties
Young people having the requisite qualifications
should heed this urgent call OF their country and apply
themselves diligently enthusiastically and in increasing
numbers to the task Of preparing for the highest service
Of which they are capable Wherever practicable young
men should at the time Join the Students Enlisted
Reserve and prepare for military service to be
ready for that call also when II comes
institutions OF higher education should adjust their
courses so far possible immediate war needs and
TO the demands which must inevitably come with the
establishment Of peace and should develop especially
those scientific and practicable branches Of study which
are essential to the winning Of the war; TO the develop
ment OF our industries and commerce. and TO the accom-
pshment Of the tasks Of the civic and political life OF
the nation
Educational institutions should use every effort TO
make the opportunities and privileges Of training for
public service accessible to all suitably prepared men and
women Of college age In the cases Of many worthy
'oung men and women this will require some provision
or assistance in meeting payments for tuition and lab
ratory fees and other necessary expenses Of higher
echnical training"
Those words apply to all Delaware institutions for
sher education and they should be permitted to sink
ONE in the hearts and minds Of all Delaware parents
nd their boys and girls -