VIEWS.
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that he has mixed things slightly, that this is his own opinion, for just below he says: "The only fair treatment of "outsiders" is to guarantee them an equal representation of (sic?) everything with the frats." The inference from this is that the barbs. actually are "fools or idiots," that they are such helpless weaklings that they are unable to look out for themselves, but must be protected by a "guarantee of fair treatment" from the frats. I hope all barbs. fully appreciate this compliment from their magnanimous champion.
A consolidated paper can be made better than either of those running at present. The desire to see the paper a worthy representative of the college will supply the place of competition. While students do not desire to make money out of the paper, yet it is manifestly unjust to the business managers to compel them to work for nothing.
The regents and professors favor consolidation, all statements to the contrary notwithstanding. A majority of the students favor it. The only opposers are some soreheaded frats. in both companies, who let their petty jealousies get away their judgement. This writer has no right to assume that a consolidation will be agreed upon which will be "deleterious to the non-fraternity element." Fair terms will be made or none.
The concern which a member of the most clannish fraternity in the University manifests for the welfare of the barbs., is very touching. It is most kind in him to "recognize merit outside our own secret circles," to protest that the barbs., are not "fools or idiots," to insist that they be "guaranteed fair treatment" by the most high, mighty and magnanimous fraternities.
The real "milk in the cocoanut" is that this frat. hates the others and knows it is despised by them, that it knows that it
can't justly get as much for itself in consolidation as it has usurped in the Courier. All the time it is prating about "guaranteeing the barbs.fair treatment,'"it is boasting in its own fraternity organ how it runs the Courier.
The outsiders certainly will be "fools or or idiots" if they allow themselves to be taken in by any such balderdash as this editorial. If fair terms can be made—and undoubtedly such will be—consolidation will take place, greatly to the advantage of the whole University.
PERLEE R. BENNETT.
EDITOR VIEWS:
The rather short and unsatisfactory nature of the University lecture course this year, brings to mind an old suggestion of the Courier, that the students organize a Lecture Association. Most of the faculty approved the plan when first broached, but no one seemed to have the time and energy to carry out the project.
It is very evident that our faculty, however well-intentioned, cannot bring here for nothing men who are able elsewhere to draw one or two hundred dollars a night. But it is just these that we wish and ought to hear. If an association should be organized that would take hold of this matter energetically, procure eminent speakers and charge a fair admission to hear them, I believe it would prove a success.
Quite as many, if not more, students would attend as at present. Men in general do not take much interest in a free show. They believe that "the laborer is worthy of his hire," that whoever is worth hearing is worth paying to hear. Many stay away from the present lectures because, knowing the manner in which they are obtained, they do not believe them worth climbing the hill to hear. An association could advertise more extensively, sell reserved seats, and by using judgment in selecting the speaker, get twice the houses we have now. I recommend the plan to the earnest attention of all patriotic students. Next year let us have a Lecture Association.
OBSERVER.