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KANSAS UNIVERSITY WEEKLY.
Contributions to Department of American History.
The Department of American History has received from friends of the University some recent additions to its collection of illustrative material. When the British occupied New York City during the revolution, the state legislature adjourned to Kingston, where its sessions were held during the remainder of the war. The "Old Senate House," used at that time, has ever since been preserved by the state as a repository of historical relieds and manuscripts. When Judge D. S. Alford was east last summer he visited Kingston and took pains to secure for the University from the custodian of the "Old Senate House" a facsimile printed on parchment, of the Broadside issued in New York City, to announce the conclusion of peace between Great Britain and the United States. The Broadside is dated March 25th, 1783, and announces that an express just received from New Jersey contains the news that a ship, thirty-five days out from Cadiz, arrived in Philadelphia on Sunday, the 23d of March, with dispatches announcing the signing of a preliminary treaty of peace at Paris on the 20th of January. It thus took two months for the news to reach America. What a revolution the telegraph and ocean cable have worked. The Broadside has been framed and placed in the departmental library.
Another contribution of illustrative material comes from Mr. David Horkmans, the University photographer. It consists of a number of campaign posters and caricatures that were used in the recent presidential election. They were sent to Mr. Horkmans by the republican state central committee in order that he might make lantern slides from them for use in the campaign. The most interesting one is a reproduction of an old caricature, representing Jackson dresses in kingly robes, wearing a crown and wielding a sceptre, which was used by the republicans in the
last campaign in reply to the charge of imperialism. This cartoon will also be framed for the reading room. The department will be glad to receive additional material of this kind from other friends of the University.
Debating in the University.
Now that the foot ball season is over, the next thing to occupy the attention of the student body is the subject of public speaking, both in oratorical contests and in the inter-state debates. Already preparations are being made to meet our sister states in debate. Nebraska, especially, is training a strong, confident set of old debaters. The latest organization in the University, and one whith promises to be very efficient, is a boys' debating club of thirty-five members, known as the XYZ club. This club is founded upon the principles of similar organizations in larger universities. Training in debating, extempore speaking, and parliamentary practice is the sole object of the society. Its roll of members contains names of many of the strongest men of the University. Later in the year arrangements will be made for joint debates, if possible, with Ottawa, Baldwin, and Washburn.
The XYZ club, it is believed, supplies a genuine need in the University, and is but another forward step in its ever onward progress.
"The Prisoner of Zenda."
This charming and noble story will be presented here soon with all the necessary scenic embellishments and costumes. It has proven to be the most delightful play ever produced under Daniel Frohman's management, surpassing in charm and interest the many masterpieces which Mr. Frohman has given to the public. This season's production is said to be superior to any heretofore presented in strength of cast and beauty of scenic adornment.