4
THE HESPERIAN.
amount of yelling or tooting of horns can win a con
test. The success or failure of any orator lies with
the orator himself. Let us then as loyal students re
move every obstacle that may in any manner con
tribute to the defeat of the University in the coming
contest. Let us, above all, secure instruction in de
livery for our orator. If we do so, there is every
reason to expect that we will win in the coming contest.
5 HE present session of the legislature is attracting
f' the deepest interest'of the people of the state.
The farmers have a clear'majority in both houses,
and consequently they may be expected to carry
through several reforms that are badly needed.
Among the reforms to be desired are better election
laws, severer penalties for usury, and more equitable
railroad rates. These measures are demanded by
the laboring classes of this state, and unless they aie
enacted the Independent party will be a complete
a failure as have been the old ones. So far, the In
dependents have shown a tendency to use their
power with moderation. For this they are to be
commended, because had they shown as much stub
bornness as their opponents did in the contests re
garding the election of state officers, serious com
plications might have arisen. Much is expected
from this session of the legislature, and it may be
safe to predict that it will fulfil expectations.
HE twenty fifth annual meeting of the state
f teachers association recently held in the Uni
versity chapel, was well attended by students from
all parts of the state. The sessions were all well at
tended, and great interest was manifested, especially
in the election cf officers. This reminds us that stu
dents should not be blamed for showing so much
interest in political matters when they have such an
example set for them by those whose duty it is to
train the young ideas. In the meeting of the college
section among several excellent papers one deserving
of especial mention was read by Professor Skinner,
of Crete. In this paper, was set forth the difficultes
with which high schools must contend in efforts to
to establish scientific departments. The paper
ended with an appeal to the colleges of the state to
raise the standard for admission in the sciences, be
cause only upon a demand for such rise can the high
schools make progress.
flTH this number, the task of the present board
of editors ceases. New men are to take up
the work. "What the policy of the new board will
be, time will demonstrate. We desire to say noth
ing that would in any manner appear like dictation
m
on our part. The present board of editors at the
very beginning, found themselves placed in a pe
culiar'and trying position. They recognize the fact
that mistakes were made; but at the same time they
feel confident that no one will deny that they endeav
ored by every honorable means to reconcile the
different barbarian elements of the University. Dur
ing the year we have had discussions, more or less
animated, with many college papers; notably, with
the exponents of the fraternity system, and with the
now defunct organ of the Nebraska Wesleyan. We
hope that our mild reply to the las.t named journal
did not hasten its demise. At any rate, we bear it
no ill will, and have tears for its misfortune, and
prayers for its speed) resurection. The discussion
with fraternity organs been carried on for a consid
cradle length of time. During this time a great
many of our best exchanges have seen fit to criticise
our action; but we still nunagc to survive, notwith
standing the fact that several pet names have been
hurled at us. In beginning the attack upon the fra
ternity system, we supposed of course that its ex
ponents would have something to say in its defense.
So far, we have seen nothing that attempts to defend
the fraternity. But although many editors have
sought by insinuation to turn the discussion away
from the real point at issue, we do not blame them.
Evidently, they recognize the fact that the fraternity
system cannot be defended, and they acted wisely by
carefully avoiding any such action. We admire
their tact and good judgment, while despising the
cause they champion. Although we do not esteem
very highly the principles and aims of college fra
ternities as they have been explained to us by
fralernity men, yet this is not meant to convey the
impression that we have any lack of respecf for any
person simply because he happens to differ with us
in respect to this matter. In our opinion fraternities
are opposed to the democratic spirit that should rule
in every college in the land. For this and other
reasons we have opposed them. We have no apol
ogies to make, nothing to regret except that we have
not accmplished more good. But prospects are ex
ceedingly bright. A few years ago an anti-fraternity
man would find great difficulty in giving vent to his
feelings through the columns of a college paper
Today several papers arc decidedly barbarian in their
views. Let the good work continue. Success is
:sured.
The night classes of thcLincoln liusincss College furnishes
superior facilities for learning book keeping, penmanship
s hort-hand,typc writing and telegraphy.
T. Ewing & Co have now an opportunity to show offon im
mense stock of clothing to great advantage. Tc'r c'v 1""'
ters 1115-17 O street arc undoubtedly the finest in the city.
Call around and inspect both store am goods.
vmw