HAVE usually written to the Cornhusker in lighter vein. Some of the things that I said were intended to be facetious and were in part recognized as such by the gifted student body. Writing now in the last of March when the fate of the University at the hands of the Legislature is not known, I am disposed to be entirely serious. Attempts to be funny are likely to be painful at any time.

     A former president of the United States has said that students in American colleges and universities do not take themselves and their opinions sufficiently seriously. In Europe the opinions of the academic body,--professors, graduates and students are of vital importance in state affairs. In America there can hardly be said to be such a thing as academic opinion. We should especially take a more active interest in the affairs of our state.

     This does not mean, of course, that people wearing the badge of the University should haunt the State House trying to influence legislation. By doing so they may make themselves and the institution odious. They should, however, have an intelligent interest in everything that is going on and be able to exercise their influence for the benefit of the state and of the University. The influence of the University should be felt rather than seen in public affairs.

     I would suggest, further, the desirability of students studying the institution as well as studying in the institution. When you go out into the state continue your interest in its welfare. If you will do this, the time will come as it has in other states when half of the members of the Legislature are graduates of the State University, and when this time comes scenes that have occurred on the floor of the Legislature during the present session will not again take place.