The University Revolt of 1892

The mandamus proceeding brought by Owen Taylor, one of the twelve pupils of the state university who were suspended for refusal to drill, was heard in Judge Lichtenberg’s court yesterday and decided in favor of the faculty. The court-room was crowded all afternoon and evening with university pupils, and the sharp cross-examination on both sides caused no little amusement. John E. Humphries conducted the case for the boys and W. Lair Hill for the faculty.

F. Otto Collings testified that President Gatch first announced that the pupils would be required to drill on Monday, January 17. The witness was asked if he would drill unless excused by the faculty, and when he attempted to explain his position, he was cut off and told he was suspended. Professor Gatch, called by Mr. Humphries, said he had made the announcement before the holiday vacation that students would be expected to drill using 'setting up' exercises, as used in the regular United States tactics. The rule, he said, applied to all.

Owen Taylor testified: 'I have been a student since October, 1889. I work on Wednesdays to pay my way through school. I told Professor Johnson that if they required me to drill on Wednesdays I would have to leave school.'

Professor J. M. Taylor, called for the defense, admitted the authorship of lines written on a university blackboard mocking the students:

'A stands for Atkins, the athlete bold. B stands for Beach, who is so thin he looks cold. C stands for Collings, who walks with a cane. D stands for Durham, who has nothing to gain. E stands for Ewing, who will try it a week. K stands for O. H. and H. A. Kerns, who are so mad they won't speak. M stands for McClellan, who stammers and wails. N stands for Neighbor, who is slow as a snail. T stands for Taylor, whose tale is cut short.'

The arguments commenced at 9 o'clock, and the judge rendered his decision at 12:15 this morning, siding with the faculty.