Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-01

and the scientific way of thinking is
another factor. President Hoover is
the first man in the White House who
talks the language and understands the
aims and methods of the modern sci
enlist. Theodore Roosevelt had q null
titude OF scientific contacts and knew
a good deal about science, but even in
the short space of time since he left
the White House there has been an as
tonishing development in many fields
Of science. Even If the same problems
existed then, Col. Roosevelt could not
have called together a body like the
Commission on Social Trends, because
the sociologiSts were few in number and
had not developed the technique for
national studies like the present one.
Between Col. Roosevelt and Mr.. Hoover
there were in the White House two law
yers. q scholar and q country editor,
all more or less sympathetic with sci
ence perhaps, but not imbued with IL.
The idea of a fundamental research
like that Of the Commission on Social
Trends could not have occurred to any
body few years ago.
Facts First Rule Now.
The scientific method of today is dis
interested, detached, Unconditional search
for facts. It cannot be used to solve
the urgent problems confronting
statesman, because ne cannot wait for
ever for the facts, but has to make up
his mind on the best information that
he can get. In the case Of less urgent
problems the procedure of the scientist
may be used in government. With the
modern scientists it Is facts first, con-
illusions afterward; trial first, verdict
afterward. The procedure often has to
be reversed in politics. How far the
technique and discipline Of science can
be grated into the National Govern
ment is an interesting question.
Another factor has been the growth
of great foundations like the Carnegie
Institution, the Rockefeller Foundation
and the Russell Sage Foundation, which
have pioneered In research work on an
enormous scale. Ten years ago the
Government could not have used them
openly as auxiliaries, because they did
which they have today. Their support
Of semi-ofhcial surveys may still be
open to attacks by statesmen OF the
HirShf1eld, Hylan and Thompson school,
but the danger of that sort of thing
seems to be about passed.
No Fault Found Yet.
Commissions will only be useful so
far as they command public confidence.
The personnel of each Hoover commits
sion will be subjected to careful inspec-
ton by his political opponents. No
fault has been found in this regard as
yet.
American political institutions have
long been In the hands Of lawyers. The
law Is q conservative profession and Is
probably the least responsive Of all to
the growth Of modern science which
has penetrated every branch Of modern
life. To some extent the Hoover COM
mission Is q challenge to the long rule
of the lawyer in public affairs The
all-sufnciency Of the legal profession in
public life Is indirectly questioned. The
lawyer will probably remain in control
of the political machinery, but the So
biologist and other men of science seem
likely to be called on to play q greater
and greater part in shaping public
opinion and controlling national policy.
It is impossible to say whether the
current picture of this evil is exagger-
ated or true. Does it mean that In
time the average man of 40, As, so or SIS
must retire on his savings or find his
way to the poor house? Will the in
dustrial fabric readjust itself to find
place for experience and gray hairs?
oAAOuAA y ula4A NJ ulA0OlG ASC DC TC~SQu-
Gated and started on a new career?
President Hoover has turned this
problem in all its phases over to his
Commission on Social Trends. This
commission consists of about IS Of
Americas leading sociologistS. They
were directed by the President to find
out the facts about old age and middle
age In America. They will make a
careful, scientific survey lasting from
two to three years before making their
report.
Liberal Policies May Result.
Their report will consist of the facts
alone. No laws will be recommended.
The subject will be one for national
consideration. Congress may decide to
act on certain phases. State, city and
county law-making bodies may take
action as they see At. Civic orEaniza-
tionS and voluntary bodies Of all KINDS
can take part In the attack on the
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