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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (May 24, 1955)
Poqe 2 THE NEBRASKAN Tuesday, May 24, 1955 Ncbraskan Editorials" est 0 Stamina The ups and downs surrounding the Western Big Three's invitation to the Soviet Union for a summer Big Four conference is beginning to make U.S. statesmen look and feel like diplo matic yo-yos.. The USSR is holding the string, lifting and letting drop Western hopes for a solution to world tension. Western powers pro posed the me sting and were cheered by the Russian response. Lately, however, the Soviet has asked for things which would turn the meeting towards their favor, and the Western powers are not sure they want such a meeting tinder those conditions. It is almost too much to hope for that the Initial Soviet response to the invitation is an optimistic sign of an about-face in USSR foreign policy. The spot the Western powers have found themselves in is caused, as usual, by distrust of Russian methods and motives. The possibility exists, however, that world tension has created a situation where USSR ends and the ends of Western powers are not too far removed. A good guess is that the Russians would like to get certain issues settled so that they could turn to problems elsewhere possibly internal problems. It would follow that there might be a basis for agreement across the conference table which will, of course, require give and take on both sides. This was the position Roosevelt was in at the Yalta conference; but he gave too much and took too little. If present states men could be sure how far they should go in this process of giving and taking, they could face the possible Big Four Conference with a great deal more confidence. The joint American-British-French proposal called for a short meeting confined to a defini tion of the problems and methods to be used in solving them. The Soviet Government apparently wants to create a situation in which the Western Three heads of state would have to solve the problems themselves. The list of problems in cludes proposals on international tension, "war" propaganda, withdrawal of occupation troops from Germany, removal of foreign military bases, peaceful atomic energy development uid banning of atomic weapons. Discussions of any of these problems on a high level is a risk. If Western powers give in too much, they will find themselves regretting it after the elapse of several years indicates what the Russian motives are. If they are too cautious, the USSR again has food for their extensive propaganda machine, which in spite of the Russian request of an end to the cold war makes the cold war a continued reality. Western powers have a right to fear such a situation. They are, however, almost too timid. The USSR now holds the string, but it is time that the Western powers attempt to reverse the position or at least even things up. This would call for decisive action, and it is this decisive action of which the Western powers are afraid. The big issue is that of the neutralization of Germany. Moscow is urging the withdrawal of all occupation troops from Germany. This in cludes the withdrawal of American troops from a key area of Western defense with the ultimate aim to expose all Europe to Communist pres sure. It would take a great deal of persuasion to get the Western powers to go along with this idea. It may be, however, the Russians want it not so much as an opening for future aggres sion, but as a means for self-protection. We do not know how much the USSR may fear the chain of defense being set up by the Western powers. We therefore .do not know if, and how far Russia might concede over a conference table. The Western powers fear of the risk may be legitimate, but it may bring about tragedy that of looking back after an elapse of time and trying to tell ourselves what may have been had fears been swallowed. Although Moscow seems willing to pay a high price for high ambitions which were originally Western ideas, the vicious propaganda attacks on the United States and cold-war techniques have continued. Reports in Monday's papers indicate they are using the U.S. call for more strength and firmness in the Western stand as a means to drive a wedge between the U.S. on the one hand and Britain and France on the other. Such techniques make the situation seem hope less. However, the Western proposal may instead bring new tests of Western stamina, forcing a move towards world security. K. N. tor Magazine Crisis The crisis period for a humor magazine within the next few years on this campus has been reached. Within two weeks, it will be decided, by the nucleus of students behind this attempt at a humor magazine, and by the University powers that govern their fates, whether such a magazine will be published at Nebraska next year. About a dozen sophomore rajfix who have al most all had some experience working for mag azines and yearbooks, have been working since early last December to meet what they feel is a need and demand on this campus for some type of humor magazine. This group has the ambition and interest to push such a project through to its final culmination, but still faces many roadblocks before that project can suc ceed. Obviously, the financial and organizational arrangements for publishing a magazine like this must be made before the end of this semester or else the venture will be hopelessly delayed, and any inspiration for future attempts in this direction will be dampened. The big question in considering such an at tempt as this is not whether a humor magazine would be a healthy, needed thing at the Uni versity, but whether the University, its admin istration and its students would be able to sup port such a magazine. Certainly, there is no welcome mat out for a successor to the old "Corn Shucks," which ends up not only in embarassing the administration but the students themselves and the whole University. But a magazine along the pattern of Iowa State's highly successful "Green Gander" would be a happy addition to our campus life. It is this type of thing, it appears, that the present humor magazine group is intending to put out. Yet this type of humor magazine nor any other type will not be produced unless the founding group receives all-out encouragement and support from the University and from the student body. If the magazine is consistently opposed during this crucial period of birth, if it is automatically, condemned by those who have distasteful memories of the old "Com Shucks," without receiving a fair hearing on its own merits, and if it is choked to death in tangles of red tape, then Nebraska is destined to be a campus without any type of humorous publication for several years. Finally, of course, the big question will come In the Fall, if and when such a magazine is finally published. Widespread student indiffer ence will discourage the promoters of the humor magazine, and probably, at that delicate stage, destroy the magazine's chances. The big tests, then, are not only to be made by this founding group in striving to put out a good magazine, but by the whole student body in encouraging such an attempt. R. H. Pitkll Of Private Interests Now that the new Student Council has offi cially been installed and is about to begin func tioning, it is well to stop for a few moments and analyze the composition of the new group and see exactly what kind of representative group has been elected to legislate and judiciate for University students on the highest level of student self-government Last years' Council was unique in many ways, first, and undoubtedly foremost, was the ability of many Council leaders and members to daunt kssly stand for what they thought was best for the general University good. This quality, as was evidenced time and again during the end less heated debates, lifted the active Council members from the ranks of those who look at issues via interest-group glasses to- the level MHsHMMHHnHMaBBBHHBHMHMMaBMHI Afterthoughts Welcomed Water The state welcomed the badly-needed rain that kU ttls weekend. Farmers and ranchers were preparing to request Federal aid for drought, and Federal kvestigators were checking the condition of the parched land. Nature apparently has taken matters out of the bands of the government and the farmers. If the rains continue, crops may yet turn out better than anyone has expected. The farmer is glad, the miller is glad, all of us who eat are glad that the rains came. About the only person who could object is the enthusiastic fjcakkeri of leaders, honestly trying to do what they think best for the entire body which they serve. As a result, interest in Student Council prob lems reached what was close to an all time peak at the all-University election. This election could well change the complexion of the Council from what it formerly was, i.e., a group doing its best to act for what it sees to be the general good. Herein lies the present danger. The new Council was almost 100 per cent elected to represent specific interests. Certainly the rep resentatives of the member organizations owe first allegiance to their individual groups. But in addition to this, college representatives were for the first time In many years elected by a dominant and public group the IFC. There is nothing wrong with political interest groups supporting candidates for office. And, as the logical corollary to this, there is certainly noting wrong with this type of group being suc cessful and actually putting its men in office. In recent years, Faction men rarely went into office ceding they must support the Faction line. Much fo the consternation of Faction leaders, nothing could be done about this condition, if indeed anything was ever attempted. The danger lies in what can soon develop. If Council members realize they now are serving in the interests of the entire University, and not just their own groups, this pitfall will be avoided. If they forget, as they so easily can, Council business will inevitably sink into a morass of private interests, furthering nobody, advancing nothing and proving nebulous. J). F. Tho Ncbraskan ftrtTtZCOND YEAR EDITORIAL STAFF s . ........ m . .,.. . .................... lMmsm Aswcuumm tuecu cress hiwM ran vmm ... , - . Warn ..................... Mart WmtBgm treSS lm . Ota rHna EtzsvssstsStrtlt Ko&asJ MvertMng ferric, ii um ."..'.. ...".. m?, k t. , , , . Sap nam. MmrUym isw9 trM fiew T4Hr , .ur Hrakle Vhrn VvfcmMcua ti pviiili&xt br mtvSmif mt tbm tM- Umnrun . . wwirty Ohm, Jm i Jmmm. Ht , " . in i Mtmt, hvWa mvtUnm. Khan film, frm mtv mm Affair M mm wpwrtu sta Vmhkm. Orr mrm. Httmmtt, Jmm, Hmm. Kmm r ' '. ttfc'tuMam e6or w JeritdlettM mt tb mvm. rwkt. Utiiaa HsxwlMn. Ann lmn rn H r HMsntnr mt tomttr M Vbm CaHw. BUSINESS STAFF r . or mm f rt mt jr vvrmm V CoHvrnHr. ffiitmm Mama? Vmmt WMM , ... tv ttonuM m-rm pmmmttr i U'l Biti Hmmm Sw Wfl-W. Hmtmmn t int. Urt whMt UU0 mmt, m mm m OHM Mi mmm. Owma Himmc. 4aa Hww LITTLE MAN ON UMrwi by Dick Bibler "Well I guess the reason I talk so much is because it doesn't require any thought." Where There's Smoke NU Faces Critical Issues In 1954-55 'By JOHN GOURLAY And MIKE SHUGRUE In two and one-half mnrp wppIts the slate will he wineH rlpnn n the curtain falls nn nnnthpr vpnr of NU activity. And what a hectic year it has been here on the campus. Beseiged by controversies all year long, the student body is rest less and can certainly use the forthcoming vacation. But, in three short months the University world will again come to life and with it some of this year's controversies will again bestir themselves. 1954-55 seems to have been a crucial year for the University. Chancellor Hardin in his new posi tion made some policy changes that radically shook some existing iracuuons; es pecially drink ing. The initial effect was to arouse the stu dent body, but astheyear progressed the situation had to I I he faced and it I "T V was. Viewing I f i I this pr- ""''" I iL- --ni situation at the Gonrlay end of the year it appears that the policy has had a great measure of effect and some of the graver evils and excesses have been abolished. The long range of this will be a better Uni versity in every way. Other important events have oc curred this year which were of significance. The competition be tween Greeks and Independents be came keener than ever. Friction also became keener. The outlook for this situation in the future seems to be that the Greeks are going to maintain their dominance in campus activities unless Inde pendent leaders can spark their cohorts to life. This situation, how ever, is not settled and the struggle apparently will continue at an even livelier pace next year. The com petition should benefit both groups and ultimately the University as a whole because it will necessitate both groups striving to improve programs and strengthen efforts. The unfortunate riot has scarred the good name of Nebraska for many years to come. Repercus sions will undoubtedly be felt for quite some time in the future. The figurative nose must be kept very, very clean for quite some time as another outburst like the past one would possibly harm the University beyond repair. Student pride in this institution must take a rise to prevent further Incidents. Shortening the exam period cer tainly was the pot of boiling oil being poured from the bastille as far as most students were con cerned, tfhat fire is going to be roaring hot again about next Oc tober and it looks as if it should start the ball rolling for another exciting year. These are the things that have greatly concerned the student body during this past year. Next fall these present issues will have cooled down considerably and a period of rela- tive peace f"" should ensue. ' The fact that ' this was a hec- tic year at Uni- i versity is not neces s a r i 1 y bad. Out of the I seeming furor f the University ... . . I .:"T students, iacui-1 t anil ailmtn. istration have learned many things. Among these is the fact that any change is greatly resisted. But after a summer away from it all those of us who return will be a little more accustomed to the changes; jnaybe even resigned to them in some instances. But, as it looks now we should be in for a little more peaceful year next term. At any rate its going to be Interesting to see how things de velop. The future of the University may have hinged upon certain things that happened this year. Only time will prove whether cur rent policies were effective. If I I I Givin' 'Em Ell DisagrsGments Good But Nof Apologies By ELLXE ELLIOTT To My Readers: We have been through a pe culiar year, you and I. I have said many things with which you not only disagreed, but against which you openly raised your voices in protest. And you, in turn, have done many things which I have condemned. Oh, there have been a few things that we have agreed upon, and a few other things that haven't mattered any way . . . neither of us has been, constantly on our best intellectual behavior. -Our disagreements, even more than our agreements, have been a good thing . . . for us, for our newspaper and for our future. The fact that you have re acted, however v e h e mently, has made this column worth w r i 1 1 n g, in sp i t e of the a e e r s from r. i. Elliott some factions, the horror of others and the inexplicable amputation which my editors have, from time to time, seen fit to operate upon my efforts. I have had one primary motive In writing this column this year: to try to make yon think ... for yourselves. It has become dis- torbiiigly sirrple, la this age of Reader's Digests, capsuled educa tion and clocked living, to swallow all the tripe that is fed to as as we swallow the sparser truths. At times I am ao freer from this ma lady than anybody else; we learn by our mistakes. But I have tried tolgive to you ... to share with you . . . some of the notions that I have found, no tions that are at times rather weird by the accepted mediocre standards that we have set up for ourselves, but notions that I never theless believe to be true. If they have violated your own notions, good. Because in order for you to reject my ideas, you must sub ject your own to an intense and discerning inspection. I have never asked you to -agree with me; I have only asked you to read, to weigh and to make up your own minds. There are certain elements among my readers who think that I should apologize for some of the accusations I have made, for some of the facts I have ftevealed and for some of the opinion which I have put forth. This I cannot, and should not, do. I have said nothing which I did not believe at the time (although I may have changed my mind since . . . Emer son, reaiember, said, "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds . . ."), and nothing for which I cm the least bit penitent, or ashamed. Ah, you say, the stub born temperament of an author is a fearful thing to behold. It is. Walt Whitman, as well as Emer son, comes to my aid in this rather discouraging struggle for self-reliance. The appropriate linos apply to many things ... my column, my ideas, my temperament. They are found in the Slst and 52nd sec tions of "Song of Myself. Globetrotting Are We Leaving On A Shutter? By CHARI Palmerstone, famous British Prime Minister, said that Britain had no friends, no enemies, only interests. To most Americans this apparent dismissal of popularity seems just a little "stuffy. In fact, the art of being popular has de veloped ia American almost to a point of becoming a cult, complete with rites and taboos. Witness a certain best-seller on how to cultivate friends and influ ence people. Hundreds of articles appear in scores of "teenage" mag azines on the "how not to be a wall-flower" theme. The ability to live in harmony with ones associates is an admir able talent, but in pursuit of the will-o-the-wisp of popularity the nation may lose touch with the problem, and extremists are the result. The extremes of this philosophy of popularity have been the .sub ject of the most determined at tacks. Sinclair Lewis immortalized a Babbitt by pointing out that the quest for popularity may be only a means to stifling conformity. No one familiar with "Death of a Salesman" could forget Willy's pathetic line, "But I'm well-liked." We Americans seem to assume everything is going well internation ally if our allies and other "friends are smiling and patting us on the back. When they disagree, we as a nation feel hurt, even angry. Unpopularity in international af fairs is not in itself a calamity, says Lord Palmerstone. It is when the unpopularity results from an inability to assume responsibility or take action because of bigoted partisan considerations at home the American must begin to worry. Assuming responsibility does not necessarily mean striding up and down the halls of Congress mak ing sensational statements about the irrevocable and irrefutable American position in the far east. Neither does it mean the use of pointed hints as to our possession Quick Quips "I'se named fo' mah parents. Pappy's name was Ferdinand and mammy's was Liza." "And what's your name?" "Ferdiliza." Confucius say: Modern woman putting up such a false front, man never knows what he is up against. The sweet young thing burst into the police station screaming, "Help! Help! I've been robbed. Someone has stolen my aunt's pay!" The sergeant at the desk tried to quiet her by saying, "Cut out the pig-Latin and tell me what happened." ES GOMON of an atomic stockpile. While we may be absolutely cor rect in assuming that Communism understands only statements made frqm a position of strength, the rest of the world may be just as positive that they have been betrayed. m We have lost the trust of many of the world's citizens especially true in the far east because we have been unable to make our selves understood, and we must now be prepared to make a few sacrifices at home if we are to re gain a measure of the tradition for being a freedom-loving nation which we once enjoyed. - It is not popularity which is at stake in Japan, for instance. Try the teacher who says, "You dropped an atomic bomb on Asians, but you never would have dropped one on Europeans." You would be surprised how small an answer like this sounds: "The race of people concerned didn't determine where we used the A-bomb. " It is true, but you just aren't believed. It is difficult to explain to starv ing Indians why Congress debated at length the desireablity of send ing surplus wheat to India. Such apparent self-interest is simply out of line with American tradition. It is strange how we can have so much to say about being "un popular" after behaving in such a fashion. Other fronts, both diplomatic and military, are receiving more at tention from the press, but author ities in the field contend that our currently cozy relations with Japan are almost at an end. It is an economic-geographic fact that Ja pan must import 20 per cent of her food and 80 per cent of her industrial raw materials. To buy these items Japan must sell abroad. Japanese marketing problems stimulated the Second World War, yet we are doing little now to make it possible for Japanese goods to compete in the Western market. Naturally, businessmen in some industries in this country and in Europe are going to have to take a cut to these competitors, and that is unpleasant. It is also po litical dynamite, both here and in Britain. ' Failure to make some sort of concession to Japanese necessities will inevitably drive Japanese mer chants to Communist Chinese port. In 1936 our businessmen preferred to sell scrap-iron to Japan rather than use foresight. Have we learned anything? Sending wheat to India and ad mitting Japanese competitors are aot schemes to gain popularity and therefore are not admissible of prolonged debate. Such topics are proofs of our intent in the eyes of the world, and action of this kind will soon have to take the place of pious phrases if we ever expect to leave Asia except on a shutter. 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