40
U niversity
of
O regon M onthly
ject that,-some definite principle ©f, ¿decision should ho established
reducing to minimum the<~ehance of sentiment and<caprice. Every
institution has some historic blunder of this kind. Periodically we
lament ¿ ,qver psome misjudgment that awarded honor to ranting,
and put a premium .on pathos.
Let Oregon,'change theory into a good working principle. W e
have- splendid traditions and an excellent.standard. Lest, there be
deterioration let us establish a definite, recognized principle, which;
will ber the criterion of the individuals who act as judges; '.
Credit Due
the Alumni
Let it be remembered by the students that it is
the Alumni Association' who is bearing the c|iief bur
den of campaign against the prejudices that threaten
our existence • as a University,, The Alumni aré ‘.the backbone of
the.encounter.’ They may be called our organizers'for victory,'When
success,, capaes we must acknowledge the power that brought it.
J*£t us remember too that the Alumni, have no directly egotistical
interest in their Alma M ater; they have ceased to receive het nurture,
and are p-Ow striving to maintain her in honor, through pure loyalty
and devotion. T,he undergraduate has äm ore personal interests# *It
is, sincere and should lead to great endeavour. But let us bear in
mind the credit due the Alumni and unite with them--in heartiest
support.
Columbia River
We have recently received from Philadelphia
Improvements a splendid article in a publication of the American
Academy of Political and Social Science. It deals
with Columbia River improvements in the Pacific Northwest, and ffl
the result of the’careful analysis and thorough knowledge of.FrOfes-
sor Frederic Young. The article is’ parúóf a great movement to
utilize American Waterways. -Fóremost economists are .now agreed
that the cure for most of our transportation evils is to ©b" found
-in the ímprovément Of our waterways. ' Germany has discovered
the* .significance’of her rivers.and canals and has thereby#'-lessened
hep conAnerciML troubles. That the United States will follow her
example is. only' a matter fof time. Considerable political machihery
must be set in motion first.
Collecting and assimilating fact's concerning these inland water
ways is the first step toward their improvement. Professor Young's
article sets forth with admirable clearness the extreme need, of the
Pacific Northwest for adequate transportation facilities. He, shows
that an embargo,has been placed on our lumber exports; and that