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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (June 6, 1946)
PAGE 2 THE BATTALION i THURSDAY AFTERNOON, JUNE 6, 1946 Crisis In Education ... American education is in a critical dilemna. No, we’re not speaking specifically about situations in our own back yard. Nor are we speaking about the “civil war” over at Texas u., where an irresistible force has been hammering against an immovable object for several years. Every col lege and university in this country is up against problems that are bringing grief to students and faculty alike. What has happened? Simply this: some of the ideas on which American education was founded were valid for limited time only, but they have been carried over into a world where those ideas no longer fit. Two world wars have made great changes in America. But no changes in our educational system were made. We simply enlarged the original model, or “pilot plant” to a size so huge that it no longer works the way it should. We have run smack up against the law of diminishing returns. Now, therefore, it is necessary to create a new educa tional pattern for America. But changes in educational technique and purpose are not made as easily as changes in manufacturing. There is one illustration from manufacturing that is pertipent. One of the largest cotton mills in the country was headed by a man who believed in long underwear for women. When abbreviated undergarments became popular, he vowed and declared that his plant would never make such clothing. By his orders, the machines kept turning out long-handles for women. Needless to say, the corporation he controlled went bankrupt. •• Perhaps the parallel doesn’t seem close, because students are flocking to college in unpredented numbers. But are we getting long-handled education? What are the reasons for our being in college ? Some are seeking simply a technological background with which to earn an above-average income in the future. That is a legi timate aim, but it was not the sole purpose of colleges as originally founded. Some seek, along with that first purpose, to learn why the world is in a mess, and how it got that way. Certainly an intelligent citizen needs to learn what he can, though there is no simple answer to such a huge, question. Some students are in college simply because it’s the thing to do, and because a diploma gives prestige. All over the country, it is probably these students who give rise to the biggest problems. Paradoxically, these students give least “trouble” because they don’t care whether they learn anything or not, so long as they get a sheepskin. Perhaps, in the next ten years, it will be necessary for American colleges, treating the problem on the basis of present needs, to split themselves into many different types of schools, with courses ranging from two to six years, de pending on what type of education is needed by and re quired for different student groups. Do we worship a four- year fetish that is outworn? A. & M. Reconverts.. . The war is over, so far as A. & M. College is concerned. As of Monday morning, the college returned to its peace time schedule—substantially modified by the presence of thousands of World War II veterans on the campus. The speed-up is finished. Not many months ago there was at this college a Navy course which reviewed trigonom etry in one hour, and if a student sneezed, he missed cal culus. Those days are gone—even if subjects do seem to shoot by rapidly in these short summer terms. Many traditions at A. & M. have been dropped or slighted during the war years. Some of them • have been revived during the past year. Now is the time for us to review the entire body of A. & M. traditions, actively en courage those which have value, and quietly drop any which do not come up to our standard. Surprising . . . It seems unusual, to say the least, that so much talk af a Legislative investigation into the University should be heard right now. It seems unusual since this is election time and Legislators aren’t ordinarily concerned with any thing other than politics—and, of course, it would be in judicious to construe a Legislative investigation of the University at this time as “politics.” What makes the current talk even more surprising is the great contrast with 1944. Compared to the turmoil at the University in that year any recent disturbance has been nothing more than a dull match of tic-tac-toe. A pres ident was fired, a third of the Board of Regents resigned, five thousand students marched twice on the capitol, ex- sfudent associations split across the state, and state of- ficials-^-high and low—were embroiled in the controversy. But no effort was made to initiate a Legislative investiga tion. Finally, because of the persistence of the chairman of the Senate educational committee, a small-scale hearing was scheduled. Even this witness chair “investigation” was almost killed when a high elective official—now running for governor—tried to halt the inquiry. It is doubtful that any situation now is more urgent— or even equally as pressing—than the situation which ex isted during 1944. This is not to say that no good could come of an investigation by the Legislature. A real, honest, unemotional survey of the University situation could con ceivably assist in restoring balance and harmony to the functioning of the institution. On the other hand, an un objective, politically-controlled, headline-seeking investiga tion would create unimaginable chaos on campus. The Uni versity is not going to be cooled by a saucering and blow ing this summer.—The Daily Texan. Hie Battalion STUDENT WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Office; Room 5, Administration Building, Telephone 4-5444, Texas A. & M. College. The Battalion, official newspaper of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas and the City of College Station, is published three times weekly and circulated on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, except during the months of June, July and August, when it is published weekly and circulated on Thursday. Member PBsociated GpUe&cite Press Entered as second-class matter at Post Office at College Station, Texas, under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1870. Subscription rate $3.00 per school year. Advertising rates on request. Represented nationally by National Advertising Service, Inc., at New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. H. O. “Hub” JOHNSON, JR VICK LLNDLEY U. V. JOHNSTON WENDELL McCLURE - PAUL MARTIN, WALLACE J. BENNETT, FERD ENGLISH •ALLEN SELF •On summer leave. Co-Editor Managing Editor Sports Editor .Advertising Manager Reporters Co-Editor Vets' Wives Elect Tonight Platter-Chatter . . New and Oldies Feature Recent Record Releases Life In the Brazos Bottoms Is Brightened by Lady Vets By Hub Another summer rolls around, the last yours truly hopes to see in the “Brazos Bottoms” . . . four ought to be enough! The students of fairer sex are back with us af ter some 3 years absence. The “poop from group” says that we aren't on the speed-up program any long er. How are things in your class es ? Going pretty fast in mine. The lady students ought to relieve the stress strain curv es developed when the vets’ wives started calling Walton, Hart Halls and the “Co-ops” “home”. If any of you ladies are veterans, and Fm told there are Some 3 or 4, drop around at the next vets’ meet ing, Mon. night. Ought to be interesting . . . bring your husbands too! There’s another idea, if any of the husbands aren’t vets we might soon have a “veterans’ husbands club”. A recent issue of Life magazine carried quite a detailed story as to just how your Saturday nite spirit is made. Keep a dose eye on the junk pile outside Leggett Hall or take another look in your closet if you live in Milner. We can remember when we used to sit in the middle of the floor and hear the bootmen and exes tell how they made it when there wasn’t any “across the river”. Think back and see if you can recall a retreat ceremony. It shouldn’t be too difficult to do so. Remember in the Ba sic Manual, the Officers Guide if you were of that side of the “caste”, or if you ever got close enough to see the in side of the Army Regulations . . . each carried detailed in formation as to the proper care of the United States flag, the way it should be guarded, raised, lowered, folded and then carried to its resting place for the nite. Dropping in Good win Hall one evening last week and again this week I chanced to see “Old Glory”, wadded up and thrown on a table, wait ing for the next day’s duty. Someone dropped the ball at this leading military college! Scientists at Emory University in Atlanta will be looking for a cording to a late issue of the Army- Navy Journal. 2,000 officers are required by the ground forces and some 4,400 such volunteers are de sired for the air forces. Anyone tired of this cruel civilian life and ready for a rest? The journal also carried the news that President Truman has been named Honorary President of the Field Artillery Association, the President having been a “buggy boy” during the World War I. General F. L. Anderson, the Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, of the Army Air Forces, will be present on the campus next week. He will meet Tuesday in Guion Hall at 7:30 p.m. with all former air force officers in regard to a flying program here at Col lege Station similar to ones which have been formed in other cities of the United States. Houston recently form ed one and was assured of be ing assigned Ellington Field as its home station. Extension Refresher Training- Course Now Running Here The first Extension Refresher Training Course for county home demonstration agents will be con ducted June 1-29 at A. and M., ac cording to an announcement by Maurine Hearn, vice director for women and state home demonstra tion agent for the A. and M. Col lege Extension Service. Twenty county home demonstra tion agents, assistant county home demonstration agents, and assistant county home demonstration agents in training will attend the course. The three-fold purpose of the course includes orientation training for relatively inexperienced county home demonstration agents or for those interested in becoming home demonstration agents. The course is under the direct supervision of Miss Hearn and a committee consisting of Jennie Camp, acting assistant home dem onstration agent; Helen Swift, so ciologist—rural women’s organiza tions: Beaulah Blackwell, district agent; and Florence Low, special ist in home management. Members of the Texas A. and M. College so-called radio active wave expect- | faculty, the Texas Agricultural Ex- ed to drift over the United States after the Binkini Atoll Atom Bomb Test . . . Operations Crossroad . . . If you see it, let us know and we’ll warn them. They expect it to be 60,000 feet up and moving in a hurry . . . Back in school after a “hitch” in the army, Bill Mc Kenzie, ’44, ex-yell leader and gum-shoe. Bill is now house mom of Dorm 17. I know quite a few fellows that would like that job We’re told that the visiting army officers are living there . . . Stu dents returning from Houston and parts south last Sunday afternoon by train were stopped at Navasota with a sudden jar. Someone’s car had stalled on the crossing. We’re told that no one was hurt as the occupants had fled before the crash took place. Anyone interested in a slightly damaged car might visit Navasota. Look forward to a double feature next week-end at Guion Hall. The bill should be a good one . . . “Body Snatcher” with “Bedside Manner”. The army is looking for volun teers to return to active duty, ac- periment Station, the Texas Forest Service, and the Extension Service while a few people from outside fields will cooperate in teaching the course. OALAC E WT t-: i ~ f f ; >. - h7V Bryan, Texas WED. - THURS. - FRI. - SAT. Rita Hayworth — in — “GILD A” PREVIEW SAT. NIGHT SUN. - MON. - TUBS. June Allyson — in — “TWO SISTERS FROM BOSTON” Lost On the Campus? Here’s a Guide for You New Students New students, do you get lost on the campus ? No wonder: we have 8,000 acres of ground here at College Station. Here is a guide to help you fi*id your way around. The campus is divided roughly into four sections: the old campus, the new campus, the North Gate area and the New Area. Starting at the center of things, the old campus is marked by the dome of the Academic Building and the main flag pole, from which the Star Spangled Banner flies. Among other buildings in this cen tral area are the Civil and Electri cal Engineering Buildings, Ross Hall, (commandant), the Y. M. C. A., the Assembly Hall, Goodwin Hall (dean of men) Guion Hall, and the buildings of the Experi ment Station and Extension Serv ice. The new campus lies behind the Academic Building, and runs from the Library to the Administration Building. Among the buildings included are all the agricultural buildings, the Chemical, Petroleum and Aero Engineering buildings. The North Gate area centers around Sbisa Mess Hall (which al so houses the veterans lounge), and includes, besides a number of dormitories, the main post office and a shopping district. The New Area includes in a single development twelve dormi tories and Duncan mess hall. There is ^Iso a branch Y and a postal sub-station. Military walk, the main artery of the college, runs from Sbisa mess hall to By Ferd English Columbia’s popular young band leader, Les Brown has come up with another one of those fine ar rangements that have skyrocketed him to fame. “I GOT THE SUN IN THE MORNING” from “An nie Get Your Gun” is a very swingy little ditty that is put over most eloquently by Miss Dorris Day. The background music is fine and Doris doesn’t have to strain to be heard. On the back is “IT COULDN’T BE TRUE” which is rightup there on the top of the list. Jack Haskell does the vocal honors on this one. “WHO’S SORRY NOW” has been given a brand new dress by Harry James, his trumpet, and his ork. The oldie that was popular in the early thirties is perfectly suit ed for the trumpet background that James weaves into it. The words are by Willie Smith. Upside down it is “I DIDN’T MEAN A WORD I SAID” which has been making the rounds for the past month or so and meeting with al most unanimous approval. Buddy DiVito warbles this one. A duo from “Annie Get Your Gun”, “THEY SAY IT’S WON DERFUL” and “THE GIRL THAT I MARRY”, are really worked up in fine style by Frankie Sinatra. Both songs are soft, sweet, and slow, with very good background music. Charlie Spivak has made a cut ting of a couple that probably won’t make the hit parade, but are fine numbers for those who like theirs slow and easy. “SPRING MAGIC” is very well done in a smooth rhythm style. “ALONG WITH ME” from the all ex-G. I. show “Call Me Mister” is a little bit more peppy than the spring song, but nevertheless, good lis tening music. Both vocals are by Jimmy Saunders. Freddie Martin has made a won derful dance tempo album of the NUTCRACKER SUITE by Tsch- aikowsky. The suite has always been popular, but with this ar rangement of it, it should become much more so. Latest song pun: Pull up your Cement Mixer and rest your Puti Puti. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR HOW MANY VETERANS KNOW ABOUT VOTING? To Editor of Battalion: This time I am not picking a bone with the newspaper, but pointing out an item of interest. There are quite a few citizens of voting age here on the campus that have just been released from the armed services or who have been here since their release and they are on a whole ignorant of the policy of the State of Texas as to the requirement for casting ballots in the coming primaries and other state elections. Some one around here that has access to legal council should in vestigate and publish the require ments and deadlines for registra tions of their intention of voting. The services have to a large ex tent made their former members a bit too dependent upon others for instructions, but vets and other young qualified voters should be stimulated in the direction of tak ing a keen interest in their gov ernment. It takes such a short time to express ones wished. Robert L. Manly. (The Batt is checking and will have a story next week.) The Newman Club will hold an important meeting at 7:15 p.m. this evening in the New Area Y. AH Catholic students are invited to be present. the old campus. Best way to get from the old to the new campus is through the rotunda of the Aca- Guion Hall, through demic building. GUION HALL THEATER BOX OFFICE OPEN 1:00; CLOSE 8:30 THURSDAY ONLY Bargain Day DOROTHY McGUIRE • ROBERT YOUNG fti”* HERBERT MARSHALL MPwiicnBw I I I 1 I 1 1 1 I 1 9 I I FRIDAY and SATURDAY Double Feature — plus — Bobby Watson - Joe Devlin — in — 6 That Nazty Nuisance’ SUNDAY and MONDAY OMNI ytUNMK Wind” and'‘Rebecca Claudette COLBECI Jennifer JONES Joseph COHEN Shirley TEMPLE Monty WOOLLEY SinceYouWentAw TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY MKKT UMM YOUNG-DAY tritk Y ANN HARDING THURSDAY ONLY Bargain Day “DARK WATERS” — with — Merle Oberon Franchot Tone Thomas Mitchell ROOM RESERVATION NOTICE DRAWS SQUAWK Editor Battalion: Could you tell me why the Office of the Dean of Men is often half a day late in publishing notices about reservations for ladies com ing to dances over the week-end. The outstanding example of tardi ness in entering notices occurred the week end of the Cotton Ball when the notice was placed in the Battalion that appeared thirty hours after the time that the res ervations began being made. I feel sure that it would be appreciated by all concerned if these notices would appear before the event with which they are concerned. James W. Wells, ’47. ampu\ AIR-CONDITIONED Open 1:00 P.M. — 4-1181 THURSDAY — LAST DAY GARY COOPfR /'//»/ ( / WSlf 'S Inr. FRIDAY and SATURDAY 2 Super Features No. 1 “GREENWICH VILLAGE” In Technicolor — with — Carmen Miranda Vivian Blaine William Bendix No. 2 “MEN IN HER DIARY” — starring — Louise Allbritton Jon Hall And! Donald Duck SUNDAY and MONDAY '■ irt ’ f Vibrant with Suspense! ■.yu* m i ^DOROTHY McGUIRE GEORGE BRENT ETHEL BARRYMORE Disney Cartoon — News TUBS. - WED. - THURS. “BUFFALO BILL” — with — Joel McCrea Maureen O’Hara In Technicolor * AIR-CONDITIONED