STUDENTS FIND FACTS, MISS THE ECONOMICS

The Southeast Missouri State University students who are fighting to save the Marquette Hotel in downtown Cape Girardeau should be applauded for their enthusiasm.

They found a cause to believe in, and they took on considerable research in addition to their studies at Southeast. They looked into other restoration projects and made an eloquent report to the city council last week.

But now they need to do one more thing: Go back to the university and enroll in a class on simple economics.

The owner wants $635,000 for the dilapidated building. It will cost, the students estimate, between $2 and $7 million to repair the damage and decay.

Break it down: $635,000 plus at least $2 million equals no takers. And to suggest the city foot the bill is irresponsible.