Campus Life Adjusted Rapidly to War Basis; Decision on Degrees Due
The following article appeared in the Dec. 12, 1941, issue of The Rice Thresher . It appears in its original grammatical form.
The Institute moved to a war footing for the second time in its history this week, and outright declarations of hostilities on Monday and Thursday brought little evident reaction among a student body that had apparently not yet realized the import of what had occurred in the space of a few hours.
There was no administrative comment, although it was understood that officials would meet during the coming week for a definite decision on whether or not seniors forced to leave school for military duty will receive degrees.
Questionnaires
Students who reached the age of 21 on or prior to July 1, 1941, filled out questionnaires sponsored by the national selective service headquarters and cooperating educational agencies Wednesday and Thursday as an increasing stream of undergraduates headed toward the office of the registrar for advice on enlistment in the armed forces.
Only one withdrawal for enlistment was reported through Thursday at 5 p.m.
Formal Dances
Representatives of the three literary societies conferred with an administration spokesman Tuesday, about the possible cancellation of remaining formal dances, and indications from preliminary discussion were that formals would be banned after this week by mutual consent of the societies and administration.
Unofficially, it was learned that the administration would favor retaining any activity not actually inimical to the defense effort, and that the initiative for any radical changes in campus life would continue to come from the students themselves.
Classes Suspended
Principal excitement was confined to the dormitories, where sudden open warfare precipitates an epidemic of discussion of the immediate future before students.
Many classes were suspended momentarily Monday as President Roosevelt asked a joint session of Congress for an immediate declaration of war against Japan, but there were no reported dismissals Thursday as Congress met again in extraordinary session. Two examinations were postponed Monday by instructors because of the crisis.
At the Navy Building, 20 engineering students reported Tuesday at 9 a.m. for physical examination in connection with application for commission with the Bureau of Navigation. Complete lists of applicants passing the check-up were not available Thursday.
A World at WAR
Secretary of Navy Frank Knox arrives in Hawaii by plane. Complete reports expected.
U.S. Army reports Hawaiian situation "well in hand" at all points.
Japanese position indicated stronger in North Luzon, no change otherwise. Jap landing party establishes new bridgehead 250 miles southeast of Manila; no progress inland at any point.
New assaults on Wake Island repulsed by navy with reported loss of one Jap light cruiser, one destroyer, damage to another battleship of the 29,000-ton class, sister ship to "Haruna," sunk by army planes in engagement Thursday.
Russian emissary Litvinov confers with Cordell Hull, who expressed confidence Russians "would do their share." Litvinov reported to have explained that Soviet declaration of war against Japs would weaken Russian position both in Far East and in Europe after asserting his belief that Stalin "will continue against Hitler to total victory."
Dominican Republic declares war on Germany and Italy, following Costa Rica and Guatemala. Mexico breaks off diplomatic relations with both nations.
America First Committee will be dissolved "as soon as necessary legal steps are taken."
Blackouts continue on West Coast.
Congress takes only 75 minutes for unanimous declaration of war against Germany, Italy, FDR's message only 133 words.
Hitler speaks for 90 minutes before Reichstag.
This item appeared in the Anniversary section of the March 29, 1996 issue.
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