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College news, May 12, 1937
Bryn Mawr College student newspaper. Merged with Haverford News, News (Bryn Mawr College); Published weekly (except holidays) during academic year.
Bryn Mawr College (creator)
1937-05-12
serial
Weekly
6 pages
digitized microfilm
North and Central America--United States--Pennsylvania--Montgomery--Bryn Mawr
Vol. 23, No. 25
College news (Bryn Mawr College : 1914)--
https://tripod.brynmawr.edu/permalink/01TRI_INST/26mktb/alma991001620579...
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from LYRASIS Members and Sloan Foundation.
BMC-News-vol23-no25
ya
THE COLLEGE. NEWS
Page Five.
Anna Louise Strong
_ Gives Talk on Spain
Progressives and Republicans,
Leftists and Communists
Unified in Action
OPTIMISM IS PREVALENT
(Especially contributed by Jeanne
Quistgaard, ’38.)
May 6.—A large group of students
and-faculty and a number of outsiders
' gathered for tea in Miss Mildred Fair-
child’s house to hear Dr. Anna Louise
Strong give a graphic and sympa-.
thetic description of Loyalist. Spain
about which she has recently written
a book. Miss Strong felicitously in-
troduced her informal talk by telling
of the “first impact of the beauty”
of Spain which she felt when flying
over the Pyrenees-at sun-rise. The
tone of the speech stressed the cour-
age, optimism and happiness pre-
vailing among the Loyalists. Traveling
down the east coast, not yet within
the war zone, she met with comrade-
ship, generosity, even gayety among
the country people. Life outside’ war
districts is conditioned only by eco-
nomic change which the people know
to be in their favor,
Miss Strong reviewed therécent his-
tory of .Spain, enumerated the re-
forms necessary to a modern indus-
trial and»agricultyral.society and de-
, Scribed progress madé by the Repub-
lican-United Front government, show-
ing that ‘in part the present situa-
tion’ is defined as Spanish people
fighting against foreign, German and
Italian, ‘invaders. In giving a picture
of Barcelona and Madrid, Miss Strong
emphasized the initial spontaneous na-
ture of the People’s Front defense and
the acute need for organization and
integration among the Progressive,
Republican, and Left parties “which
include the four great national trade
union federations and the small busi-
ness men, the last being supporters
of the Communists. All these were
bound together in sentiment but not
unified in action. Now they have ad-
vanced rapidly toward united com-
mand.
Miss Strong told of the way in
which the inhabitants‘ of.Madrid built
their defense and set about regain-
ing and renewing where disaster had
struck. The government continues to
effect progressive measures, has sub-
sidised farmers and workers, and or-
ganized cooperatives. This movement
has had enormous popularity. She
next visited the Front proper, outside
Madrid, and explained that although
the city was unassailable, it might
conceivably’ be besieged. She -told of
the youth and vigor among the sol-
diers, who talked long and familiarly
with her. She was impressed by their
sense of humor which was not bit-
ter but gay. They find time to equip
and attend an underground school-
room in the dugout, a typical exam-
ple of the wide-spread sense of per-
manent future value to be gained by
their victory.
In mentioning the recent anarchist
uprising in Barcelona, she estimated
that it was instigated by an isolated
group of anarchists, led by a “gang-
ster” who was fired to gain local
control. She did not attach national
importance to it, judging from her
experience with these groups when in.
Spain.
Miss “Strong’s interpretation of the
experiences and acquaintances in
Spain are particularly interesting in
conveying ‘the courage and hope
among the Loyalists in fighting to pre-
serve that which they feel will de-
‘termine the future, not only of Spain,
but ‘of the whole world as a bulwark
McINTYRE’S DINING
ROOM AND GRILL
23-27 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore
- CAREERS__
Emerging Social Order
Forecast
Continued from Page One
structure has been somewhat eased,
class still exists. The class: structure
in America is not far different from
that in Great Britain; ther¢ is a wider
range of the superficial forms of com-
munication and a greatér class mobil-
ity here, but a wide and unbridged
gulf remains between the classes. If
there is still elasticity and power of
expansion in the economic system, one
can ‘go on, one can lift the bottom
levels and yet keep the top far away.
But more should be done that effects
the fundamental nature of. the social
structure. The building of democratic
and social institutions depends upon
the strength of democratic tradition,
which
harmony or disharmony in the com-
munity.
This fundamental harmony requires
common consent of the people as to
what should be done.
can. be too easily defeatists about
their achievements and possibilities of
survival. There is in their midst, a
definitely anti-political group, the Fas-
cists, who have not gotten far, but
being present, may not’ be ignored.
However, democracy has not lost any |’
single citadel wherever it was firmly
entrenched, nor is the number of peo-
ple under’ democracy today far
changed from that of the pre-war
period. But the paradox of all demo:.
cratic government is that the highly-
prized rights it grants are only grant-
ed when there is a tacit agreement
among the people not to criticize the
fundamental form of the government
itself. There is a question in England
as to whether people want to make
fundamental changes or criticisms of
democracy, whether they want to over-’
throw\the political machine, and as to
democraty’s changes.safely to effect or
to forego radical, social and economic
change.
The chance of achieving a class-
less community depends on convert-
ing or liquidating the class opposed
to such a change. The situation must
be mitigated or democracy must be
abandoned; and those who advocate
the second are assuming a grave re-
sponsibility. Many who feel that the
radical change on the part of the Eng-
lish democratic government will be
met with opposition, are prepared to
meet force with: force. What one
would like to see is change without
the price of forceful upheaval.
Some of the accomplishments of the
past that might be considered are:
universal political franchise, the build-
ing up of various social services, in-
come tax, socialization of public utili-
ties, and municipal social enterprises.
All these changes have been accom-
plished by conservative governments
as the result of laity propaganda; all
are-to be viewed as the result of
political philosophy. They are the
outcome of nineteenth century radical
liberalism, and they have contributed
against Fascism. It is the sense, of
the universal importance and extent
of the struggle which inspires the
Spaniards and the foreign volunteers.
At the end of her talk Miss Strong
discussed the thousands of homeless
children for whom the government is
attempting to care. She said that
she hoped to be able to. start a drive
over here to help in their housing
and immunization against disease.
Enjoy your walk to
the “pike” and eat
at
THE CHATTERBOX
in Lecture
in ‘turn depends. upon the
democratic tradition and the basic
The English,
oannaemanil
‘Science Club
Students interested in science
are invited to join the the Sci-
ence Club. which is now being
organized by signing on the
lists posted on the hall bulletin
boards. - Some indication of the
number of members is wanted,
though the club will not meét
until next fall.
the idea that in the last resort, the
individual is the final judge of the
wisdom or foolishness of social poli-
cies.
The liberal ideals of the nineteenth
century are still unfulfilled in two
respects: one, the idea of the possibil-
ity and ‘achievement of happiness and
welfare for all human beings has
been crudely shattered, and two, the
conception of “everybody” as being:
“everybody like us” has been aban-
doned. These liberals’ conceived of
social change fitting their own concept
of “everybody.” They believed in de-
mocracy, but forgot the wage-earners.
It may appear that_ history is
written in terms of self-interest, but
this cannot. be the sole motive fotce.
Certainly one cannot believe that the
radical children of well-to-do parents
have become converted in the name-ef
self-interest.
Observing that social science is
quick to find fault, Mrs. Wootton
stated that~she desired to end on a
constructive note, and suggested sev-
eral general measures designed to im-
prove the social and economic form
of society. She stated her belief in
the necessity for a common conscious-
ness of the need for radical social
change. To achieve this, the myth of
the so-called English ruling class
should be examined, its powers de-
termined, how it rules and how it is
recruited should be understood. Sec-
ondly we must advocate educational
reform. In addition, business classes
seeking the support of the state should
be forced to assume some of its re-
sponsibilities.
There should also be an attempt
to see the democratic systém acclimate
itself to social conditions, and taxa-
tion is a tremendous instrument for
equalization if the community should
be employed. There must be a new
organization of ideas of those desiring
a classless community. Recently a
negativistic attitude has sprung up;
people no longer advocate real social
improvement. Lastly, the importance
of ordinary people must -be stressed.
The rehabilitation in public opinion of
the dignity of human labor is im-
portant; a statement of claim must
be made regarding. the undeniable
rights of decent living, and tlie rela-
tionship of income with contribution
to the public good. Respect for those
who do no work and take money for
no work must be transferred to those
who go out and labor. “
If radical social change meets op-
position then common consent is lack-
ing and there is civil war. We can-
not prophecy unless we first have
tried, Adl. communities rest on ton-
sent ultimately. If change is ahead
of consent, then they must.slip back,
but first, they must explore the possi-
bilities of radical pense in the demo-
cratic idea.
>
jof-their country are stationed. '/Also
{the consular service is not efficiently
International Club
Holds Last Meeting
_Discusses. Extra-territoriality
In China
L. MORLEY ALSO SPEAKS
Common Room, May 10.—At the
last International Club meeting of the
year, Agnes Chen, graduate student,
spoke on Extra-territoriality in China,
and Louise Morley, ’40, on The Model
League of Nations Through Bryn
Mawr’s Danish Eyes. The election of
the new officers was postponed until
next fall. The present‘ president,
Eleanor Sayre, ’38, will appoint a com-
mittee to look up the club’s constitu-
tion and to start activities next year.
Extra-territoriality’ is the system
whereby foreigners in China are en-
tirely under the legal ‘jurisdiction of
their own country. The disadvantages
of this arrangement, both to China
and to foreign countries, are evident.
Foreigners in China can only go into
the'30 odd large cities where consuls
organized to try cxjiminal casés or to
catch offenders, which is one of their
major duties.
Foreign business corporations en-
counter complicated obstacles: they
are registered under the laws of their
own country; organizations of citizens
of different countries are therefote un-
der various, often conflicting, regula-
tions; if they are .involved in law-
®uits, the case has to be transferred
at times to the higher courts of their
own country—an extremely expensive
proceeding. /The point is an even
greater disadvantage to the Chinese
who try to fight law-suits with for-
eigners: ‘They can seldom afford to
transfer’ cases and so are forced -to
yield.
The powers have assumed. that. ex-,
tra-territoriality also includes the
right to send over military forces to
protect their citizens and administer
the law. This is exceedingly expen-
sive and may be an active danger to
the Chinese. For instance Japanese
penetration and practical annexation
of Manchuria was effected under the
guise of protection of- Japanese citi-
zens and interests.
To the Chinese, extra-territoriality
is sometimes an injustice. Foreign
criminals in China frequently escape
trial because they cannot be arrested
by native policemen who witness the
crime, but must be reported to the
consul, who’ then takes steps to have
the offender caught. Since Chinese
retainers of foreigners are also under
extra-territorial rights, native crim-
inals can get under the protection of
some government, and then escape ap-
Meet your friends at the
Bryn Mawr Confectionery
(Next to Seville Theater Bldg.)
The Rendezvous of the College Girls
Tasty Sandwiches, Deliciéus Sundaes
Superior Soda Service ©
Music—Dancing for girls only
Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr
Today's college graduate has ex.
citing opportunities for an interest-
pon" a VERS
E other fields secking cqllege women
The college itl who adds to her
academic background the general
business and technical courses of
245 MARLBOROUGH STREET
pron insurance, or~ “ia eee ee
Address MARJORIE A. LANDON, Director, for Catalog
FAIRFIELD SCHOOL
the Fairfield School is well prepared
to assume executive secretarial
. Fairfield School. graduates
-a. thorough
of business problems. They are |
trained to make sr
to assume res
Course begins in ce
fective placement service pon
m ~-y on
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
: @ Going
Mme Sone <
“And furthermore, ladies and gentle-
men, rates on most out-of-town calls:
‘are greatly reduced ALL DAY SUNz-.......
DAY and after seven every night.’’
Arrange your trip by telephone.
{THE BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY OF PENNSYLVANIA
oasii for the week-end ?
Agnes Chen, Graduate Student,| have liked to be+ Poet tenteate: baa
E. A. Ballard Gives
Continued from Page One
his poem The Widow at Windsor / so
offended Queen Victoria that neither
she nor any of her successors ever
granted him thathonor. Knowing
this, Kipling refused to take any fa-
vors from the crown, and when: a
later king offered him @ lordship for
his services during the war, rebuked
him publicly in a/poem, The Last
Rhyme of True Thomas, ending:
“I’ve -harpit ye down to the ‘gates of
Hell,
And ye-would/make-a-knight of me!”
prehension’ for their offenses because
of the slow consular service.
Extra-territoriality was originally
demanded because the “Powers”
claimed that the Chinese judicial sys-
tent was. corrupt, and that punish-
ments were harsh and prisons unsani-
tary... Now, however, the judiciary
has been reformed and the Chinese,
be fatally unsanitary for westerners,
would agree to confine foreigners in
new model prisons.. They are also
willing to employ foreign officials,
especially judges, so long as these
service and under their regulations:
Louise Morley’s title, The Model
League Through Bryn Mawr’s Danish
Eyes, is explained by the fact that in
the league Bryn Mawr represented
Denmark, though the delegates inevit-
ably retained their general interna-
tional attitude as did most of the
representatives. The main problem
discussed was How Can Peaceful
Change Be. Attained? Three com-
missions were set up to discuss this
problem. The first decided that a
permanent committee to carry ‘out re-
vision of treaties should. be formed,
so that Article 19 of the Covenant
would not: be neglected. It also advo-
cated a permanent commission to ad-
vise on minority problems.
The second commission, on Trade
Agreements, recommended bi-lateral,
and most favored nation, treaties.
gional military coercion were advo-
cated by the third commission against
aggressors. The greater accomplish-
ments and the optimism of the Model
tions were accounted for by the pre-
the representatives of all the coun-
tries.
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Write for descriptive booklet “C.
Lecture on Kipling .
admitting that their usual prisons may '
officials. are a part of their own Givil '
Universal economic sanctions and re-
vailing spirit of compromise among ~
ot
5