EDITORIAL.
309
sical to some if pronounced "Kizer,'"but it does seem to us that the student should learn the language the way he will always have to use it.
We would again call attention to the fact that a large number of subscriptions are still unpaid. Do not wait for the managers to hunt you up;but pay.
Students can become members of the Athletic Association by the paying of one dollar. Everyone who has an ounce of patriotism or the least desire to see K.S. U. take its stand with other colleges should join. The plan meets the hearty commendation of regents, faculty, alumni and all who have the good of the University at heart; and the efforts of those who have taken the lead in the matter should be heartily seconded by all.
The Athletic Association will never make a complete success until it has grounds under its own control. The present place is liable to be fenced up at any time, or to be ruined by the rings of some circus. Our campus affords the prettiest, most convenient situation for athletic grounds that could be found in the whole state. On the northwest side is a depression large enough for either base ball or foot ball. From this the land gradually rises in a semi-circle, as if artificially constructed for an amphitheater. Ten thousand persons could sit on these hillsides and witness every movement of a game. All that is now needed is a small appropriation for leveling and draining the land. We hope that every influence will be brought to induce the regents to grant the amount required for this purpose.
NORMALS TO THE FRONT.
The first step has just been taken toward making our institution a University—a school of professional or post-graduate
work. By the earnest endeavor of Prof. P. J. Williams the normal course has been increased from three to five years. This will make the University one of the best schools in the United States for the higher training of teachers.
Our University has always offered advantages to teachers that it was impossible for strictly Normal schools to give. First the Normals have here instruction in the sciences and the arts, under professors who have made the subjects of their departments their life study. The work done under the supervision of Profs. Snow, Caufield, Miller, Spring, Stephens, Carruth, Robinson, Marvin, Bailey and Nichols is not to be compared with that where one or two men have charge of a dozen departments. Add to this general instruction the professional training received under one of Dr. William's reputation and ability, and it is obvious what advantages the Normal students of the University have over others.
The change in the curriculum will make those in our Normal department the equals in scholarship of the regular collegiate, besides fitting them for their immediate work of teaching. Our University will largely cease to be a rival of other Normal schools in Kansas, to become a post-graduate institution for their alumni. It will be a distinct school for the higher Normal training. fitting its students for the duties of school principals and superintendents. The other state Normal schools will furnish shorter courses and prepare teachers for primary work.
It is something of a surprise to see the Normal department which we have regarded as a lower portion of the University, push its way forward and take a place in the first rank. The innovation means harder work for the Normal students; but it also means higher positions, greater, honors thorough teachers.