We Aldgan Daily
Sixty-Sixth Year
EDITED AND MANAGED BY STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
UNDER AUTHORITY OF BOARD IN CONAROL O STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
STUDENT PUBLICATIONS BLDG. 0 ANN ARBOR, MICH. " Phone NO 2-3241
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m Opinions Are Free,
rath Witl Pr'vail
Editorials printed in The Michigan Daily express the individual opinions of staff writers or
the editors. This must be noted in all reprints.
AY, MAY22, 1956
NIGHT EDITOR: CAROL PRINS
LABOR YOUTH LEAGUE:
An A rgmnt
For Recognition
(Ed. Note: The following article was submitted by the Labor Youth League,
explaining why the League should be recognized by the University.)
By BOLZA BAXTER
State Chairman, Labor Youth League
AN OFF-CAMPUS student group for seven years now, the Ann Arbor
Labor Youth League is attempting at the present time to gain rec-
ognition by the University as a campus group. Though we have always
felt the LYL contributed positively to the University, and would have
preferred from the start to be recognized, knowing our contribution
would be thus increased, we have not previously sought recognition.
The primary reason for this is that such recognition seemed impos-
sible in the atmosphere of the Cold War and the Korean War. During
the Cold War period, under the impact of the theory that the United
States was faced with imminent danger of war from without, creating
We witnessed the passage of such acts as the McCarran Internal
Security Act, the McCarran-Walter Immigration Act, and the Com-
munist-Control Act. Committees like the House Un-American Activi-
in turn subversion from within, civil liberties suffered.
ties Committee and McCarthy's -
Labor Youth League
Does It Deserve Recognition.?
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N TODAY'S editorial page appears an ar-
ticle stating why the local Labor Youth
ague chapter should be recognized as a stu-
nt organization.
The recognition process would involve two
oups: Student Government Council as it
presents the University, and the Labor Youth
ague.
While LYL should be recognized if it meets
1 the present University requirements, there
considerable doubt whether recognition would
granted to an organization listed on the
torney General's list as subversive. There is
fear on the part of the University that rec-
nition would reflect poorly upon the school,
at it would be open to criticism for approving
Communist-influenced body.
N THE OTHER hand, LYL refuses to sub-
mit a list of its membership to SGC, a re-
.irement for any-student organization wishing
cognition. LYL recently refused The Daily
rmission to report LYL meetings, even though
e names of the participants would be with-
ld.
For an organization continually pointing its
llective finger at investigating committees
iich confront the accused with anonymous
stimony, LYL's actions are at least insincere,
not ironic.
If LYL refuses to comply with rules and regu-
ions that apply to any student organization,
gardless of purpos6 or affiliation, then it is
king that the University grant it a privilege.
it is not willing to stand behind its views,
en it is indeed, as the Attorniey General says,
bversive. If it hall no connection with the
immunist Party, why doesn't it come out in
e open and say so? If it thinks that the
immunist Party should not be outlawed, why
esn't it have the courage of its convictions to
y so?
pretation. Does it expect other organizations
and individuals to fight its battles, when all it
does is shoot darts from behind its cloak or
anonymity?
As for the University's fear of granting rec-
ognition to LYL, it can only be pointed out
that by recognizing a group, approval of its
purposes or activities is not expressed. It is
merely acknowledging that this group exists
whether we like it or not. There is no basis
for the University's statement in its Official
Regulations Booklet that recognition would
mean "Use of the University's name and repu-
tation as a background for group action which
may be misinterpreted as having University
sponsorship or approval."
UNIVERSITY recognition of the Labor Youth
League would not mean approval of LYL
doctrine, but rather merely acknowledgment
that it is a student organization and hence
eligible to use University facilities.
Indeed, University recognition would bring
LYL out from the martyrdom under which it
now operates. LYL would be forced to stand
up in public and attempt to rebut the argu-
ments against its professed beliefs. It would
be revealed for what it is.
University recognition of LYL at Wisconsin
has left the organization with a total mem-
bership of, as the Wisconsin Daily Cardinal
recently told the American Legion, "three mis-
guided youths from New York,"
ON THIS CAMPUS, it is now difficult for
the University-protected student body to
logically debate the principles of LYL and the
Marxian-Socialist line. The most effective way
of making students more aware of the irrational
views of the LYL philosophy is not to sponsor
the ostrich-like protection of sticking innocent
heads in the sand to make sure nothing will
.hurtthem.
Instead, an educational institution, particu-
larly one of the University's stature; should en-
courage open and free debate.
The Student Government Council and the
University should give serious consideration to
recognition of the Labor Youth League, but only
if LYL indicates its willingness to comply with
University regulations.
-DICK SNYDER
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DRAMA SEASON:
Great Artistry in 'wedding'
7P11 ANSWER, now outworn, is that it
will be unjustly persecuted if it does come
out in the open in the present climate of fear
and, investigations. The laws of this country,
especially as they have been recently in1er-
preted, seem to negate this position.
And if there is a dangerous climate today,
LYL considerably weakens its stand by refusing
to fight for changes in the law, and its inter-'
Communists
°UNIVERSITY FIRING of professors is quite
often viewed as a violation of academic
freedom. Academic freedom is involved less
often than is commonly believed. The term is
an easy label to apply when it appears difficult
to determine the real issues.
Dismissal of professors who are announced
members of the Communist party is not 'a vio-
lation of academic freedom. It is, rather, the.
University's moral obligation. Those who object
to firing communist party members usually do
so because they are opposed to the laws which
make membership illeg l..
It is one thing to opose the rationale be-
hind a law; but another.to aid those who break
it. Opinions of the Smith Act are not relevant
to the consideration of hiring a party member.
As long as membership is prima facie evidence
of a crime, the University is morally obligated
to dismiss any Communist Party member.
ANY OTHER position is untenable with the
responsibility of a university to the com-
munity. To hire a law-breaker is to provide
economic satisfaction and prestige-neither of
which he is entitled to. Difference of opinion
about the law must be confined to morally law-
ful means.
Further, while a person is innocent until
As Teachers?
proven guilty, it is difficult to see what viola-
tion of freedom is involved in questioning a
professor when a presumtion of guilt is raised.
Questioning Communist Party membership or
activity is not political in nature-it is an in-
quiry into criminal affiliations.
Use of the Fifth Amendment, in today's cli-
mate, raises a presumption of guilt, not with-
standing its morally legitimate use by innocent
people. The University is not violating academic
freedom when it asks a professor who has
used the Fifth Amendment if he is, in fact, a
Communist. The use implies guilt as well as
innocence. All that is needed is a clear state-
ment of non-affiliation.
THE TROUBLE lies simply in the fuzziness
with which the issues are approached.
There is a difference between proven guilt
and presumption of guilt; between i rights be-
fore legal bodies and rights before non-legal
groups; between academic freedom and the
thousand causes with which it is mistakenly
identified.
The whole question would be simpler to deal
with if the subtlety of the problem were taken
account of before the hue and cry is raised.
-LEE MARKS
IT MAY BE impossible to define
what exactly constitutes great
theatre, but last night in the Lydia
Mendelsohhn Theatre the audience
at "The Member of the Wedding"
was experiencing just that. In
every way the promise and poten-
tial of the live stage was fulfilled.
This second production of the
Drama Season is a work of exquis-
ite beauty.
The honors must be given to
everyone, but if a few must be
singled out for the very highest
praise, two names stand promi-
nent. The first is Carson McCul-
lers, the fresh voice in American
letters, who, has written a play of
immense depth, moving gentleness,
and loving compassion. The other
is Ethel Waters, who last night
gave a performance that will never
be forgotten. It was acting of such
scope and understanding that one
did not realize it was acting. This
was not a talented actress playing
a part well; this was an amazing
artistic achievement-the creation
of a beautiful human being on a
stage. Even in retrospect, it takes
ones breath away. But in no sense
does Miss Waters cower her audi-
ence into awe. By means of her
tremendous ability she becomes
a person we believe in, understand,
and love. We delight in her de-
light; we grieve in her sorrow,
To be sure, the artistry of the
writing is also responsible for this.
Miss McCuller's play is a complete
work of art. There is humor of the
cleverest and, at times, the wild-
est sort. There is flawless dramatic
structure. There is excitement and
there is calm. The many diversions,
-stress and aspects of lifebecome
part of the statement of this dra-
matic whole. And through it all
there is a continuous pattern of
tenderness that radiates to the
audience.
But the effectiveness of "The
Member of the Wedding" is to be
found in other places too. It is in
Janet De Gore's portrayal of
Frankie Adams, the sensitive ado-
lescent who is violently searching
for a sense of identity in a world
that has treated her with less than
love. Miss De Gore is an actress
of stature whose role is as equally
demanding as Miss Waters'. Here,
too, an actress breathes life into a
part and makes it sing.
. . .
THE PLAY tells the story of the
Frankie Addams, a twelve-year
old tomboy in poor section of the
modern South, who suddenly is
confronted and controlled by the
pains and pleasures of love and
life. Frankie leads a rowdy exist-
ence, playing with the little boy
next door, imagining her fantasies,
learning life from the wordly yet
gentle colored woman who is the
cook, maid and actual cementing
force of the household. This
woman, Bernice Sadie Brown,
serves as mother and counselor
friend and crony to Frankie and
to John Henry, the young boy who
finds delight in Frankie's strange
world.
The initial plot situation is the
marriage of Frankie'suolder broth-
er, a soldier, to a girl Frankie had
never seen before. Unloved by her
father, the child is strangely and
uncontrollably thrown into emo-
tional turmoil by the aspects of
love around her. There is no place
for Frankie; both literally and
figuratively she is an outsider, an
exile figure who does not belong
to any group. The adolescent need
for identity asserts itself, and
Frankie vows to run off with thej
honeymoon couple to be wanted
and accepted. The world is bad for
tragedy in some of the final events,
ation of the love and support be
THE CONTROLLING and un-
derstanding force that gives
Frankie the love she needs and
the understanding she must have
is Bernice Sadie Brown. Bernice
has lived a full life, and she knows
the blessings and cruelties of it.
She has suffered and from this,
in the truth of classicic tradition,
comes wisdom. In addition, the
fruits also include compassion,
and dignity. The relationship be-
tween these two figures is the
central movement of the play.
The importance lies in this re-
lationship. If there is striking
tragedy in some of the final events,
there is real loss-the most in-
tense sorrow-in the calm termin-
ation of the love and support be-
tween these two.
Miss McCullers has added to the
scope of her theme with plot
counterpoints, that picture the
problem in its varied aspects, such
as the turbulent story of Honey
Brown and his striving for dignity
as a Negro in a white world, a
story that functions on violence.
It is perhaps Important to em-
phasize that the frequent humor-
ous perspective is a great part of
the play's charm,
Director John O'Shaughnessy.
has staged the work with theatri-
cal acumen, employing both dra-
matic and poetic technique in a
work where poetry and drama are
abundant in the writing. Robert
Mellencamp's lovely setting of the
kitchen and backyard of the Ad-
dams' house is perfect.
** *
THE SUPPORTING cast, head-
ed by Ricky Hamilton's touching
and humorous interpretation of
young John Henry, is excellent.
Especially noteworthy are Phillip
Lindsay as the troubled Honey,
and Richard Ward as a neighbor-
ing friend of Bernice.
-David Newman
Senate Investigation Committee
were busier than ever "ferreting
out" "subversives" by their well-
known methods. Loyalty oath pro-
grams were instituted for many
jobs and for much public housing.
Guilt by association became
commonplace. In many instances,
people were encouragedto spy on
neighbors and associates. As a re-
sult, many people kept their opin-
ions to themselves fearing they
might be accused of political non-
conformity, and subject to social
ostracism, loss of job, and even
possibly prison sentences.
* * *
THE UNIVERSITY, as the tra-
ditional center of the "free market
place of ideas," suffered also. The
Lecture Committee "banned" left-
wing speakers from the campus.
Several liberal political groups
went out of existence. Probably
the most unfortunate event of all
was the firing of two faculty mem-
bers which stemmed from their
refusal to cooperate with the Clar-
dy House Un-American Activities
Subcommittee.
This atmosphere which made
League recognition seem impos-
sible has recently become better.
The Geneva Conference and its
The possibilities of peaceful co-
existence are good. The battles
between East and West may be
only political, ideological and eco-
nomic, and not military.
The notion of the "clear and
present danger" of war and sub-
version is losing ground. With this
situation have come several Su-
preme Court decisions broadening
civil liberties, revision of loyalty
oath programs, disrepute for in-
formers, and a greater expression
of nonconformist thought.
While we feel' much more needs
to be done to fully restore civil
liberties in the United States, we
think conditions are improving,
Under these conditions, the LYL
thinks University recognition is
possible
SOME EXPLANATION of what
the Labor Youth League is, what
its aims are, and' who its members
are is in order.
The LYL is a national Marxist
educational youth organization
which stimulates interest in the
study of Marxism and Socialism.
The League believes in the demo-
cratic principles of our country as
embodied in the Constitution, Bill
of Rights, and Declaration of In-
dependence.
The LYL is not a political party,
although it takes stands on specific
issues, and encourages its members
to participate in the political af-
fairs of their country and com-
munity.
Nationally the Labor Youth
League includes youth of all back-
grounds: students, teen - agers,
workers, etc. The Ann Arbor club
consists of University students,
some of them Marxists, others just
interested in the ideas that are
studied and discussed.
* . *
THE LEAGUE participates nat-
ionally in political activities con-
cerning such questions as peace,
segregation and discrimination,
academic freedom, threats to civil
liberties, minimum wages and the
18 year old vote. In Ann Arbor, the
LYL has participated in these ac-
tivities through publicizing the is-
sues and encouraging other groups
to take stands.
Education is a major part of our
program. Over the years many
study groups have been organized
to study various aspects of Marxist
theory and political and economic
questions. As part of its educa-
tional program the Labor Youth
League has brought a number of
Marxist speakers to Ann Arbor.
Many people are suspicious of
the LYL because they have heard
it is a Communist Front Organiza-
tion. The Attorney-General, using
the McCarran Internal Securit
Act, has attempted to hamper
(and in effect virtually prohibit)
the activities of the Labor Youth
League on these very grounds.
We, of course, feel that under
any reasonable definition of front-
organization we are not such a
group. (The definition as given in
the McCarran Act makes any
group a Communist front if at any
time it has agreed on any issue
with the Communist party, even
if the former took its stand first.)
THE LEAGUE is independent
and has no organizational ties
with the Communist Party. (That
we are interested in their activi-
ties goes without saying since they
are a Marxist party.) The mem-
bership elects its officers, and car-
ries out policy by the process of
democratic discussion and major-
ity vote. Members of LYL are free
to accept or reject various Marx-
ist points of view, and to take a
critical attitude to the decisions
of the Communist party as well a.
other political parties.
Though the heart of the Attor-
ney-General's case against the
League rests on eleven of its public
policies which are supposed to be
Communist policies, it is interest-
ing to note that on three of these,
viz., a cease-fire in Korea, oppoi-
tion to Universal Military Train-
ing, and opposition to the arrest
of one of its leaders, President
Eisenhower, the US Congress and
the Supreme Court, respectively,
eventually agreed with us.
Under the McCarran Act's ex-
tended definition of Communist
front, it is hard to imagine any)
group which couldn't be called a
Communist front.
s* * *
EVEN THOUGH civil liberties
are expaniding today, most mem-
bers of the Labor Youth League
find it unwise at this time to pub-
licly acknowledge themselves as
members. We do strive, however,
for the conditions under which no
LYL member would fear being
'known as such. Therefore, we
could not submit a membership
list to the University.
We'are willing to publicly ack-
nowledge our chairman, however.
From experiences of student groups
on other campuses, we think this
would be adequate safeguard for
University officials against possible
-abuse of the privileges of a student
group.
We are not looking for special
considerations, but are realistical-
Jy taking into account present day
conditions of political life. (This
suggested procedure could well be
adopted for all student groups on
the campus. This, with the re-
moval of the "banning" powers of
the Lecture Committee could do
much to increase thought and ac-
tivity at the University.)
m * *
WE COME finally to the most,
important argument for LYL rec-
ognition,inamely, the advantages
the University would receive if
the Labor Youth League were
recognized.
There are many people at the
University who are interested in
Marxism. With recognition, the
University community 'ould have
the ,ppportunity of dire'ct contact
with Marxism. Marxism has been
an important philosophy for a
long time. With co-existence be-
coming more likely, its importance
will increase, and we must learn
more about, it.
One cannot wish Marxism out
of existence or destroy it by perse-.
cution. The only rational way to
challenge Marxism or accept it is
to hear its adherents and oppon-
ents battle out the issues through
the medium of free discussion.
.: * *
THE RECOGNITION of the
League also might well mean a
growth of the traditional- forms
41
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INTERPRETING THE NEWS:
Comnprominis e A id Program
AT THE STATE:
'Las Vegas' Colorful Examination
By J. M. ROBERTS
Associated Press News Analyst
TWO ECONOMIC experts have come up with
a proposal for an international program of
aid to underdeveloped countries which might
serve to compromise some of the major differ-
ences between Congress and the administration.
The current administration program, admit-
tedly subject to change after panel studies
which are expected to begin soon, calls for
presidential authority to maket long-term com-
mitments for large construction projects.
There is strong opposition to this in Con-
gress. At the same time there is increasing
pressure for eliminating the grant system and
putting practically the entire program on a
loan basis.
MAX MILLIKAN and W. W. Roston, . of
Massachusetts Institute of Technology and
the Center for International Studies, experi-
enced as government consultants, have com-
bined the two ideas.
They suggest the United States take the
lead in organizing a pool composed of the in-
dustrialized nations which would set up a
until industrialization begin to generate its own
capital in the countries to be aided.
Banking practice would apply, through a set
of international standards under which coun-
tries seeking loans would have to qualify on
such points as usefulness of projects, public
support, and concrete planning for repayment.
The international code could be applied even
if individual nations made the loans.
THE AUTHORS deliberately move away from
the idea that such a system would win
friends in the cold war, or try deliberately to
establish free enterprise.
They say its fundamental purpose would be
to supply a "sense of direction" for the under-
developed peoples, demonstrating to them that
economic improvement can be accomplished
without resort to radical theories.
Chester Bowles, former ambassador to India,
has been advocating a nonpolitical, noncoercive
aid program in his writing and speeches ever
since his return,
MANY OTHERS have adopted the theory
that only a truly international effort, con-
WE HAVE what is almost a
double feature at the State
this week. The main attraction,
apparently, is "Meet Me in Las
Vegas," a Hollywood spectacular
that nearly get out-spectacular-
ized by its companion featurette,
"The Wedding in Monaco." This
foreign import, with an interna-
tionally famous cast, could set off
a new trend in motion picture
thinking, a trend leading to the
hiring of entire countries as in-
cidental background scenery for
top-notch actors in time-proven
stories.
The best point about "Las
Vegas" is that it never pretends
to be anything than just what it
is-a color-filled examination of
luxurious living and rich people
in that place in the sun, Las
Vegas.
Dan Daily is a wealthy ranch-
owner who comes to Vegas to
have his yearly - gambling fling.
He is an incessant loser, so natur-
ally is warmly welcomed by the
local businessmen. Cyd Charisse
is a famous ballerina hired by the
Sinatra hits a jack-pot early in
the affair. Frankie Laine sings a
little bit, too.
The conglomeration is by no
means an unpleasant one, how-
ever. All these entertainers are
pretty good in whatever they do,
and what they do in "Las Vegas"
are entertaining examples of their
techniques. Their acts fit in well
to the haphazard, casual atmos-
phere of the picture, and you get
YOU KNOW very well who
you're going to meet in "The Wed-
ding in Monaco," the film claim-
ing to be the only complete and
official motion-picture document
of the proceedings, and the film
blessed and arranged by Prince
Ranier, himself.
From the time the sonorous
voice of an unseen, though un-
doubtedly correctly dressed and
like-wise blessed, announcer roars
through the theatre with a capsule
summary of Monaco's history, to
the time it describes the honey-
moon yacht making off for Ely-
sian shores, you can rest assured
vir, innn nnp f th+1,a t~aftPCt
a winter's day when the yacht's
broken down and they're stuck at
home back in that dirty old castle,
but why foist it on the public?
-Culver isenbeis
ti
LITTLE MAN ON CAMPUS
by Dick Bibitr
N l 1. f3~49o, ~ I ~ \I\
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