Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-11-11
College Press Group
To Hear Discussions
In Sessions Today
Virginia Association
Delegates Told Papers
VitoI to Democracy

Group discussions pertaining to
newspaper and magazine writing
and advertising were held today by
the Virginia intercollegiate Press
Association, meeting in its 18th an
nual convention at American Uni
versity.
The association is composed of
students who turn out college pub
locations. In the group discussions
this morning, Newspapers" was led
by Frank Hoadley, professor of
journalists at American University,
while "Yearbooks" was led by John
Deadly and Magazines" by DR..
Merritt Batchelder, professor of
English at American University. The
university is the only institution
outside Virginia which is included
in the membership of the associa-
ton.
This afternoon the delegates were
scheduled to watch the football
game between American University
and Blue Ridge College on the form
er's field. Tonight the convention
Is to be brought to close follow
Ing a banquet and dance at the
university. Drew Pearson, news
paper columnist, will be guest of
honor and speak at the banquet.
To Announce Officers.
Other highlights of the banquet
program will include announce
ment of officers elected for the next
year by the associations executive
board and naming the university at
which the convention will be held
next year. Miss Helen Miller, of
American University, president of
the association, will preside at the
banquet.
Following registration of delegates
yesterday morning and group dis
cussionS yesterday afternoon the
opening convocation was held last
night in Hurst Hall of the univer-
sity, where the more than $50 dele
gates, representing nearly 40 COL
leges, were welcomed by Dean
George B. Woods of American Uni
versitys college of arts and sciences.
The freedom of the press in this
country and particularly her in the
National Capital was extolled at
last nights meeting in an address
by Erwin Canham, head of the
Washington Bureau of the Christian
Science Monitor. Mr.. Canham de-
clared the United States is the only
great Nation which now has free
dom of the press and Washington
the only great Capital where that
freedom is enjoyed.
Vital Link in Democracy.
1.-THE press" he said, represents
the people in bringing out the facts.
1t is a vital link in our democratic
system"
While declaring he has a pro-
found respect for the Government"
Mr.. Canham praised the value of
the press in holding the Govern
ment in check" whatever political
party is in Office.
He deplored possible consequences
were such brake" done away with,
leaving the opposition political party
as the only check on whatever party
Is in power.
Mr.. Canham told of the various
news gathering agencies and
described press conferences with the
President and Cabinet members, in
developing the subject of his adj
dress, What it is like to be WASH
ington Newspaperman."
Dean Woods in his address of
welcome told the delegates that
those responsible for college publ
cations" are engaged in work of in
estimable value to themselves" and
make contribution to the student
community"
Tomorrow at II am. special serv-
ices will be held in the Metropolitan
Methodist Church for the delegates
who remain in the city.