Evening star., 1941-02-10
Democracy can be defended in the

long run only by educat ting people
to love it and make it work. Ber-
trand Russell emphasized in an
address that provoked an unusually
lively and witty discussion before a
crowd of nearly 1000 at last night s
session of the Town Hall of WASH
ington at the Shoreham Hotel.
Members of the panel taking part
in the discussion with Mr.. Russell,
noted British philosopher, writer
and lecturer, agreed with him on
the Importance of Education for
Democracy'-the subject of his ad-
dress-but differed to varying ex-
tents on the educatio methods he
proposed.
Mr.. Russell, declaring that uni
formity of opinion is death to de-
mocracy," said that if he had his
way the schools would "immunize
their pupils against propaganda and
try to develop a scientific attitude,
half way between skepticism and
dogma" toward all questions.
"I would have them listen to
passionate arguments on opposite
sides of every burning question and
hope they wouldn't believe either
he added arguing that any effort
to create positive opinions through
teaching by authority" was mimi
cal to democracy
Lunn Favors God and Stick"
Arnold Lunn. visiting British au
thor and lecturer. who was the most
vociferous member of the discussion
panel. upheld God and a stick" as
tenets Of education. remarkine hu-
morously that all I learned l
learned because I was beaten"
Il regret that I have not been
provided with a stick" Mr.. Russell
countered smilingly.
DR.. Frank w. Ballou. District SUI
perintendent of schools. agreeing
with Mr.. Russell that we should
teach children to think but not die
tate what they think" insisted that
there is increasing recognition of
this point of view in American
schools and much less" authori-
torian teaching than implied by
Mr.. Russell" He also contended
that many times the common good
transcends the importance" of sell
fish individual opinions.
The third member of the panel,
DR.. William G Carr. secretary of the
Educational Policies Commission
and associate secretary of the Ma
tional Educational Association, con-
firmed DR.. Ballou's opinion that
schools of this country ARE not as
autocratic as some might think
although such teaching methods
unfortunately" are found to some
extent.
Equality Of Opportunity.
DR.. Carr insisted that greater
equality of educational opportunity
is absolutely essential to the efficient
operation of democracy. Mr.. Rus
sell disagreed with an assertion by
DR.. Carr that present maladjust-
ment of such opportunities conSti-
tuted danger" to democracy.
Il would term it a failure of de-
mocracy, a misfortune, but not one
of the things tending against de-
mocracy," Mr.. Russell said.
Dr. Charles Pergler, dean of the
National Law School, who acted as
chairman of the meeting, took part
in the discussion only to point out
that it represented democracy in
action"
The principal difference between
Mr.. Russell and Mr. Lunn, his sever
est critic, developed over Mr.. Rus
sells insistence that all opinions
should be viewed with some skep-
ticism and none taught as certain
truths.
CHASING Mr.. Russell as a "de-
bunker" Mr. Lunn insisted that
schools should teach a belief in God
as a truth, arguing that IF you de-
prive youth of belief in God you
clear the way for mountebanks like
Hitler and MusSolini to lead them
to their version of positive truth"
Jibes at Russell.
Mr.. Lunn recalled skeptical writings
of Mr.. Russell in which, he said, the
speaker had questioned the reality
of the external world" and. remark
ing that I'VE are part of the external
world" asked how can any one who
doesn't believe we exist have the
audacity to tell us how to educate
our children?
Lord Russell advises us to bring
up our children not to believe in
anything, including Lord Russell
and the last part of his advice is
right" he added.
Mr.. Lunn insisted on referring to
the speaker as Lord Russell" giving
him his title as q member of the
English nobility, although taking