THE STATE OF DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
Again THE MAGAZINE places before its readers a brief resume of the year's progress; the third in the series. Necessarily superficial, an article of this kind is far from being an official report. Together with the brief statements provided by the heads of the Associated Schools, it constitutes merely a rough sketch indicating the larger outlines of growth.
BUILDING OPERATIONS
The past year has seen several new buildings completed or projected, and one old one trans formed to new uses. The first invasion of the, Hitchcock property has taken place in the erection of a dormitory, for which foundations were laid last fall. In its design, one of the most attractive of the college buildings, and with an outlook across the fields and woods of the Hitchcock estate, the new dormitory should prove popular. The erection of it became necessary in part through the elimination of Sanborn as an undergraduate dormitory, and in part through the growth of the student body. It should make possible a considerably greater elasticity in taking care of the students; and should obviate, for some years to come, the necessity for hasty construction due to unforeseen pressure of new students.
In the spring Sanborn Hall, which the Class of '98 dedicated as freshmen, was put on rollers and trundled rearward to the site of the erstwhile baseball cage, where, swung around upon its axis, it has settled down with its broadside turned imposingly west and east. Its place will be taken by Robinson Hall, gift of Wallace F. Robinson of Boston, who is trying the interesting experiment of placing college organizations upon a satisfactory business basis by giving them adequate quarters for their activities. Foundations for this building, which is discussed at length in THE MAGAZINE for January, are already in place. The dedication, however, will hardly occur before early spring.
In addition to erecting buildings for student uses, the College, has had to concern itself seriously with the problem of housing the faculty. Livable quarters at rentals within the limits of academic purses are not readily procurable, since, from the standpoint of the investment, they are quite out of the question. The intervention of a friend of the College has made possible the erection of a four-family apartment house on East Wheelock Street. Four more families, if of conservative dimensions, will be accommodated in the old Thayer School building, which has been ingeniously altered from civil engineering to household economic uses. Henceforth it will rejoice in the name of Thayer Lodge, to which it is entitled by virtue of green blinds, a coat of white paint, and a hood over the entrance. It is doubtful if old-time sons of Thayer will recognize their foster mother.
The project of a new bridge across the Connecticut, concerning which THE MAGAZINE had something to say last January, is still in suspense. Whether the statement printed in THE MAGAZINE was premature or not, would be difficult to say. The need for a. bridge was, and is, pressing; plans for one could not well be made except on the basis of exhautive investigations calculated to set ridiculous rumors abroad. Hence the frank publication of the whole matter. The cost of the projected bridge would probably be considerably greater than was at first estimated. The bridge and its approaches, together with a roadway through the Hitchcock estate, would represent some $200,000. Up to the present writing that sum has failed to present itself or to be presented. The same thing is true of the library. The need has been a crying one for some years past; but the cries have not as yet attracted sufficient attention to produce an effective sedative.
Bridge and library are two very different things and likely to appeal to different kinds of generous intention. To some the providing of definite educational equipment, — the working tools - seems the only reasonable means of collegiate benefaction. To others, education appears so largely a training in the art of living, that they would have the College, in all that it does, and in all that it possesses, set the high standard and example of excellence.
They would, in so far as possible, ensure for learning an environment of dignity and beauty. Where considerable resources are available it is, perhaps, a natural temptation to spend heavily for buttressed towers and traceried arches. But who can say that the wealth so used is wasted? .As for Dartmouth, its decorous utilitarianism is scarce likely to attract criticism on the ground of extravagance. Indeed, its latent possibilities of surpassing loveliness are just beginning to be appreciated.
The true admirer of Dartmouth, however, has always rejoiced in the majestic elms about the campus and in the far-flung verdure of the hill-girt plain. Recent investigation has shown many of the more ancient trees to be in a state of serious debilitation, which demands prompt action in the application of concrete poultices and iron crutches. In addition, there is need for providing a younger generation of trees which shall grow up to take the places" of those which, however bolstered, must, in time, yield to the axe, or in decrepitude, fall prey to the northward marching hordes of omniverous insects.
The trustees are alive to this situation, and have made appropriation for additional planting, as well as for the care of the more seriously affected trees. The funds available are, however, less than they should be. The College has reached a point in its development where it might well employ a skilled gardener, or, at least, a master in the knowledge of grass, shrubs, and.trees, their care and propagation.
Building, naturally, is not confined to the College. The addition to the Hitchcock Hospital is nearly completed. A triumphant chimney stack, 70 feet high will crown the work. On Main Street, the Dartmouth Savings Bank is erecting a most attractive new home for itself. The ridge beyond the hospital begins to .crowd with faculty dwellings, while at the south-west edge of Hanover a new village has sprung into existence.
MATTERS FINANCIAL
The list of gifts and bequests during the past year is not a lengthy one. The most important item is the $100,000 provided for the erection of Robinson Hall, of which mention has been made.
From David D. Stewart, of St. Albans, Maine, has come an unrestricted donation of $75,000 in behalf of his .brother, the late Levi M. Stewart of the Class of 1853.
By the will of the late Caroline M. Martin, of Dover, N. H., $10,000 this year becomes available for scholarships to be known as the Noah Martin Scholarships.
The State of New Hampshire will, during the two years to come, continue to contribute $20,000 per annum toward the running expenses of Dartmouth. This State appropriation has been given uninterruptedly now for a considerable period, and may be considered as definitely within New Hampshire's educational policy. In any event, the College has come to depend upon it as an essential part of its regular income whose omission would be disastrous.
The cost of doing things has increased so rapidly within the past few years that of late the College expenditures have swept far beyond income. The deficit for the fiscal year, July, 1911 - July, 1912, was about $11,000; that for 1912-1913, closely approaches $20,000. For the year 1913-1914 the exigencies of the situation will have to be met in part by an increase in the tuition fee from $125 to $140; in part by the exercise of rigid economy. It can not be hoped that endowment will ever equal requirement. Yet there is encouragement in viewing the increase in Dartmouth assets during the past quadrennium. Mr. Edgerton has prepared a table as follows:
1909-10 1912-13 p. c. increase Total Assets $4,214,768 $5,450,000 29 Endowment Funds, Income Producing 2,871,640 3,800,000 32 Income from Endowment 115,437 152,000 31
This looks very well, particularly when cast in percentages, which always carry a grand air of wealth. With it, however, has come an increase in the expense per student from $246 to $281 per year, or 17 per cent; the total net expense of running the College has jumped from $284,927 to $360,000 or 27 per cent. Next year's expenditures are calculated at close to half a million.
Apparently the time is within sight" when expansion must abruptly give way to close retrenchment or else endowment receive large additions. It is, of course, quite true that an institution that fails to live up to its income has run out of ideas and has ceased to progress ; and Dartmouth's primacy in collegiate affairs is too nearly won and too precious to be allowed to lapse because of parsimonious fears. It is the part of thoughtful men the country through-to prevent any such occurrence. At the same time it is the part of the College to examine all. that it does and make sure that the end is worth the effort.
"Keeping up with Lizzie" is a failing almost as characteristic of academic institutions as of commonplace individuals. Fortunately Dartmouth and Dartmouth men have been decently independent in their ways of thinking and doing. Therein lies the fundamental element of leadership, and the promise of success. In establishing the position of business director, whose specific duty it will be to guard expenditures and coordinate the progress of all business undertakings, the trustees have shown themselves alive to existing conditions and unhampered in their method of meeting them. If the result does not make for greater success in handling affairs, both practical and educational, the fault will lie, not with the trustees, but with the men whom they have chosen
THE FACULTY
During the year 1908-1909, the instruction staff numbered 79; during the year just closed it numbered 105, an increase of 33 per cent. Since during the same period the student enrollment has increased but eight per cent, the obvious conclusion is that the College is steadily approaching the ideal ratio between the number of its teachers and the number of its taught.
Again THE MAGAZINE must chronicle the passing of valuable men from the Dartmouth faculty. Dean Charles F. Emerson completed in June, a period of service as instructor, professor, and member of the administration, covering forty-five years. He has well earned his respite, but he will be much missed. Ralph M. Barton, assistant professor of Mathematics, and James M. O'Neill, assistant professor of Oratory, both of whom have accepted excellent positions at other institutions, were men who coupled a thorough grasp of their subjects with the ability to impart knowledge. Their personal influence outside the classroom, further, rendered them valuable in a thousand things not mentioned in the catalogue.
As counterbalance to these losses, Professor Craven Laycock, for two years Assistant Dean, assumed full power as Dean on July 1. To his administration is, in large measure due the material improvement in undergraduate scholarship, of which mention will shortly be made. Already his reputation for impartial justice has had its effect in gaining for him the respect of the student body.
To succeed Professor O'Neill comes Ralph L. Theller '09, whose record as orator, debater, and editor lingers from undergraduate days. A member of the bar, and a teacher of some years of experience, Mr. Theller should add strength'and vigor to the teaching arm of the College.
Some day the world of education will recognize that there are two kinds of scholarship; one which discovers, another which interprets, and that, while the two kinds occasionally are manifested in the same individual, the phenomenon is rare. The scholarship of the college teacher should be primarily interpretative; hence his value should not he figured in terms of his much writing. Yet it is a proper cause for pride to find the Dartmouth faculty more and more looked to for authoritative statement in various fields of learning.
It is, perhaps, even more gratifying to find their qualities of patriotic usefulness recognized in the councils of the state. Doctor Gile, Professor Fletcher, Professor Colby, Professor Worthen, Doctor Kingsford have a state-wide reputation. This year Professor Bartlett employed half of his sabbatical leave of absence by.serving in the New Hampshire legislature. Of more recent men, Professor Updyke, by his activities in constitutional revision; and Professor Woods, who has been appointed to a state committee for investigating problems of poverty, are reflecting credit , upon the College and themselves. Professor Holden, unwillingly persuaded to accept position as precinct commissioner in Hanover, has labored unceasingly for the welfare of the community.
THE STUDENT BODY
The student enrollment, as shown by the 1912-1913 Catalogue, was, in all departments, 1,294 as against 1,302 the .year before, and 1,229 in 1910-1911. The fluctuation is so slight as to be negligible. It will, however, be strange if there is not a material falling off in numbers during the coming year. Financial uncertainty does not tend to increase the number of boys in College, though industrial depression may swell the attendance in the public schools.
The last few years have shown no great changes in distribution of students. Massachusetts leads the list in the number of young men contributed, but her quota is not constant. The figures for the past five years are as follows: 1908, 502; 1909, 454; 1910, 432; 1911, 475; 1912, 463. The falling off from the high point of 1908 is considerable. The recovery from the low point of 1910 is, on the other hand, but slightly less to be remarked. Whatever learned analysis might be made, Massachusetts will for years to come undoubtedly entrust a fair share of its youth to Dartmouth.
Those who are interested in figures would better concern themselves with states like Virginia, Kentucky, Delaware, Kansas, Montana, represented by one or two men each; or with the states which are not represented at all. Thirty-three states and the District of Columbia are all that appear on the 1912-13 list. An average of ten men a year from each of the forty-eight would swamp us.
After all numbers are incidental: the main question is as to what is being done with what we have. That would not be easy to tell in a word. THE MAGAZINE, however, honestly believes that Dartmouth spoils fewer men iii the making than any other institution. The credit lies partly in the College; partly in its location. There is little at Hanover to attract any but healthy, sensible men. Yet these men must be kept properly occupied. Desirable as it might seem for them to devote all their time to study, they will not do it. Hence, in a place like Dartmouth, "organizations" take on far greater importance than they do in most institutions. They afford something of a safety valve; and are, as well, a means of social expression. The erection of Robinson Hall should prove of incalculable value in making "organizations" effective.
Some few months since a well-informed alumnus stated that there was a feeling among some undergraduates that the student body was becoming too studious, and that men were coming too largely to be judged on the basis of their brain activity as exhibited in classroom work. There is no likelihood that such a situation will even endanger the vigorous activity of Dartmouth men. But the statement seems symptomatic of a gradual change which is taking place in the respect paid to intellect.
With no changes in the standards of discipline, fewer men were dropped for poor scholarship this year than last. The number placed on probation at the end of freshman year 1913, decreased fifty per cent over the number in similar predicament at the close of 1912. Thus, while there is no immediate indication of an insatiable appetite for study on the part of all the students, there is justification for the belief that, at any rate, they are possessed of a steadily increasing respect for the contention that Dartmouth is an institution of learning which maintains high scholastic standards.
Undergraduate life has followed as smooth a course as could be expected with a presidential election and arguments over chinning rules coming in the same year. On the whole, the fraternity question has aroused more interest,— on the surface, at any rate,— than have any matters of governmental politics. Whenever a fraternity fails to receive what it wants in the way of new members, it immediately blames the chinning rules and advocates a change. Since never more than half the fraternities are really satisfied, the demand for new rules is constant, though the source of the demand may vary.
When it became apparent that fifty per cent of the student body were not really justified in keeping the entire College in turmoil on what were, after all, purely personal and unimportant matters, the Administration settled the argument by deciding in favor of a long instead of a short, closed season for freshmen; with a hint, further, at the possibility of protecting recruits until sophomore year. The real point at issue is, fundamentally, the authority of the College as against the divided opinions and selfish desires of the fraternities. If, here and elsewhere, fraternities are to continue in existence, it will be well for them to take a reasonable medicine with open mouth and humble spirit.
Of the general case of fraternities, THE MAGAZINE may later have something to say. A. year ago it pointed to certain tendencies at Dartmouth. Since that time there has sprung up in various states an anti-fraternity movement of menacing proportions. The abuses which have brought about this agitation are largely non-existent at Dartmouth. ' There is ground for satisfaction in that knowledge; but there is more ground for taking care lest the abuses arise.
Different persons look to the Alumni Council to perform different functions. The usefulness of that body will, it may be hoped, extend in many directions. There is, however, one field in which it may render unique service. In so far as its membership includes men from all sections of the Union, the Council represents something more than the Dartmouth alumni; it represents the best opinion of the nation as a whole. That opinion centered upon undergraduate life at Dartmouth and expressed clearly and emphatically can do an infinite amount to mould custom and entrench worthy tradition.
It can be used,too, in other ways. It is the world that has to make available the college product. What does the world want? Surely, if any can tell, these representative alumni are the ones. A good many times they will be wrong, a good many times, they will not agree in their opinions, a good many times their ideas and those of the College will be at variance. Yet frequent consultation on educational topics would be illuminating to both parties concerned, and wheresoever enthusiastic agreement could be reached, the results would probably be in the nature of a surprise to those whose general ideas in higher education are still in the period of the middle ages.
