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PAGE 2 University Daily Kansan Monday, Feb. 11, 1952 Letters:
Professors Provide Ready-Made Excuses
The National Education association, tongue in cheek, has compiled a handy list of suggestions on what to say on a number of academic occasions.
Practically all of us have felt at times that we have been horribly persecuted by professors. The fact is, although we rarely admit it, we sometimes bring it on ourselves.
One of the best-known gripers on any campus is the character who knows little or nothing about a course, makes only occasional feeble attempts to learn the stuff, and screams like a panther when he gets the inevitable low grade. This guy doesn't need to read any farther, he already knows all the excuses.
The following list is submitted in the fond hope that it will provide comfort to those among us who haven't mastered the fine art of having an alibi ready for any occasion.
When you are given an objective test; "It doesn't let you express yourself."
When you are given an essay test: "It's so vague. You don't know what's expected."
When you are given minor tests: "Why not have a few big ones?
This keeps you on edge all the time."
When you are given no tests: "It's not fair. How can he possibly judge what we know?"
When you are asked to study a part of the subject by yourself:
"Why, he never even discussed it!"
When the course is in lecture form: "We never get a chance to say anything."
When the course consists of informal lectures and discussion; "He just sits there. Who wants to hear the students? They don't know how to teach the course."
When detailed material is presented: "What's the use? You forget it all after the exam anyway."
When general principles are presented: "What did we learn? We knew all that before we took the course."
White House Would Be 'So Nice To Come Home To'
"You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To." Several prospective candidates for the Missouri senatorial nomination would like to know if President Truman is playing that song on his White House piano.
One of these may be W. Stuart Symington, former air secretary in Truman's cabinet and ex-chief of the RFC. Symington, who calls St. Louis his home, was once president of the Emerson Electrical Manufacturing company there and is said to have influential friends ready to back the "draft Symington" campaign if he decides to run.
The may-be candidate has had seven years experience in top governmental agencies and has come through the mink coat, deep freeze and other scandals untouched. He is respected by his own party members and by the opposition as well. This was proved when President Truman appointed Symington to head the RFC. No protests were raised against the appointment from the ranks of either party. In addition, Symington has the good will of President Truman who accepted his recent resignation from the RFC job "with reluctance."
Symington's government work includes a hitch with the surplus property board and service as assistant secretary of war, secretary of the air force and head of the National Security Resources board. He has consistently and vocally supported the rearmament program placing special emphasis on the importance of a strong air force. He is a graduate of Yale and a veteran of World War I.
Symington has no strong party organization in Missouri to back his candidacy if he decides to run, but he does possess three valuable assets, a good reputation, an understanding of governmental functions and politics, and a name already known to the public.
Jeanne Lambert.
News Room Student Newspaper of the Ad Room KU 251 UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS KU.376
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mail subscription rates: $3 a semester or $4.50 a year (add $1 a semester if in Lawrence). Published in Lawrence, Kan., every afternoon during the University year except saturdays and Sundays, University holidays and examination periods. Entered as second class matter Sept. 17, 1910, at Lawrence, Kan., Post Office under act of March 3, 1879.
Sophomore Insists Yells All Original
Dear Editor:
It is not our intent to answer Michael McNalley's letter concerning sophomore spirit, which appeared in the Feb. 7 Kansan. Most people of the college level took it for what it was worth. We only wish to clarify in the minds of the student body a few points of which Mr. McNalley is either unaware or chooses to make intentionally erroneous assumptions about.
First, let us consider the implied charge that the sophomore class is guilty of plagiarizing a yell of the class of '45. Yours Truly was on the committee that composed the yells that were later submitted to the class for approval. Neither member of the composition committee has ever heard a*yell of the class of '45. The yells of the class of '54 are entirely original, and any similarity between these and any other yells is entirely coincidental.
Second, the sophomore class was not making an attempt to manufacture school spirit or class spirit by its action at the Colorado game, or by the purchase of sophomore hats for sale to its members. Instead, these things were the result of class spirit. However, we think the idea of fostering school spirit is a good one. In fact, it was suggested to us by Chancellor Murphy at a meeting in his office some weeks ago.
There would be no point in further discussion of Mr. McNalley's obviously false assumptions. We feel genuinely sorry for him, and we wish we knew him better. One of two things is obvious. Either Mr. McNalley has a little spirit of some quality, or he likes to see his name in the paper.
Clovce Wilev
Acting Vice-President Sophomore class
More 'Spirit' Talk
Dear Editor:
We wish to dispel any fears of Kansan readers who may be misled into actually believing that the young, reactionary collegiate, Miller and company, are actually "representative" of KU sophomores. On the contrary, we consider such a premise an insult to the intelligence of many individuals.
If those who are running so madly off the deep end would stop their asinine capers long enough to question the purposes of school spirit, perhaps they would be able to discontinue their prolonged child-hoods.
The amount of school spirit rampant seems to be inversely proportional to the number of rational persons enrolled. School spirit at KU is falling, they say. Hallelujah! Let'er fall!
Sophomores:
Melvin R. Cox
Dick Cummings
Dennis Henderson
Wayne Knowles
David Urie
Kenneth Timmerman
Comments
The state legislature in Michigan has decided the Michigan State football team is the number one team in the country. Coach Biggie Munn was voted "most outstanding coach."
The decision was unanimous.
"That's strange, Miss Witherspoon. He's the sixth one today to enroll in your cooking class."
Recent Rioting In Tunisia Poses Problems For French
Arab nationalism, smoldering 50 of the 71 years the French have controlled Tunisia, burst into open flame Dec. 18 with the arrest of Habab Bentali Bourguiba, leader of the Neo Destour (New Constitution) party.
Bourguiba's arrest touched off a week of rioting throughout Tunisia in which 54 were killed, 500 wounded, several thousand jailed. The riots were not quelled until the French garrison of 13,000 was reinforced by 5,000 crack parachutists, marines and Molle Guards.
Quiet, well-educated Bourguiba has no desire for the French to quit Tunisia, for he appreciates the value of the French protection. Bourguiba, an anti-Communist, realizes the strategic importance of North Africa and Tunisia in the event of war in Europe. He understands the part Tunisia would play if Europe and the Near East were overrun by Russia.
The French government in Paris, realizing the importance of Tunisia, both economically and strategically favor granting Tunisia gradual independence, but does not feel that this is the time. French concessions at this time would do much to relieve the tense situation. But the French are hesitant to make concessions, fearing it would lead to greater demands.
Bourgiba's Neo Destour party wants three major changes in Tunisia. First, they want an all-Tunisian cabinet instead of present seven French and seven Tunisian representatives. At present the power is in the hands of the French Resident general. Second the Neo Destourians want an all-Tunisian legislature elected by a popular vote of the people instead of the present Grand Council with French and Tunisian representatives. Finally, the nationalists want an end to use of French civil servants in Tunisia.
Disorder flared after a long period of negotiations which achieved no answer to the rising nationalism question. The Tunisian natives, like those of Egypt, Morocco, Libya and Algeria, want more land, more food, more liberties and more rights. But most of all, the natives want more home rule.
Since the end of World War II the French have invested over 250 millions of dollars in Tunisia. The French colonists pay 60 per cent of the taxes paid in Tunisia. The colonists, stronger than the home government, maintain they are in Tunisia to stay, for they do not trust Tunisians to protect their interests.
An uneasy peace has been restored by the reinforced French garrison, but the fire is still there. Sniper fire and sabotage still echo throughout the land. Tunisia is negotiating to obtain arms from Egypt.
The current riots are only a warning of a new war of independence. Bourguiba says, "We are waiting."
—Maurice Prather.
News From Other Campuses
Red Cross Lauds Idaho U.
James Dunham, chairman of last fall's blood drive at the University of Idaho, has received congratulations for the driver's success from Richard T. Van Metres, Jr., regional director of the American Red Cross. The letter read: "The idea Mr. Dunham had to challenge other universities to follow Idaho's lead is indeed original and should stimulate heavy giving in other colleges."
May Go From Bottom To Top
College records reveal many instances in which students who received below-average or mediocre grades became outstanding leaders later on in business and the professions, according to Dr. Charles W. Cole, president of Amherst college. Some persons reach their peak performance in secondary school others in college and graduate still others after school, he added.