UNIVERSITY COURIER
Entered at Lawrence Post Office as Second Class Matter.
VOL. I.
LAWRENCE, KANSAS, FEBRUARY 6, 1883.
No.11
University Courier.
A SEMI-MONTHLY PUBLICATION DEVOTED TO THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE STUDENTS
THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS.
BOARD OF EDITORS.
EDITORIAL. C.C.DART.
TOPICS J.D.MC LAREN.
LITERARY E.A.BROWN, ANNA MURPHY.
SCIENTIFIC L.L.DYCHE.
NORMAL G.E. ROSE.
EXCHANGE ALBERT RIFFLE.
LOCAL GLEN MILLER,MARY GILLMORE.
PERSONAL CLARA GILLHAM.
MISCELLANY W.S.WHIRLOW,ELLA V.KEIST.
BUSINESS MANAGERS. EDMOND BUTLER, B. K. BRUCE.
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EDITORIAL.
The invitation of Col. Ingersoll, by the inter-society committee, to deliver the annual oration before the societies in June, has been the cause of considerable excitement. Whether said gentleman will accept the invitation or not is uncertain at this writing. It is fair to presume, however, that he will decline, since he is warned that his coming here is likely to be a detriment to the University. The school has long had a reputation for scepticism among a certain class, and it is the persons constituting this class that will now be greatly rejoiced to think that they have something tangible on which to rest their opinions. Personally, we have no objection to listening to Mr. Ingersoll, and it is hardly from any narrowness that many would rather have some other person deliver the June oration. There can be but little doubt that Mr. Ingersoll's coming would prove an injury to the University. If people desire to send their children to a liberal school they can find none more liberal in the State, and hence must send them here if anywhere. Mr. Ingersoll then would not augment this class of students. Again, Christian parents might be led to the belief, by Mr. Ingersoll's coming that the school is too liberal and therefore send their children to denominational schools. So then it is obvious that no good but some harm would result to our school. But there is perhaps another reason why a different orator should have been sought. It is this: May it not be wrong to encourage and flatter those
whose doctrines are of doubtful propriety? It is generally believed that the tendency of Mr. Ingersoll's teachings is pernicious. No man, who directly or indirectly undermines truth, morality, honesty and virtue, should be upheld by those who desire to see the race become more degraded. But Col. Ingersoll has been invited, not, however, with the "advice and consent" of the Faculty. The invitation was given on the authority of a joint committee of the two societies, and the only blame that attaches to the Faculty, if blame there be, has been in allowing the committees to choose an orator without conferring with the Chancellor or with the Faculty as a body. It has been urged, since it is generally known that the invitation has been made, that the influence on the University will be the same whether Mr. Ingersoll accepts or not. This, however, is scarcely true, and it were better even now that he should not come. But whether he comes or not, it remains true that in point of morality and pure Christianity nor Faculty and students compare favorably with the Faculties and students of any other institution in this State or any other State.
It is rumored that Jas. E. Murdock will give some Shakesperian readings here during the last week in March. If the rumor becomes a fact, the students of K. S. U. will have the privilege of listening to one of the best elocationists the world has ever seen. Every student here ought to avail himself of this opportunity. Murdock is now playing in Cincinnati with a company composed entirely of "stars" in the profession. He is over seventy years old, and although he has spent his entire life upon the stage, his voice is as good as ever, and his reputation grows brighter as years roll by After the company finishes its engagement at Cincinnati, and as spring approaches, Murdock will come to the West to spend several weeks filling engagements already made. He will first be at Kansas City, after which, it is hoped he will agree to come to Lawrence. If he comes look out for one of the best entertainments ever given in the city. His renditions of Shakespeare are unsurpassed. As we do not have the opportunity of seeing a first-class tragedian with company, it is to be hoped we may have a chance of seeing and listening to the tragedian if not supported by a company. Let him come. Students of K. S. U. are hungry for such an entertainment as he will give.
A short time ago we gave you an article upon "secret societies." We did not treat them harshly, but simply gave our views in regard to what they ought to be. They did not coincide with those of other fraternity men at K.S.U. and consequently we were