PAGE TWO
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN, LAWRENCE, KANSAS
FEBRUARY 19
An Answer To PSGL
It appears that the Progressive Student Government League is seriously concerned over the growing strength and following of the Progressive Party. On February 18, PSGL distributed a one-sheet attack on the motives, the aims, and the attitudes of some of the leaders of the Progressive Party.
This handbill purported to show that the Progressive Party is nothing more than an attempt to divide the Independent vote by the Greeks.
This handbill raised a great cry of intolerance and hatred against fraternities and intimated ulterior motives on the part of the Progressive Party.
This handbill stated that PSGL was the only party on the hill run for Independent men Students.
This handbill virtually impugned the integrity and personal honesty of men who happen to desire a change in the present status of the students at K.U.
The Progressive Party refuses to become involved in any form of mud-slinging, slander, or malicious gossip. Rightfully the Progressive Party should completely ignore that handbill. However, in order to present to the students a clearer picture of the situation, the Progressive Party will answer every change leveled against it by the PSGL and ask a few questions of the so-called "Independent Men's Party".
Let us consider first the feeling generated by a small minority of Independent Students who have an attitude of hatred, rightfully or otherwise, against all Greeks.
One of the major national problems today is the intolerance of other peoples. This intolerance has carried over into Campus Life with a few independents raising a great hue and cry against Greeks. It is indeed unfortunate that such a minority should cause all independents to feel discriminated against by the Greeks. The idea of Sororities and Fraternities is nothing more than a glorified version of the groups with which all of us "ran" in high school. No one objected to those groups in high school. Why, then, should such an intolerant attitude be raised in college?
It is the aim of the Progressive Party to
break down this intolerant attitude on the part of both factions and bring about an equality; socially, politically, and otherwise, so that all students may have a fuller, more enjoyable life while in college. This will be accomplished only by the full cooperation, in every way, between both groups. It is the aim of the Progressive Party to promote such cooperation.
The charge made against the Progressive Party that it is a more restrictive, closed, and secret organization than PSGL is wholly unfounded. The fact that the Progressive Party has seen fit to include in its constitution the amendment that any person who attempts to break up the party should be voted out was born of necessity and will be repealed at such time as the members of the Party see fit. At the first organizational meeting the Progressive Party was heckled by several members of the two rival parties. It was a definite attempt to break up the meeting, and actually, a very childish and immature scene. It hardly befitted men of college stature to be a party to such antics.
The Progressive Party sincerely welcomes all students who are truly interested in creating better conditions for ALL students not just one minority group. However, it does not welcome students who are interested only in rabble rousing and breaking up the party.
The Progressive Party is not closed or secret. All meetings are open to any student who desires to come. The policies of the party are decided by the party and not by any "inner circle" or "Senate." There have been committees appointed but have the power only to submit suggestions. No move may be instituted without the approval of the party as a whole. There is no secretiveness about anything that the Party does. It is open for inspection by any student.
This handbill broke out in bold headlines:
That, indeed, is a laughable statement. But let us analyze it. This, again, is another intolerant attitude. If such should be the case, every Independent in the Party would immediately seceed and leave the fraternities sitting high and dry with two candidates
"BEWARE OF THE TROJAN HORSE"
neither of which could possibly win. That would definitely be to their disadvantage. Why, then, should they try to "pull a stunt" like that? It is to the discredit of PSGL that it should attempt to cause such a rift between Greeks and Independents and to promote such an intolerant attitude.
Regarding the $60 taken from the treasury of the Greek political party, Pachacamac, the Progressive Party submits the following facts:
1. The $60 taken from the Pach treasury was the proportionate amount held by the six frats which split from Pach.
2. The amount which each of these six frats received from the $60 was $10.00. This $10.00 per frat was used to provide membership cards in the party for 40 men in the fraternity—no more. The Progressive Party can provide sworn statements to that effect.
3. The other fraternity men who are members of the party, bought membership cards from their own personal funds.
4. There was a concerted effort by the inner circle of Pach to prevent this money from being taken from the treasury.
The Progressive Party DID NOT "borrow" the word "progressive" from PSGL, it merely "transferred" the word to the party that is PROGRESSIVE.
Now, the Progressive Party has a few questions it would like to ask of the so-called "only Independent Men's Party":
2. Are the PSGL, Senate meetings open to any student who wishes to attend or have they become open meetings within the last few months.
1. How can PSGL be an open, non-secret, and democratic organization when it is controlled by its "Senate"-a group of 51 students which is hardly representative of the student body.
3. It will be agreed that a well-organized minority can control a disorganized majority. PSGL has a fraternity in it, too.
4. What has been DONE toward the raising the wage scale of teachers? There seems too much data and too many tables but very little actual work—A campaign promise filled with tables and data.
All Students Are Invited To The Meeting Of The PROGRESSIVE PARTY
Wed., Feb. 19, 7:00 p.m.
Frank Strong Auditorium