EDITORIAL.
69
better facilities are provided, the only remedy lies in the individual efforts of the students. The literary societies offer their aid. The oratorical association was organized for a similar purpose. For this object, also, the Courier offers its prizes for the best rhetoricals given from the chapel rostrum.
OUR INDEPENDENCE.
We disagree with those who say the denominational and private institutions of the state are a detriment to the University. We believe they are a blessing to us, whether they are to their pupils or not. The very cry they raise. "The right of the University students to do as they please," helps rather than injures us. The student who must be bound down with rules and regulations is not the one we desire. If he cannot keep out of a saloon without signing a pledge to that effect; if he will not go to church without being required to do so; if his company is of such a character that he must receive it in the presence of the teacher; if his college paper is of a kind to require the constant censorship of the faculty; if his every action must be spied out, and a daily report be sent to his gaurdian; if the student is of this character we do not want him. The denominational schools kindly remove him from our care and we should thank them for it. The wild boy and giddy girl cannot be trusted to the University. They must be sent where they "will be under the immediate supervision of the principal." We do not say these schools have none but the irresponsible ones. Such is not the case; but they do remove from us those persons who are a trouble wherever they go. For this reason we say the eleventh class colleges of our state are doing us a good work. As academies for us they would be poor excuses, unless differently managed. Let their good work go on.
What is the result of students' independence in the University? Our students behave themselves, pay their bills, mind their own business. They receive company when they please, but do not usurp study hours to do it. They attend parties, dances, theaters, but not to the detriment of health. Our college papers, which are under the exclusive control of students, will speak for themselves. No one is compelled to attend church; yet our students are not only church-goers, but we have the most prosperous Y.M.C.A.in the state. Our insultation is free from hazing and other dishonorable conduct. Our students are made self-reliant, energetic, responsible. Finally, the graduate from the University is not reminded of the existence of his college home by monthly letters begging for donations, but by reading in the press the names of former classmates, who have become eminent in private and public life.
Ex-Senator Roscoe Conkling has been chosen June orator by the joint society committee. We understand there is a strong probability that he will accept. As a politician, Mr. Conkling is anything but popular in Kansas. We hope, however, the bad grace shown last year will not again display itself. We select men for their oratorical ability, not for their political or religious opinions.
The professional politician of the University should learn a lesson. It is a matter of record that those who have done the dirty work—those who have schemed, electioneered and bull-dozed others—have seldom received any honors for their labor. The diligent and faithful student generally comes out ahead. This shows that the students exercise good judgment in selecting their representatives, for nowhere ought political trickery to be successful.