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UNIVERSITY DAILY. KANSAN, LAWRENCE, KANSAS
SEPTEMBER 26,1946
University DAILY KANSAN
Student Newspaper of the UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
Member of the Kansas Press Association, National Editorial Association and the Associated College Press. Represented by the National Advertising Service. 420 Madison Ave., New York City.
Mail subscription; $3 a semester, $4.50 a year, plus 2% tax (in Lawrence add $1 a semester postage). Published in Lawrence Kan., every afternoon during the school year except Saturdays and Sundays, University holidays, and examination periods. Entered as second class matter Sept. 17, 1910, at the Post Office at Lawrence, Kan., under act of March 3, 1879.
Appallingly New
Civilization marches on!
Not content with the juke box, which was, at least, selective, the powers that be have now put out a new and improved infernal device to deafen the ears and outrage the senses.
The latest brain child of the fertile minds of these fiendish individuals is a small booth-installed box which meters out the equivalent of two full records of so-called popular music, these records, mind you, being selected in some distant spot by an individual who we suspect sports a pair of horns, cloven hooves, and a spike-tipped tail.
Service is supposed to be individual on these devices, but the theory fails to work in practice and the unsuspecting listener is forced to listen despite himself.
If we hear "Little Augie Is a Natural Man" again we're going to tear the foul thing out by the roots.
This illegitimate child of the juke box is out to cut its parent's throat. Quantity, it appears, is again going to triumph over quality. Though the juke box had its faults they pale to insignificance beside those of the torture meter.
The devilish thing is insidious in its action.
"Hope springs eternal in the human breast," and you trustingly insert your nickel. Never again! The fiend who plays the records is lying in wait for you. Out comes "Little Augie Is a Natural Man!"
Something ought to be done about it. We would be glad to join an organization for the suppression of this damnable device. We would also be glad to meet the man who invented the thing, but most of all we would like to meet the fellow who turns the records. He's the one we've got it in for.
We realize, however, that nothing can halt the march of civilization, nothing, that is, short of mayhem.
Civilization, alas, marches on and leaves progress behind, broken and bleeding.
Put It In Writing
There is a column in this paper reserved for you—that's right, you over there behind the big book, the one who has been disagreeing with us all these days. If you want to comment, agree, or disagree, write a letter to the editor.
This column is dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal—in the expression of opinion, at least. In the editorial columns of the Daily Kansan the opinions of the student journalists currently editing the page are expressed.
These opinions need not be the last word.
Under the masthead of the Daily Kansan you will notice the words: "Student Newspaper of the University of Kansas." Because it is a student newspaper your letters will be printed while space permits.
Letters should be fairly short, addressed to the editor-in-chief of the Daily Kansan, and dropped in the campus mail, or left on the desk of the editor-in-chief in the Journalism building. Letters must be signed and the student's address given, though the name will be withheld from publication upon request. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit letters to meet space or style requirements, but the opinion expressed will not be edited in any way.
Would you like to put in your two cents worth?
We wonder who painted the signs near Bailey, the ones that read: Sunflower Buss Stopl
Letter to the Editor
This column is reserved for the individual student's viewpoint and opinion. All letters must be signed and the student's address given, though the name will be withheld upon request.
Negro Actor Being Exploited By Producer, Student Says
To the Daily Kansan: The September 23 Kansan carried a story to the effect that Canada Lee, a talented Negro actor, will put on white make-up to portray a white character in a play in Boston. He was chosen for the part because he was the best actor, according to the information "released" by the producer.
On the surface, this may seem to be an example of democracy in action. A cynical observer, however, may wonder if the producer is not as much interested in the box office as in the democratic aspects of his choice.
In the first place, this choice will not be appreciated by the vociferous members of the "white supremacy" element. Letters will be written, statements will be made, the "liberals" will reply, and presto, the play becomes a controversial one, and controversial plays are always good box-office.
Secondly, while the play will open in Boston, it is well-known in theatrical circles that Boston is a sort of testing ground for plays that are sent to New York. And New York is a stronghold of the "liberal" element. Hence, many liberals who would not attend the play, or attend it as a matter of course, will flock to the theater with waving banners to espouse the cause of democracy as they see it. Result—bigger box-office take.
And lastly, any critic who finds fault with the play in any way must run the risk of being accused of race prejudice. Liberal critics will feel duty-bound to praise the production.
Graduate Student (name withheld by request)
Mr. Lee is a brilliant artist. His work in "Native Son" was regarded highly by all reviewers. It is unfortunate that Mr. Lee must turn circus clown for the sake of the box-office.
UN Committee Urges 'Freedoms' Of News
Washington. (UP)—Five special state department consultants have proposed seven specific "freedoms" of information to ease the flow of news and ideas across national boundaries.
The committee said the United Nations educational, scientific, and cultural organization should give vigorous support to international agreements to guarantee "freedom of information." It added that the American delegation to the organization should seek provisions to implement such specific freedoms as:
"Freedom from censorship, freedom of access to news sources, freedom of communication, freedom from arbitrary and burdensome imposts and quotas, freedom from 'pirating', freedom to listen to radio broadcasts of one's choice, and freedom of motion picture exhibition."
The consultants' recommendations were made public during a conference of the national commission established by the government to work with the American delegation. A subcommittee of the commission also will draft proposals on international freedom of information.
The consultants' committee, headed by Edward W. Barrett, editorial director of Newsweek magazine, conceded that its recommendations could not win universal acceptance among member nations.
"A start, however, should be made by as many nations as are willing to make it," the committee said. "If barriers to mass communications cannot be broken at once all over the world, they can at least be broken in part of the world."
The committee suggested that one goal of international agreements should be "complete elimination of peacetime political censorship of international traffic in information."
It also urged recognition of the right of all people to listen to broadcasts, see motion pictures, and to read newspapers and publications, regardless of origin.
Only Rechab Vets Get Blanket Tax Paid
—headline in The Daily Texan
We'll pay the tax. Where does the line form?