Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-01-03

A World University where graduate
students from 72 countries may take
UP especial studies in government,
sociology and world politics in order
that they may fit themselves to- be-
come leaders in their respective
countries, this is the big project that
ID now being contemplated by World
Federation OF Educational Associa-
tons, Of which DIR. Augustus o.
Thomas. Maine commissioner of edu-
cation, IL the president.
The proposition is now under con-
sideration, but even although moth
ing definite has been decided, Dr.
Thomas reports that offers are COM
ing in In good numbers from big
cities of the world who are willing
to give grants of land and sums OF
money on condition they receive the
location. One Of the latest offers
comes from Col. Ed Fletcher Of San
Diego. Calf, who promises a desir-
able tract of from 300sto 500 acres. 10
or IL miles from that city, IL that
part OF the country is decided on as
the location for the proposed insti-
tuition. Among other cities making
offers in consideration of the loca-
ton are Aurora, ILL.,, and BarceIon,
Spain.
ITO me has been assigned the task
OF appointing a commission to in
vestigate the ACCESSIBILITY OF estab-
fishing the world university" said
DIR. Thomas yesterday. This COM
mission will report at the next meet
ing Of the Federation which will be
held in 1925. probably at Edinburgh,
Scotland. The Commission will con-
slider the location. 1t seems probable
to me that American capital will be
used for this purpose and therefore
1t appears practically certain to me
that the university will be established
in this country. for no other country
would be so free from outside in
fluences or 80 fair in dealing with an
international problem of this kind"
The proposed university will draw
Its student body from each OF the
72 countries interested. hand picking
about 10 or Is high grade scholars
from each country. This will give
IL an enrolment of about 1000 stu
dents. Tho students will be on
scholarships from their respective
countries. Tho curriculum will in
clude new subject called world
ethics and world ciyics never before
taught anywhere in the world.
Tho students selected will reside
Mt the university except during the
periods devoted to travel and study
OF other countries foreign to the seat
of the university. Languages will be
stressed to the end that easy inter
course between students will be made
possible. They will be taught the
government OF the world. the origin
or government the trend OF civiliza-
ton. the habits and traits OF all peo-
pies and the gifts and accomplish
mcnts OF all nations for the better
meOt of world society
It Is proposed to gather at the
university from time to time con-
crosses OF eminent men and
women OF all professions and voca-
lions from the entire world: they
VIII discuss progress and achieve
nents OF their individual professions
or vocations. exchanging the very
latest ideas and developments. so
that each will take back to his coun-
try the most up-to- date knowledge
and formulate pertaining to their
fields.
The university will be non political
non -sectarian and non prejudiced. 1t
Will be unique in the history OF edu-
cation and 1t is believed that 1t will
revolutionize the science of educa-
ton. 1t will be necessary for it to
establish it's own atmosphere and
routine. as II will have no precedents
nor traditions to follow or adhere
to.
DIR. Thomas has received scores of
letters from people in the countries
Interested, promising their aid to the
project if the Federation decides that
its establishment would be advisable.
Many OF the interested countries will
hc represented on the commission
which DIR. Thomas will appoint to
consider the proposition.