THE COLLEGE AND THE CIRCUS
The telegram was signed by the Mayor and Council of a small town where a large college is situated, and where Cherokee Charlie's Grand Combination of Circus, Stupendous Western Wonders, World-Renowned Rifle-Shots and Mexican Cowboys was billed for the following Wednesday, and where he still intended, it seemed, to keep his date, notwithstanding the advice of more experienced showmen, and in spite of several letters from the University Faculty and town authorities who knew their business.
No circus ought to come to any college town. At some institutions of learning they merely embarrass the tumblers and make the clown feel that he has missed his calling. At this college they were in the habit of doing more than that; it was one of the traditions that no parade should pass in front of the campus gate—without being broken up. Circuses could go through the other streets as much as they wished, but not there. "It disturbs our studies," they said. "Besides, we can do all the parading necessary, thank you."
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