MMfQEpNM
THE HESPERIAN STUDENT.
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suggest that, after definite arrangements for the
contest have been made to the apparent satisfaction of ;
both parties, a premature withdrawal on either side I
has a decidedly unfavorable appearance. This is the
second time, we believe, that the challenged party
picked up the gage with ' nthusiasm and afterwards ;
re)laced it on the field of combat with a marked dim- ,
inution of ardor. This feat of chivalry(?)was first
performed by the Palladians some years ago, and is
now repeated bv the Unions. It is the advice of The ,
Student as a friend to both societies, that they either
show more pertinacity in such matters or go out of
the contest business entirely.
Now that the time of review and examination
approaches the mooted question of marking agitates
anew the student mind. Should a term's study be '
graded on final examination alone, on written review '
and monthly examinations, or on daily recitations as
well? And in any case should not the entire Faculty
adopt some uniform system? Heretofore each pro
fessor in the University has followed his individual
theory of marking and it presumed that by this means
he arrives at a correct estimate of the work done in
his class. Hut as an invariable result of such diversi
ty in the method of marking' it is rarely if ever that
the marks on the term report of any student indicate
even with approximation the respective worth of his
work in the studies for that term.
It is admitted that no student should consider his
marks the primary aim of his college course, but at
the same time, while he receives them as evidence of
his labors, it would be a matter of satisfaction to feel
that they were reliable exponents of the value of those
labors in the various branches he has pursued.
there will be less ambition for office and more desire
for self-improvement. No one should covet honor
until he feels prepared to bear its burdens.
New students generally find their time fully occupied
on their entrance to the University and not unfre
cpiently are heard to wonder how they can ever do
any more in the same amount of time. The economy
of time in study is a thing that can be learned by
all students, and the earlier the better. Genuine, hard
study can be given by few students to any subject for
longer than an hour at a time. Then the mind
should have rest a "breathing spell." It isnotstudy,
to pore determinedly over a book when the brain has
become tired. Many, of us, under the impression
that we are doing our duty by our lessons, plod
through the pages of our text-books hour after hour,
only half conscious of the meaning they contain, and
wondering in silent and secret despair, if we shall
ever master and make it our own. A much easier
and better way is to study only for a short period at
a time,but during that period to give ourselves en
tirely and vigorously to the matter before us. It is in
this way and this only that one can economize both
time and labor in the accomplishment or" creditable
college work, and students who have not yet adopted
this method will be surprised at the result it will give
on a fair trial.
How often we see persons aspiring to an office or
position for which they have not the sleightest qualifi
cation or fitness. They seem to be moved by the
vague idea that the place will raise them to power and
distinction. Though conscious of their own weakness
they yet think that somehow if they can get a certain
position they will "then command respect and atten
tion. Was there ever a more false notion? There is
no honor in filling any position unless you fill it well.
It is not so much what one does, as it is how he does
it, that tells. It is better to be a good soldier
than a poor general. When a man is hoisted to a po
sition for which he is wholly unqualified heat first feels?
a thrill of satisfaction at his newly acquired dignities.
But he soon finds himself confronted by multitudes
of requirements and duties which he can neither un
derstand nor perform. Perplexed and confused at
his constant embarassments, his delight is soon changed
to bitter chagrin. Nothing short of disgrace and
failure can follow. Perhaps in the good time to come.
The Student is gratified to note the organization
of the debating clubs by the younger members of our
literary societies. It is our opinion that for some
time past the debaters on the regular society pro
grams have been degenerating in power and general
iuterest. Fewer members have been participating in
the miscellaneous debate, and with occasional ex
ceptions, the reading of the question for the evening's
discussion has been the signal for a general exodus by
the audience. The debate should be the most inter
esting exercise on the program, and the most useful
in training the student in ready speech and easy de
ivery. A considerable part of the seeming lack of
interest in this department of society work, is no
doubt due to the natural hesitancy and diffidence
among the younger members who must in time be
come the older and experienced leaders. To do
away with this early lack of self-confidence, and to
produce masters of the art of extempore speaking, are
the chief aims of these debating clubs.
By holding secret sessions, it is presumed that the
constraint due to a critical audience will no longer
make the beginner fearful of presenting an awkward
appearance or of committing as many blunders ax
may be necessary before becoming proficient in debate.
The idea is a good one, and means advancement in
society work if carried out as Inaugurated.
Minim urn ii
