TEUTONIC KNIGHTS

Political discussion over the foaming beer mug appears to be one of the greatest attractions in the student life of Germany, aside from the pleasures of dueling. In Heidelberg the recent Hitlerite riot against the police brings out the vigor with which the men are willing to support their political opinions. The general apathy of American undergraduates toward national questions offers a marked contrast.

While sturdy rioters are not wanting among American colleges, political issues can seldom arouse any distinct enthusiasm. Such an organization as the Model League of Nations meets with little undergraduate response, and this year a large university like Yale did not have sufficient interest to even participate. A presidential parade may occasionally draw out the students in numbers, but a love of excitement is undoubtedly the chief attraction. Whatever the condition of the country's politics, the average undergraduate is usually far more occupied by other concerns.

The contrast to German universities is no indication of a lack of intellectual interest among American students. In Germany the universities have had a tradition for interest in national and international affairs since the reorganization of Prussia under Baron Stein in 1808. Extracurricular activities, unknown in the Fatherland, absorb a large percentage of the undergraduate's time in this country, which might be devoted to discussion. Notwithstanding, the attitude of unconcern adopted by college men toward politics and foreign affairs is surprising to those familiar with the more mature outlook of European Universities. This unconcern is exemplified by the meagre interest displayed in the Model League of Nations.