THE WEATHER i IjT&-' ' ASSOCIATED PROBABLY RAIN '~ PRESS TOD~ ~i~d' ADAY AND NIGHT WIRE W SERICE VOL. XXIX. No. 146. ANN ARBOR, ICHIGAN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1919. PRICE THREE CENTS t PRESENT RUSSIAN CONDITION DUE TOU MASS ILLITERACY 80 PER CENT OF PEOPLE ILLITERATE AND HELPLESS AREI DR. EGBERT SPOKE ON HUN MENACE IN RUSSIA Germ an Exptltdon to Be Feared If World Looks Other Way CAMPUS THEATRE NEC PROPER EDUCATI( (T. F. M.) For many years there has been a rather feeble campaign carried on by a few enthusiastic devotees to augment the literary curriculum in order to in- clude courses in dramatic composi- tion, writing, criticism, and the study of the mechanics of play presentation; Discussion for the most part has been confined to the artistic sanctuaries of its protagonists, and little has been publicly done or said in its regard, ex- cept about opera time, when the mat- ter has been given a scant, transient bit of consideration. Nevertheless, the need remains, and with the growth of the University, and the variety of new studies introduced, the importance of such a subject has increased. Perhaps the most difficult phase of the question is concerned with the specific methods to be used in attaining the end in view. Campus Stage Needed' Speaking on the subject, Prof. Thom- as E. Rankin, who has carried on the' work to a necessarily limited degree, in summer schools at the University, remarks that what this community (By A. W. Brown), "The cause of the present conditions of anarchy and bolshevism in Russia may be attributed to the illiterate con. dition of the masses," said, in effect Mme. Breshkovsky, last night in he address in Hill auditorium upon the subject, "Reclaiming Russia." Untold Possibilities "If you could but know my people as I know them, you would see what children they are: good children, with untold possibilities, undeveloped ca. pacities; industrious, bright, devoted, fearless children; but children in the dark; easily misled because of their ignorance. "As I travel through your wonder- ful America and see so many beauti- ful schools and universities, so many lleautiful public edifices, so many hap- py people, I cannot but rejoice; but at the same time I must grieve for thinking of the pitiaby contrasted conditions in my poor, torn country. Great Contrast "You have so much of comfort, you are so strong and happy. You are thinking people, for you are educat- ed'; you may satisfy the greatest hu- man longing; the longing to create, to do something admirable, praiseworthy; the longing to develop and diffuse your innate capacities; but my people - they can but drudge, they have never been allowed to think, to expand, to give themselves self-expression. Not less than 80 per cent of all my peo- ple are illiterates. That is, after all, the greatest tragedy. "And if I come to you with amy message at all tonight, it is that you must aid my country, my people, in gaining that which they have never had, opportunity for full development. "We need educators, business men, all that machinery which will furnish a foundation for the economic and ed- ucational future of Russia." Dr. Egbert Speaks Dr. Edward H. Egbert, who preceded Mme. Breshkovsky with an address upon the subject, "Reclaiming Rus- sia," said: "Russia's problem is the Russian problem, and the Russian problem is the world's problem, for Russia makes up one-sixth of the total earth's area and her population numbers 180,000,- (Continued on* Page Six) PUBL IC SPEAING WORK WILL BE REORGANIZED In order to get only those really interested in campus oratorical work in charge of all campus public speak- ing affairs, a re-organization of the University board in control of orator- ical work is planned. The contem- plated change in doing away with class representatives on the oratorical board and in their stead instituting a board of about 20 men elected from the student body. The administration of campus or- atorical work would thus be central- ied, as it is planned to have each member of the proposed board be a chairman of a certain committee. Among the 20 odd committees would be ones such as lecture, social, intra- mural debating, and finance commit- tees. No change in the membership of the University Oratorical association is contemplated, all students and facul- ty still being eligible to membership. The proposed plan has already met the approval of the present oratorical board. A meeting for general discus- sion of the measure will be held next week, and the final vote will be taken at the campus elections held next month. TO RETURN CABLES MAY 2 { Washington, April 29.-Post- fI master-General Burleson issued an order today returning the American cable systems to their owners, effective at midnight, May 2. The postmaster-gener-I al's order was issued at the di- Irection of President Wilson. E S a t, r e e It h e r Y t r i z r needs most is an Art cial feature and stage of all at the present time Alliance building, a spe- of which would be a hall for the presentation of MASS MEETING TO OPEN CLASS GAMESi Numerous Events to Take Time Students May 11-18; Annual Day Planned of CHANGE CAP NIGHT TO DAY OF HIGH SCHOOL TRACK MEET A giant mass meeting to inaugurate the activities of Spring games week, May 11 to 18, was planned by the Stu- dent council Tuesday night for either May 12 or 13. This type of get-to- gether will probably resolve in the annual holding of a Traditions' day. Freshmen, sophomores, and all con- cerned with under graduate events will be kept busy during that week with a sophomore meeting, a fresh- man meeting, the numerous events of the games, and now an All-campus pep meeting wherein the wishes of alumni and returned students will be realized by an en masse exhibition of Michigan, spirit. The date of Cap night was changed from May 29 to May 23 by the council because a number of men will be in town then for the Interscholastic track and field meet and a larger crowd of visitors will be able to attend. C. E. Bottum, '20, was appointed chairman of Cap night. A motion was passed by the coun- cil to the effect that there be not more than three nominations for the same office at the All-campus election. WAR POSTERS HELP FRENCH TO VICTORY "Everyone in France, even the schoolchildren were mobilized," said Prof. Philip E. Bursley of the French department during his lecture Tues- day afternoon in Alumni Memorial hall on his collection of French war, posters. "The children up to 16 years of age were encouraged to en- ter contests for the best posters that they could draw or paint." In this way the artists of the country were aided in their efforts to convince the people of the necessity of purchasing war loans and to keep the hatred against the boche at boiling heat. Noticably striking among the 150 posters in the collection were those issued by the league aginst renewing relations with the Germans. The dastardness and cruelty of the enemy were flaunted in bright colors and boldly called to the attention of all li large type. Small posters of the children and the masterpieces of the artists, ac- cording to Professor Bursley, paved the way for each of the four French war loans and a new set now plac- ard the buildings of Paris for the pres nt loan, which greatly resembles our ictory loan. "Fr mn the very first day of the con- flict in August, 1914," said Professor Bursley, "the French have been think- ing of Alscex Lorraine and many of the pictures on the posters show char- acters or scenes from these places." The coming of the Americans to France was depicted in a series of four posters. One of the posters used . for the second loan was enscribed "We will have them" and lately the catch word is "We have them." CESSARY TO GIVE )N IN MODERN DRAMA plays. He goes on to say: "This gen- eration is extremely rich in its dra- matic heritage from the past, and, furthermore, within the memory of even middle-aged men, there have been a score or more og dramatists who to- gether have written a hundred or more of plays, which will never cease to be read by lovers of literature." But, it is observed, these plays are not being produced in our theaters, and the public is being robbed by the fail- ure to produce them just as much as the Elizabethan public would have been robbed if the theatrical managers of their day had failed to produce the plays of Marlowe, Shakespeare, and Ben Jonson. At present the theater is a business; but drama is only an art. Depends on Native Ability That is concerned with the apprecia- tion and enjoyment of the drama. As to the study and making of dramas, it is a different matter. It is hardly disputed that from the great number of students in literary work very few indeed could attain preeminence in plays writing. It is a subject which depends upon the native ability, nat- ural taste, discrimination, imagination,f And sense of values - in atword, the genius of the student. 'In the actualt teaching of the drama, little can be done. For it is something so entirely2 a part of the writer, himself, that itf cannot be taught. In this regard, Professor Rankin isr inclined to think that no undergrad-r uate student should be permitted toi enter a course in dramatic writing inv a college unless he has already shown1 strong authorial ability of some sort. The most successful of all American playwrights once said that he neverc spent less than two entire years up-i on any one of his plays. That an un-t dergraduate studyent can create a drama within the course of one semes- ter, is a matter which Professor Ran- kin doubts, and, in general, he be- lieves dramtic writing should be con- fined to graduates.i Many Can Write However, there are many studentsn who have the ability to write plays, and who, because of circumstances,a are unable to realize their possibili- ties. For them, teaching drama is not necessary. To study mere stage ef-n fects, to secure instruction in the me-c chanical details of presentation, to bea taught the basic rules of dramatic ac-b tion would suffice those who have the n special talent. Stage driection is a' thing that can be taught, and the prin- b ciples and framework of the drama t are as susceptible of study, as gram- b mar or bridge building. C. At Harvard and Vassar much has u been accomplished working in this, di- rection. Of necessity, the methods em- n ployed are those of the laboratory. a "The Work Shop" is the name of the s class, that carries on these experi- c ments, and an important feature of the o system is the study of the mechanical P elements that make a paly. C Members Would Be Interested i Such a course could be pursued at C e vichigan. Many student writers, prize$ sssay and poem competitors, members f student publications, and independ- s nt college quillmen would be deeply nterested in such convenient facilities b for this study. Undoubtedly, in time, S ome playwrights, even great ones, ould be produced. The enthusiasm isJ present; we have able men to guide Lid assist in the instruction. There is nly one element lacking, and for Yichigan it is now the most important Alement -- we have no suitable labor- itory. The solution is a campus theater at d ;he University. t n PONTIAC CLUB TO BOOST a MICHIGAN IN HOME TOWN7 S Boosting the University in Pontiac t YANKS IN RUSSIA 0. K. W ashington, April 29.-Brig- adier General Richardson, com- mander of the American forces in Northern Russia, in an official reportto the war department to- day, said he had visited all the detachments in the Archangel region and had found the health and spirits of the men good. There was no apprehension at headquarters, he said, respect- ing the morale of the American forces. IL L PRESIDENT HUTCHINS ENDORSESHULLABALOO PROCEEDS OF ENTERTAINMENT TO SUPPORT FIELD SEC. RETARY "My attention has been called to the fact that an entertainment under the auspices of the Cosmopolitan club of the University of Michigan is to be given in Hill auditorium, Friday, May 2, 1919, at 8 o'clock. I am glad to give my approval of this entertain- ment, for the Cosmopolitan club is a most useful organization and the ob- ject of the entertainment is a most worthy one. I trust that the club will be favored with a large audience. A generous portion of the money re- ceived is to be used toward maintain- ing an European traveling secretary to promote the cosmopolitan spirit among the colleges and universities in Europe. (Signed) HARRY B. HUTCHINS, President." The foregoing endorsement by Pres- dent Harry B. Hutchins 'of "The All- Nation Hullabaloo," which the Cos- mopolitan club is presenting Friday night in Hill auditorium, should do much to fill the building with a cap- acity audience. The Corda Frates association of Cos- mopolitan clubs of which the local qlub is a member, held a convention at the University of Chicago, Decem- ber 26-28, 1918, at which the following resolution was passed: "Be it resolv- ed that one or more representatives be sent by the national association o Europe to spread cosmopolitanism by establishing and rehabilitating chapters in European colleges and universities." The expense of the delegation will necessitate a fund of some four thous- and dollars to be raised by individual ubscriptions, contributions from the hapters and by donations. The board f trustees for this fund consists of Prof. J. R. Angell of the University of Chicago; Mr. J. J. Arnold, vice-pres- dent of the Frst National bank, Chi-; ago; and Prof. E. W. Burgess, form-; r president of the association. About 1,000 of the fund has already been, ubscribed. Tickets for "The All-Nation Hulla- aloo" are now on sale at Wahr's, later's, and Sheehan's book stores.4 Economics Smoker To Draw Crowd Affairs of interest to the economic epartment and of economic Impor- ance will be discussed at the All-Eco-I omics smoker to be given under the uspices lof the Commerce club at :45 o'clock in the Michigan Union.] Profs. Robert W. Wenley and I. Leof harfman will speak. It was plannedI o have Prof. Henry C. Adams talk, ut he is unble to appear because of llness. Another speaker will be ob-.f ained to take his" place. Music played by men of the eco-I oomics department will be an addedI eature of the evening. Smokes willI >e provided for all who pay the 25 ient admission charge.c I. AERO CLUB DINNER FOR RICKENBACKER Capt. EddieRickenbacker, Ameri- ca's best in aviation, will be royally entertained Saturday evening at a dinner given at the Union at 6 o'clock under the auspices of the University of Michigan Aero club. There will be only 500 tickets saold and these are expected to go very quickly. Union members, only, will be able to buy tickets at a dollar a plate either at the Union or from members of the Aero club. George Ohrstrom, '19L, a friend of Captain Rickenbacker, and Donald Springer, '19E, president of the Union, have been very active in arranging the details and they predict an unusually interesting evening. Wilfred V. Cas- grain, who was with Captain Ricken- backer at the front, will act as toast- master. Members of the Aero club are re- quested to be present at the meeting at 7 o'clock in the Union. - TEHNIU, SARDOU'S MAIN' CHARCTERISTIC INTRICATELY CONCEIVED PLOT CAUSES DIFFICULTY IN CUTTING Unusual skill in the technique of playwrighting is considered to be the outstanding characteristic of Victorien Sardou, whose work, "Nos Intimes," is to be presented under the auspices of the Cercle Francais at 8 o'clock Thursday evening in Sarah Caswell Angell hall. Sardou is a clever rather than a great dramatist. Cutting Diffcutl In "Nos Intimes" every speech and each bit of action so depend on some previous action or speech, and the whole plot is so carefully woven that the process of shortening the produc- tion by cutting was exceedingly diffi- cult. Sardou exhibits in this play the keen sense of dramatic values for which he is noted. Sardou was constantly on the alert in his daily life for material that he could use in his plays. When he met an interesting person, when he heard a clever conversation, saw a new scen- ic effect, or ran across a pretty girl, he considered each for its dramatic possibilities, and if he thought what he observed worthwhile, he laid it away in his mind for future reference. Three Hour Performance As the performance will take up about three hours with intermissions, it is especially requested by Mr. Hackes, the director, that the audi- ence be prompt in their attendance. The curtain will rise sharply at 8 o'clock, Thursday evening. Tickets for the presentation will be on sale from 4 to 6 o'clock Wednesday in Wahr's book store and will also be sold at the door. The prices are 50 and 75 cents and $1. MAY 16 DATE SET FOR FRESH FROLIC AT BARBOUR GYM May 16 is the date set for the Frolic of the Fresh literary class which will be held in Barbour gymnasium be- cause of its appropriateness. Practi- cally all arrangements have been com- pleted for the annual dance of the freshmen, whose attendance this year is limited to 200. A meeting of the freshman literary class is to be held at 4 o'clock thisj afternoon, at which time it will be de- cided whether the Frolic will be sum- mer formal, white flannel trousers and blue coat, or informal. Tickets will be placed on sale at this meeting. Promotion of class spirit for thej coming spring games and athletic ac- tivities is another purpose of the meet- ing. A baseball manager will proba- bly be elected.j INCLEMENT WEATHER HOLDS BACK TRANS-OCEAN FLIERS -f I ORLANDO NOT TO' RETURN TO PARIS FOR TREATY-SIGNING; CONFRONTED i BY SERIOUS DILEMMA IN ITALY AMBASSADOR PAGE GETS EXPRES- SION FROM MINISTER IN INTERVIEW COMPLICATIONS GROW AS PACT IS COMPLETED Allies May Sign Document Alone if Rome Maintains Recalcitrant Attitude (By Associated Press) Paris, April 29. - Ambassador Page telegraphed from Rometoday that he had gathered from Premier Orlando in a long conference Monday that the premier did not intend to return to Paris for the signing of the treaty. The premier expressed regret that the time was so short before the arrival of the Germans. This was only one of the disturb- ing complications presented by the Italian situation as the time approach- es for the delivery of the treaty to Germany. Should Premier Orlando not return for the signing of the treaty it would give the situation a more serious aspect than the departure of the Italian delegation, as the Allies would be required to take final action without the participation of Italy. While there is every desire to avoid this result, the indications are that the Allies will proceed with the signing if Italy decides to withhold participa- tion. Orlando's Dilemma The Italian premier, Ambassador Page said felt that his action either way would have serious consequences; but it was preferable to have trouble from without rather than from within Italy, because the present state of public feeling there would not justify the signing of the treaty which did not include Italian aspirations. Ambassador Page said he had taken steps to have the Italian authori- ties suppress manifestations directed against President Wilson. Final Draft Complete The final draft of the treaty is vir- tually completed. The men in charge of the work say they have no doubt they will be able to finish their work by Thursday or such time as delivery is made. The treaty consists of about 80,000 words. An official summary has been compiled and will be made public (Continued on Page Six) NEW Y. W,. C A1 CABINET MEMBERS ANNOUNCEO Installation of the new Y. W. C. A. cabinet will be held at Y. W. C. A. vesper services at 4 o'clock this aft- ernoon in Barbour gymnasium. Miss Constance Ball, Y. W. C. A. secretary in charge of the state universities of Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and In- diana, will discuss Y. W. C. A. work as a vocation. Reception for Miss Ball After vesper services a reception will be held in honor of Miss Ball. Miss Amanda Nelson, secretary on the national board of the Y. W. C. A., and Miss Ball were guests of honor at a reception held yesterday after- non by the University Y. W. C. A. at the home of Mrs. A. E. Jennings on Geddes avenue. Both Miss Nelson and Miss Ball gave short talks on opportunities for uni- versity women in this work. lone Wilbur, of the School of Music, sang several selections. Members Announced Cabinet members as announced yes- terday by Katherine Loveland, '20, president of the Y. W. C. A., are as follows: officers, president, Katherine DeVries, '21; secretary Desdemona Watts, '22; treasurer, Beatrice Beck- with, '21; committee chairmen: re- ligious education classes, Elizabeth. Burgess, '20; vespers, Ruth Jennings, '20; membership, Kathryn Glass, '20; social service, Flora Bel Ellis, '20; social, Ann Noble, '20; publicity, Alice Comlossy, '21; international, Margaret Rothschaefer, '21; intercollegiate, Frances Wesley, '20; conference and conventions, Rose Sturmer, '20; music, Katherine Farrah, School -o Music. i_ by inviting the senior class of the high school to the spring games, will be the first achievement of the Pontiac club, composed of Pontiac high school graduates, formed Tuesday night at Lane .hall. A banquet will be given for the future University students at the time of their visit. ALL SEATS RESERVED THE CERCLE FRANCAIS PRESENTS "NOB INTIMES" MODERN FRENCH COMEDY Thursday, May 1, 8 P. M. SARAH CASWELL ANGELL HALL Easily Understood - Interesting Plot Humor - Action Tickets at Wahr's 50e, 75c, $1.00 with rebate of 50c to associate members St. Johns, Newfoundland, April 29.-- With another sudden change to bad I weather the start of the transatlantic1 flight of Harry Hawker, Australian, and Capt. Frederick P. Raynham, his1 British rival, has been postponed from two days to a fortnight, when the full moon may bring hoped for flying con- ditions. The most optimistic predic- tions call for at least 48 hours' con- tinuation of present conditions and though both flyers and crews held themselves in readiness for a hop-off during the early morning byamidaft - ernoon all hope for an immediate shift in the wind was abandoned and Sophomc outs for a for the Gb are wanted ager, Char between 3; iday after Ibuilding. ore and freshman try- ssistant managerships ee And Mandolin clubs' d. Apply to the man- rles R. Osius, Jr., '20, and 4 o'clock Wednes- noon room 1, Press the hangars were deserted. i