Passion for Anonymity

Some people may be reticent about talking to a judge before a large gallery. Others may simply distrust their memories. But in their search for witnesses, the twenty-six who go on trial next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday have found a more substantial obstacle: may students will not risk being fired from the College.

Most of the defendants have an ample supply of witnesses to further their pleas of innocence, but there are several who have only one or none at all. The man reason, we suspect, can be found in a University regulation which rules more presence at a public disturbance grounds for an unexpected to come. While there has been no sign that the Administrative Board intends to apply this dictum, the possibility of its doing so is enough to make many a potential witness reluctant to offer his services. By testifying he would admit his presence: since the Administration's attitude is unknown, the safe way is to remain anonymous.

Statements have issued from University Hall to the effect that no action will be taken until the Court has spoken. Yet, by not making its attitude to-ward witnesses clear, the Administrative Board may be shaping the verdict in a number of clases: lack of witnesses is the shortest route to a conviction. While it is quite proper to withhold temporarily any judgment on those under arrest, Doan Bender should at least give the students who wish to testify, but don't dare, some rehef from their dilemma.