ent000898-043

> * Selecting Biographees for m Who#s Who in America EXCEPT for names which are included in WHO'S WHO IN ?√ß?Σ≤ AMERICA for one or more of the arbitrary reasons designated below, the aim is to include the names, not necessarily of the best, but rather of the best known, men and women in all lines of useful and reputable achievement?╟÷names much in the public eye, not locally, but generally. The standards of admission divide the eligible into two classes: (1) those selected on account of special prominence in creditable lines of effort, making them the subjects of extensive interest, inquiry or discussion; and (2) those included arbitrarily on account of official position-civil, military, religious, educational, corporate or organizational. Class One The first of these two classes comprises persons who have ac- complished some conspicuous achievement?╟÷something out of the ordinary, so to speak?╟÷something which distinguishes them from the vast majority of their contemporaries. This class Is confined to those so identified with American reference interest as to be subject to wide inquiry or discussion. Since selection is entirely guided by reference interest thus delimited, individual details of residence and the like are not determinative. Therefore, in the compilative routine "American" does not apply only to those technically Americans because of allegiance to one of the twenty-one Republics of America, but as well to those throughout the world, including citizens of Canada and the other associated or contiguous Pan American-xireas, found to be subject to American reference interest. Names frequently appear of those who are broadly prominent in some special field, but who are little known in their own communities. The man or woman of great achievement may be scarcely known in the particular locality in which he or she lives. They are often persons whose work is better known than themselves, and it is pertinent information concerning such individuals that WHO'S WHO aims to supply. Arbitrary Class The arbitrary class embraces without regard to notability or prominence in any other respect, the following from, or located in, the United States of America: All members of the Congress; mem- bers of the Cabinet; Federal judges; governors of States, Territories and island possessions; Federal department heads; judges of State and Territorial Courts of the highest appellate jurisdiction; ambas- sadors and ministers plentipotentiary, and ambassadors and ministers accredited to the country, consuls general or consuls at important posts abroad; living authors of books?╟÷books which have received a considerable degree of recognition by the general public or which have attained wide usage by special groups or classes, such as educational groups, scientific groups, literary groups, and the like; the attorneys general of the various States, officers on active duty of the Army, Air Forces and Marine Corps above the rank of briga- dier general, and of the Navy above the rank of captain; heads of the larger universities and colleges; heads of the leading societies devoted to philanthropic, educational and scientific aims; members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Design, the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the National Institute of Arts and Letters; bishops and chief ecclesiastics of all the larger religious denominations; principals of national or international busi- nesses capitalized at or above a certain figure or of the highest commercial "rating"; and others who are chosen in like manner be- cause of their official relations and affiliations. To be sure, the majority in these, arbitrary classifications would be admitted without hesitation because of other distinctions. There is no charge for the inclusion of sketches in Who's Who in America, and there never has been since its founding in 1897. There is no obligation whatsoever involved in connection with a listing, and there never has been. Each name listed is individually selected, and always has been. Neither money nor influence has ever determined a selection; neither money-^-nor any consideration other than achievement or public position?╟÷can obtain a listing in Who s Who.