McPherson College is acting as the annual conference of the Church of the Brethren this year as the annual meeting comes once train to the central part of the United States. This conference is to be held on the college campus, and is to run from June 2 to 6.

It is thought that there will be between 600 and 1000 people in attendance. These figures are as yet rather uncertain due to the difficulties in transportation this year. Conferees will be only the selected delegates from the various districts over the country plus some hoard members and ministers and others who are considered essential to the workings of the church.

The conference guests will be fed in the college dining hall and in the church basement. The Chamber of Commerce is in charge of housing.

Dr. R. E. Mohler is the conference manager, Dr. Burton Metzler is the program chairman, and the conference moderator is Pres. W. W. Peters.

Shockley Leaving

For reasons all can understand and over which we have no control, the college regrets to announce that Miss Ida Shockley, Dean of Women and Professor of Psychology, will not be with us next year. Her work will be absorbed by other members of the faculty who are prepared in her teaching field.

Miss Shockley has rendered very efficient service, and the hope is that conditions will make it possible for her to return to McPherson in the not too distant future. Our very best wishes go with her.

Fifty-fifth annual commencement exercises of McPherson College will occur on Monday, May 24, 1943, at 10:00 A. M., in the College Church of the Brethren. The commencement address, “Liberal Education in the New World”, will be delivered by Dr. Bryant Drake, President of Doane College, Crete Nebraska, and former pastor of the Congregational Church in McPherson.

Twenty-six candidates for graduation will be presented by Dean John W. Boitnott for the conferring of degrees by President Woodford W. Peters. Twelve of these people will receive the Bachelor of Arts degree and fourteen, the bachelor of Science degree.

The program will consist of an organ processional "Triumphal March” by Greig, played by Mrs. Lloyd Larson, a vocal solo “Friend O’ Mine, by Wayne Crist, the Invocation by Rev. Earl Frantz, Pres, of the Board of Trustees, Violin Solo, “Romance in G”, by Prof. Joseph Kirshbaum, “ ’Tis Wedding Morning”, Women’s quartette, benediction by President Peters, and the recessional, “Coronation March.”

Singer Reviewed

Hoover Recounts Incidents In Career Of Contralto

Miss Gulah Hoover addressed the chapel audience Friday morning with a sympathetic approach to the race problem to today through au Interpretation and review of the recent book “Marian Anderson. A Portrait” by Kosti Vehanen.

Miss Anderson, Negro Contralto who has attracted comment from music lovers the world over, has risen from Insignificant beginnings. Her first great successes occurred on a European tour. And it was on this tour, amid conquests of European musical capitols, Mr. Vehanen. Finnish pianist, joined Marion Anderson as accompanist and blogrupher.

Miss Hoover recounted interesting bits of information and anecdotes concerning the character and career of Miss Andersou. The review closed, as did the book, with au account of the most significant musical triumph of the artist, the out-door concert before Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D. C.

The chapel speaker gave to the audience a new appreciation of the great woman who holds the greatest voice of our time.

TheSpectator

Official Student Publication of McPherson College, McPherson, Kansas. Published every Friday during the school year by the Student Council.

Entered as second class matter November 20, 1917, at the postoffice at McPherson, Kan- sas under the act of March 3, 1897._______

Austin Williams ..................................................... Editor-in-chief

Blanche Geisert —........................— -............-.......................................................... Managing Editor

Ann Metzler -........—.....................•.................................-.....—........................... Campus Editor

Merle Finfrock ---------------------------— ........—-—................................................................ Sports Editor

Maurice A- Hess.............—...............-......—--...............................................Faculty Adviser

Keith Burton and Vurlle Howard ................................................................... Advertising Manager

Oscar Olson---------------------------------------------------~------------------------------------------ Faoulty Advisor

Kathleen Brubaker —.......................................................................... Circulation Manager

Lois Nicholson ............................................................................................................ Assistant

Lillian Voth ...................................................................—............................................ Assistant

Geraldine Tharrington ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assistant

Evelyn Weaver ...............................................-...................................................................... Assistant

Helen Burkholder ..............................................................................._............................. Assistant

Gertrude Conner ..................................................................................................................... Typist

Lois Farver ............—................................................................—................................................ Custodian

Fourth Dimensional Measurement

Many people have often said “if you want a task performed, take it to a busy man.” That is a true statement.

Stop to analyze the reason behind this statement. The busy man is very likely above average in intelligence.

He has in a great majority of cases more general abilities than the average. He has great ambition. He is not content to be unoccupied. His work is usually done with dispatch, and he usually does it well. You may call him a sucker, but it is his willingness and his ability which draw others to him.

Some have criticised the busy man on the grounds that he takes on more work than he can possibly do, and in doing this he cheats others out of a chance to occupy positions of merit. This may be true, but in a great number of instances the man of position is there because he was willing to apply his energy to thankless jobs until such a time as his true worth was noted and utilized by his admirers. He accomplished his goal by utilizing the time available to an end which gave him position.

McPherson College students do not utilize their time wisely. An interesting study on this campus would be a survey of the total number of manhours wasted in one week by the students of the institution. I will hazard the guess that if the truth were ascertainable, the figure would be appalling.

An Editorial Culmination

The editor for this semester, with this final issue of the Spec, bows out to the incoming editor who will take over the reins at the beginning of next year. I wish to take this opportunity to wish her all of the success in the world in her position as “chief” then. I wish also to take this opportunity to thank everyone on the campus who has had occasion to write for the paper this semester, and to thank anyone who may have furnished an idea which has been used in the paper. After all, not all of these things that you see in this weekly are originial with the staff.

Frankly, I have at times been pretty “griped” with some of you who write for the Spec. It is quite a job to scrape together enough stuff to fill this sheet once a week, and copy at times has been slow. I hope that any outward or inward evidence of former ruffled vanity on my part is now gone.

My especial thanks goes to the editorial and business staffs, who, in spite of the fact that they are overworked in a hundred different ways, have been willing to give their time and energy to make the Spec a paper which is unique among colleges of this nation.

Strictly ad-lib

Picnics are an everlasting source of enjoyment to the “vacationer when he should be a studying at the last of school student.” He has more work than can possibly he done in an allotted length of time, so he takes more time to forget that such a thing as a “sword of Damocles” is hanging by a very thin horsehair over his head which is not so thick-skulled as some might believe. At least that sword has a very damaging effect if it ever falls.

The time of year is a romantic one. Spring and all that old stuff, you know. Such an excursion presents a wonderful opportunity to project deadlines such as papers, courses, finance, etc., into a very near and ominous future.

A beautiful day comes along, so you pack your troubles in a bread basket and an Indian blanket or two, go the limit on the ration card for food and gas, borrow a wheel and tire from someone else’s car (your’s doesn’t run so well with a jack under one corner), pull the heap with ‘‘shanks horses” to get it started and shove off under a full head of steam for parts unknown.

In the wide open spaces of this fair state of Kansas anything may happen in the line of weather. If the day is warm you may expect snow by night, and if the day is cold you may go anyway for it may be like the semi-tropics by evening. You go prepared for the worst, but expect the best.

Car trouble may ensue, ants may eat your food, you may run out of gas, people may steal your golf balls, your socks and shoes will get muddy, you may get ducked in icy

water, you will lose much sleep, but still you go on picnics, and come back farther behind than ever be- fore.

Later that night or maybe the next day the little band of picnicers limps back into campus territory. Billfolds are gone. Tires are blown out. Shoes are muddy, hair is dirty, shins are skinned, pants are torn, mud very likely encases everything exposed to the weather like the sarcophagus of an Egyptian mummy, and you are so sleepy that the toothpicks under your eyelids almost. break under the weight, and the load on your mind is gradually flattening your head.

Such is the life of picnic goers. It’s a great life if you don’t weaken and you must be strong if you don’t.

The President Speaks:

Another academic year has come to its close at McPherson College; and, as you know, for me it is the second. I still feel quite new, but I can again truthfully say I have never worked harder than I have the past two years and have never gotten more enjoyment from two years of work. I appreciate the many people I have learned to know and hope 1 can claim all of them as friends.

I am happy to use this means to express my deep appreciation for the very fine work done by the editors of the Spectator and all who have contributed to its success. In fact I enjoyed reading and was stimulated both by the critical editorials and by the other statements written but unsigned. I consider the Spectator a great asset to the college.

The final program for the college is the commencement when we have the honor of conferring degrees upon the worthy young men and women who have met all requirements lor graduation. I am happy to use this means to say to them that it has been an honored privilege to have had the opportunity to make their aquaintance. I am sorry we did not get better acquainted. McPherson College will always remember you and feel honored in having you as loyal members of her alumni family. May God bless you, and may life be fruitful to you in the years ahead. Humanity is eager for your constructive service.

To all of the students below the present rank of seniors, I wish for you a pleasant and profitable summer and hope that all who possibly can will be back next year. The college needs you and pledges to do all possible to serve you in your intellectual and spiritual growth.

June In January Or . . .

Amid May's chilly blasts nineteen members of the Recreational Council shivered once, sighed, then turned their backs upon their original idea of piling into Oberst’s pick-up and setting sail for Black Cun-

yon at 1:00 o’clock Wednesday.

Instead, it was decided that a more feasible plan would be to assemble later in the afternoon in the church basement and carry out their slum-er plans there.

With their own blankets and the camp cots Elvin Frantz had so gra-ciouslv gathered up from homes on the hill the group snoozed comfort-ably.

To sustain life they guzzled ice cream and “rabbit food.”

Prof. S. M. and Mrs. Dell and Dr. and Mrs. Burton Metzler accompani-ed the group on their indoors re-treat.

—

Faculty Frolics

. . . while industrious students do their final bit of last-minute cramming. With young hearts, members of McPherson College teaching staff will turn out enmasse for their annual spring picinc Mon-day evening in the park next to the courthouse.

Faculty members and their families will attend.

How About It, Frails . . .

. . . are you ready for another | picnic?

The Women’s Council invites all the girls of the school to turn out for another spring picnic next Thursday afternoon in Lakeside Park at five o’clock.

Most of the examinations will be over. Come out and relax with other members of your sex at a free (as far as you are concerned) picnic.

remainder of the entertainment con of a loading by Wayne Gelsert, a song by Lucile Harris, Katie McRae, and Jean McNicol, a ghost story by Jean Oberst, and a hair- hunting experience in Africa by Dr. Bittinger,

The next couple of hours, more or less, wore taken finding a sleeping place. Various places of sleeping were used, cars, three deop in a couple of small rooms, outside, and some who didn’t.

Most everyone was up early mainly because some couldn't sleep and didn't want anyone else to. The day dawned bright and sunny. After breakfast goodbyes were said to Santa Fe Lake and the group reassembled in the park in Wichita, There the retreaters visited the zoo for a chance to view the animals or vice versa. After dinner in the park the group more or less divided. For a report on the retreat after this point one would have many, varied, and impossible - to - get stories.

Was No Sun Up In The Sky

Monday morning when Juniors and Seniors anxiously watched the weather to see if they could hope for sunny, warm weather for their annual retreat. The day started out cloudy and chilly but by 4:00 o’clock, the time scheduled for departure, the weather was more favorable.

Ten cars with about forty-five upperclassmen accompanied by Dr. Bittinger and Dean Shockley met in Wichita. The caravan then journeyed to Santa Fe Lake. After experiencing minor difficulties in finding a suitable place to camp, and getting there through the mud, a “retreat” supper was served at the late hour of 9:00 o'clock. Afterwards the group joined in group Binging, led by Eugene Lichty. The

Out “somewhere in the blue Pacific” is a ship filled with sailors and among the multitudes aboard is one who stands out as familiar to the students of last year and the year before—yea! none other than “Pinky” Larry Lowber! Aye, Aye, Sir!

Larry says of his very first boat ride “The water is so pretty and blue. The sunsets are beautiful! Surprisingly, I am well and enjoying smooth sailing. For seven days, I went without taking off shoes or clothing—and then, it rained! Ah!

I took off every thing and got a fresh water shower, which sure felt good. The weather gradually grows hotter as we sail south.”

“We have good eats but only two meals a day, so I’m hungry most of the time. Otherwise, we haven’t had to do anything except eat and sleep—no washing of clothes—don’t even need to shave! And since I

haven't been sea-sick at all, I think this might be a nice way to take a “honeymoon trip”! Um! Any of you girls Interested? He's tall, handsome, and has curly auburn hair.

Later word from “Pop-eye Lower, the sailor man” reveals that he now is at Noumea, Now Caledonia! He arrived safe and sound April 29, 1943. Quoting from his letter, we learn: “It sure seemed good to get on solid ground again. I got a glimpse of a French woman; otherwise, I | haven't seen a white woman since I left. These black ones seem to he getting whiter every day. It is quite hot here and they sure can grow pretty good sized flies. Mosquitoes prowl around at night. They almost carried a man off while he was asleep the othernight when several ganged up on him but the guards saw him and put a stop to it. You sure have to watch them, though!” They have an outdoor theatre here and have a show every night if the weather permits. The last two nights, I have seen “Happy Go Lucky” and “George Washington Slept Here”. I really did enjoy them. You don’t realize how good some things are till you do without them.”

I sure do wish I could see some of the kids; it gets lonesome out here; but all of us are in the same boat; and we get along and have lots of fun. We can only write one letter a day and two pages in it, but I will answer any which come my way, and I really like to hear from you. Airmail is the best and write on just one side or they might not send it. They sure are strict about it here and I don’t know how strict they are over there, so this tip is to prevent delay. I’m making it fine!” Who could fail to heed a plea for letters such as his—so write an airmail letter today! Address to:

Laurance Lowber, Fireman, Second Class

Receiving Station Advance Naval Base

Noumea, New Caledonia % Fleet Postoffice San Francisco, California

And here’s the “latest news” on Willie Linville’s “latest address.” These boys move around so often that it’s getting to be a hard job keping up with them. Hereafter, when you write to Willie address your letters to;

a/c Wilbur Linville Sqdn. G. Section 1307 Cadet B.T.C. No. 1 Boca Raton Field,

Florida.

Lost: One billfold by Alvin Klotz. While Klotzy was running around on the retreat bemoaning the fact that it would now he necessary for him to obtain a new picture of Wil-scraunch and a duplicate ration book, Lynn was doing her part at home. Monday night not long after the upperclassmen left, “Shim-mel” walked Arnold’s floors screeching in a plaintaive voice, sometimes called “soprano”, “I don’t get around much anymore—I wish he’d hurry and get back.”

Lost: One—uh—well, shall we say, “one unmentionable article”— by some unknown retreater who did not have the courage to claim it. Consequently, John Mingenback took it upon himself to advertise for the owner by driving around Wichita with “it” dangling from his rear bumper.

Found: A lonely gentleman by Misses Neher and Lehman. It seems that the two aforementioned ladies have been a bit cool of late for they got to comparing notes and learned that each had received a telephone call from, presumably, the same man. It’s worth investigating tho’, girls. Don’t be hasty in your actions. After all, for the last time this year, “these are critical days”. Surely, you’ve heard of the "Share-a-car-policy.” Well . . . .

It might not hurt anything to add here that the U. S. O. from which the erstwhile would-be suitor was said to be calling corresponds closely, surprisingly enough, to the vicinity in which J. Kough found himself at that time!

Found: Another Ford and a bit

of indicision by Anne Metzler. When the Iowa Ford made its way homeward. Delmar Wessler understood Anne's feelings and her aversion to walking and appeared on the scene with a One-seater. Then, to complicate matters. Curt hopped a train back to Mac—and A. M.’.s dislike for walking disappeared entirely.

Speaking of Curt and his car . . . those Jordan hoys made history and broke records on their homeward journey ... a fourteen-and-a-half hour drive in twenty-four hours, three flats, and a “sleep-driving” episode ending in the ditch. Then they ‘‘almost.” had the .courage to ask their dad to let them bring the Buick back!

F o u n d: One “worry bird”.

‘‘Looch^-' has really acquired that certain sparkle more than Carmen Miranda ever did since she became possessor of said fowl. It is said that these birds use the southwest as their natural habitat but that they may easily be introduced into any climate in any locality. We didn’t know that Wayne Crist was an ornithologist before!

Found: A little teddy bear on the campus that is as cuddly a little bear as was ever been seen. He has short black bushy hair. He likes to be patted on the head. His name is -. You guess who.

Canines Plow Elyria Under In Final Game

Lopsided Victory Gives Bulldogs Flawless Score Sheet For Spring Term.

The Bulldogs won what proved to be their final game of the season on their own diamond from Elyria in a game here Inst week by a score of 15-2.

It was another of those lopsided games with McPherson coming through with the big end of the score. However, In the first inning Elyria got the Initial run of the game. The Canines came back in their half of the opening frame to score twice.

The Elyrians got their final run In tho third Inning when McPherson came back with two more to make the count 4-2. From that time on McPherson staged a footrace around the base circuit. Bulldog bludgeons wont wild ns they produced six more tallies In the fourth, four more In the fifth, and one In the sixth to produce the near shut out.

Four of the Bulldog big guns collected two hits apiece while the Elyria total was but three.

“Tho’ Ne’er So Foul Be The Weather”

.....the Outers still “go in"

for outings. Amid the drippings and drizzlings of a slow spring rain the members of the outing club ate their picnic supper Saturday evening down in the draw. Then with Green’s pickup as a valuable asset, Miss Hammann took the girls for a ride around town. With their truly feminine instincts for bargains the “Mac” was visited at which the group sat through three shows for ten cents. Later Miss Hammann tucked in fifteen tired but happy girls. Their blankets were strewn from one end of her house to the other. Sunday morning a 7 o'clock breakfast of toast and egg sandwiches was consumed. The overnight hike was completed with a short Sunday School session in the bandshell.

W. A. A.ers as they come forth damp and tired from the watery recesses of the “Y”. Last Monday was the next i to the last opportunity for would-be swimmers. Some of the girls who need the points are using these last times for makeup practices. You girls, especially those who have not, completed your tests, remember thatnext Monday is your last chance. —

“Their Enemies Were Targets”

.....raves the aspiring' poet

—but for Gayle Tammel it's no; enemy; it's merely the kindly walls which surround her! On account of the bad weather the Archery Club was forced to set up its targets indoors. It seems that some of Gayle’s shots are wild, and her ar-I rows, glancing off the hard walls, | “boomerang” back to her. Mary Kay Slifer, Violet Bollinger, “Floppy” Flory, and Anna Mae Tinkler com-plete the quintet of marksmen. 0 let. it is reported, is a champion with these arrows—as well as with Cupid’s darts.

“Hold That Base!"

.....shout her teammates, as

another lassie advances to second. Yes. while the outers are forced to “go in” for “outings”, the Baseball Club still “goes out” for “innings.” So far the teams captained by Jerry Tharrington and Ruth Hux-man are even, since each has won one game in the tournament which the girls have been playing. It was hoped that they would be able to finish it this week. However, since the days were filled with picnics, there was no time. Consequently it is doubtful if they will ever determine which is really better.

“With Their Coy And Dainty Graces

.....the “maiden laides” in

the “Cinema,” originated and presented by the Orchesis Club, charmed us while the “brats” exasperated and the young lovers made us sigh in sympathy—and they all sent us into gales of laughter in the W. A. A. assembly last week on Thursday. Since this, the main project of the season, is over, there is little for the girls to do. However, if there is time for them to get in any more meetings, they will continue their activities.

---- -

“By Sports Like These”

. . . . . “are all their cares beguiled” . . . What sports? One might well ask that question in connection with Recreational Sports Club—they try so many different ones. Last week these versatile girls played off another game of shuffle-board—-the last they will find time to play. In the final one Betty Kimmel and Ruth Miller were the contestants. The game was an exciting one. Too bad for Betty . . . Ruth won by a small margin!

Glory Follows Vitrue

.....“as if it were its shadow”

. . . And it really is a virtue to be able to begin some sport or skill and to stick it out to the end or the reward as some girls have.

Eleven very happy and deserving young ladies marched up to the front last week with beaming faces to receive their chenille letters which are the same size as those earned by “M” Club members. Violet Bollinger, Arlene Flory, Lillian Fulkerson,

Alta Gross, Lucile Harris, Muriel Lamle, Ruth Miller, Marilyn Sandy, Mary Slifer. Gayle Tammel. and Anna Mae Tinkler were the lucky recipients. If you did not earn a letter this year, undergraduates, don’t be discouraged. You still have time if you belong to W. A. A. next fall.

Fisher Shows iVoice Types

Professor Nevin W. Fisher, with ¹ the assistance of a number of his students, presented a music apprecia- tion program for the benefit of the college chapel audience this morn-ling. The program dealt with the various types of solo voice which were exemplified by performers who sang short solo numbers. Professor Fisher described and made explanation of the voices as the program progressed.

Voices presented w ere: bass,

Wayne Crist; baritone, Eugene Liclity; tenor, Kenneth Wampler; contralto, Imojean Sheller; Mezzo-contralto, Joan Blough; mezzo-soprano, Grace Giffen; lyric soprano, Ruth Ickes; coloratura soprano, Eloise McKnight.

A powerful Bulldog team overwhelmed the foe again last week. Last Friday they ended a victorious season with five wins and no losses. Though they did play but five games they proved that McPherson had the best at bat and in the field.

McPherson had but little competition against which they could show their wares. Every game played was a lopsided affair. It is too bad that this conference cannot have competative baseball. The Canines could set the K. C. A. C. on fire with such men as Hill, Ramsey, and a host of others. We have several fielding and batting gems. To top this we have a coach in Tom Hayden who can draw the baseball right out of his men.

crew will let the rest of the confer-ence know where the McPherson Bulldogs hail from.

Coach Hayden and his men are one of the finest groups of athletes ever to assemble themselves on the grid, maple court, or diamond. It seems that coach really has a technique for getting everything from his athletes. His teams prove that.

Anyway Coach, here are my sin-cerest wishes for a successful athletic campaign in 1943-44. I know that you will have one.

Patronize Spectator Advertisers

Another year of athletics is gone. What next year holds in store for athletics one does not know. At present it is hard to conceive of a team of any kind next year, but just leave a few men and some equipment around, and before the season is over Coach Hayden will have produced a good team.

We may not have much in the line of competitive athletics, but it is my guess that Coach Hayden and