The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-12-30

Cold
nishingN
needed I'M
what the colegsA
do for society. but d.
sentation for the popdS
are told in a general way
pcaied is 20 De lifted In the sSS
10 escape the degrading tempS>
and environments that hold down
u~neducated: TO find ones feet In the
pathway OF moral exaltatson and ma
terial opulence. And now Columbia
University, OF New York. Is illustrating
for our benefit these rspturous bur ali
too indefinite propositions
II we gather anything from b fresh-
man-sophomore incident. in which
young kingdom Gould figured so promi-
nentiy a day or TWO ago, IL IS the Inn
preston that the big boys in Columbia
ara acquiring truly wonderful proh-
cheney In the noble and higher-minded
art Of torturing and prosecuting the IT.
tie boys. We gather. frthermore. that
the big boys cultivate a truly heroic
attitude OF independence toward the
faculty, and are educated to the point
OF threatening the institution itsei.
when any groveling and craven official
undertakes to discipline them for BE-
having like a lot OF East Side hoodluuis.
But what especially appeals to our emo
tons is the evidence that this gracious
cult has so deeply rooted itself in the
affections of the police authorities as
TO enjoy their ardent and enthusiastic
cooperation. Mr.. McAdoo, n presi.
lent of the New York police board. has
announced his intention OF Furnishing
young Gould for threatening his tor
mentors with 4 revolver. and Mr.. Nc
Adoo's satellites are rallying as one
man TO the support Of his enlightened
policy.
Apparently, therefore, the chief func-
ton of Columbia University is to train
and turn out a swarm or ware ana
cruel DULLES, and The pride OF the New
York police force is to suppress all who
venture to interfere with them. n
attempt to haze young Gould led to the
display of a revolver by the appointed
victim to a subsequent street riot in
which heads were broken, a subway
station wrecked, and surface traffic
blocked for half an hour. But the pc
lice are after the little boy who flashed
the pistol in order to save himself from
brutal violence, while at last account
the big boys who are responsible To-
the whole outrage were threatening the
faculty of Columbia in the event OF
any interference with their privileges.
Lectures were suspended. the profess
Sors talked to empty benches, studies
We're cast aside as a matter OF no con-
sequence in h face of an attack upon
the noble practice of haZing. The clases
dre up in arms at the bare mention OF
AID infringement of their rights. and Co.
iuinbia University ~contemplates the al
nat of abandoning its occupation
altogether.
In the light of this encouraging dis
closure, what are we to assume Of tn,
so-called higher education If not ina
il breeds ruffians rather than scholars
Unless all tAe-9ShlishsA -8ee9aftS p
the incident be extravag antly false
the big boys OF the sophomore class hat
Planned a brutal outrage upon youa,
Gould, and because he preferred self
defense to humiliation, Perhaps leriou
bodily injury, the New York polio
force Is now in full pursuit of him n
though he were the most abandon =
criminal. The sophomores, moreover
declare that haZing is a recognized IL.
~stitution at Columbia. and that thew
VIII submit to no invasion of their
rights. On their side are arrayed FRA
dition, u~nbroken practice. and the SYM
pathetic admiration Of the polio.
Against them-what? Their dearest
privilege, their O valued and cher
ished opportunity Is that of torturiny
the boys IN the class below them. And
~ hey cling to this and hold it far
above any other consideration offered
by the college. is it not clear that this
Is what education is doing for them?-
Washington Post.