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Kansas University Weekly.
time basis; but on the basis of quantity and quality of requisite matter its decision was equivocal. It would be an obvious unfairness to give credit for a full study to an assistant local editor for a single term's service in that capacity. Thus, it would be very difficult to derive a rule for expressing paper work in terms of regular class work.
However, the proposed scheme, if adopted, might be productive of benefits to college journalism. If our faculty will consent to credit in the manner suggested, every inch of matter that is submitted for publication, we will agree to furnish material for a daily, a weekly and a monthly. Perhaps the institution of a beneficial system of crediting paper work is practicable: it must needs be intricate.
THE SENIOR class has decided to adopt the cap and gown for its public appearance as a class during Commencement. This decision has been hailed with approval and commendation by all. The iconoclastic spirit of this practical age has driven out almost all the old-fashioned usages and ceremonials of graduation time, and has deprived that period of a great deal of its attraction and interest. A return, therefore, to such a quaint and charming custom as this is to be welcomed. There is a peculiar charm in the sight of the Seniors moving about in their scholastic robes, and there is no doubt that such a costume gives added dignity to the occasion. It will probably bring up in the minds of the professors sweet memories of their own undergraduate days. Moreover the cap and gown will enable people to know who are the Seniors during the various exercises incidental to Commencement week. This is a desideratum which thus far it has been impossible to obtain. Any mark then which will distinguish the Senior is to be commended. The cap and gown combines all the above mentioned good qualities.
THE SEMI-PRELIMINARY contests for the Kansas-Nebraska Debate have now all been held and nothing further remains but the final preliminary on April 2. At this debate will be
chosen our three representatives for the great forensic contest between us and Nebraska. At this contest will be the opportunity for all our students to show their interest in debating and their loyalty to the University. The hall should be crowded with enthusiastic students. There are a number of reasons why there should be a full attendance. The program will undoubtedly be an excellent one. The six men who are to take part are the pick of their respective literary organizations, and are, therefore, supposed to be the best in their line which the institution can produce. From all accounts they are very evenly matched, and a close and interesting contest may be expected. Besides, this is the only way to encourage our representatives to put forth their strongest efforts in the inter-state debate. The interest thus far in the preliminary debates has been greater than ever before, and this should be continued to the end. We suffered defeat last year, and this year we must retrieve our fortunes. After our continual failures in state oratorical contests it has always been our claim that debating and not oratory was our forte. Now is our chance to prove this, and by winning over Nebraska to compensate for our ill-success in oratory. A victory on the platform in the spring would be a fitting sequel to the victory on the "gridiron" in the fall. This can only be accomplished by the united effort and support of the school.
The Wrong Spirit.
"It is unfortunately true that there does not exist among the colleges in America that generosity of spirit which distinguishes the English Universities. The spirit which colleges have for one another is invariably expressed in whatever they have in common. Thus one naturally looks to athletics, which is the chief meetingground of colleges, for the expression of intercollegiate spirit.
In the long course of years that Oxford and Cambridge have met in athletic contests, they have never had a dispute of any kind. Their athletics are altogether free from the secrecy which is so common among American colleges