the Rivals S1me 1Aichdgn &iLy Seventy-First Year EDITED AND MANAGED BY STUDENTS OF THE UNIvERSrrY OF MICHIGAN "Where Opinions Are Free UNDER AUTHORITY OF BOARD IN CONTROL OF STUDENT PUBLICATIONS Truth Wil Prevau" STUDENT PUBLICATIONS BLDG " ANN ARBOR, MICH. * Phone NO 2-3241 Editorials printed in The Michigan Daily express the individual opinions of staff writers or the editors. This must be noted in all reprints. r e . _ 4 MOVIE CRITICISM: Standards of Excellence Surpass Entertainment .Y, MAY 21, 1961 NIGHT EDITOR: HARRY PERLSTADT MSUs Admissions Policy Won't Serve State iJICHIGAN STATE'S DECISION to admit the first 22,500 "qualified" students who hap- ?en to come along, rather than select on the >asis of merit, is a move contrary to the uni- rersity's increasingly pronounced pretentions to ducational quality. This announcement of policy is also incon- istent with MSU President John Hannah's March statement that, with permanent admis- ions standards set, the university could enroll ignificantly higher numbers of students with- ut increased appropriations. While austerity budgets and programs for a university are never desirable, they usually carry one advantage, especially for public uni- versities. That advantage is the chance it gives hese universities to reject students who do not -eally belong in a quality institution, but are admitted only when the university can still admit a large. number of students. "NE APPARENT RATIONALE for MSU's move would be an attempt to limit out-of- state enrollment by handicapping those out-of- state students who could not plan to attend MSU until late May. Thus while MSU does not come out and say it is trying to limit out-of-state enrollment, this is the effect such policies will have. Since preference is given to in-state students and out-of-state tuition is being raised, the univer- sity will have whatever advantages it expects from limiting out-of-state enrollment. It will also have the public relations advantage of not announcing this as official policy, although practicing it unofficially. The benefits will ac- crue to those many in-state and few out-of-state students who have little chance of gaining admittance to better institutions and thus are prepared to commit themselves to MSU at an early date. In other words, all except the potential intellectual elite of the student body will have a fair chance for an MSU educa- tion. rrHE REASONS for MSU's admissions policy are hardly obscure. Preference is not only given to in-state students, which is understand- able, but also to out-of-state students of one area over another. Thus, while President Han- nah said an exact quota system was undesirable, he did advocate a limitation of some sort on students from New York and New Jersy. He also predicted that the raise in out-of-state tuition fees, unaccompanied by a raise in in-state fees, would result in reducing the out-of-state stu- dent percentage from 18 to 15 per cent. WHAT IS MOST DISCOURAGING about such attitudes is that they are in contrast with the general atmosphere of intelligence and foresight that marked the Board of MSU Trus- tees meeting Thursday. Apart from this policy, the Trustees and university officials seemed definitely committed to quality educational pro- gramming at the expense of non-essential ex- penditures and university "fringe benefits" to its students and the state. Hopefully, MSU will reconsider its policy be- fore it is too late and accept the opportunities offered by an "austerity" program to raise ad- mission standards. By adopting the pretense that MSU's standards are as high as possible- this is true of almost no university in the coun- try, let alone MSU-the university does no more than betray its already dubious claim of great- ness. A good public university; does not accept any obligations to be provincial in the composi- tion of either its student body or faculty, except those imposed from outside. It is fortunate for this University that the administration has never gone so far in its efforts to "serve the state," in the narrowest sense, by admitting students on a "first-come, first-served basis." -RALPH KAPLAN ; . I; z, r pCIAA rte- cK . =i yr ~% bc, . r , STATE LEGISLATURE: The Universities' Way Out By THOMAS BRIEN Daily Reviewer CRITICISM is not formed by opinion alone. Movie criticism does not relate directly to en- tertainment value, although the more successful the performance the more likely the movie will be entertaining. So the critic must attend the theater with a different attitude, for he is to pass judge- ment. He must apply a set of standards to that which he is judging. This is a brief statement of standards, though by no means comprehensive. A brief statement of standards, though by no means comprehen- sive, includes four essential levels from which movies must be con- sidered+-structural, psychological, philosophical and archetypal. Suc- cess in any of these dimensions- with the exception of the purely structural - will make a good movie; success in all dimensions will make it great. * * * THE structural dimension in- cludes all the techniques of putting a film together. The only purely structural films are the experi- mental art films which are in- variably meaningless. The struc- tural element, when noticed in conventional movies, is usually seen as "camera tricks,' like the first scene in "The Ballad of A Soldier" where the camera does a loop-the-loop, or the documen- tary scenes in "Hiroshima.. . Mon Amour." Psychological dimension is char- acter portrayal dominating the narrative. The most completely psychological film appearing in Ann Arbor lately was "General Della Rovera:." There were no "camera tricks," and little com- ment on life in these times. There was a weak man getting in situa- tions that demanded moral cour- age. Each time the situation was a little more desperate, and each time he was just able to summon his courage. The narrative devel- oped in a spiral fashion until the General was able to choose en honorable death - a choice he could not have made at the start of the movie. *d THE philosophic dimension rarely dominates the narrative, mostly because character portray- al, i.e., psychological action, is the most immediate and important, and is usually inseparable from the narrative. In "Cimarron," the philosophic counterpoint of hust- lers-settlers versus adventurers- leaders tends to dominate because the portrayal of character is so inept. "The Nights of Cambiria" is roughly half psychological and half philosophical. The viewer follows Cambiria around, but there is a constant philosophical atti- tude underlaying the narrative that is obviously the director's- nvironment wins in any one situa- tion, but the human spirit goes on anyway. s r a THE archetypal dimension de- mands the greatest perspective to discern. This is a critic's pitfall if he must judge before a deadline. Nevertheless, the only movies that, should be considered great fall in- to this category. The closing scene of "Greed" is archetypal; human conflict in an ultimate situation, the desert Movies like "Treasure of Sierra Madre," were merely elaborations of this one scene. "The Virgin Spring" reached archetypal "heights." It developed as a ritual of revenge within an ancient Swedish myth. It was per- haps the most successful of re- cently produced movies coming to Ann Arbor. The most ambitious was "Hiro- shima ... Mon Amour." Starting with unusual and forceful struc- tural effects-the fallout covering the lover's bodies, then the docu- mentary--it moved into the psy- chological relationship of two lovers from different cultures that had recently tried to destroy each other, and explored the philoso- phic psychological relationship be- tween memory and reality-her German lover persisted in mem- ory for years whereas her love for her Japanese lover faded as soon as they climbed out of bed. It failed, however, by not be- coming archetypal. The embrace of France and Japan via these two lovers was a very unsuccessful and sorely stretched metaphor. The opening embrace was an excellent symbol of the world's plight, but the symbolism did not previal, and the end fell flat. * * * OF COURSE, movie audiences do not have to examine movies under these (or any) criteria, if they do not desire. It might in- crease their appreciation, however, if they admit standards of ex- cellence do exist, even for movies. LETTERS to the EDITOR Economy .. . To the Editor: FOR THE PAST MONTH I have been watching with interest as the skies overhead filled with war clouds, and, gaining strength, headed due west for the state Legislature. Our mobilization was for naught, as President Hatcher informed the Board of Regents this past week that we would have a -go at it even though .the in- creasing funds were not appro- priated. It was the only sensible answer, for it is quite doubtful that any rebellious school or school board in Michigan is going to gain, in the long run, by using pressure tactics against the Legislature. I would suggest that this Uni- versity could wisely take further steps. We may well capitalize on the mistakes made by WSU and MSU and thus gain an even better advantage in next years annual joust. * * De mocracy Costs Money WAYNE COUNTY PROSECUTOR Sam Olsen is in another mess. Olsen has been accused in Detroit by two of his former assistant prose- cutors of operating a political slush fund be- cause he levied a 2 per cent "campaign tax" on the salary of each of his assistant prosecutors. The two prosecutors said payments were com- pulsory, but the chief assistant prosecutor in- sists they were voluntary. "We have in fund today $32.46, he said. This will be spent for flowers and advertising items." Wayne County Circuit Court judges, many former prosecutors, were also reached for com- ment. Most of them weren't surprised to hear of the slush fund, and noted voluntary contri- butions to political bosses were often expected. Most of the judges, however, condemned com- pulsory contributions. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME Sam Olsen has been in deep political trouble. The first "scandal" came in 1958 after his appointment by Wayne circuit judges to fill an unexpired vacancy. Olsen accepted $11,000 in campaign funds from the Teamster's Union, insisting there were no political strings attached. It was a move which would spell political death for almost any other public official. A fight with the Wayne County Democratic organization followed, and Olsen was warned his actions would be watched with the "closest scrutiny." As the Olsen-Party rift grew wide open, Wayne County Democrats decided Olsen was too great a political liability. They supported Zoltan Ferenc, now the governor's executive secretary, for prosecutor in the primary. Olsen won. ALTHOUGH HE HAS PROVEN a fair admin- istrator, Olsen has now embarrassed the Democratic party organization on two occa- sions. The party is trying to disown him, but cannot entirely shake off the partial responsi- bility for his appointment. The public is asking. for Olsen's resignation. He may be booted out at the next election. If the charge of compulsory contributions is proven; party leaders might be wise to urge such a resignation, both to save party face and also to prevent the two "scandals" from having a detrimental effect on the prosecutor's work. THE PARTY may be forced to take this action only in reaction to public opinion. The pub- lic, with little understanding of politics, is cer- tain such practices are "wrong." They have not considered the broader implications of the Olsen case. OF ALL THE Circuit Court judges reached for comment only one, Victor J. Baum, got to the heart of the matter. He refused to answer questions on the specific case, but, very signifi- cantly, asserted "I do think that financing of political campaigns, nationally and on the state and local levels is a problem." Even Judge Baum understated the case. Taxpayers, for the most part, consider public officials well-rewarded. The public officials' many financial difficulties have not warranted notice. AN ELECTED OFFICIAL like Olsen must finance a. $5,000 to $40,000 campaign every two, four or six years, depending on appoint- ment and tenure. In addition, public officials are increasingly "hit" for party fund-raising drives, including several $100 a plate dinners each year. Charitable organizations are hounds at the door of any public figure, and social action groups like the NAACP expect life memberships. Politics costs money; democracy is expensive. The political assessment, in which the public official's own employees are tagged for cam- paign expenses, is a fact of American political life. Contributions by political appointees, and employees not under civil service, is a throw- back to the old spoils system. MICHIGAN LAWS have attempted to fix limits on campaign expenditures. Full of loopholes, the laws have been ineffective be- cause they pace unrealistic ceilings on expen- ditures and assume politics does not cost money. Government subsidy of campaigns has been advocated. In Florida, a state law provides a ceiling on expenditures and an authorized cam- paign treasurer to enforce the law. Michigan public officials are not likely, however, to vote themselves a watchdog. Unfortunately, the responsibility for preven- tion of slush funds and "dirty" politics lies with an amorphous mass-the public. The public has not yet accepted the responsibility of donations (EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the last article in a three-part analysis of the problems of higher education in Michigan.) By PHILIP SHERMAN Acting City Editor TWO RECENT EVENTS- the formation of a moderate bloc in the legislative GOP and the publicity given to various higher education "austerity" measures- indicate the Michigan colleges and universities may yet escape their difficulties. At least they suggest two lines of approach to a solu- tion. The publicity and political re- alignment, if effective, may solve the primary difficulty of higher education-money. However, the University's problems-its need to maintain a high out-of-state stu- dent level, need for funds that transcends those of other institu-. tions, the desire for a liberal and uninhibited faculty are not really subsumed under the need for money. Deeper understanding is required of both the public and legislators of this state if the Uni- versity is to meet all these needs and continue to be one of the world's finest educational institu- tions. Let's examine the two recent and auspicious trends: 1) Politics-One of the problems in recent history has been a rela- tively unresolvable gap between the two parties, the Democrats in the executive and the GOP in the legislative branch. This was, of course, partially attributable to the GOP's monumental dislike for their conqueror, G. Mennen Wil- lians. This year, however, Gov. Swain- son has had more cooperation from all sides of the GOP, even given the fact he hasn't pushed hard for much that is strongly displeasing to GOP leaders. At this point, the deep split is there- fore latent. *$* * THE really auspicious events have been the formation of "mo- derate" blocs in both the House and Senate. There are eight Sen- ators, including Ann Arbor's Thayer, and 15 representatives in- cluding Ann Arbor's Bursley. These men realize the need for stronger support for higher educa- tion and other state functions, and apparently will swing the balance in the Legislature towards more adequate expenditures, (and pre- sumably, a tax structure to fi- nance them). If the Democrat's past record is a true indicator, there will be more than adequate support for more appropriations. The parties, or at least substantial parts of them, will be able to get together finally, and accomplish what ought to be done. * * * 2) Publicity-To ensure higher education's success, more is need- ed than some defections from the old line GOP. A popular and operative base of support must be built for higher education. The recent operating cutbacks have been given immense publi- city. Both Detroit metropolitan problems, even if the view they receive is oversimplified. In addition, higher education's leaders are beginning to talk tougher in their speaking trips around the state. There's no set policy agreed upon by all the in- stitutions, but this is the way it will continue to work out. * * * PRESIDENT Hatcher's speech to a Traverse City audience went farther than his usual "shockingly inadequate" remark. His state- ments were refreshing and signifi- cant. "Thinking about higher edu- cation is badly out of joint in re- gards to needs at the national level and apparent needs at the state level," he said. "Billions are spent on the launching pads at the national level while we deny thousands needed to train man- power for the launching pads ..." "We live in an expanding econ- omy. For the University to stay at; its present level it needs more funds every year ..." University and college officials are attempting to fix the blame for enrollment limits and other austerity measures where it be- longs-on the Legislature. It is essential that higher education not be held guilty for doing what it was forced to do. If this were to happen, the situation would be far graver than it already is. * *~ * HIGHER EDUCATION has been getting editorial support. An ex- ample from yesterday's Detroit News: "It is customary for public agencies, including colleges, to predict nothing less than the downfall of western civiliza- tion should their full budget requests be slighted. It is cus- tomary for legislatures to cut them nevertheless. It is cus- tomary that few if any of the dire predictions come to pass. "But the squeeze has been on for several years; over the long haul it must make itself felt. The early years of belt- tightening cut more fat than flesh, with no great harm done. Eventually, belt buckle begins to rub vertebrae. Top teachers begin to drift away; the best professorial prospects begin to shun the place; aca- demic beri-beri begins to show. "We suspect that Michigan's colleges and universities are at that point now- especially those such as Wayne, engaged in a massive, commendable and necessary self-improve- ment effort, or Michigan State University Oakland, building a whole new institution from scratch. "Apparent from recent his- tory is the fact that Michi- gan's economy, to stay healthy, will in future depend less upon the mass-production industies which increasingly employ machinery, not people; more upon research, design and other hard-to-do opera- tions which require high levels of education and brain-type activity. How can Michigan's universities provide this edu- inn n +nirn hnrda-et in-. by magic; the money came from the Legislature. "Yet this year it somehow ran off the track. Shouting demands that already high student fees be increased, cry- ing for the scalps of the out- of-state students every college needs to avoid provincialism (and reprisals), legislators have defied budgetary logic and adopted a "let-em-eat- cake" stance. That Governor Swainson's flip-flops were no help does not detract from legislative responsibility in the matter. "The damage done by this spring's work wil not show up in one year; our children may reap some of it. Neither can it be repaired in a year, but no time is too soon for a start." However, this relatively-favor- able view toward higher education is only part of the picture. The fact remains that the Uni- versity, although sharing the prob- lems of the other state-supported educational institutions, is sad- dled with the unique and difficult task of convincing legislators not only of the needs of education in general, but of the special re- quirements for maintaining the quality of the state's finest uni- versity. * * * THE NINE INSTITUTIONS an- nually send forth a great many graduates into the state. One would think this might eventually make a difference in that each would be an "ambassador" for the University. But count the many graduates in the Legislature, or the number which have relatives who are grad- uates. One would think this would have an influence on their actions. It apparently does not. All of the nine institutions carry out a great many practical ac- tivities - labor relations confer- ences, dissemination of advice on agriculture, extension services and radio programs. These apparently don't have enough of an effect. Even the accomplishments of the universities which directly af- fect the whole nation-like the University's Wallops' Island rocket program - apparently don't im- press lawmakers. * . C FURTHERMORE, the Legisla- ture has hardly changed its atti- tude, as evidenced by Sen. Fran- cis' charge that higher education is now trying to discredit the Legislature by the cutbacks. However, Rep. Engstrom, after receiving a letter from Wayne State University's President Hill- berry and a meeting with Univer- sity Regents took a concilatory stance after initially criticizing WSU. * s * EXACTLY what the Legislature will do next year is therefore un- clear. The moderates and the Democrats may join to push through adequate support. The old guard GOP might come around, or it might block the whole effort. What happens to public opinion in the next year is still an open question. In the lngrun n highere duna- Civilization F'IDEL CASTRO has offered to exchange 1,200 rebel prisoners for 500 American bulldozers, the Associated Press has reported. In Detroit it was announced that Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, Milton Eisenhower and Walter Reuther and other private citizens are scurrying around try- ing to raise capital to buy 500 bulldozers. In Washington, D.C., the State Department de- plored the moral inequity of trading human lives for bulldozers-and then proceeded to promise "most sympathetic consideration" to allowing the machines to be exported. It is rather sad to see United States foreign policy reduced to the barbaric level of buying men's lives. Worse yet, the country would not have been presented with this moral dilemma had it not been for inexcusable bungling and incompetence from an administration whose leader six months ago was calling for a dy- namic foreign policy. -G. TO Editorial Staff I t t r r a i t F 0DAILY OFFICIAL BULLETIN The Daily Official Bulletin is an official publication of The Univer- sity of Michigan for which The Michigan Daily assumes no editorial responsibility. Notices should be sent in TYPEWRITTEN form to Room 3519 Administration Building, before 2 p.m., two days preceding publication. SUNDAY, MAY 21 General Notices A meeting of the senior class presi- dents and other specially appointed representatives will be held in 302 west Engineering Bldg., Wed., May 24, at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of discuss- ing the schedule and plans for Com- mencement. Student Accounts: Your attention is called to the following rules passed by the Regents at their meeting on Febru- ary 28. 1936: "Students shall pay all accounts due the University not later than the last day of classes of each semester or summer session. Student loans which are not paid or renewed are subject to this regulation; however, student loans not yet due are exempt. Any unpaid accounts at the close of business on the last day, of classes will be reported to the Cashier of the University and "(a) All academic credits will be withhold, the grades for the semester or summer' session just completed will not be released, and no transcript of credits will be issued. "(b) All students owing such ac- counts will not be allowed to register in any subsequent semester or sum- mer session until pavment has been FOr, A STARTER, and at the expense of losing Democratic favor, I would like to see an of- ficial survey made of union featherbedding practices here at Michigan. The example in which six service employees take four hours to rake a small plot of grass, or the effect achieved in noticing that virtually every other truck in Ann Arbor carries the Univer- sity sticker would lead the casual observer to believe that political favoritism and/or union pressure has made the University service department an overstaffed and underworked unit. This is certainly one area where a great deal of needless expense can readily oc- cur. A second challenge presents it- self in the form of curriculum change. The first reaction by sev- eral legislators to the WSU cut- back was an immediate probe of curriculum at that school. Credit courses such as bait-casting, square-dancing, folk-dancing, etc. were found to exist, yet WSU pro posed its cutback within the more academic pursuits. One feels sure. that the same legislators will find even more "bait" when they get around to scanning the curriculum offered within a stones throw of the state capitol steps. WE MIGHT do well then to re- evaluate the University curricu- lum; making stronger that which is necessary, and .doing away with other less academic interests. Certainly there is no more im- pressive action which this school can take than to reform from within those areas which have such need. In the end, such a self- initiated move would gain us- im- measurable favor with the Legis- lature, and at the same time give the University an ever-increasing measure of academic strength-- the type of strength that separates a great University from the.rest of the pretenders. -Roger Wolthuis,'62 Ban Coeds !... To the Editor: HAVE READ with considerable interest the small note in the issue of May 16 of the incipient plans for housing of a coeduca- tional nature. I thoroughly com- mend it, and any zeal your paper shows (and your paper will show, I trust, zeal) for the furtherance of this will be heartily approved by the present writer. But may I suggest that while 4 I