2
TJE tiESPEklAti.
but it does seem strange that when one is so busy
cutting down estimates everywhere else, that one
should find time to separate one's own interests from
the interests of the University.
Among the improvements contemplated for the
next two years, as specified in the appropriation bill,
are a boiler house, and a steam heating plant for the
new buildings. The authorities feel somewhat hurt
that the amount asked for the steam-heating plant and
fuel was cut down by the committee. No more was
asked than was considered necessary, and if the next
two seasons should be unusually cold the "economy'; Lrlow If the entire lncome is not used piirt r0.
of the committee will be severely felt. As we reflect
upon this and various -other afflictions of the present
session the thought comes to us that it must be pleas
ent to be connected with a school of which crank
legislators have not the making or breaking every
two years.
to the other extreme. Again, we do not believe the
motives to be wholly honest. It is virtually acknowl
edged that at the present time in this state the best
thing out of which to make political capital is econ
omy, We do not think it would be too much to say
that this.is the motive that actuates not a few legis
lators in their attack upon appropriation bills. To
be sure there are some who are honestly endeavoring
to reduce taxation, But they cannot accomplish this
by reducing the University appropriation. The Uni
versity fund is separate from the general fund, ft
accumulates just the same whether the taxes are high
Two Nebraska men are candidates for foreign
appointments. This fact, in itself, might not be
especially interesting to the University, were it not
for the relation, or perhaps -relation, of one of the
candidates to the U. of N. Ex-Chancellor Manatt is
a candidate for the position of minister to Greece.
Patrick Egan is a candidate for the position of min
ister to Chili. It is highly improbable from a
political point of view that both will receive appoint
ments. If, then, there is a likelihood that one of the
two will receive a commission, we sincerely hope
that it may be Pratrick Egan. Among the qualifica
tions for a ministerial appointment, party work must
take a prominent place. Mr. Egan's qualifications
in this line are abundant, while Mr. Manatt's, so far
as we know,- are nil. So far as appears, Mr. Manatt's
sole qualification is the fact of his being a Greek
scholar. The Hesperian endorses "Ej.an for
Chili."
mains idle in the treasury. It cannot be used for
any thing else, and taxes are not reduced a cent. At
the present time the state of the bill is as follows:
the regents asked for all that will accumulate in the
University fund in the next two years, or $223, 599.
The house committee recomended $140,303, The
amount passed is $194,749.
LITERARY.
At the present time probably nothing is more
interesting to flie average student than the progress
of the appropriation bills in the legislature. It is too
soon to state definitely the fate of the University
appropriation. This much can be said, however.
Considering the unfavorable stand taken by the
house committee, we may consider ourselves for
tunate in getting through that body in as good shape
as we have, Siill we are not out of danger. The
senate is more fanatical upon the subject of economy
than the house, if possible. The senate has adopted
the plan of cutting off every appropriation which it
is possible to cut off, no matter how great may be its
desirability, No doubt former legislatures have been
rash in the matter of appropriations, but it occurs to
us that the present legislature is rushingjust as rashly
It is rather dry work getting our reading at second hand
but sometimes one runs across a review of some book that
reads delightfully. Such a one is the notice of a book called,
"Young Sir Harry Vane." The book is no doubt a very
enjoyable one.
I wonder how many have read the article in the March
Harper's called "Poe's Mary." Those who have not should
do so as quickly as possible. One thinks of I'oc, and of the
"Raven"; they are inseparable. Therefore it is profitable to
read anything that may throw light on the author of that
wonderful poem. Without presuming to judge whether Poe's
"Mary" had anything to do with the "Lcnorc" of the" poem,
yet one may say that the Poe described by the author of the
above might well have written the "Raven."
V
The Literary World fax March 15, contains a notice of a
new book that will interest all students engaged fn the study
of ancient history. Two well known scholars have taken
Theodore Mommscu's great "History of Rome" and con
densed it into a single volume of five hundred pages. Of
course some parts have been omitted, principally the chap
ters on art, literature and religion, but the condensed work is
said to give the main facts as contained in Mommsen. Those
who have read at all in the larger edition of Mommscii will
be glad to get a book that will give them Mommsen's thought
in less time than is required to read the four volume edition.
V
Last month we had space for only the briefest notice of
the book: "The American Commonwealth," that is attract
ing so much attention. At the time of this issue The Hes
perian has been unable to get hold of the book as it is not
yet to be found so far west. So we must be content to read
what reviewers and paragraphers say about it, and take
sides with those who say it is a very good book, or those who
say it is a very bad one. For all are not agreed upon the
subject. One eminent writer for a well known magazine
I calls it "Professor Bryce's grand book," Another writer,