Evening journal., 1923-01-05
What Oxford Does for A Rhodes Scholar
Paul i Dearborn ndent)

American universities, with the most
modern equipment, highly paid pro
feesors. and aftording almost un-
limited opportunity for specisliza-
ton in technical work.
oxford is not a democratic univer-
sity. in the usual sense of the word.
It is expensive. It does not encour-
age students who are not self-sup-
porting. unless they are holders Of
an adequate scholarship. 10 is
highly individual in character and
fosters that spirit among It's mem
bers. II is made up of a score OF
Independent colleges. between which
there Is very little intercourse. It's
members are presumed to be gen
tlemen of definite social standing,
with all the significance that the
word conveys in England. OF late
years. and particularly since the
war, there have been changes in
this last respect, but the spirit pre-
walls.
The undergraduates OF oxford are
the cream of English youth-and
essarily include Cambridge-the
sons Of those families which make
mp the upper class in the strait
fed system which England clings to
despite all efforts break It down
They come from families of culture
and refinement, and generally OF
means. They have had every oppor-
tunity and advantage in their pre-
paratOry work. They do not come
to oxford raw and unfinished, but
are at that time as far advanced as
many of our college graduates. They
have already mastered the studies
which take up the first two years in
an American college and are ready
to devote themselves almost ex-
to the subject which most
appeals 10 them-literature. history,
law. economics. or any other.
Some Rhodes Scholars going 10
oxford with diplomas from repre-
sentative American colleges are cha
grined at the thought of having to
begin anew as freshmen. The de-
fusion is soon dissipated. for the IS
or 10 year old English boys fresh
from the best OF preparatory schools
are match for them in all but a
Few branches OF study. and are often |
better equipped 10 discuss art or
literature or topics Of the day.
Being the sons of the leisured (
lass they have an advantage in this !
respect over the scholar, who, how /
over rich he may be in potentfality.
has rarely had lsvished upon him I
he care and attention that is the /
'utgrowth OF many generations of |
Intellectual superiority and financial
ease.
II Is the privilege OF the American
Il Oxford. whether he is a Rhodes
scholar or an ordinary undert grad
tate, TO be thrown IN intimate con- !
act with this carefully chosen
;roup. II he is 10 derive the great
st benefit from the opportunity, he
must have a genuine love OF study.
IN esrgerness TO CLEAN as much as
possible from the rich heritage of
'ur civilization; he must cultivate
he social graces that he may take
lis place with young men 10 whom
hese things come as matter OF
curse; he must conform TO the CON
entions and traditions so dear 10
he heart OF an Englishman, many
4 which seem TO US futile and even
bsurd, in our youthful Impotence
nd our passion for system: he must
i've proper attention TO rhe athletic
Ield. dovoting some part OF his sf-
ernoon 10 the sport Of his choice.
II he fails IN any Of these re-
poets, he jeopardizes his opportuni-
les 10 derive the greatest benefit
nd defeats his own purpose in 60
ne there. He will find Il impossi-
lie to break through the reserve
Inherent in the English boy, who
makes few advances and those only
fter period OF some length. The
,nglishman has not the disposition
o encourage casual acquaintance
hip, but he has a rare gift for
friendship OF the highest quality.
7hich he offers TO those who in
pire his confidence in their ability
, return IL in kind.
The American who fails to inspire
his confidence, by not entering into
he spirit which pervades Oxford
r by not observing the niceties de-
handed OF a gentleman find himself
hut off from social intercourse
18th the best element OF oxford by
barrier that can never catch a
limpee into the hearts and feel
lgs of the finest product Of our
civilization. That will
smain for him a sealed book for
YER.