A one-day symposium devoted to the topic "Democracy and Excellence," and specifically to whether Americans have been able to reconcile democracy and excellence as de Tocqueville worried 170 years ago, will be held at Drew University on June 5.

The conference, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., honors the late Drew professor Neal Riemer, who taught political philosophy for 30 years. Reimer's paper, "On the Problem of the Reconciliation of Excellence and Consent," will be read by William Rogers, associate dean of the Caspersen School of Graduates Studies, sponsor of the symposium.

The symposium will deal with central issues concerning democracy and excellence that were initially raised by Alex de Tocqueville after his visit to America 170 years ago.

Other papers will be devoted to "Democracy's Quarrel with Excellence," by Drew professor Joseph Romance; "Democracy and Excellence: A Precarious Balance, " by University of Massachusetts professor Glen Tinder; and "Minstrels, Kings, and Citizens: Mark Twain's Political Thought," by Carey McWilliams, from Rutgers. A round-table discussion will close out the day.

There is a registration fee of $40 which includes lunch and a post-symposium reception. Call 973/408-3285 for more information.

Persons needing special assistance should call 973/408-3103 at least five working days prior to the event to ensure appropriate arrangements.