LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

   It gives us great pleasure to introduce to you and Posterity those Academic Angels whose zealous devotion to the God of Book and Candlepower has won for them the portal whose lock may be opened by the Phi Beta Kappa key only. Of what lies beyond that portal, we are forced to leave you in ignorance, having lost our key. Phi Beta Kappa is a very fine thing -- at least it must be from what we have heard. A large number of persons spend four years looking for the key, and often they do n't find it. Girls seem to be more fortunate than men. The latter seem to care more about the keys to the ice box or the safety deposit vaults.
   Like several other Greek letter organizations, Phi Beta Kappa is supposed to be a fraternity, but is not. It is called the oldest college fraternity, but in reality is a "fratority." There is no Phi Beta Kappa house at Nebraska, except during rush week.
   Those interested in learning further secrets of the order will probably be accommodated by any of the following:

   THE Varsity dramatic season this year has been an unusually successful and clever one. The work of the actors individually and collectively has been of a high order and is deserving of much praise. For labor expended and results obtained, the cake is theirs and we give it to them with open hearts. Yet as the mind wanders back over the season, one catches a glimpse here and there of something that is amusing and which at the time didn't appear in the advertisements, or even in the dramatic criticism. Hence we pause for reflection.
   The "Amazons" was a real novelty, the only trouble being that the best part of the novelty wasn't told to the advance man. The girls' costumes were a delicious treat and certainly looked "snorky." Front seats would have been at a premium had it all have been known. Pinero's comedy is a regular matrimonal exposé and the men are to be congratulated for the way in which they assumed their responsibilities. We couldn't help feeling sorry for Harry, whose arduous love received such a cold shoulder from the leading lady. Hazel's

subsequent engagement might have been the reason. That's the trouble with these amateur folk. They can't lose or forget their own personality or identity. Florence Hostetler would have proved attractive prey for Mrs. Pankhurst, of suffragette fame, for a more dashing and manly young woman could not have been found. Clarence Clark got his cue from the start and played her humble lover much to her supreme and well-acted delight. In all it was a good live play, something new and not entirely dignified. Put we are getting old enough to stand such things.
   Interest in the class plays was centered upon the two committees. At one time the two chairmen came near to coming to blows over a certain play that had secured the approval of both committees. The Seniors claimed title on the ground of prior discovery, while the Juniors contended that the priority in date gave them the right to produce the play. The scrap was finally settled by the publisher, who decreed that neither could have it because it had not yet finished its run in New York.

   "A Royal Family" which the juniors produced in February was quite a splurge. They put a lot of money into the show and made a strenuous effort to pay out which resulted in the campus being littered with royalty. Also there were seven juniors who, it is ventured to say, received more free advertising during the final week than they ever need expect for the rest of their lives. In this play Mr. Coffee and Miss Hostetler were again to the fore. Their stock took a good raise when they landed on the top of the tree in the second act. The climb might have been gracefully executed from the view-point of the audience, but those who were in the wings had another story to tell. The last act was a royal picture resplendent with finery. Almost every nation in the world was represented. 'Twas an inspiring sight when, to the tune of the national anthem, Mr. and Mrs. Vanderdyke Q. Cobb in the persons of Jimmie Rodman and Ruth Lindley, entered the rostrum amid the applause and cheering of the conclave in the pit. And also let it be known that the "band did it," referring to a little disturbance that occurred during the performance.

   The Kosmet Klub opera as originally planned was an innovation that failed to innovate. The men were going to be the whole show, but when it was discovered that the ladies would compete for places in the cast and chorus of "The Diplomat," the gentlemen graciously withdrew from the stage and let them have dominion. The opera was something new here, and something that we need as an annual event. The songs were original, as was the manuscript itself. The Argoniaites told their tale of conquest with pomp and pep, the maidens were coy and cute, while the men and settings were in keeping with the surroundings.
   Of "A Midsummer-Night's Dream" we live in anticipation. It is a comedy of the highest order. We long for the little fairies and fireflies, the funny tradesmen, the winsome Puck, the stately dukes, and the courtly lovers. It will doubtless prove a fitting climax to the year's endeavors which, in fine, have been wrought with success and enjoyment. The spirit of the season has been in keeping with the school, and we relish the fact that that same has been comedy instead of tragedy.

IN the spring of 1911, a few men of the University put their heads together and decided that the school needed a musical comedy or a light opera club. So these few wise ones held several meetings and formed an organization to be known as the Kosmet Klub. Before the Dads of this infant organization had departed front the scene of their winter labors, the formal announcement of the existence of the club had been made and a prize offered for the best play submitted by a Nebraskan. The next fall, after all the greetings, etc., were over a terrible discovery was made, the prize bad been scorned, and the club was "up a stump," so to speak.
   However, at this heart-rending time, a "club-hope" came to the front and submitted a plan, which finally culminated into the musical, political satire, "The Diplomat." Then came the tryouts and a "trying" time it was for the would-be "backers." A cast was finally selected. and under the direction of Professor Bobbie," -- beg pardon -- Robert Scott, rehearsals were commenced. 'Twas an awful wind and a mighty rough sea, but the cast bravely stuck to their posts. ("Honestly, I never worked with such a bunch") Work, work, ye slaves of the drama! (Awful! Say, are you people all dead?") And again, they bowed before the terrifying wrath of the leader-man. Yet not a mrmur was heard, there was no dissatisfaction over the parts assigned or feelings hurt beyond recovery. And so the preparation continued until -- Oh, you chorus. Well, Herr Scott deserves the credit. And, as far as the business end is concerned, you will have to give the medal to "Biddy" Mead. "The Diplomat" promises to be without doubt one of the

cleverest stunts ever staged at Nebraska, and to all those taking part is due that credit which perseverance, interest, and unselfish labor deserves. This opera is probably the most striking feature of the year, and we all hope that it will become in annual event.

   And now, at the present writing, the future Trixies, Cahills, Foys, and Hitchcocks are patiently awaiting the coming of May 3, on which date they will present to the critical public "The Diplomat."