In Durham, N. C. one night last week a committee of Duke University students dispatched the following telegram to Secretary Alex H. Sands Jr. and Judge W. R. Perkins, a trustee of the Duke Endowment:
"We the undersigned men, backed by 14 national fraternities and four local fraternities, feel that conditions on Duke campus at the present time are such that you should come at once to see for yourself that student opinion means nothing to the present administration. We feel that we are treated like children, not men. Real universities do not treat student opinion with contempt. For thorough investigation we suggest that you do not communicate with any members of the administration. Wire when you will arrive."
Spark which touched off the long-smouldering revolt was a ruling week before by Dean William Hane Wannamaker. Because he had not been present to preside, he had voided the trial of a student offender by the students' Pan-Hellenic (interfraternity) Council. Next day the campus rumbled ominously. Just before midnight some 1,500 students clumped grimly into the university gymnasium, heard quiet, studious Joseph T. Shackford, president of the Student Council, urge them to be orderly but determined. Jack Dunlap, football captain-elect, announced that the rebels would take over next morning's assembly period to present grievances.
Almost every one of Duke's 2,800 students turned out for assembly. Most of them applauded politely when fat, dapper
Dean Wannamaker walked on the platform.
A few booed. He sat mousy quiet while Student President Shackford read out the following demands:
1) New Constitutions for Student and Pan-Hellenic Councils, granting full student control of student affairs.
2) Free speech for students in classrooms, publications.
3) Abolition of $2 to $5 fines for throwing cigaret butts in hallways, marking walls, spilling water.
4) Sunday opening of tennis courts, swimming pool.
5) Better food in the Union dining hall.
Upshot was appointment of a committee of three faculty members, nine students to receive written, signed complaints, pass them on to the administration. Student Editor L. H. Edmondson of the Duke