Oxford and the Rhodes ScholarshipsScholz, R. F. (Richard Frederick)
History
Oxford and the Rhodes Scholarships
Scholz, R. F. (Richard Frederick)
Rhodes scholarships
In October, 1904, the first large group of Rhodes Scholars, 72 in
number, was matriculated at Oxford. The two questions which most vexed
the Rhodes Scholars and the College and University authorities in that
year were that of ‘standing’ and that of ‘choosing a course’, and these
questions, while being simplified and made easier of settlement, will
remain as problems which will confront the majority of foreign students
who enter Oxford, especially Americans.[26]
In October, 1905, 67 more Rhodes Scholars arrived, followed in October,
1906, by 28 more, there being for 1906 no appointments in the United
States. In the interval eighteen have ‘gone down’[27] and two have died.
The system of appointment, including Methods, Committees,
and Regulations, has required some alteration and constant
supervision—matters that occupy Dr. Parkin’s attention. At Oxford,
personal negotiation, introduction, the adjustment of ever-rising
individual questions, consultations, suggestion and advice when sought,
and—by no means least—the issuing of quarterly cheques, are the
_technical_ functions of Mr. Wylie’s office.
Such, in brief, have been the successive steps by which the machinery
has been set up and put in motion for realizing the elementary stages
of the Rhodes Scholarship Scheme. By these means Rhodes Scholars have
entered—and some have already left—Oxford. At present (January, 1907)
there are in residence on the banks of the Isis 158 students who, in the
words of the late Dr. Monro of Oriel, ‘benefiting by the munificence of
Cecil Rhodes, now come from distant colonies and from nations joined to
us by the tie of culture and of scholarship.’
The Rhodes Scholar enters Oxford, not as a ‘Scholar’, but as a
‘Commoner’[28]; his relations and responsibilities to the University
are those of the ordinary undergraduate. He has served his time as a
‘curiosity’, the Chancellor has welcomed him, the Proctor has declared
his approval of his presence, the Examiners have been ‘satisfied’, and
the University has conferred degrees upon some of his number. His ‘Rhodes
Scholarship’ is ceasing to be emphasized, and it is understood that it is
his business and his purpose to live the life, so far as is compatible
with his individual tastes, his character, and his principles, of the
ordinary Oxford student.
RHODES SCHOLARS
A LIST CONTAINING THE NUMBER OF APPOINTMENTS, ETC., TO DATE.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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