Not many weeks ago, Chimes Staff, while meeting in the library, was discussing the contents of the next issue. Hoping to get ideas, we leaned across the table, where Bart Huizenga was sitting, and asked if he had any questions he would like to have answered - our aim, of course, being to discuss them in the form of an editorial. The answer came spontaneously, ``Plenty'' - and a few minutes later we were handed a slip of paper containing the questions that follow.

Well, they weren't exactly of the editorial type, but we thought them worthy of publication, and so we're passing them on to you in Feature - with the answers that have been submitted by those who know Bart and think a lot of him.

Do Women Think?

Do women think? Why, Bart, even if I had no other evidence this very question in itself would lead me to doubt whether you were thinking. But, seeing you insist that you do think, who, may I ask you, do you think is managing our homes here in America today - and doing a mighty good job if it, too, let me add? How many ration points are you allowed per week, Bart? How many points are contained a can of Del Monte peaches? What foods are most nutritious, and what is the most economical way of buying them? Never mind answering, Bart. `Twould only embarrass you. Yet, these very questions are being thought about many times a day, and need I say who is doing the thinking?

Who, Bart, has taken over for our men in defense factories to a great extent? Who is riveting and making parachutes? Who is putting bolts and nuts where they belong (nother personal meant)? Now don't interrupt me and say that these tasks don't require thought - for who did them before we women took over? Surely you won't admit that men did them without a bit of pondering.

Who, Bart, are the nation's hospitals pleading desperately for? Who are spending their afternoons making bandages, and sitting behind counters trying to raise money for the Red Cross and other worthy causes? You know the answer.

Yes, Bart, we women of America are thinking today. We're trying to manage our homes better, we're trying to do our best in defense industry, and we're joining hospital staffs by the dozens - because we are thinking - thinking about swell fellows like you and hundreds of others, who are giving (or will in the future be giving) so much to us back home.

What Makes Three-fourths of all Women Gold Diggers?

Bart wants to know what makes three-fourths of the women ``gold diggers.'' Of course, he's exaggerating. Of course, he's exaggerating. The percentage isn't that high, at least, not at Calvin. I don't feel qualified to say anything for the few who are, because I believe I can truthfully say that I'm not one of them. I speak rather for the many who are not. I believe it's all in the minds o you fellas. You think that we aren't having a good time unless you spend money on us lavishly. You think that we like only boys with swell cars (and C cards), and lots of cash. But you're wrong. Oh, I'll admit there are a few who are just that shallow. But I'm sure that Calvin girls on the whole are insulted by your inference. If you knew how many times we are actually embarrassed by the way you spend money on us when we know that you really can't afford to do it. We don't like to feel that you spend so much on us that you have to deny yourself something you should like very much to have, or perhaps let yourself in for a scolding from your folks who are probably sacrificing to put you through college. On the other hand, we don't the boys who are ``tight.'' You don't like selfish people either. And we all say, in all fairness to you, that there aren't many of that kind at Calvin, either.

Naturally, we like to feel that you take us out because you care enough about us to take us to the roller skating party, or the symphony, because you know we'll enjoy it, even though it may mean a few less Bee Hive hamburgs or chocolate malteds for you. But don't think we measure the giver by his gift. It's the way you do it that impresses us. Just imagine how we feel when you've taken us out somewhere to eat, and as you take out your billfold to pay the check, you sight, ``Yep, these women. ``That's where a fella's money goes.'' Maybe you are only kidding, but how are we do know? And here's another thing. Some of you spend so much on a date that you simply can't afford to have another one for weeks. All the girls I've talked this over with would rather go out oftener and do things which aren't such a drain on your financial resources. After all, you won't be here next year, and we'll be just as lonesome for you when you're in the service as we hope you will be for us.

If you're fortunate enough to live in Grand Rapids, have the gang over at your house some evening. You don't always have to go out. Not long ago, I spent an evening just like that - a swell gang of Calvin kids, played monopoly, listened to records, ate ice cream, and had a swell time - just as much fun as I've had when we bowled several games and went out somewhere to eat. I admit, that doesn't apply to you, Bart, as you can't very well throw a party in your room in the dorm. But did you ever think of how much the gals appreciate the little things? Like being walked home from church, or school or clubs; or just taking a stroll on these beautiful spring nights when your brain is tired of studying. After all, some day these Calvin girls will be helping you fellas balance the budget, and they want you to be economical. To be sure, when there are symphonies, or banquets, or all-school parties, we like to go with you. But let's see you in between times, too, and then just leave your billfolds at home. After all, it's not your money we like - it's you.

Why Do Women Think the Battle of Independence Was Fought only for Them and Not Also for the Men?

That's easy to answer, Bart. The way for independence could only be fought for women. Men are and always have been independent. Women aren't independent even now.

Women can't afford to be independent. Every old maid is a perfect example of what happens when women refuse to condescend (that's giving them the benefit of the doubt). And anyway, who are you to be talking like a poor downtrodden male?

Suppose, for example, you get tired of a girl you have been monopolizing, as you do so often, all you have to do is go out and find half a dozen others to take their place. She can do nothing but wait for someone to take up where you left off - and you've probably run out all competition so her chances are slim. She can proceed to take your name in vain but that will do her no good because women never stick together to boycott a man. She has to take what will come regardless of what he is. So she waits.

But, suppose a girl grows weary of you - impossible as that may seem - she may give you the proverbial ``brush-off'' and then what? You go home to your brother dormitorians and weep on their sympathetic shoulders. You, in your bitterness (presupposing any girl could have that much of an effect on you_ expose her - shall we say - methods and from then on she is pigeonholed. The only other thing she could do would be to make herself so completely obnoxious that you would, of your own accord, pull up stakes but then, too, she would be marked. No, once she gets into this situation she never gets out unscathed. She must reconcile herself to being left alone or else bring herself to being left with you. In any case, she can't be independent.

But men, they can make all the rules for this game and the rules are made not to apply to themselves. They can be independent because they hold the strings, and can come through the fight with only increased experience and a better plan for next time.

Of course, I can see why you are bringing it up. Any increase in the independence of womankind would cramp your style considerably.

Does It Necessarily Follow That Good Looks Betray Lack of Intellectual Power?

But definitely! We all have our points, Bart, but those points are always either - or -. You want her witty? She'll have goon-glamour. You want her with looks? She'll have everything that's strictly off the ball.

Take me for example -. I'm a neat figure (this has no relation whatsoever with solid geometry - which is not on my ``plane). I've a form that gets the whistles and a face that gets the winks. I've a' plenty in front o' the ball an nothin' but an oo-la curl arrangement. I'm beautiful but dumb.

I can tell you that your new green sweater is swoosh stuff - and that I was ``bored stiff'' in that second hour class - and that I'd like to have you help me finish my history lesson. (I've answered the first question of thirty.) And, oo-oh, I'd love to take a walk with you tonight - that is, Bart, if you won't deluge me with logic. My points (This is not a reference to Rationing) are in looks, not intellect. If you want to talk philosophy, find a plain Jane. I don't understand it you see. I'm beautiful but (translation into German would imply ``sondern'' not ``aber'') dumb, that is, my good looks guarantee my lack of intellectual powers.