of Oriental immigration into the United States for example) raises issues which ramify in many directions. To make progress toward clearer understanding of and way of dealing with these issues, it is essential that the pertinent facts involved, expert opinions, and the viewpoints of all the peoples involved be fully considered. The Conference will provide that fellowship, scientific inquiry and method of discussion and study which makes for a genuine advance in thinking on the part of all who participate. To Illustrate the Procedure "The problem of Oriental immigration into the United States, for instance, involves such questions as: What are the facts of immigration? What have been the practical effects on the life of the United States of Oriental immigration to date? What is the ethical right of one nation to discriminate as to whom it will admit within its borders? What is the historical background of the present legislation? Just why do the people of Japan resent the present legislation? What are the underlying facts as to biological differences, if any, between occidental and oriental peoples? What is assimilation and non-assimilability, if the latter is a fact? Matters of this sort and others will undoubtedly emerge from a consideration of this general problem (which is here taken as illustrative). Round table groups will be formed around them and open to attendants according to their special interests. The program of each will be carefully organized under capable chairmanship and with competent specialists participating as needed. These groups can form and reform as reports are formulated and new interests develop. The program will be so organized that each attendant can make his full contribution and that the data and opinions of men of science and wider information can be fully utilized. (The names of men of special qualifications in relation to each of these general problems who will attend, will be announced well in advance of the Conference.) General forums under qualified leadership will make possible the introduction of these topics before the Conference as a whole. The round tables will be the central feature of the Conference, taking up specific aspects of the problems as these challenge special interest and demand more incisive study. The participation of outstanding authorities in these smaller groups will offer opportunity for that consideration of data and scientific opinion which leads. to clear thinking. As the results of the study of the various round tables are reported to the general forums they serve to advance and integrate the thinking of the Conference as a whole. General addresses by men of specialized information will be arranged from day to day in light of the demands and progress of the work of the Conference. Such information will thus be related to the main line of inquiry and form a part of a unified program. Able chairmanship of round tables will be provided and the educational procedure of the Conference as a whole carefully considered that it may follow high standards of study and maintain a general unity. The procedure of the Conference insures that it will be resultful in that its flexibility will make for vitality. It will be free to follow each line of inquiry and interest as it develops. The contribution of experts will be utilized as it will best serve to forward the study of the round tables and the general conference. Preliminary syllabi covering the major issues will be prepared and bibliography suggested. Library facilities will be provided. THE EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION Syllabi and Preparatory Study "Well in advance of the Conference an outline of the main factors in the Pacific situation, together with a suggested list of questions representing specific problems, will be sent out for discussion and criticism by groups and individuals who are planning to attend. They will be requested to modify these and add others which ought to be discussed. Selected reading will be suggested and supplied for study by attendants while en route to Hawaii. The Round Tables "These should meet for an hour and a half or two hours daily. The program for each Round Table is to be developed as it proceeds, growing out of the problems emerging from the Round Table discussions and general forums and addresses themselves. Each Round Table should represent an approach to the situation as a whole and will make a contribution through its results to the general Conference. They will thus be integrated closely into the general work of the Conference. They should be flexible in organization, being formed and reformed around questions that emerge. Chairmanship of the Round Tables should be under the direction of men qualified and coached for this task, the chairmen being directors and leaders of the discussion and study, who will meet daily in a planning conference and have a major part in determining the shaping of the trend of the program of the Conference as a whole, that it may follow the developing interests of all in attendance. "Experts" who are invited to sit in at the Round Tables should be present there as participants in the discussion, offering information and points of view as needed to forward the study of the group. Their contributions should be made as pertinent to the discussion. They should "lecture" only at times specifically provided for this. This sort of relation to the program insures that their knowledge is available where most needed. Forums "These will offer opportunity for brief presentation of facts and of points of view and for general discussion. They should be under general chairmanship and carefully planned to insure fair and adequate discussion. They should be limited, at least so far as discussion is concerned to registered attendants at the Conference. Out of the give and take of the forum will emerge the problems around which Round Table groups will be formed. As the results of the various Round Tables are reported back to the forum, the thinking of the Conference as a whole will be forwarded. These general forums should be the central feature of the Conference where the progress of its thinking and study is most marked. Addresses "These will be the more formal occasions, providing opportunity for more lengthy presentation of themes by men especially qualified to bring information and points of view. The program for these should be arranged and announced as the Conference develops from day to day. The men who will be asked to make such addresses will be those who have ability to do so in terms of the interests and problems of the Conference as these matters emerge in Round Tables and forums. The Round Table chairman should determine the program for the addresses from day to day and select the speakers sufficiently in advance to make preparation possible, yet keeping the program progressively unified. The addresses to be open to the public. With the Round Tables and forums meeting at some center such as The Church in the Garden, it will be possible to hold men without interruption for these two parts of the program. Late afternoons and evenings will be available for observation trips about Honolulu and for evening dinner engagements. By omitting forums on Friday and Saturday, and possibly addresses as well on the latter day, more extended observation trips will be provided for. These trips should be not only recreation and sightseeing, but for observation of a sort that will have a bearing on the theme of the Conference. They should provide opportunity for that sort of fellowship which the Conference seeks to increase." |