"War — Supreme Evil":
First Kansas Draft-Dodger Spent Christmas in a Jail Cell
by Roger Myers
Few people remember Alexander Harlow Dewey.
The recent rash of draft card burnings and anti-war demonstrations calls to mind the story of the KU student who, 24 years ago, spent Christmas in a jail cell because he refused to go to war.
Gatherings war clouds led to the nation's first peace-time draft in October, 1941. In December, after Pearl Harbor, several KU men left school and enlisted.
But Alexander Harlow Dewey, Fairfield, Conn., freshman, refused to register for the draft. He dropped out of school, sent his clothes and books to his home in Connecticut, and patiently waited in his Tennessee St. apartment for arrest and conviction. While waiting, he read, listened to music, and visited Watson Library.
The arrest came on the Friday before Christmas, and Dewey was taken to jail in Topeka. He was placed in a solitary cell, as officials feared he might be harmed by other prisoners.
Dewey refused to plead insanity and entered a plea of guilt. A student in philosophy, he said he followed no cult, but acted solely on his own beliefs.
"I am utterly against anything to do with war," said Dewey, "so I couldn't permit myself to register. I consider human life is the most valuable thing on this earth. I consider war—the evaluation of material values over human values—is the supreme evil."
of such an attitude would be so plain that it would be impossible not to conclude that (draft evaders) are at heart traitors to their country.7
On February 18, Alexander Harlow Dewey was sentenced in Federal District Court to two years in prison for failing to register under the Selective Service Act. He became the first draft evader convicted in Kansas.
"Your spirit is one of rebellion against the laws of the United States—against your government." Judge Richard J. Hopkings told Dewey. "The purpose and effect
Journalism Dean Attends Meeting
Dean Warren K. Agee of the William Allen White School of Journalism at KU, was one of 30 invited participants at a conference of communications specialists from industry, education, science and government in Denver, Colo., Thursday through Saturday.
Daily Kansas 7
Monday, December 13, 1965
KU Debate Teams Post 4 -1 Scores
Four KU debate teams participated in the North West Missouri State College Debate Tournament in Marysville, Mo. this past weekend.
Team members were; Phyllis Schofer, Wichita sophomore; Kelly Hayden, Atwood freshman; Julene Bullock, Olathe freshman; Randy Mallonee, Olathe freshman; Hanan Bell, Shawnee Mission freshman; Tom Weinberg, Coffeyville freshman; Dour Imen, Shawnee Mission freshman; and Patti Baldwin, Shawnee Mission freshman.
Three of the four KU teams posted 4-1 records.
In addition, Schofer, Hayden, and Weinberg received superior ratings in extemporaneous speaking.
Only one team, Emporia State Teachers College, attained a 5-0 record.
Biologist-Teacher Exhibits Paintings
The artistic work of a KU alumnus may be seen in the Browsing Room in the Kansas Union through Jan. 3.
"Science in Color" is an exhibition of paintings made by Dr. Stewart Clare, a research biologist and teacher, who received his B.S. degree from KU in 1935.
It Used to be...
By Hector Olave
Dec. 13, 1915
It has been a custom of the students of the School of Fine Arts to give each year before Christmas a musical for the benefit of the students of the University and the people of the city, that they might bear with them a more cheerful attitude during the winter holidays.
The faculty of the School of Pharmacy makes a formidable list of 29 names, eight of whom constitute the governing body. Five professors give their individual attention to pharmaceutical subjects. The school has 47 students. Four of them are women.
Cold weather, Christmas trees, and 13 parties for the weekend make this weekend a red letter one in more than one sense of the word. With this weekend being the last of the year before Christmas, University students are planning and have planned festivities that would put anybody else but college students in bed for a week.
Dec. 13, 1940
Ruffle Hi . . . Judy Bond takes a stand on the great new Victorian Look, with the high ruffled collar and sprightly wrist ruffle. Does it with typical grace, skill and freshness, of course, to bring your wardrobe a most delightful version of the season's greatest look. The charming, cotton-print fabric is very "today" in its lovely wash-and-wear qualities! Blue, olive and black. Sizes 30-38. $4.00
Play Try-Outs Today, Tuesday
Tryouts for three of next semester's productions will be held in the University Theatre at 7 p.m. today and Tuesday.
The three plays to be cast are "The Bedbug," to be produced on the main stage in March; "Two
for the Seesaw," which will be an Experimental Theatre production; and "Tom Thumb," a children's theatre musical that will be performed at KU. It will then tour Kansas during March.
SHORT ON CASH?
ENJOY A DELICIOUS LOW COST MEAL AT
SANDY'S
Always better food, faster service, and low prices at SANDY'S in the Hillcrest Shopping Area.
SWIFT AND THRIFT DRIVE-IN
Fish ... 25c
Grilled Cheese ... 15c
Coffee, Milk ... 10c
Orange, Root Beer and Pepsi ... 10c or 15c
Hamburgers ... 15c
French Fries ... 12c
Cheeseburger ... 19c
Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla
Shakes ... 20c