Docking wants 'to finish the job'
By NILA WALKER
Kansan Assistant Campus Editor
Governor Robert B. Docking announced his intention to seek an unprecedented third term Saturday at press conferences in Topeka, Kansas City, Kans., and Wichita.
"Though we have made significant progress, we have tried for too many years to give up now what we believe is right. We have an obligation—a responsibility—to finish the job we have begun." Docking said.
Only two other governors have attempted to win a third term and both failed. Gov. Docking's father, the late George Docking, lost his bid for a third term after holding the office from 1957 to 1961. John P. St. John, a Republican, lost the bid for a third term in 1882.
Docking said in a speech to Kansas Young Democrats in Wichita Saturday evening, "the issue of a third term seems to be a desperation issue clutched by ambitious Republican candidates for the governorship. Sen. Arthur Capper served in public office for 30 years. Sen. Frank Carlson served as a state legislator, governor, congressman and U.S. Senator, completing 40 years of public service."
In a question and answer session following the press conference, Docking said he could not understand why the Kansas State Teachers Association continued to demand increases in funds. He said the present administration had put more money into elementary and secondary education than any other in history.
Docking said he would continue to work for tax reform by tightening exemption loopholes and broadening the tax base. He said 48 per cent of sales taxes are presently exempt and Kansas currently is paying an unfair amount of its taxes to the federal government.
"The Republican legislature has raised my budget over $70 million since I have been governor," Docking said. "I have managed to cut $72 million by cutting the funds of government agencies."
Docking expressed dissatisfaction with Atty. Gen. Kent Frizzell's investigation of lobbying activities concerning the pari-mutuel betting bill. He added he hoped the issue could be made into a constitutional amendment so the people might vote on it.
Three Republicans also have announced their candidacy. They are Rick Harman, who lost to Docking in 1968, Atty. Gen. Kent Frizzell and Raymond J. Van Skiver, a Wichita school teacher.
80th Year, No.127
The University of Kansas—Lawrence, Kansas
Monday, May 4, 1970
UDK News Roundup
By United Press International Students call for strike
Eleven Eastern college newspaper editors Sunday called for a nationwide student strike not "against the universities" but "by the entire university" to protest the Southeast Asia action. The meeting was held at Columbia University.
Columbia President Andrew Cordier gave his support to a moratorium today at the New York City school.
Escalation of war charged
WASHINGTON—Top officials of the Nixon administration say new developments in the Indochina War—including the first substantial air raids against North Vietnam in 18 months-do not represent a change in U.S. policy.
The call for amnesty was contained in one of the final resolutions passed before the ADA's national convention adjourned Sunday with a denunciation of President Nixon's decision to enter Cambodia as "suicidal."
But the Democratic National Committee disagreed. It issued a weekend statement claiming "the Nixon administration's act of the past week signifies a major escalation of the war in Indochina. The air strikes into North Vietnam combined with the invasion of Cambodia mean, in effect, that the American policy of disengagement has ended."
Court ponders punishment
Draft amnesty urged
WASHINGTON—The Supreme Court today opened an inquiry into capital punishment that could affect about 500 prisoners sitting in death row cells.
Young Americans who went to prison or abroad rather than be drafted to fight in the Vietnam War should be granted amnesty, says the Americans for Democratic Action.
The court met to hear arguments on two questions:
- Should a jury decide guilt and punishment at a single sitting known as the single-verdict procedure?
—Should a jury have absolute discretion to impose a death penalty "uncontrolled by standards or directions of any kind?
Committee seeks day of alternatives
By CURT CHAUDOIN Kansan Staff Writer
Letters have been sent to Chancellor E. Laurence Chalmers Jr. and University faculty members, by the KU Committee for Alternatives (KUCA), asking for a "day of alternatives."
The letters were sent in reaction to the "actions of the President concerning the invasion of Cambodia and the resumption of the bombing of North Vietnam."
The KUCA, in it's alternatives,
have asked that Chancellor Chalmers
and the faculty cancel
classes Friday, May 8, in compliance with their demand. If classes cannot be cancelled, they ask that class discussions be held during the regularly scheduled class periods on present military policies and the ROTC Program's relation to the actions of the President and the military in Cambodia and Vietnam.
The letter further stated that Chalmers, as Chancellor of the University of Kansas, should issue a public statement in Wednesday's University Daily Kansan, outlining the position of the University in regard to the administration's actions in Southeast Asia.
According to KUCA members, the University by scheduling the ROTC review Friday, has endorsed the President's actions in Southeast Asia. They said that the ROTC review has a direct relation to the U.S.military programs.
The committee letter also said that "the review appears to be evidence of the University's overt support of the military at a time when the military is opting for our increased involvement in, and the expansion of, an illegal and immoral war. We therefore, urge that the University not allow this review to take place on University grounds."
The KUCA stressed the fact that they are only asking that the Chancellor and the University consider the alternatives to the KU ROTC program by not recognizing the ROTC review.
This issue, said committee
members, is important enough to be recognized. If there is no action taken in response to their demands, they said, they will try to organize a boycott of classes.
Besides the alternatives asked in the letter to the University, the KUCA has scheduled guerrilla theaters; discussion groups for
fraternities, sororites and other living groups; teach-ins and a "festival of life," featuring rock bands. The "festival of life," according to KUCA members, is scheduled to meet behind the Campanile and will be similar to the "pleasure fair" held at Potter Lake the day of the student strike.
Photo by Ron Bishop
It'll never take the Indianapolis . . .
The 18th annual Derby Day opened with a barrage of water balloons and ended with the awarding of trophies. The Derby '500' highlighted the day, and provided the spectators and participants with fun and laughs. (See related story on page 3.)