The journal. (Caldwell, Ohio) 1934-1961, 1958-02-27
Education

SreSS IN DOIl InG Rouse anu Tie
Senate have been talking a great
deal about the subject of our
educational deficiencies. While
was in Ohio last week, had sew
eral calls from high school stu
dents or their parents who had
read that the Federal Govern
ment was going to establish a
scholarship program and were in
terested in knowing the details
of such a program.
1t is, of course, too early to
hazard a guess at the type Of
program that will be eventually
decided upon. There is much con-
troversy concerning the extent
of the need for such a program.
It has been proposed as an ans
Wer to the Russian Satellite and
other Russian accomplishments
which seem to be the outward
symbol of Russian education sup
eriority.
Many thinking Americans have
now begun to wonder if indeed
such alleged superiority exists
and if we have not once again
permitted ourselves to become
hysterical when there is no need
for hysteria.
The outward symbol is Sput-
nix and in that field Russia is
said to excel. Let US look at some
other fields. In iron ore, Russia
was 53 years behind the United
States in 1913 and 54 years be-
hind in 1855. In cement, 80 years
behind in 1913 and AZ years be-
hind in 1855. In pig iron, Russia
was 48 years behind in 1913 and
56 years in 1855. In rolled steel,
Russia was "a years behind in
1913 and 50 years behind in 1855.
In fabrics, Russia was 43 years
behind in 1913 and 85 years be-
hind in 1855. In boots and shoes,
% years behind in 1913 and IS
years behind in 1855. In soap,
she was "a years behind in 1913
and rs years in 1855. In electric
power, Ia years behind in 1913
and 25 years behind in 1855 (and
in those years between 1913 and
1855 she has increased her cleo
trict power output by Ill times) &.
In production of paper, 54 years
behind in 1913 and II years be-
hind in 1855. In the lumber field,
she still finds herself Ill years
behind the United States. In 81
| basic industries, Russia is Sc
years behind the United States
and in Il primary industries Rus
sia is on an average 13 years
farther behind the United States
in 1855 than in 1918
Nevertheless, Russia could put
up the first earth satellite and we
| cannot discount this accomplish
ment But, we must ask ourselves
whether all of these outward
| symbols of Russia's ability are
| likewise evidences of Russia's s
educational superiority, necessi-
tating our embarking upon a
gigantic and possibly hastily con-
ceived program. It has been sug-
| geSted that in many cases our
secondary educational institutions
might we'll offer basic science
classes or possibly require them,
rather than listing them as cleo
tive, so as to provide a back
ground and source of interest for
those who do obtain higher
education and thus lead more
such students into scientific or
engineering fields.
It is almost a certainty that
any program Of scholarships
would probably come too late to
take effect this year. However,
thousands upon thousands OF
scholarships are presently avail
able to worthy students. Among
them is the national merit schol-
; arship program, which awards
more than 1000 scholarships. In
formation concerning these is
available through high school
principals. I also have a directory
listing scholarships which are
available to those seeking admis-
sion to all college. | will be pleas
ed to provide one to any student
or school upon request.