Perversion of Tradition

Those views are still true and are today more relevant. At all times they were forthrightly advocated, occasionally brilliantly, but in the very persuasiveness of argument there was danger. Salient is an effective propaganda platform for any organised group with a policy which they wish to impose on the majority. In Salient's first year "Spike" (another Varsity publication) warned "beware of clique control."

A split developed in Salient's youthful personality. The spirit of free thought, a challenge to convention, the demand for reform was perverted to a one-sided expression of a codified, anti-social, political philosophy. That of left wing Socialism.

Salient began to return to tradition in 1950 and last year the editor wrote "Salient's tradition has two parts, one red, by which is meant reflective of Socialist and Communist ideas and ideals, and the other set out by Old Timer. These two are not synonomous and their apparent coincidence for thirteen years has been as much the result of expediency as of reason. Expressed in vigorous and often emotive prose this double tradition earned Salient the title of 'red rag.'

"It was not the Old Timer tradition, although of course many fainthearted and woolly-minded opposed that too, not the espousal of causes worthy and unworthy that rankled. The irritant was supplied by the red tradition with its own peculiar approach so often echoing, following and changing with the party line of Communism. Salient's mind was so made up, so blind to the protests of other people. . . ."

In a University paper a more impartial approach la necessary. A Salient editor, rightly unable to impose his view or refuse copy can only encourage impartiality by balancing copy if there is sufficient offering, correcting gross errors of fact and by use of the editorial."