Liberal Tradition

THERE IS A VARIETY of correspondence this month in the Letters columns (which reflect the opinions of the writers and not those of the editors). All of the heat in efforts to discover light is directed at this MAGAZINE'S invitation to Harold O. Rugg '08 to defend his textbook writing—a field in which he has become a distinguished and nationally prominent and popular figure. Most of the comments received by the editors have been favorable. One of the longer letters to the editor in this issue—from Mr. Carle E. Rollins '12— is commended to readers, simply because it presents a different point of view.

Mr. Rollins was surprised to find Mr. Rugg's defense of his work carried in the pages of the ALUMNI MAGAZINE. In our opinion we had waited over-long to recognize the distinction of a Dartmouth man whose books have been read by the million, endorsed by schools, teachers, students, and parents throughout the land. No one has forced his books on the schools. Teachers and school administrators have seized upon them as the stimulating, comprehensive, readable sort of books they have wanted. They asked for more.

When the man and his work, after years of popular recognition, began to be labelled with all the familiar infamous labels, coincidentally with the rise of war hysteria, it seemed important for him to speak in his own defense. We invited him to do so and he accepted our invitation. Dartmouth is a liberal arts college. As such it needs to keep abreast of the times and not putter along or backslide in any phase of its activity. To reflect the spirit of the College, and to represent it truly, this MAGAZINE wishes to lend a hand to those who are sincerely and effectively striving to achieve worthwhile goals. Mr. Rugg's career is a notable example of such work.