S. A. T. C. CONTRACTS AND THE COLLEGES

One of the most gratifying features of the regime of the Students Army Training Corps in the colleges of the country was the efficiency and generous justice with which the government contracts were finally adjusted. Most interesting of all to Dartmouth men was the fact that, on the necessity of suspending these contracts, the process of adjustment was largely administered by alumni of the College or members of its faculty.

On November 11, when the armistice was signed 686 contracts were in effect between the War Department and various educational institutions throughout the country. These contracts called for the training of 228,990 student soldiers classified on the basis of academic or technical instruction. Demobilization began the middle of November and was practically completed by Christmas. As many of the institutions had constructed temporary barracks and mess halls or leased buildings for similar purposes relying upon the Government contracts to meet these obligations, it is obvious that the colleges were left in a serious condition by the abrupt suspension of the contracts. The colleges also might well apprehend a serious loss of students from that group in attendance largely on the expectation of receiving military and academic training with financial assistance. Later investigation revealed the fact that an average loss of 31% was registered by the colleges in general.

To meet this situation the Secretary of War authorized the Committee on Education and Special Training of the War Department to make equitable adjustments with the institutions. This responsibility devolved upon the Business Department whose Director was Mr. E. K. Hall '92, of the Board of Trustees of the College. For the business in hand, the Department was organized in two divisions, a Contract Accounts Division and a Settlement Division. The chief of the former division was Professor William R. Gray '04, Dean of the Tuck School, and on his return to Hanover to resume his academic work he was succeeded by Professor Malcolm Keir, now of the Department of Economics at Dartmouth.

The Settlement Division was in charge of the Assistant Business Director, Mr. Henry H. Hilton '90, formerly trustee of the College. The direct oversight of the settlement work at Washington head-quarters was under the supervision of Professor Charles R. Lingley of the Department of History at Dartmouth. Another of the assistant chiefs at Washington headquarters was John N. Hazen '14, a son of the late Professor John V. Hazen '75. Among the staff accountants serving at Washington headquarters was likewise Harold B. Doty '18.

The settlements with the colleges proceeded with surprising speed and lack of friction. The contracts had been entered into on the theory that the institutions would contribute their facilities and services without profit and the reimbursement was on the basis of reasonable cost incurred in connection with the performance of their contracts. A most commendable spirit was displayed by both parties to the agreement which greatly facilitated the settlement. By March 15 final arrangement had been made with 16 colleges, on April 5 with 100, on May 3 with 335, on May 31 with 579 and the last contract was settled on June 25.

The tact and skill with which the whole matter was handled are a cause of satisfaction to all concerned and the fact that it was largely administered by Dartmouth men is an especial satisfaction.

In commenting on the settlements in an article entitled, "The Government Surprises the Colleges," John R. Colter writes in The Outlook:

The alarm over the financial situation in collegiate circles was recognized by an order from the Secretary of War authorizing "equitable adjustments" with all institutions. This phrase, presumably, has been ordered by Government heads since time immemorial—with well-known results. But the Business Department of the Committee on Education and Special Training, under the direction of E. K. Hall, of New York, took it literally. Conceivably, it would have been within the province of governmental reputation to consume leisurely the six hundred and eighty-six separate claims and settle the last one somewhere in the early 1950's—witness Civil War claims settled within the year. Instead, the Committee divided the country into twelve districts, organized in each a fully equipped claimsettling machinery headed by a district business manager and an accountant to specialize on the district's college claims, and proceeded full blast.

By June 6, practically every one of the six hundred odd [contracts had been settled]—each having been legally, accurately, fairly, and, what is important, personally adjusted by authorized representatives of the Committee. Nearly ten million dollars was paid out by the War Department to keep faith with the colleges, and it is fair to say that none of them is a loser for its splendid co-operation in the emergency.

"It is gratifying that the outcome of this co-operative undertaking," says Chancellor Brown, "leaves a situation of such mutual confidence and good will between the War Department and New York University."

"The prompt and businesslike manner of settlement has pleased the University of Chicago," is the comment of Harry Pratt Judson; while President Faunce quotes Brown University as regarding the Government's settlement "not only just but liberal"; Rush Rhees, President of Rochester, believes the treatment of the colleges as so "expeditious and reasonable as to be worthy of congratulation." Scores of similar testimonials, the consistent keynote of which is satisfaction and appreciation of the Government's regard for the colleges, indicate a happy termination of an important piece of war work. It is a fine thing, a significant thing, that it turned out this way, not only because the halls of learning are happier when they are saying, "Mirabiledictu!" instead of "Horrible visu!"; but because it may pave the way to a closer relation between the Federal Government and the colleges—something which, let us hope, it shall not take another war to effect.

The following letter is presented in conclusion to show the feeling with which the War Department viewed the final settlement with the colleges;

June 25, 1919.

MR. E. K. HALL, 240 So. Mountain Avenue, Montclair, N. J.

My dear Mr. Hall:

Now that the delicate and arduous task of effecting financial settlements with the colleges under the S. A. T. C. contracts has been brought to so satisfactory a conclusion, I wish to take this opportunity of congratulating you and your organization upon the loyal and efficient service which they have one and all rendered to the country. This work could not have been successful without thorough organization, sound leadership and hearty cooperation on the part of all concerned. You and your associates are to be the more congratulated because the major part of your work has been done since the signing of the armistice and therefore without the stimulus of actual hostilities. That your work has been so well done argues a steadfastness and pride of workmanship that are deserving of high praise.

With best wishes for your success as you return to your several civilian pursuits, I am,

Very truly yours, (Signed) NEWTON D. BAKER, Secretary of War.

STUDENTS AGAIN THRONG THE YARD AND THE CAMPUS. THE LOWER PICTURE SHOWS FRESHMEN ENTERING COLLEGE HALL FOR COMPULSORY COMMONS.

STUDENTS AGAIN THRONG THE YARD AND THE CAMPUS. THE LOWER PICTURE SHOWS FRESHMEN ENTERING COLLEGE HALL FOR COMPULSORY COMMONS.