CATT, Carrie Chapman GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Dartmouth Round Table 4 New Hampshire Hall, Hanover, New Hampshire, January 14, 1925. Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt, 171 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. My dear Mrs. Catt: Since I had been receiving payment of dues as treasurer of the Round Table, your questionnaire came to me. Pres. K.E. Smith has filled out the blanks, but since I happen to be particularly interested in the subject I am adding a few words. The Round Table professes no creed, exception that of unlimited discussion, so we have passed no resolutions regarding the recognition of Russia, or any other question mentioned in the questionnaire. To my recollection, we have had only one evening, or talk, on the Youth Movement. This was occasioned by the coming to Hanover of two of the Foreign students who were touring this country in the spring of 1923 (I think). The whole college was grateful for the visit of these students and the affair has never brought forth anything but increased respect for the youth of other countries--particularly Germany, since the best speaker was a German youth. I think he also specifically mentioned that on these hikes which the groups take, the boys and girls usually travel in separate groups. This precaution is not even necessary in the case of picnics of our American co-ed universities. The particular motive behind this letter, however, was to let you know of some of Marvin's latest tricks. Perhaps you knew that he spoke before the Government Club, or Gov't League-- a New York society composed chiefly of women, I take it, meeting in the Waldorf-Astoria and headed by a determined woman, Mrs. Geo. E. Owens, Their regular meetings are broadcasted by Station WEAF, New York, and I heard their session of Monday, Jan. 5 from Trenton, New Jersey. It would have been humorous-- it was so serious ! Fred Marvin sprang his usual line and was particularly appealing in his answers to the questions. (I did not get on in time to hear much of his main speech). Having just attended a college students' conference of the League for Industrial Democracy at which we were also addressed by Roger Baldwin, Director of the Civil Liberties Union, and being a member of the National Students' Forum, I was particularly amused to hear Marvin show them all up as closely connected with Moscow and the "Youth Movement inspired in Moscow, and emanating from Germany". He also took delight in showing that the L.I.D. was formerly the Intercollegiate Socialists' Club. He particularly bawled out Paul Blanshard for speaking to 35,000 students and signing up 2500 new student members of the L.I.D.-- all supposed to the Communists, Bolsheviks, pacifists, or worse. Both he and Mrs. Owen stressed the fact that 100% Americans were not welcome at the colleges, while communists were eagerly dragged in to speak to the students. Well, we know what a time we had to get W.Z. Foster to speak here! I think that Marvin is deliberately spreading malicious falsehood-- at least on this point. He did admit that the students organized in forums (agencies of the devil, more properly) were responsible for the liberal speakers at colleges; apparently not realizing that the 100% Republican students (there are plenty of them) have the same privilege of clubbing and bringing in any speaker they can hire. It was particularly amusing to hear Mrs. Owen point out that while four years ago there were only a million voters "like that"--this year there were four million of them. It is the function of the Government Club to convert 1/2 of 1% if possible, thus doing their bit. They realize their task is enormous. They discuss Child Labor (every one of them is against the amendment) some Monday in February, the 9th I think. Listen in about 2:30 or later, and you will glean some weird information about radicals of every stripe. The Govt. Club also furnishes pamphlets, etc. Very truly yours, H. Schuyler Foster, Jr. Questionnaire sent to twenty-five college organizations subtly charged with being tinged with communistic ideals. 1. When was your organization formed? May 5, 1921 2. Was it organized by a foreigner? No Or after an address by a representative of the European Youth Movement? No 3. Have you had an address by a declared communist? Yes Or have speakers upon other themes espoused communism? Yes 4. Has your society endorsed communism by resolution? No Or the recognition of Soviet Russia by this country? No 5. What is the primary object of your organization? Was it formed with or without the consent of your Faculty? With consent & approval. To create among Dartmouth men an intelligent interest in the problems of the day. 6. Have you any connection with Soviet Russia or any of its agents? No 7. Have you endorsed socialism by resolution? No 8. How many of your members do you estimate are socialists? Majority How many communists? None What is your total membership? 88 9. Have you passed resolutions forming any program aiming at permanent peace - such as the World Court, League of Nations, Outlawry of War, etc? No If so, what was their nature? - 10. Are you permitted by your college to meet freely, Yes with or without supervision? - without supervision Page 2. 11. Does your organization consider itself radical? Liberal If so, what radical measures does it favor? Sponsors nothing specifically. 12. Does your organization consider itself liberal or progressive, if so, what liberal or progressive measures has it endorsed? Is liberal--but centers activity on mere discussion with leaders in world problems. 13. Have you endorsed the Youth Movement? No 14. If so, what is your definition of it? __ 15. Has any speaker included any similar comment upon the relation of the sexes in youth as quoted from Mr. Marvin's letter enclosed? No Comment: From constitution-- The purpose is to bring about a fair and open-minded consideration of social, industrial, political, and international questions by Dartmouth men. The organization shall espouse no creed or principle other than that of complete freedom of assembly and discussion. Signed Kenneth E Smith. Pres. For Dartmouth Round Table Transcribed and reviewed by volunteers participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.