The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-07-10
is 1T A "scHooL FOR ScANDAL?"
Farm Stock and Home.

Farm Stock and Home.
AS time goes on it becomes more and
more apparent that the future usefulness
of the agricultural department of the
Minnesota state university, and probably
other departments as well, can be assured
only by an investigation that will either
disclose dangerous conditions that they
may be corrected, or will restoresa public
confidence that has been rudely shaken
and Is daily waning. One Of the best pos
sible reasons for insisting upon investiga-
ton is the active efforts of those who
would be investigated to suppress investi-
cation. A glazing example of the zeal and
effectiveness of this work of suppression
Of truth Is found in the sudden and mys-
FERROUS flop Of the Pioneer Press. +
In one issue 1t made an able, conserva-
tive and amply justified demand that light
be turned upon methods obtaining in uni
versity affairs. A few days thereafter the
Press reversed its position completely.
That strong influence was required to
make so prominent journal reverse itself
so promptly, and surrender position that
was impregnable for one that cannot
withstand the lghtest attack, is self-evi-
dent. And that influence was to sup
press facts that 1t is now well known will
be embarrassing to the suppressors if re-
vealed. There may have been some doubt
about this once, but there can be none
now. If the investigation CD by a COM
mittee of regents, for instance, that the
Press uses, among other things, to justify
its flop, will bear the light Of publicity
there would be no powerful influence
brought to bear to keep it in the dark
And so of many other things that the
authors of the present controversy will
not allow to be disclosed if they can avoid
1t. .. .-@ r.
Doubtless those who secured the flop
Of the Press congratulated themselves on
| their success as "peacemakers,' . abut in no
| other possible way could they have done
| so much to intensity and embitter the
| strife, by no possibility could they have
done more to destroy confidence and ex-
| cite suspicion. If the regents would in
vite investigation and show an eagerness
| to have the truth disclosed it would be
| a long step towards peace and the restor-
| alton of confidence. But if they choose
to travel In the opposite direction they
will find strife instead Of peace. Prob
ably not all the regents, or even major
ity Of them, favor the suppression of the
| truth in this unfortunate controversy. But
| If they do not they can no longer keen
silent, for silence will testify to their
acqufescence. But at all events, the agi-
tation for investigation will be more &C
tive than ever, and its activity will be
inspired by the belief that with light will
/ come peace, and from no other source.
In conclusion, Farm, Stock and Home
now has to say for itself that it Is not
nor has not been the champion or assail-
ant of any individual in this affair 1t be-
lieves that it is the champion of a princi-
pie that is right and necessary to the in
tegrity Of the entire university, and that
it stands for the changing Of methods that
are demoralizing and damaging. If it is
wrong in it's conception it can easily be
| set right by letting the whole truth be
| known, and if found to be wrone. II will
fully and frankly acknowledge it. But
methods employed to suppress truth only
confirm the correctness of its conception.
and strengthens its determination to bat
tie for light and truth even If it has to dc
| it single handed.