The Emporia weekly news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1881-1889, 1885-06-18
THR nR0ASTn

Victor Linley, member of the class
that graduated at the State University
on Wednesday, certainly deserves no adj
vertisement on account Of his ill-timed
speech upon commencement day. 1t
was not the intention of this paper to
allude to the matter, but the press has
already been somewhat free IN noticing
the affair, and in connection Herewith
in several instances has intimated that
Prof. Kate Stephens was in some way
responsible for the production of the ep-
isOde. 1t squIte generally known in
Lawrence that Linley, while
bright young man, was
not at all regular IN his attendance upon
classes, and stood exceedingly low in his
studies. Indeed, so inferior were his
grades that there was long discussion
IN the faculty over his graduation. It
was finally decided that he
could barely be permitted TO
take his diploma. The intimatlon
that Miss Stephens is responsible for
Linley's address Is totally untrue and
unjust. We desire of our own accord
to say this much IN her behalf, especial
ly as she has been misrepresented
upon other points lately. Not
only was Miss Stephens ignorant
of the fact that Linley had prepared the
matter he delivered, but she had cor.
rected, as she informed the writer OF
this paragraph in person. the Grafton
on "John Milton" and was amazed
with the rest of the audience, when she
perceived Mr.. Linley had changed his
topic. What applause greeted Linley was
undoubtedly prompted by a number OF
his chums seated In various parts of the
chapel, and knowing what was tc
come, were to act as q clsque
In speaking Of the ill-advised ef-
fort Milton Reynolds, "KIcking Bird, ,
| in his account of the Commencement ex.
ercises, makes the following fair report
The program was changed somewhat al
to the third Grafton. Mr.. Linley, instead
| of speaking on "John Milton" made &
| general onslaught Oh the faculty and
regents, severely condemned by all level
| headed men who are old enough to Vlsi
the barber shop. Evidently the younl
man had the somewhat similar case O
Senator Ingalls, in his mind. The casel
are dissimilar, and a young mar
who attempts TO initiate a grear
man In his faults only Is not assured Of
srue greatness himself. But the case OF
Senator Ingalls, was in no sense q paral.
sel. The senator graduated at Williams
college in 1885, under the venerable
Mark Hopkins.
The subject of his theme was "Mum-
mics" The professors criticism ecu
il ali to pieces" as it was too radica
and progressive. Young Ingalls, though
his Grafton should speak his own senti-
ments in his own vigorous English, in
stead of the mummified and emas
culated weakness of dessicated profes
sor of rhetoric. The young man reWrott
his Grafton and used his own Language
and thoughts. 1t was thought to be too
progressive and somewhat heretical. HI
was handed q diploma in blank. HI
placed it deliberately upon the rostI IN
unrolled and walked over it. YOUNG
Linley had none OF the prOVOcatIons con
spicueus in the case of young ingalls,
Llnley's course is without justification
and need not be talked about but can b
properly referred to to give assuranc
that an offense of this kind may nc
soon be repeated.