8
Thursday, Sept. 17, 1970
University Daily Kansan
Nixon...
From page 1
Trouble was averted when Col. William Albott, Commander of the Kansas Highway Patrol, talked with the group, apparently exerting a quieting effect on them.
A CONFRONTATION also developed between the protestors and Jack Snyder, a young Nixon supporter. Snyder appeared in front of the field house shortly after 11 a.m. carrying a handful of pro-Nixon signs.
For the most part, the atmosphere on the K-State campus seemed as gloomy as the weather. Students began to gather in front of the fieldhouse doors at 8:30 a.m.—more than an hour and a half before they were allowed to enter.
The group wrested the signs from Snyder and started a bonfire along the street curb with them.
By 9:30 a.m. the crowd at the fieldhouse doors had overflown into the street adjacent to the arena. It remained mainly a quiet, apolitical group, disturbed infrequently by the chants of a small group of "Yippies."
DALE BECK, one of the "Yippies," said that he hoped there would not be an antiNixon demonstration.
"Everybody thinks that the radical movement is just a lunatic fringe. But there will be no demonstration by us," Beck said.
"Nixon is just a symptom," he said. "It's a great thing for the university, but most students will just go and clap."
Members of the "Ad Hoc Committee to Greet the President" passed out leaflets stating that Vietnamization of the war was not working and listing their reasons.
One of those passing out leaflets was Warren Rempel, a campus minister, who said, "I'm here because I'm a Christian and am opposed to war,
napalm, and that sort of thing.
"NINETY PER cent of these people will give Nixon a rousing cheer and standing ovation," he said, "They don't realize these facts (those listed on the leaflet), or the questions they raise.
"In fact, there is adamant opposition to the discussion or raising of the issues."
The "Ad Hoc Committee" also passed out black armbands and urged students to wear them in memory of those killed in Vietnam. Very few agreed to wear the bands.
Kansan Greg Sorber
Photos Oleg Kalinoski
by Ron Bishop
One K-State coed said that the crowd was mainly curiosity seekers.
BUT SOME students were unhappy with the prevailing attitude.
Bill Hart, one of those passing out arm bands, said, "Nixon is going to go away saying this is Nixon country; this is the silent majority. But really it's just a bunch of apathetic students."
Greg Stuart, another student, said, "The attitude on this campus is really bad. It's like a carnival. So we're having a little parade and showing Nixon off to the world. So what?"
Nixon with Former Governor Landon...
. . . Is Closely Guarded by Policemen on Campus . . .
. . Speaks of 'The Worst Crisis in the History of American Education' . . .
... As Demonstrators Protest His Presence ...
... Leaves Appearing Confident