DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 97 



the year, I chose Miss Myra E. Eetz, a graduate of the Uuiversity of 

 Chicago, who had had several years' successful experience as a teacher 

 of French. 



Another member of the staff, Mr. James B. Hasselman, has taught 

 for us but two hours a week. When, more than a year ago, Mr. Hassel- 

 man was elected by the Board to the position of Director of Publica- 

 tions, an arrangement was matle by which he would retain for the first 

 year his connection with the Department of English in order that he 

 might continue to give the course in Writing for the Press. His services 

 with the department have been highly satisfactory, and I regret that 

 the growing responsibilities and duties of his new position make it ad- 

 visable that he sever his connection with the Department of English. 



Two of the instructors of the department have been with us only 

 since September. They are Mr. Nelson and Mr. Davidson. Mr. Nelson 

 has the degree of bachelor of arts and that of master of arts from Wabash 

 College. As a member of the American Expeditionary Force he spent 

 four months in the University of Paris after the signing of the armistice. 

 His experience as a teacher of English was gained in the Agricultural 

 and Mechanical College of Oklahoma, in which institution he served as 

 instructor in English for three years. Mr. Davidson has the degree of 

 bachelor of arts from Eureka College and that of master of arts from 

 both the University of Illinois and Harvard University. He was in- 

 structor in English in Northwestern University during the year 1917-'18, 

 and, after receiving liis disdiarge from the army, served as instructor 

 in English in Pennsylvania State College from February to June of last 

 year. 



Both Mr. Nelson and Mr. Davidson have rendered efficiejit service 

 during the year. They are mon of character, are well trained in English, 

 and have carried on their Avork with intelligence and enthusiasm. I am 

 happy to have been able to add them to the staff of the English depart- 

 ment at a time when it is becoming inereasingl}^ difficult to secure 

 capable men for work in English. 



Since I made my last report one member of the department has been 

 removed by death. Mrs. Robson taught to the end of the spring term of 

 last year, and several even of her close friends were unaware that she 

 did so under the handicap of physical weakness and pain. It was with 

 deep sorrow that, in the summer of 1919, all who knew Mrs. Robson 

 learned that she was ill and could not recover. She was a woman of 

 superior intelligence and of the finest character and personality. 



Besides teaching several hundred students each term, the department 

 carries on several extra-curriculum activities. It has been my custom to 

 include in my annual report a brief statement of the essential facts in 

 regard to some of these activities, and, in particular, to report to you the 

 names of students who have won honors in our contests. Accordingly 

 I include herewith similar information relating to the present year. 



In our tristate debate we were successful this year, as for three years 

 previous. We won over Iowa State College by a two-to-one decision and 

 over Purdue University by a unanimous decision. The question debated 

 was: ''Resolved, Thni Labor should l)ave a share in the management of 

 industry through rei)reseiitatives of its own choosing." Our negative 

 team, which defeated Iowa, was made up of B. W. Bellinger, D. V. Steere, 

 and C. J. McLean. Tbc affirmative team, which defeated Purdue, con- 



