6
UNIVERSITY COURIER.
“raked over the coals” for writing such an article. But whatever the position of these dissatisfied ones, not one has seen fit to put his views in print. One prominent Greek of 1883 went so far as to advise the writer of this article to withdraw from his fraternity. We were very thankful for his advice, but did not follow it and will not as long as we can conscientiously stand up for the fraternity system. Our aim is simply to correct abuses. To show that my position is recognized by others as the true one, aud to let the readers of the Courier know how one fraternity organ stands in the matter, I give you a few quotations from the Beta Theta Pi of January. The editor says: “A fraternity man in college should never forget that he is not merely a fraternity man. His obligations to his college, his class or his literary societies must never be interfered with by his ties as a fraternity man. All fraternity brethren are bound to help each other in all honorable ways.” Now no way is an honorable one that leads to the substitution of the lower for the higher allegiance. And there are times when one's allegiance to his fraternity can not rightfully be made the first consideration. Elections for honors are such occasions. Duties do not conflict. In the presence of the higher the lower has no existence If a man is called upon to vote for class orator, he owes it to his class to vote for the best man. To his dearest fraternity brother, who may be a candidate for the place, he owes, if that brother be not in his honest opinion, the best man—nothing; and to his fraternity, if it have not that best man in its ranks, he likewise owes—nothing.
Of those who vote for brother Greeks simply because they are brothers, he says: "If it could be shown that the principle upon which they act is one universally characteristic of their fellow-fraternity men, any college would be justified in ordering such a fraternity to disband upon the plain ground of antagonism to good order and the best interests of the institution." Our sentiments exactly, and if the time ever comes when fraternities recognize the same truth the war against them will cease.
EXAMINATIONS are past, and before this everybody knows whether he scored 99 or 100. Those who were unfortunate enough to get the lowest grade have begun the second session with renewed energy, while the perfect ones are still trying to remain so. From this, we predict that the coming work of this session will be the best of any year. Everything is encouraging. It is true we are called upon to chronicle the death of the "Social Science Club," yet we count two more societies than last year. If these new ones intruded upon those already organized, we would consider them injuries instead of helps. But their work is in a field entirely their own. The Engineering Society is doing a good work, and is already a permanent organization. Its sessions are not only interesting to those contemplating the work of engineers, but to all who wish to learn substantial facts. The alumini of K.S.U. who are now in the field take a deep interest in the society and a few have furnished articles for it. The Preparatory Society
TOPICS.
is meeting with encouragement. Last year, the Oreads and Orophilians tried to lessen their numbers by compelling the Preps. to organize another society, but they failed in their attempts. This year the Preps. led, and have a society in good working order. These minor encourages together with the prospect of a new chemical laboratory and also an observatory, are indicative of the growing strength of our institution.
The situation in Ireland is very critical. The twenty-one prisoners tried in Dublin for conspiracy to murder the officials, have been proved guilty of many other crimes. The numerous leaders of the agitation are said to be supported entirely by contribution from Irishmen in the United States. The so-called concessions from the British Parliament have driven most of the capital from the island, and the poverty-stricken inhabitants must emigrate or starve. Equality with Scotland and England, and compulsory education, and the nonrecognition of caste are the concessions needed. The sooner they are made the better.
The late disasters at Milwaukee, St. Louis and Quincy have brought the subject of fire-escapes prominently before the people. In Kansas the most of our public buildings are perfect fire-traps. A bill has been introduced in our Legislature requiring the proprietors of such buildings to place a rope by each window, of sufficient length to reach the ground. The bill should be enacted. Meanwhile, a rope placed in the trunk or a strong knotted cord carried in the valise may serve us a good turn.
The proposal to make the Commissioner of Agriculture a cabinet officer is a good one. The products of the United States are farm products almost entirely. Such vast interests need representation and special care. The present seed store, gift-to-constituent machine is a disgrace to the land. In Kansas, the appointment of a State veterinarian, though much ridiculed, is something that would add to the wealth of the State. It is a Board of Health for the stock, in which a vast capital is invested.
The death of Gambetta has led to an inquiry into the politics and morals of France, which shows that she does not yet possess the best type of civilization. The government acts as a monarchy when it prohibits the free speech of Prince Jerome and of Krapotine. Wrong action must be prohibited everywhere, but to prevent even wrong discussions of any question shows that it believed that the good sense of the people cannot be trusted.
LITERARY.
HOW DO PEOPLE LIVE.
By eating, to be sure. How else could life be sustained ? Not by such faith as we have now-a-days, and besides, God "helps those who help themselves :" so, in order to live, one must learn to exert his own powers both mental and physical.
Some are fitted to earn a living by their muscles only;
A Pen