University
AD ASHRA PER ASTERO
CIVITAS
Courier.
VOL.I.
LAWRENCE, KANSAS, JANUARY 15, 1879.
NO.4.
JUNIOR CLASS SONG.
(Tune—John Brown's Body.)
Come, let us sing the glorious deeds the Junior Class have done
Through six exceeding long and weary courses of the sun,
Of the battles we have fought, and of the victories we have won,
As we were marching on.
CHORUS.—Jolly, jolly, jolly Juniors,
Jolly, jolly, jolly Juniors,
Jolly, jolly, jolly Juniors,
As we were marching on.
Once on a time we all were “Preps,” you won't believe it now,
“Preps” with the stamp of Ignorance upon our verdant brow:
But we vowed that we would conquer, and you see we've kept our vow
As we were marching on.
CHORUS.—Jolly, jolly, jolly Juniors, etc.
What did we in the Freshman class? go ask Professor Snow,
There was not a flower on hill or plain, whose name we did not know
We searched with diligence and found the places where they grow,
As we were marching on.
CHORUS.—Jolly, jolly, jolly Juniors, etc.
We grieved to see the hours of our Sophomore year go by,
When we chased the scarabaeus and the yellow butterfly,
And our Greek roots were so bitter that we heaved full many a sigh,
As we were marching on.
CHORUS.—Jolly, jolly, jolly Juniors, etc.
But we've forgot such folly, and we now would have you know,
That we look with smiling on the things we loved so long ago,
As one looks from off a mountain on a valley far below.
As we go marching on.
CHORUS.—Jolly, jolly, jolly Juniors, etc.
$ \rho_{\mathrm{UR}} \rho_{\mathrm{WN}}. $
C. S. Cross visited us during the holidays.
K. A. Floden is teaching school near town.
Miss Alice Speer is at her home in Topeka.
F. D. Altman spent the vacation at Cincinnati.
R. F. Brown is in a dry goods store at Topeka.
Mrs. S. Birkett, nee Gleason, resides at Eureka.
Homer J. Hendricks has a cattle ranch near Iola.
Miss Millie Gleason is teaching school at Eureka.
V. F. Brown spent the holidays at home in Kansas.
Prof. Morrow visited friends in Leavenworth recently.
Wm. Osburn has again resumed the gad at Wilmington, Ill.
Miss Ethel B. Allen will not return to the University this term.
Prof. Canfield viewed the capital of the State during the recess.
Misses Clara Morris and Grace Houghtelin spent New Years day in Topeka.
Charlie Smith, of 76, intends visiting us soon. He is always welcome.
Misses May Schmucker and Alice Collier spent the holidays in Kansas City.
S. W. Brewster will attend the Legislature this winter. Good luck to you.
O. J. Kennedy, an ex-student of the University was recently married in Colorado.
Frank M. Smith, 80, will not resume his studies this term, but will return next year.
Colin Slavens, of Asbury University, formerly of K. S. U., spent the holidays at home in Kansas City.
Misses Gertrude Bullene and Kate Morrow were "at home" to their friends in Kansas City on New Years.
Sidney A. Hubbell starts soon for Mexico. He reports killing six buffaloes on his road home to Las Vegas.
Dr. Marvin read a paper entitled "Citizenship" before the Missouri Valley Teachers' Association, at Kansas City, Dec. 28th.
Chas. V. King, 182, ex-business manager of the Courier, has connected himself with the Emporia Ledger. Good luck to you, Charlie.
Miss Lolie Belle, a former student of the University, is a candidate for Enrolling Clerk of the Lower House of the Legislature. We wish her success.
Waite Raymond, a student of the University in '67, has been visiting in the city. He is now a member of the firm of Ray mond & Winn, druggists' sundries, New York. He found very few of his old schoolmates.
John O'Neil, who will be remembered by former students as a jolly good fellow, holds a responsible position in an outfitting depot at Las Vegas, N. M. He will ere long resume his place in the University.
Some time since, Hon. A. H. Horton, of Atchison, delivered a lecture to the students, on "Work." Judge Horton's lecture was full of interesting and wise suggestions concerning the benefits of right down hard work. His words have a deep meaning for students. With them success depends upon brain labor, combined with enough physical labor to keep the body strong and healthy. But to no one does hard work bring a more beneficent reward than to the student. Leaving out whatever of honor or material success may be gained, we believe that there yet remains the best of all, and that is, a real, solid enjoyment in work for work's sake. A plane of life can and should be reached by every student, where luxurious idleness is despised and hard work is loved.
The literary societies resumed work last Friday evening, and the programmes were well rendered. The Oread Society held the regular election, and the following officers were chosen: Pres., L. L. Davis; V. Pres., W. G. Raymond; Sec., Miss Mollie Schwagler; Critic, W. H. Simpson; Musical Director, G. Flick; Editors, P. C. Young, J. S. West; S. at A., Wilson Sterling.
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UNIVERSITY COURIER
THE BENEFITS OF THE LITERARY SOCIETY.
As we glance back over the history of the literary organizations connected with our institution, one fact becomes patent—that in the literary society is to be found the elite of the University. Here are to be found those who are in earnest in their struggle for an education and who are willing to exert every energy and make use of every instrumentality for its attainment. And it is reasonable that such should be the case, for they afford advantages which are not always to be found in the class-room. In the society the student is enabled to make a practical use of the knowledge he has acquired. Of what advantage indeed is an education if we are unable to tell what we know. How many a student has gone through College and graduated with the highest honors, but whose knowledge has proven to him entirely useless in a practical sense simply because of his inability to communicate it to others. And is this not due, to a great extent, to an utter neglect of society work. It is here that we learn to express our thoughts, whether in written or extempore language. Facility in writing is acquired in the composition of essays, orations and papers. This, indeed, constitutes an important factor in one's education. To the editor, the author and the lecturer, fluency in composition is almost indispensable. But to the great mass of public speakers, especially to the lawyer, the statesman and the preacher, there is needed skill in spontaneous speaking. Written pleas, orations and sermons are all very nice if only committed and spoken in an easy, natural and graceful manner. But what preacher is able to write and commit two sermons a week without injury to his health. And on the other hand, if he reads his sermon, though the language may be superb and the thought grand, he utterly fails to accomplish his object. We do not need, in this age, elegance of expression and high-wrought rhetoric, so much as a plain, straightforward, earnest presentation of the truth. The great object of oratory is to persuade men, and this cannot be accomplished by any dry rehearsal from the manuscript.
Would we then be successful public speakers,let us emulate the example of such men as Luther,Burke,Patrick Henry, Clay, Wesley,Spurgeon,Beecher,Simpson and Gladstone. These are some of the noted extempore speakers of the past and present,and their success in life is due to their mastery of this art of arts.To be sure this is an accomplishment which can be acquired only by intense application and hard study. Yet all can gain some degree of proficiency by sufficient practice; and what better field for practice is there than the literary society.Here,many an orator,who has risen to distinction in the world,has taken his first lesson in extempore speaking.
Another advantage derived from this source is a knowledge of the laws and usages of deliberative bodies. Such a knowledge is almost indispensable this day when public organizations are so common. At any hour one is liable to be made a presiding officer, and without any acquaintance with parliamentary rules and customs he would be placed in a very awkward position.
But the greatest benefit derived from a literary society is the mental discipline which results from bringing mind in contact with mind. In the society debates the mental powers of one member are brought in direct contact and comparison with those of his opponent. By this attrition of mind
with mind the power of argumentation is increased, and one is enabled to form a true estimate of his own strength. And what a splendid preparation is thus gained for the active duties of the world. Life indeed is a series of struggles. Every day questions are presented for our decision which concern our own actions and affect our prosperity and happiness. But there are other questions of great moment which arise from time to time and affect the weal or woe of society. Upon such questions every citizen should have some settled convictions. And if these convictions come from an honest heart and enlightened understanding, he should be willing to exert every power to stamp them upon his fellow men. There is a tendency in these days for men to follow the multitude in regard to the great moral, social and political questions which are agitating society. There is a large class in every community who are continually tossed about on the waves of public sentiment and who follow the mass of the people in all their actions. But the world needs men of an entirely different stamp. It needs men who have the moral courage to face an opposing multitude, and who are not afraid to antagonize with other men in the interests of virtue and humanity. Such are the men who have made an impression upon society in the past, and whose names are household words in every grade and condition of life to day. But, on the other hand, those who have pursued a contrary course, allowing themselves to be drifted hither and thither by every tide of public opinion without regard to judgment, principle or conscience—these are the men who have remained a "cipher in society," whose names have passed away "silent, unseen, unnoticed, unlamented." W.O.,'77.
DIRECTNESS.
It is a fact conceded by all, that he who aims at the mark will come nearer hitting it than he who aims not at all, and so we claim that he who labors with an end in view, with a fixed purpose or plan, will be more likely to realize something for his painstakings which is worth the striving after, than he who moves on from day to day, year in and year out, waiting for something to "turn up," and never having any definite purpose in view. "Uselessly, aimlessly, drifting through life." And again, he who settles this purpose early in life, will doubtless realize more fruits from his labor than he who waits and waits for a more favorable opportunity, until the early morning sun has grown into the full noon, or it may be has commenced descending toward the western horizon. And especially should this be the case with that class of students who intend entering some profession. Determine as early as possible your vocation in life, and then, with a resolute and unconquerable will, move toward the goal, ever keeping in view your high ideal, comparing your work, not with your inferiors, or even your equals, but with your superiors, and by their successes and failures be admonished.
That student who intends making the legal profession his life work, does not want to spend years in informing himself in those studies which he will probably never use in his profession. His first and great business is to prepare himself directly in that line in which he proposes to devote his life. After he has mastered all that directly pertains to his profession, then let him devote some time, if opportunity permits, to the other vocations in life. The age demands thorough men, more than simply generally informed ones. Men who can use the armor manfully that has been fastened upon them. By
UNIVERSITY COURIER.
3
this strict discipline, we do not mean that a man is not to be generally informed as to the important issues of the day, for this comes in with his regular work. It is as much the professional man's business to keep posted with the interests of the day, as it is for him to be engaged in his particular work; for without this acquaintance with the general issues of the day, he will not be qualified, thoroughly, to execute the duties of his profession. But this we do mean: that a man ought, in addition to his professional knowledge, to be conversant with the questions of the times, ought to be generally informed, and we do not think him a true professional man who is not thus qualified, thus armed with general information. The advantages to be gained from such a course in life are many and great. With this definite purpose in view, there will be more concentration of effort, more diligent and careful application, more satisfactory results obtained, more good accomplished, both for yourself and the world, more thoroughness in whatever you undertake, more honor to your profession, more reward for your efforts after you are thrown out upon the world, there to battle with the waves' commotion upon life's dark ocean. We would say, then, to every student, study with a purpose in view, fix a high ideal and move toward it. Although your high ideal may never be realized, yet you will not have labored in vain. Your example of fidelity in striving toward your ideal, may be the means of prompting to action some one who has grown indifferent, may inspire some fainting heart with new courage, may impart to some weary traveler refreshing moments, may cause some despondent one to look up and be hopeful, may assist some halting one to make the right decision, may cause some wanderer to return, and thus, in the end, you will realize that life has not been a failure, but that you have made the world better because you have had an existence in it—that you have not lived as "those who beat the air, and spend their time for naught," but as those who have written upon their banners by their noble deeds, success through perseverance.
V. F. B.
THE OLD PASTOR'S DISMISSAL.
"We need a younger man to stir the people, And lead them to the fold," The deacon said. "We ask your resignation Because you are growing old."
The pastor bowed his deacons out in silence And tenderly the gloom Of twilight hid him and his bitter anguish Within the lonely room.
Above the violet hills the sunlight's glory Hung like a crown of gold, And from the great church spire the bell's sweet anthem Adown the stillness rolled.
Assembled were the people for God's worship ; But in his study chair The pastor sat unheeding, while the south wind Carressed his snow-white hair.
A smile lay on his lips. His was the secret Of sorrow's sad surcease. Upon his forehead shone the benediction Of everlasting peace.
"The ways of Providence are most mysterious," The deacons gravely said, As wondering-eyed, and scared, the people crowded About their pastor--dead.
"We loved him," wrote the people on the coffin, In words of shining gold; And 'bove the broken heart they set a statue Of marble white and cold.
—Elizabeth Cummings.
THE GHOST THAT JIM SAW.
"Why, as to that," said the engineer,
"Ghosts ain't things we are apt to fear,
Spirits don't fool with levers much,
And throttle valves don't take to such;
And as for Jim—
What happened to him
Was one-half fact and t'other half whim
Running one night on the line, he saw
A house—as plain as the moral law—
Just by the moonlit bank, and thence
Came a drunken man wittch no more sense
Than to drop on the rail,
Flat as a flail,
As Jim drove by with the midnight mail.
Down went the patents. Steam reversed,
Too late! for there came a 'thud' Jim cursed,
As his firemen, there in the cab with him,
Kinder stared in the face of Jim,
And says, 'What now?'
Says Jim, 'What now!
I've just run over a man — that's how!'
The fireman stared at Jim. They ran Back, but they never saw house nor man,— Nary a shadow within a mile, Jim turned pale, but he tried to smile — Then on he tore, Ten miles or more, In quicker time than he'd made afore.
Would you believe it? — the very next night
Up rose that house in the moonlight white ;
Out comes the chap and drops as before.
Down goes the brakes and the rest encore
And so, in fact,
Each night that act
Occurred, till folks swore Jim was cracked.
Humph! Let me see; it's a year, now, most,
That I met Jim East, and says, 'how's your ghosts?'
'Gone,' says Jim, 'and more it's plain
That ghost don't trouble me again.
I thought I shook
That ghost when I took
A place on an eastern line - but look :
What should I meet the first trip out,
But that very house that we talked about,
And that self-same man! 'Well,' says I, 'I guess
It's time to stop this yer foolishness.'
So I crammed on steam,
When there came a scream
From my fireman — and it broke my dream —
'You've killed somebody! Says I, 'not much;
I've been thar often and thar ain't no such.
And now I'll prove it.' Back we ran,
And — darn my skin ! — but thar was a man
On the rail, dead,
Smashed in the head —
Now I call that meanness !'" That's all Jim said."
HOW THE LADY RESCUED THE TRAMP.
"Pity the sorrows of a son of want,
O gentle lady; nor withhold your aid
From one whose future looks but grim and gaunt—
Whose sense of gratitude will never fade!
"Ah, in refusal turnest thou aside?
Then naught is left me but to put in play
My fix'd resolve! By it I will abide;
No longer now the hateful deed delay!
"Stay, stranger!" cried the lady in alarm.
"Here, take this florin, nor give way to wrong!
Poor man, 'would grieve me did you come to harm!
I beg of you to 'suffer and be strong.'
"Now, tell me, friend—what was the horrid deed
That you had firmly fixed to carry out?" —
"O lady, my best thanks are but your meed!
And I'll not hide from one so good—devout—
"My firm resolve! But for your timely aid I must have (though I tried the deed to shirk) At last a feeble, fleeting effort made, And, sore against my will, have set to work!"
4
UNIVERSITY COURIER.
UNIVERSITY COURIER A Monthly Publication Devoted to the Interests of the
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY.
CONDUCTED BY AN ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS.
Price of Subscription, Fifty Cent's per School Year.
RATES OF ADVERTISING - $1.00 per Inch, First Insertion; 50 Cents per Inch each Subsequent Insertion.
CARRIE M. WATSON, 77,
W. E. STEVENS, 79,
SCOTT HOPKINS, '81,
R. W. E. TWITCHELL, '81
H. C. BURNETT, Editor.
Asst. Editors.
H. H. JENKINS, Business Manager.
Address UNIVERSITY COURIER.
THE GREEK DEITIES.
More is known to-day of the primitive home of the Greeks than the wisest knew in an age when Greece monopolized the culture of the world. As the years multiply, facts are gathered together and discoveries made, which, though trifling in and of themselves, when united and seen in right relation to each other, throw a few rays of light far back into an age that seemingly had long ago locked its history forever from the knowledge of men. The comparative study of languages has been the best source from which to obtain something of knowledge of the childhood of a race whose manhood was the world's wonder. It is generally conceded that the Greeks came from Central Asia, and were one of those successive waves of humanity that moved westward to people Europe.
When a people first become known to history, one of the things always looked for with interest is their religion. The religious history of the Greeks is in itself a fruitful and, we believe, profitable subject of study. It is at least probable that the Greeks first worshiped the unnamed and impersonal powers of nature. That worship was rude and largely prompted by fear. History has done much to establish the plausibility of the theory that a peoples' ideas of deity are the outgrowth of their surroundings. If this theory be true, the reason for the worship of these impersonal powers of nature is evident. In Central Asia, the primitive home of this people, great mountain chains extend away beyond the view; rivers rise in a temperate clime, run over table lands and plains, and are lost in the seas of the torrid zone; vast plains stretch away in the distance beyond the vision and seemingly boundless. The very surroundings hold forth the idea of immensity, for apparently they have no limit, and the first vague conceptions of deity, by the people in such a land, would take the form of vast generalizations and forces.
But how different the surroundings of this people after they reached the little peninsula of Greece. Here the land is bounded close and clear by seas, gulfs and bays: small, fertile valleys are shut in by mountains, and the latter, never very high, rise perfectly defined in the clear atmosphere. Nothing boundless, but everything clear and well defined. The very surroundings would, in the lapse of ages, lead the susceptible Greek mind to personify its deities—to define more clearly those unnamed and impersonal powers worshiped in the infancy of the race. The contest between man and nature lost much of its bitterness, for the valleys were fruitful, the scenery beautiful, and fair islands were held embosomed in the waters of a tranquil sea. Nature was no longer an enemy but
an ally. Friend met friend. No fearful restraining hand here, but a benefactor ready both to assist and reward. When the Greek genius fell into harmony with these environments, that people experienced a rapid intellectual growth. Then, too, the vague, abstract powers of nature were transformed into immortal men and women. The mountains, valleys, sea and air were filled with these supernatural powers. Gods and goddesses were everywhere. None were too poor to have a patron deity to do them favors; and as these deities were brought down and humanized, the people were lifted up.
As the Hellenic mind grew more keen and questioning, it inquired into the reality of the existence of these gods and goddesses of its own creation. Protagoras said: "Whether there are gods or not we cannot say, and life is too short to find out." The age of skepticism came, and the polytheists could not stop the tide that wrecked their religion. The Greeks discovered that the Gods lived only in their imaginations, and they were delighted with their own keenness in making the discovery.
Socrates and Plato tried to take advantage of this utter downfall of the gods, which they saw was sure, and build up a system of ethics, but only a rare few could find it in themselves to even attempt to live the morals of these teachers. It was not long before there were about as many religions as individuals and not a single common center of belief around which to rally. Greece was without a religion, and could aptly be called the "Land of lost Gods."
TROUBLESOME STUDENTS.
European Universities are the very hot-beds of free thought and liberal and socialistic ideas. Students over there do not hesitate to search into the "whys and wherefores" of the existing authorities of government. They have a desire to know from what source the "powers that be" derive their authority, and this inquiry is pursued with so much zest and thoroughness that even kings and czars are troubled. Russia has long been considered a country renowned for its vastness and the dense ignorance of its masses. Russia has a large surplus of brute force and a moderate amount of culture. But what of the latter there is has been making itself known in a turbulent way. A crude form of culture it may be, but it is filled with the promise of a better form. Russian students have carried their doctrines and lives so far in opposition to the existing order of things that the government has interfered even to the extent of closing some of the Universities. The students of the University of Keiffe put their protest in the form of a riot, disarmed the police, and even engaged in a fight with the local militia, wherein eighty persons were reported killed and wounded. This way of discussing problems of government is more vigorous than praiseworthy, and the students for the time being will probably get the worst of it; but it points to a time when even Russia will be governed by her own people, rather than an arbitrary power that derives its authority from circumstance.
Our own country is farther along toward solving the problem of just government than any other nation upon earth, and that the result is looked for with intense interest by the people of Europe cannot be doubted. The United States has in her hands, in a great measure, the destinies of Europe. If a government by the people here is successful, European nations will not be long in attempting it, and the result will be such a tumbling of thrones as the world never before witnessed.
UNIVERSITY COURIER.
5
Mr. Thorpe, aged 17, his sister, a year older, and brother, 9 years old, were among the few survivors from the wreck of the Princess Alice. They saved their lives by swimming. The boys became separated from their sister and were afterwards picked up when swimming side by side. The sister struck boldly out and in spite of all the encumbrances of her garments, the force of the tide, the darkness of the night, and the danger to which she cannot but have been subjected by the frantic efforts of those who were struggling around her in the water to catch and cling to any object within their grasp—succeeded in reaching the bank. The exploit was a remarkable one. The water was cold, the night dark and foggy, and several hundred persons were struggling in the water frantically catching at whatever offered a chance for life, yet in spite of all this, Miss Thorpe swam to the shore. The lesson is plain. Both girls and boys should learn to swim. It is a pleasant, healthful exercise and stands one in good stead in case of threatened death by drowning.
The first number of the Saturday Magazine, published in Boston, contains part of an introduction to a forthcoming volume by Prof. Tyndall, entitled Fragments of Science. The editor of the Magazine comments upon Tyndall's introduction and defines the Scientist's position as follows: Tyndall is not a materialist.
1. Professor Tyndall is not a materialist.
2. He maintains his right to confine his work and statements to scientific matter and scientific form.
3. This results in placing him in the following position about materialism: Science can carry us along the chain of effect and cause, or of development, to some distance or other we do not yet know accurately what. But it is not very far. And at the end of it we come to the limit where, as scientific men, we must say we do not know any further—we can not know any further.
4. Physical Science ought not to be called upon to discuss or deal with Faith, nor with Religion. And this refusal to meddle with what is not its business is no just cause for blame.
When a sea shell is held to the ear there is a vibratory sound which children assure each other is the roar of the sea. The sound is caused by muscles in the fingers which are in a high state of tension and whose fibres vibrate. The sound is communicated to the shell and intensified, as the hollow body of the violin intensifies the vibrations of its strings, and thus the acoustic nerve receives the impression. A similar but less intense sound than that which comes from the sea shell can be heard by simply placing the hand over the ear in a certain position.
An earthquake was felt at Reikjavik, Iceland, December 1st. At the same time what appeared to be fires were observed in the distance in the sea, supposed to have been a volcanic submarine eruption. The weather there has been very bad, a number of vessels have been lost, and large flocks of sheep have been killed by the heavy snow storms, or literally blown from the cliffs into the sea.
A querist paper, a la Harvard, has been placed in the library. Persons can write any question they wish, but must sign their name. The questions are to be answered by any one who feels competent to answer them.
According to recent careful computations the population of the world is 1,423,917,000, or 28 persons to every square mile.
At the rate of ten changes a minute in a kaleidoscope containing twelve pieces of glass it would require ninety one years and forty-nine days to exhaust the variations.
Since our last issue, Wright's "History of Scotland," 3 volumes, and Stanley's "Through the Dark Continent," 2 volumes, have been added to the University library.
EXCHANGES.
The Journal of Speculative Philosophy, published at St. Louis, is to us, we confess, our most desirable exchange. Considering the mental activity of our people, it seems strange that we have given such slight attention to Speculative Philosophy. However, the explanation is not difficult; for the last generation, together with the advancement of the physical sciences, there has been growing a mistrust of metaphysics and metaphysical conclusions. The dethronement of this study from its once high position, seems to us proper and praiseworthy, but that it is well we should drop all metaphysics is not so evident. We in America have engaged in the general hunt for material results; saw and hammer, axe and anvil, have been shouldered as our banners; there is no time for a study that gives results which cannot be measured or weighed. Metaphysics as a study is like the best books, not so valuable for what they say or teach, but full of certain wise suggestiveness which incites the mind to activity and self-development. Mind grows by mysterious contact with mind. That book which tells everything may be a good guide, but can not be recommended for the living thought it will produce in the mind of the reader.
We have received the December number of The Southern Collegian, published by the literary societies of Washington and Lee University. Among other interesting articles we notice letters from alumni. All college papers would do well in following this precedent, and devote one department of their paper to letters and personals of the alumni.
We add to this month's list of exchanges The Magazine, from University of Pennsylvania. It is neatly gotten up, and is well filled with college news and other items of general interest.
The Vidette comes to us from Northwestern University, well filled with editorials, correspondence and general news, but has hardly enough solid matter, such as essays from the student. Nothing shows the general mind of an institution so much as essays or papers written by the students. From thus being called upon to write for the college paper, the student takes an interest in the paper and very materially aids it.
The College Courier prints a well written poem entitled "A Paraphrase." We like its proposition to 79 to abolish class day and substitute a class supper.
We read with pleasure the oration in The Simpsonian entitled, "Retrospection."
The Niagara Index must keep a barrel of vinegar to which the exchange editor has access. He is evidently making himself heard, judging from the notices he is receiving from other college papers.
The December number of the Student Life has an interesting article on "The Iron Mountain Region."
6
UNIVERSITY COURIER.
ABSOLUTE RIGHT.
At a recent meeting of the present senior class for recitation in Esthetics, an expression of opinion was taken, as to whether there is such a thing as "absolute right." A majority of one decided in the negative. The writer thought with the minority. I am sure I painfully realize the difficulty of the task before me, in endeaving to make clear the reasons for holding to the affirmative of the question. It seems almost foolishly absurd to attempt so complicated a discussion—one upon which ponderous volumes could easily be written—in one short article in a college paper. To steer clear of the many related and truly inseparable side issues, I cannot hope to be able to do. I trust merely to be able to state the foundations upon which the belief in absolute right rests, without fully elaborating any.
Let us know where we stand. First, What is "right?" and second, What is "absolute?" Various metaphysical definitions might easily be formed for both of these terms. In the common acceptance of the word right, and as here used, it means simply, fit, proper, just, according with truth and duty. I know that as the definition now stands, absolute truth is necessarily involved, and it may be objected that there is no absolute standard of truth, and, therefore, this part of our definition will not be admitted here, for as Bain says, "The truth is not to be spoken at all times. Mankind have ever considered it right to deceive each other in times of war, and there have been nations where deception was cultivated as a virtue." Granted. Does this prove that those nations were really better off because they lied, cheated and deceived? Is it proven, that had they reached a state so high that they would have scorned to do these things, they would have been no happier than they were then? Because falsehood sometimes wears angelic robes, does that prove the invalidity of truth? We see no reason for changing our first definition. Now for the meaning of absolute. Here as in the former case we are bountifully supplied with meanings. We choose the following; Perfect, complete, certain, unconditioned.
"So absolute she seemed, as in herself complete."
Opposed to this idea is that which holds all right as relative. I cannot separate this doctrine from that of Chryssippus, a philosopher who wrote about two hundred years before Christ, and belonged to the school of stoics. He said: "The wise man is free in his chains; he may, under certain circumstances, commit murder, deceive, or kill himself, and at the same time be a virtuous character." I know it is easy to see how this might possibly be. But the highest philosophy should look forward to a more perfect moral and intellectual development, one where murder and deception cannot be justified.
I am not discussing the negative phase. If we can find one thing, of whatever nature, which in its majestations are always right, absolutely right, then we think it will be granted that there is some reason for holding the position we maintain.
By induction the geologist proves from the traces on the present earth surface of erosion, that water and ice have been at work; he concludes by the same process that Dinosaurs, Pterodactyls, &c., have been here. If he meet a rill, he infers a fountain head.
So too, I think, may the mental philosopher, seeing the emanations of mind, infer an intelligent primary source; feeling moral obligation may infer a first principle of right and wrong. Or as Kant would say: "The world does not rule the mind,
but mind the world. If there is a moral law there must be a moral world, and in that world the highest good must be brought about." So too, if there is any truth, there must be a fountain of truth. If there is any right, there must be the germ, so to speak, from which the idea of right reaches us by—shall I say it?—Intuitions! This causes a smile, I know, among those thinkers who suppose all our notions of right come primarily from experience. If it can be proved that all knowledge comes by experience, or inheritance from our ancestors, I give up, that there is no such thing as absolute right. Is man less fortunate than the lower animals, which perform many wonderful feats without any past experience or observation, solely by instinct? This is seen ranging from the starfish to man. The butterfly provides carefully for its young which it is never to see; the insect selects its food; monkeys avoid poisonous berries; squirrels store food for winter; bees, wasps and spiders build with wonderful precision, and the old do not excel the young. Did these things all come about under the influence of a law, not guided and framed by intelligence? To draw the line between instinct and intelligence is a task which has never been completed. We cannot force ourselves to conclude that they do not spring from the same "One in All." If insects and lower animals have instincts, which is everywhere admitted, may not man have intuitions from the same source?
True intelligence is the foundation of true philosophy. The highest principle of philosophy, as applied to mankind, is the principle of love. This, we believe exists in its fullness and perfection only in the "One in All," who is the infinite mind, of which we are but inferior manifestations.
Love, wisely directed (for when not guided by intelligence there is no love), is always right, and absolute in its rightness.
What is there in man's nature to teach him that polygamy is wrong, if it be not his conscience? What first induced ancient nations to abandon the practice? Was it experience? What induces the mother, in one case to tenderly foster her child, and in the other cast it to the monsters of the Ganges? Is it experience or love? 'Tis the same motive in both cases, only in the latter, 'tis strangely misguided.
Of course we cannot go beyond the beginning. The first cause cannot be investigated nor analyzed. The manifestations of design, the feeling of obligation, the mysterious constitution of ourselves, the irrepressible tendency upward and onward, are evidence to me of a "higher law," a power intelligent outside of me, and a source of absolute right to which we are surely and slowly tending. We may never reach the ultimate goal; and this thought carries with it the more pleasing one of the endless progression of intelligence.
Self-evidence, necessity and universality have not yet been explained by those who believe not in intuitions. Mr. Mill has attempted it in his cunningly devised theory of "Association;" but it would not be difficult to show that Dr. McCosh has exploded his theory and exposed his fallacy.
So long as we believe in intuitions, the belief in absolute right will be held.
C. W. S.
Two Sophomores at Yale have been compelled to re-enter the Freshman class for hazing.
Mr. Thomas Carlyle has just entered his 84th year and is said to be in excellent health.
UNIVERSITY COURIER.
7
LOCAL ITEMS.
Are you there?
I am still with you.
What a bill of expense!
Over four weeks and still the snow lies on the ground.
The coasting is elegant, and the small boy is happy.
The students have almost all returned from the Christmas holidays.
A large number of our students are attending Gardner's dancing class at Frazer hall.
Skating has taken the place of sleighing among our students, and their genial countenances are seen day and night at the rink.
Mrs. L. W. Spring entertained the members of her Sunday School class, and a few others, at her residence last Wednesday evening.
Everybody has been making resolutions, and "ye editor" has followed suit. He has condensed all into one important one—that he will not make any resolution he cannot keep.
The Y. M. S. C., of this city, repeated the play called "Our Yankee Cousin," last Wednesday evening. If some of our talented students would organize a company and give such an entertainment, we are certain it would be well patronized.
The student who ate four dozen oysters, select brand, in four minutes, had an invitation to take supper with a friend, but declined on account of his voracious appetite. James has been unfortunate lately, and some of our boys are thinking of taking up a collection for his benefit.
We are glad to notice the way in which our daily papers are taking hold of the sidewalk question. This is of great interest to students and we advise those who are mischievously inclined to take notice of those who do not keep their side-walks free from snow, and give them a pleasant call in the "Spring time, gentle Annie."
The Cadets went to Topeka Monday to take part in the inauguration of Governor. They report a splendid display and a good time.
The "Oread Mewses" met at the residence of Prof. Miller, on the 10th inst. Quite a large number were present and all seemed to enjoy themselves. Among those who took part in the exercises we noticed the names of Misses Tenney, Miller, Marvin, Baker, Stevens, Thacher, and Messrs. Henry and Gleed.
The grand event of last week was beyond all doubt the brilliant skating carnival. The most elaborate preparations had been made by some of our enterprising citizens. Music, fireworks, &c., were never so plenty before; everybody, especially the small boy, enjoyed himself hugely. The crowd was very select, notwithstanding the large number present. From some unaccountable means fair Luna hid her face and did not appear during the entire evening. By all means let the same management give another carnival and add new laurels to their already overburdened brows.
The class of '80 made its first appearance in public on the night of the nineteenth of December, with a very interesting rhetorical programme. The members of the class, thirteen in number, after being introduced to the audience by Prof. Canfield, did their parts in a pleasing and successful manner. The exercises were of a high literary character, and gave the utmost satisfaction. They were presented in the following order: Music; oration," Peace," Henry V. Chase; essay, "Eldorado," Cora M. Cherry; reading, "Pride," Sarah Dudgeon; essay, "Genius and Peculiarities of Edgar A. Poe," Solon T. Williams; oration "The Age of Inquiry," A. E. Parker; music. Debate, Resolved, That intellectual pursuits tend to immorality; affirmative, Annie O. Gilmore, and W. H. Carruth; negative, Ariel E. Long, and J. O. Hays. Music; essay, "Criterions," Frank M. Smith; reading, "A Revolutionary Rising," Frank Prentiss; oration, "Mathematical Science," Franklin Rifle; reading, "Persimmons and the Babies," Nellie G. Thacher.
W. M. CULBERTSON.
NO. 110
BAKER 80
DEALER IN ALL KINDS OF COAL,
Office No. 110 Massachusetts Street.
F. W. JAEDICKE, Manufacturer and Dealer in
SHOT GUNS, RIFLES AND PISTOLS, SHOT POUCHES, FLASKS,
Shot, Caps, Lead, Sein Twine, Fish Hooks, Lines,
Poles, Pocket Cutlery,
AND EVERY ARTICLE USED BY SPORTSMEN,
70 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, Kan.
HOLIDAY GOODS!
Mrs. GARDNER & CO.
Have the Fines! Assortment of
Ladies' and Children's Furs
In the city. Sold CHEAP FOR CASH.
LAWRENCE, - - - KANSAS.
University Students and all their friends will find the best assortment of
Boots and Shoes AT LOWEST PRICES, AT HUMES' ONE PRICE HOUSE, 125 Mass. St., Lawrence, Kansas.
BARBER.
J. M. MITCHELL, OF THE Popular Crystal Palace Shop,
UNDER FIRST NATIONAL BANK
Offers special inducements to University Students and public generally by
Reduction in Prices!
Hair Cutting, 25 cents; Shampooing, 25 cents;
Shaving, 10 cents.
Best workmen in the West employed. Give the boy a call.
A
L. D. L. TOSH,
(Class of '73.)
Attorney at Law
AND
NOTARY PUBLIC,
LAWRENCE, - KANSAS.
W. W. FLUKE,
MUSIC STORE, AND DEALER IN ORGANS,
Pianos, and Singer Sewing Machines.
W. W. FLUKE,
BROMELSICK'S
SHIRT DEPOT. HEAD BUARTERS FOR HATS, Caps, and Gent's Furnishing Goods.
HUTSON & KLOCK,
RESTAURANT AND MANUFACTURING CONfectioners.
A. G. MENGER,
A. G. MENGER,
MANUFACTURER AND DEALER IN BOOTS
and Shoes.
H. W. MACAULAY,
LAWRENCE BUSINESS COLLEGE. THO-
rough Business Course.
MARK ANTHONY'S
回
IS THE PLACE TO GET YOUR BAKBERING done in the best style. 136 Massachusetts St.
8
UNIVERSITY COURIER.
B. W. WOODWARD & CO.,
Druggists,
Druggists ,
ROUND CORNER, - - Massachusetts and Henry Streets.
LAWRENCE, KANSAS.
SPECIAL NOTICE!
We cordially invite all TEACHERS and STUDENTS of the State University to call at our immense stock of
FASHIONABLE CLOTHING,
Especially adapted for this season of the year, such as fine $ ^{2} $
CASSIMERE SUITS.
Genuine Black Worsted and Imported Broadcloth Suits,
Also BLACK, BROWN, and BLUE
BEAVER, WORSTED & CHINCHILLA OVERCOATS,
At ALL PRICES, and equal in every respect to the best custom make; also a large stock of
GENTS' FURNISHING GOODS, HATS AND CAPS, &c., &c.
We shall always keep THE BEST, THE CHEAPEST, and THE LARGEST Stock of First-Class Clothing ever shown in this vicinity. We consider it no trouble to show our goods, and our motto is,
"STRICTLY SQUARE DEALING." Your obedient servants,
STEINBERG BROS.,
87 Massachusetts St.
OLD STANDARD
JOB OFFICE!
ALL KINDS OF Plain & Fancy Job Printing
NEATLY AND PROMPTLY EXECUTED.
COMMERCIAL JOB WORK A SPECIALTY
Mr. L. CALLAHAN, an experienced Job Printer has charge of the work.
Cash Grocery House.
Famous for First Class
GROCERIES
Bed Rock Prices!
ALT
FRESH OYSTERS AND CELERY ALWAYS ON HAND!
Students, Remember the Sign,
CASH GROCERY HOUSE,
PARNHAM & BAILEY,
J. S. HENDERSON,
143 Mass. St., Lawrence, Kansas.
P. O. Drawer, 240.
MANUFACTURERS OF
Monuments, Tombstones Mantles
All work guaranteed to give satisfaction.
P. M. HAMLIN,
LIVERY STABLE
Students are especially invited to call on me for Rigs of all kinds.
ESTABLISHED IN 1862.
J. HOUSE & CO. CLOTHIERS, LAWRENCE, KAN.
University Books,
Paper, Scratch Books, Pens, Inks, Pencils, &c.,
A. F. BATES' BOOK STORE, 99 Massachusetts Street.
Turkish Bath
AND
ELECTRO-MEDICAL INSTITUTE,
No. 60 Vermont Street.
Special attention to Chronic Diseases and Nervous Affections of all kinds.
TERMS REASONABLE.
DALEE.
DR. R. DOBBINS, Proprietor.
University Photograph Gallery.
South Tennessee Street, LAWRENCE, KAN.
Photographs taken from card to life size by the Lightning Process.
"VENIENTI OCCULI MORBO."
WILDER BROTHERS. Manufacturers of
r. Thos. Yarnold, ENGLISH PHYSICIAN,
Treats All Chronic and Complicated Diseases.
Office 169 Mass. St. Residence 163 & 165, up stairs.
SHIRTS,
LAWRENCE, KANSAS.
Underwear, Collars and Cuffs.
TO ORDER FROM MEASURE,
Opposite Durfee House, . . . LAWRENCE, KANSAS.
Measure for future reference solicited.
Dr. SMYTH,
Oculist and Aurist,
LAWRENCE, KANSAS.
Kansas Marble Works.
GRIGGS BROTHERS, Manufacturers and Dealers in
Foreign and American Marble, Monuments. Headstones,
Tablets, Manlies, &c.
37 Mass. St., opposite P. O., LAWRENCE, KAS.
ESTABLISHED 1865.
W. BERGMAN,
No. 69 Mass. St., LAWRENCE, KAN.
INTERNATIONAL CLOTHING EMPORIUM,
The Latest Styles of Mens,' Youths' and Boys' Clothing and Furnishing Goods kept constantly
Students especially invited to call and examine.
JOHN Q. A. NORTON LAWYER.
CREW & NEWLIN Booksellers.
The Largest Stock of Books, Standard, Miscellaneous, School and Scientific, in the State. Libraries and Students furnished at lowest discounts.
S. G. McCONNELL,
MERCHANT TAILOR. 75 MASSACHUSETTS STREET.
Latest styles of goods on hand. A liberal discount to Students.
H. W. HOWE, DENTIST.
Office 105 Mass. St.
NITROUS OXIDE FOR PAINLESS EXTRACTION OF TEE1H.
BUY YOUR PAPER AT THE KANSAS PAPER STORE.