UNIVERSITY COURIER.
13
Prof. Patrick has made an extensive analysis of Lawrence water taken from wells over the town. In an extensive report he states that in twelve instances the water was unfit for use.
There is considerable speculation among society students as to who will carry off the honors of commencement day this year. The result of the recent examination is thought to have an important bearing on the subject. Neither is there room for all to have a finger in the pie.
Always up with the times—Mettner.
The contingent fees of this year aggregate almost five thousand dollars.
Alarmed by the recent fires over the country the Beta boys are determined that their fraternity shall loose no members here, and so intend to arrange fire escapes from their hall.
In a "strictly business" way let me say to you that Bromelsick has the finest line of gent's Furnishing Goods in the city.
The Freshmen are taking their turn on the chapel rostrum. As the year is more than half up the Seniors will not again appear until June, and from the present outlook some may not appear then.
The beginning French class of this year seems to be unusually popular. It includes members of all the various years from Middle Prep. to Senior. The class has some remarkably strong attractions.
J. S. Crew is still sending for Books to eastern parties thus greatly accommodating students without extra cost.
Now that the United States Indian school has been located at Lawrence, it would be a good plan to introduce the Indian language into our course. "Pe skoona ka. How ?"
A bill has passed the Legislature to re-establish the Normal school at Concordia. We hope our august body at the capital may treat this institution better than they are our own Normal department, by making diplomas life certificates to teach.
Always can accommodate you—Bates & Field.
It is a mistake that Brewster has named his new pride. Hutch-Spangler Brewster—in fact considering the sex, such a name would be entirely inappropriate. He has named it after a lady friend of his, Miss——, but then we promised not to tell.
The Engineering department has just received a new solar transit costing two hundred and seventy-five dollars. The boys have good right to be proud of their new beauty. This is a piece of apparatus that has long been needed by the Scientific department.
The latest thing in style-for gentlemen is a white Silk Handkerchief with your initial embroidered in one corner. Now, confidentially, Bromelsick has just received an fnvoice of the most beautiful light Silk Handkerchiefs.
"Ranch No. 10" is drawing large houses wherever played. It will be produced here next Monday evening at the Opera House.
[The following communication has been handed us for publication, and as it comes from one of our leading students, we cheerfully give it room. Owing to our lack of space and the personal mentions made by the writer, we omit the last portion of the article.—Ed. Dept.]
If you want any Books, speak to Bates & Field.
The action of the literary societies on the Ingersoll question two weeks ago, which amounted to the virtual endorsement of the joint committee, by no means signifies that the students of our University are of Col. Ingersoll's belief; it does not signify that even one is of his belief. It simply shows that the students will not refuse to listen to him on educational matters because he differs with them on religious opinions. The selection of John Clark Ridpath did not imply that we are all Methodists, the choice of Rev. Samuel J. Nicholls that we are Presbyterians, neither does the invitation extended to Col. Ingersoll betoken that we are of his faith. The students select their orators with reference to ability, not to religious or political beliefs.
At first it was thought by some that the selection would be injurious to our institution. The press furnishes a good indication of public feeling. Six dailies having an aggregate of 129,000 subscribers, have had strong editoaials in approval of the selection. The editors of these papers, without exception, oppose Col. Ingersoll's religious doctrines, but consider that it has no bearing on the question of his speaking here. Besides these, a number of State weeklies have expressed the same sentiments. On the other hand three denominational papers—two published in the far east—and two State weeklies have condemned the action of the students. These papers aggregate 22,000 subscribers. One of the dailies approving is edited by Henry King, one of the warmest friends the University possesses.
The opposition comes almost entirely from denominational schools, who have styled us drunkards, profligates and infidels, and will continue to do so whatever may be our course. It is not a good plan to trade off friends in order to win over enemies; and moreover, as just said, they will continue our enemies, and have the same effect, whatever we do. As to the good standing of our students, we are willing to compare notes with the best of them.
We do not believe a single parent in Kansas will take his child away from the University because a man who opposes his religious faith speaks here. We do not believe a single Democrat will take away his child because the great champion of Republicanism delivers the June oration, and Col. Ingersoll has attacked Democracy as severely as he ever has the Bible. Yet one would be as sensible as the other. We do not believe the people of our State are that narrow.
It is probable that Col. Ingersoll will not be able to come. He is the first orator of the world, and it would indeed be fortunate if our societies could get a man so eagerly sought after by the greatest cities of our land. But if he does come our classic halls will not accommodate a tenth part of the visitors who will come here. Even the students of neighboring denominational schools have expressed their intention of attending. His lecture would be published and known everywhere as the one delivered at Kansas University. It would be the greatest and best advertisement we have ever had. The question at present is not whether we want him but whether we can get him. S.
LAWRENCE, Jan. 27.