EHS?2
THE HESPERIAN.
does not do justice to the possibility of mistake. If, we say,
the student commences study, not with the intent of reaching
the simple, unvarnished truth, but to reach an opinion already
attained, by travelling the same rut already used, the method
advocated by our Catholic friends is the correct one. If, how
ever, he does not wish to let another do his thinking, if he dt
sircs to discover truth himself that he may call it his own, in
short, if he wishes to fairly investigate not merely accept the
results of others' study if he wishes to do this, he cannot
accept dictation as to what he shall or shall not read. To
reach fair conclusions it is imperative that both sides be heard.
The case seems to illustrate the fear, that Catholics frequently
show, to fairly contest the field with opposing thinkers. The
Index may be correct in stating that nowhere have the empti
ness and sophistry of infidel systems been so thoroughly sifted
and clearly exposed as in Catholic colleges, but it is equally
certain that, if they have exposed the evil, they have also ig
nored the good that exists in these same theories. It becomes
papers like the Index to give us argument not simple denunci
ation. The Vanderbilt Observer contains sentiments in its March
number which arc somewhat similar to those commented on in
a late number of The Hesperian, yet which wc consider de"
serving of farther notice.. It seems late in the day, after all
the cry that has arisen north and south regarding the "bloody
shirt" to manifest the slightest degree of sectional feeling; but
our friend from Tennescc does it. The first mistake the Ob
server makes is a common one, not alone to the South; both
north and south, more or less misapprehension and misunder
standing of others' opinions on these questions has existed;
each has imagined the other to be the Incarnation of all that
is bad. They arc equally unwise, whether they be from north
or south, but it should be remembered that a retort to such a
misunderstanding given in the same spirit only makes matters
worse. When the Observer says, for instance, that most of
the people north of the Ohio river actually expect a rebel
raid" once a year it states what every college journal should
know to be without foundation. The statement is unreason
able for, judging by past events, the probabilities of danger
ous raids are the other way.
The Observer asks that northern college journals work to dis
pel the wrong impressions that have taken hold of the minds
of the people. Yet, since prejudice is stronger than reason,
what can be accomplished when the Observer and others like
it are stirring up northern prejudice by such passionate utter
ances as lie before us? If it demands that its action be re
lieved from all stigma of trcaon cannot the South grant to the
North a right to respect its own principles and honor its own
heroes? If the Observer fails to see anything of the hero in
Grant, must it say, -therefore, that a eulogy on him is an in
sult? Have not others also an appreciation of the heroic?
But, if we grant the charge, why should the Observer desire
to requite one by another? Surely to write a eulogy on Rob
ert E. Lee if it be an insult would not be following the
golden rule.
Our friends of the south are unnecessarily sensitive and con
stantly alert for an offered insult. Such wounds as the civil
war caused are soonest cured by ignoring so far as possible;
but it does not become necessary, on this account, that a noble
character, whether of south or north, cannot be eulogized
without insulting.
HEARD IN THE HALLS.
"On to Lawrence" is the cry.
Query: How did Forsyth escape drill?
J. O. Breech will not be in school this term.
The cadets look as though they had had a hard winter of it.
W. J. Marsh, a student of two years ago, is again in our
midst.
Ask Gerwig how it feels to be mistaken for a Bible Clas
teacher.
T. A. Williams '89 has resumed his studies after an absence
of about a year.
C. G. McMillan has charge of the Sophomore Class in Ent
omology this term.
Miss Susie Fisher is one of the few who have not returned
to school this term.
Now that the city elections arc off our hands, this paper
will appear promptly on time.
H. Elton Fulmcr, a former member of the editorial staff,
has gone home for a short vacation.
J. G. Smith becomes captain of Co. A this term. "Capt.
Smith" has rather an historic sound.
The Commencement Hesperian will be double the usual
size and will take the place of an annual.
L. H. Chapin, whilom wrestler with Trigonometry, is now
teaching an Indian school in Burt County.
Miss Cora Miller has left school for the remainder of the
year and will teach in Falls City, this state.
Two enterprising members of '87, Messrs, Polk and Perrim
took an active part in the city election on the sixth.
Where, oh, where was O. B, Polk, the veteran who never
before had missed a society, on the night of April gth?
D. T. Smith has a fine opportunity to lead in Junior Phys
ics. He is at present the only member of that once famous
class.
X. C. Gambcc replenished his purse and recruited his fail
ing(?) health by steady work at the tinners bench during va
cation. Wheelock, once of '86, may now write his name O. E. Shy
lock. This means that he is a prosperous banker in Blue
Springs.
A new and comprehensive Latin Dictionary is expected in
the near future as an addition to the classical department of
the library.
The Polk brothers are fast becoming adepts in the culinary
art. Their experience in keeping bachelors' hall may be urc
ful in the future.
Our Bus. Man. has got a new hat and we are all celebrat
ing, which fact will account for any ambiguities which may
occur in this issue.
Professor Nicholson's investigations in Golden, Colorado,
have satisfied him that the use of gasoline in the new labor
atory here is undesirable.
We are sorry to learn that our friend L. A. Tillson is under
the weather. At this writing he is recovering and will prob
ably be out in a few days.
The class of '86 promises to be nearly as large as any pre
vious one of this institution. From present appearances it
will contain eleven members.
Frank P. Manlcy, who is now in the west with a surveying
party, writes glowing letters to his friends here about the
sorghum lappers" of Custer County.
John Green announces'as a part of his new .policy that he
will cover the walks leading up to the front steps with ashes
John thinks anything preferable to mud,