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The University Courier.
A very insipid and illogical article, prefaced by an editorial denial of any responsibility therefor, appeared in last weeks issue of the Students' Journal. It attempts to show that absolutely no good can come from fraternities, that their principles are evil without conception, and that popular opinion demands that they be destroyed. It seems ridiculous that any one should make such statements, in the face of so much evidence to the contrary, and without furnishing any evidence in their support; and more astonishing yet that the editor of the Students' Journal should give space to such a weak article. We do not wish to combat the statements, for they are not supported by any evidence or argument, and hence are worth nothing as they stand. Much might be said to prove them unfounded but such waste of ink is unnecessary.
Much that should be condemned in the average American newspaper is found wanting in nearly all of the college papers, but occasionally we find a sheet, always from some minor college; that stoops to the contemptible practice of throwing invective at its neighbors. It is a very common idea that the college newspaper exists merely to afford its staff an opportunity to glorify themselves: if such were the case college journalism should soon become a thing of the past. But the college paper has an important work to do. It should be its business to improve the low moral tone of the American newspaper by maintaining a high standard itself, and thus increasing the desire on the part of the public for news of the best nature only. When any college paper so far forgets its office as to reply to such edltorials as are to be found in the last issue of the Baker Beacon, it not only gives encouragement to such a low standard of journalism, but demeans itself and the institution it represents. By making such attacks the Beacon lowers itself in the estimation of the thinking public, and attaches the same stigma to the college it claims to represent that it does to itself. The Courier regrets that any college paper should adopt a policy that makes such criticism necessary; but it believes that unprejudiced criticism will do much to correct such errors.
PERSONALS.
Lee Delano is a pledged Phi Psi. Clarence Spellman is a pledged Beta.
Oliver Shiras went home for a visit Friday afternoon.
Oliver Shiras is wearing the colors of Phi Kappa Psi.
Miss Anna Shire, of Leavenworth, enrolled Monday morning.
Carl Foulks is wearing the pink and lavender of Phi Kappa Psi.
W. J. Krehbiel will spend Sunday with his parents at Newton.
Miss Ida Smith has been visiting in Kansas City during the past week.
Fred E. Buchan visited his parents in Kansas City, Saturday and Sunday.
Miss Edith Snow returned last Saturday from an extended trip through the east.
John Hogan of Bellville, a student of four years ago, is taking Law this year.
Miss Jennie B. Sutliff has gone to Albany, New York, where she will spend the year in the state Library school.
Miss Millia Crotty, '92, left Friday afternoon for the University of Chicago where she will take a post-graduate course.
Miss Rilla Van Hoesen, chaperoned by "Winkie," and Miss Frances Marie Barker, were on the hill Tuesday visiting their friends. C.R.Troxel, who three weeks ago went to Chicago on the editorial excursion, returned the first of the week. He reports a glorious time.
Smith keeps a full line of athletic goods and news.
STUDENTS WANTED—Students who intend to learn the German language will find a nice place to board and room at 1002 Mississippi street, two blocks north of the University.
1007 Mass. Street is the most convenient place for students to buy Coal.