RHODES SCHOLARS

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 142, 12 March 1938, Page 3 (Supplement)

RHODES SCHOLARS

An American Survey THE AFTERMATH OF OXFORD a Coincident with the election last December, of thirty-two American Rhodes scholars t*o enter Oxford University, there was completed a new survey showing the present occupations of the men who have represented the United States at Oxford since the first awards of. the scholarships in 1905. Dr. Frank Aydelotte, president of Swarthmore College and American secretary to the Rhodes trustees, anounced • the results of the survey, covering 870 former scholars and showing that education, the law, business, government service and journalism had had their appeal in that order. But Rhodes scholars likewise are found in the ministry, in the foreign mission fields, in research in commercial scientific in the army and navy and in engineering work. Thirtynine of them are pursuing careers in foreign countires, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Cuba, Egypt, England, France, Germany, India, Java, Mexico, the Phillippines, Rhodesia, Spain, Straits Settlements, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey and Venezuela. Of those engaged in education, 289, or 33.22 per cent., are teaching in colleges and universities, with no outstanding American university, according to Dr. Aydelotte, lacking its quota of old Oxonians. In addition to the teachers there are twenty-eight college and university administrators, including fourteen presidents and seven deans. Twenty-seven others are employed in teaching and administrative capacities in secondary schools. Law Absorbs One in Five. The legal profession has attracted 178 of the Rhodes scholars, or 20.46 per cent.; business 124, or 14.25 per cent.; government service 54, or 6.21 per cent; journalism and writing 35, or 4.01 per cent.; the ministry and associated fields 26, or 2.99 per cent. The others are included in the following groups: In the course of study 22, or 2.53 per cent.; research and commercial scientists 16, or 1.84 per cent.; army and navy ll,«or 1.26 per cent.; engineers 7, or .80 per- cent.; miscellaneous 6, or .71 per cent. The. occupations of thirteen are unknown. Although the law had an unusually great appeal for Rhodes scholars until only a few years ago, Dr. Aydelotte sajd the trend more recently had been to the sciences, with emphasis on the social sciences. This appeal, it is expected, may become even greater with the establishment of Nuffield College, a graduate school at Oxford, for which Baron Nuffield, British automobile manufacturer has provided the funds. Special attention there is to be given to the social sciences. “We have found by experience that there is a very healthy demand for Rhodes scholars,” said Dr. Aydelotte. “A, man does not'lose, as soma candidates at first feared they might, by being abroad for two or three years. The big law offices in the leading cities are very glad to get Rhodes men and the same is true of the leading colleges and universities.” Although Cecil Rhodes mentioned literary and scholastic ability and attainments, qualities of manhood, character and physical vigour as the four groups of qualities he wished in Rhodes Scholars, Dr. Aydelotte revealed that the committees of selection had been instructed to demand “distinction” in either scholarship or character, with atheletic ability secondary. “Athletic interest,” however, was considered highly desirable. Shy and “Showy” Welcomed. “We don’t want a ‘typical’ scholar,” he said. “We want variety, every variety of good man. If a candidate is shy and has real stuff, we don’t mind that. Nor do we mind if he is the ‘showy’ type. In the selections there is no leveling of the four qualities which provide the basis of choice. That would produce a mediocre man. “In the group of qualities mentioned is found ‘exhibition of moral force of character and of instincts to lead and to take an interest in his schoolmates.’ We think ‘interest in his fellows’ is more important here than the number of offices a man has held on the campus. One holding too many offices is often a follower instead of a leader, just as in politics. When we find a student who has taken up an unpopular cause, one who, for instance, has opposed hazing, we consider that a good sign.” Dr. Aydelotte believes the Rhodes selective system is one of the best ever devised for giving an insight into the real character and ability of a man. In addition to strictly confidential and therefore frank letters from the candidate’s references, the committee of selection has before it the candidate’s own statement of his interests and activities, really an intellectual autobiography. Then comes at least one interview, and a second if the candidate survives the State committee test.