1
UNIVERSITY COURIER.
PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY MORNING.
SUBSCRIPTION, $1 PERYEAR,
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS.
VOL. IX.
Mind Parallelism.
One of the most interesting features of the study of metaphysics is that of mind parallelism; that principle of psychology which causes "great minds to run in the same channel." History has furnished us many wonderful examples but we believe that one which we happened upon accidentally a day or two since, will eclipse any instance hitherto recorded.
We were reading an article in one of the bound periodicals in our University library, when it occurred to us that one of our western orators had written a very similar production upon a very similar theme. Upon comparison it almost seemed at first that the writer in the periodical must have plagiarized, but we finally concluded that it was merely a case of "mind parallelism." The resemblance between the two productions, however, is very striking, and we will give our readers one paragraph taken from the oration of the western man (a Washburn man by the way) to show how closely the periodical (New Princeton Review) writer follows the thought of the western man. WASHBURN ORATOR NEW PRINCETON BE
LAWRENCE, KANSAS, APRIL, 17 1891.
American Idea. The fathers of our republic formulated the American, not as theorists make phrases, but as earnest men speak the truths that life has taught them. They were not indulging in glittering generalities when they challenged the opinion of mankind with the declaration that all men are free and equal; seafaring forth a simple taut, and on that truth they built a nation. In logical pursuance of this idea they instituted a simple truth and on that truth they self-government, personal, local, state and national. In all that concerns the individual, each man must be absolently a law unto himself. In all that concerns the community, whether vilage, city, or rural township, the people of the community have the right to decide for themselves. Everything which pertains to the common wealth comes under the jurisdiction of the state authorities. In all matters of interest, the nation al govern ment, with supreme power, rises superior to the petty considerations of local interests, and assumes responsibility for the welfare of the whole country. The fathers formulated this idea, not as theorists make phrases, but as earnest men speak the truths that life has taught them. They were not indulging in glittering generalities, therefore when they challenged the opinion of mankind with the declaration that all men are free and equal; seafaring forth a simple taut, and on that truth they built a nation. In logical pursuance of this idea they instituted a simple truth and on that truth they self-government, personal, local, state and national. In all that concerns the individual alone, each man must be absolutely a law unto himself. In all that concerns the people of a locality (only)—he itown or village, city or rural province—the people of that locality have the absolute natural right to decide for themselves, without consulting the wish of any other people. In all matters that concern the state, and that only, it is the right of the state to decide without interference or rejection concerns the nation as a whole, a like right of self-government, exclusive of interference, from
We would like very much indeed to hear from the writer in the New
Princeton Review concerning this matter. A knowledge of the mental processes through which he went when compared with the mental processes of our Washburn friend would be an invaluable contribution to the science of psychology. All mysteries would be explained; new facts would be learned; who can tell the benefits which such a comparison might not give?
After looking the matter up, however, we find that the date of the periodical is earlier than that of the oration; so perhaps it would be better for the Washburn orator to answer first, as it is very improbable that he has seen the article in question, we will inform him that it can be found in the New Princeton Review, volume IV, pages 317-327.
We are anxiously awaiting a reply.
The Athletic Field.
I have been asked to express my opinion on the location of the proposed athletic field, and do so gladly though with necessary brevity.
The proper object of all athletic training and apparatus in the University is to secure exercise under favorable conditions, on the part of the great body of students; and especially on the part of those who are specially apt to neglect this very essential condition of sound health and consequently sound scholarship.
The gymnasium and the athletic grounds are not established primarily for the ball nine or the foot ball team, nor for match games, nor for attracting crowds of town people. These are desirable, but are secondary to such a degree as to be almost unimportant except as maintaining a certain amount of University interest in the general subject of athletic training;
The gymnasium, therefore, should be near the University. More and more are our students at the University from morning till night. This is especially true of the students who most need the gymnasium. Exercise must be possible for a few moments at a time, between lectures or reading hours. This is the exercise which is most needed and is also most beneficial.
What is needed is not extreme and semi-occasional exercise, but light and every day exercise; such as is within the comparatively easy reach of every student, time and means considered.
During the pleasant weather, this exercise should be token us far as possible out of doors. This should be the first consideration in locating the Athletic grounds. They should be near the gymnasium, that those who wish to dress specially for exercise may do so without loss of time; and may as readily return to
their work. And they should be near the Un versity, that those who wish for a few moments exercise at "odd hours" may have the opportunity and the temptation to take it without serious inconvenience or interruption of regular work.
The grounds should be large enough to accommodate many students engaged in different sports and games at the same time. There should be base ball grounds, foot ball grounds, several tennis courts, grounds for la crosse(which I hope will be introduced here at no very distant day), a running track and bicycle track, room for hand ball (which I understand is coming into deserved repute again), and for any and all other sports in which students can be tempted to engage. For all such purposes it will be readily seen that she matter of an audience and of revenue from gate money is entirely an after consideration.
Those who stand pretty stiffly for the more public grounds should remember that even in the two games of foot ball and of base ball, the match games themselves are but a small part of the work. For all training purposes, such grounds as I have described, located near the University, and with no reference to the city, are the best.
Nor should we lose sight of the general principle that should govern our action in all such matters: get as many people as possible, as often as possible as near the University as possible. We should concentrate our attractions and our forces rather than scatter them.
JAMES H. CANFIELD.
A Library Building for K. S. U.
To the Editor of the Courier:
When the usual avenues of procedure run out, we are still allowed to indulge in the illusions of hope. Any scheme, mythical though it seems at first, for the advancement of the welfare of the University, ought to receive the support of its students. Here is one for your perusal.
Gov. Himphrey recently received something over $60,000 from the government as Kansas' share of the direct tax. It has been put into the general fund, and cannot be used until the next legislature makes some provision for its disbursement. It is somewhat remarkable that no one has as yet asked for it, but on the principal of the proverbial early bird. K. S. U. will do well to shake the dew from its wings early in the day.
not noted for following in the footsteps of sister states, especially "Missoury," still $60,000 ought to patch up that little discrepancy as far as we are concerned.
Missouri has established the precedent by giving its share, $600,000 to the State University. Surely Kansas can afford to give one-tenth of that amount to an institution of better standing. While Kansas is
There is but one way to get the money and that is through the legislature. It is in that body that some effectual missionary work could be done. If the students acquainted with the representatives and senators would talk the matter over with them the result would be far more gratifying than is supposed by many. It is to be sincerely hoped that every loyal student will do his part that the desired end may be accomplished. That the faculty and regents will do theirs goes without saying. It is true that there is more than a year to work in, but experience has taught the University that what it gets does not come for the asking, but from the combined and persistent work of many hands; and experience, they say, is the best teacher.
What a gala day it would be at K. S. U. should it receive an appropriation for a duplicate of Snow Hall, now so famous throughout the state. If a student ever had any college spirit, it would certainly come out then. It would be one more, tie to bind the student to his alma mater, and inspire him to her honor. There is no sufficient reason for cramping the growing usefulness of the University. That it needs a library building and even more is painfully apparent to all who investigate the condition of affairs at the institution itself. When the legislature learns the facts in the case, all will be well, and we shall have another building.
P. II. KNOWLTON.
No. 30.
Newton, Kansas.
Prof. James H. Canfield has proved his loyalty to Kansas and her State University by refusing an offer of the presidency of the Illinois State University at a salary of $4,000 a year and a residence provided. These frequent offers which our professors have received to enter eastern schools, shows that our University is fast becoming recognized as one of the foremost institutions in the west, and it will not be many years before it will be on a par with the best universities of the country.
There was a lecture in Journalism Wednesday by Prof. Templin on "The Ethics of Journalism."
Prof. F. W. Blackmar lectured Thursday evening during the holidays at Winchester, Jefferson Co., on "The Best Money." The professor had an appreciative audience and his lecture was well received. He made many friends for himself and the University.
LOCALS AND PERSONALS.
Come again regents.
How were all the folks at home? Cyrus Crane was in town last Sunday.
Miss Bella Sin claifr visited in Topeka last week.
The class in toxicology began work Thursday.
Miss Hattie McCague visited friends in Topека during vacation.
The Junior Laws had a quiz in international law Monday.
Since the boys have returned from home, notice the new clothes.
Mont Hallowell and $ ^{j} $ J. Frank Craig spent the vacation in Wichita.
Carl Phillips, of the pharmacy class of '90, is in a drug store in Topeka.
Prof. Blackmar lectures before the Commercial Congress in Kansas City this week.
Vacations may come and vacations may go, but the law department goes on forever.
Chancellor Snow and Prof. James H. Canfield spent a few days of last week in Topeka.
The proceedings of the Kansas Academy of Science will be summarized next week.
Miss May Russell and Miss May Walker were gnests of Topeka friends for a few days last week.
Armstrong, Nichols, Sherman Speer, Allen, Bonebrake, Peabody and Brewster spent their vacation in Topeka.
Plummer Vestal and Miss May Gilmore each brought the scholars of their schools to visit the University last Saturday.
Prof. Blake and Mr.E.W.Caldwell spent the vacation on and in the Kansas river experimenting with Prof. Blake's sub marine fog signal apparatus.
Ewing Herbert, of the Wichita Eagle and Will White, of the El Dorado Republican, spoke before the Academy of Language and Literature last week.
A circular will be issued soon from the University explaining the new optimals for next year and the new plan for requiring Junior and Senior work in majors and minors.
Mr. Geo. F. Weida who will be remembered as the assistant in pharmacy in the University last year has recently sailed for Germany. He intends to continue his studies at Berlin.
The seminary of Historical and Political Science meets this afternoon at 4 o'clock. Hon. D. S. Alford speaks on "The Proposed Revision of our State Constitution." All should attend.
O