THE HESPERIAN STUDENT.
5
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im
there will be less ambition for office and more desire
for self-improvement. No one should covet honor
suggest that, after definite arrangements for the
contest have been made to the apparent satisfaction of
linfh tuirtUMi. n nnm.ifnri witlwlrmrnl rm iitlur ci1. nt.'l i... r....i,. 1 .1 . .
""i"";'" "- '""". .. ..w.v. q.uv. uiiiii iic icui prepared 10 ucar us uurdens.
has a decidedly unfavorable appearance. This is the '
second time, we believe, that the challenged party I New students generally find their time fully occupied
picked up the gage with enthusiasm and afterwards ! on their entrance to the University and not unfre
replaced it on the field of combat with a marked dim- j (lntly are heard to wonder how they can ever do
inution of ardor. This feat of chivalry(?)was first I any more in the same amount of time. The economy
performed by the Palladians some years ago, and is f time n stldy 's a thing that can be learned by
now repeated by the Unions. It is the advice of The an st1(lents, and the earlier the better. Genuine, hard
Student as a friend to both societies, that they either ' stllcl' ' be given by few students to any subject for
show more pertinacity in such matters or go out of lontr,-'r than an hour at a time. Then the mind
the contest business entirely. should have rest a "breathing spell." It is not study,
, to pore determinedly over a book when the brain has
Now that the time of review and examination become tired. Many, of us, under the impression
approaches the mooted question of marking agitates that we are doing our duty by our lessons, plod
anew the student mind. Should a term's study be throwgh the pages of our text-books hour after hour,
graded on final examination alone, on written review onIy haif conscjous of the mcanjng they contain, and
and monthly examinations, or on daily recitations as wondering in silent and secret despair, if we shall
well? And in any case should not the entire Faculty ; eVer master and make it our own. A much easier
adopt some uniform system? Heretofore each pro-i ; and better way is to study only for a short period at
fessor in the University has followed his individual j a time,but during that period to give ourselves en
theory of marking and it presumed that by this means 1 tirely and vigorously to the matter before us. It is in
.icamvoaiaiuncu laumuu: ui uiu un, uune uj ; this way and this only that one can economize both
his class. But as an invariable result of such divert- time and labor in the accomplishment of creditable
ty in the method of marking' it is rarely if ever that , college work, and students who have not yet adopted
this method will be surprised at the result it will give
on a fair trial.
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
Tub 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
his labors, it would be a matter of satisfaction to feel time Past the debaters on the regular society pro-
that they were reliable exponents of the value of those 6rams ,mve bcCn degenerating in power and general
labors in the various branches he has pursued. j 'Merest. Fewer members have been participating in
the miscellaneous debate, and with occasional ex-
How often we see persons aspiring to an office or ceptions, the reading of the question for the evening's
position for which they have not the sleightest qualifi- i discussion has been the signalor a general exodus by
cation or fitness. They seem to be moved by the i the audience. The debate should be the most inter
vague idea that the place will raise them to power and , esting exercise on the program, and the most useful
distinction. Though conscious of their own weakness in training the student in ready speech and easy de
they yet think that somehow if they can get a certain ivery. A considerable part of the seeming lack of
position they will then command respeci and atten- interest in this department of society work, is no
tion. Was there ever a more false notion? There is doubt due to the natural hesitancy and diffidence
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-
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
sitfon for which he is wholly unqualified heat first feels j the chief aims of these debating clubs,
a thrill of satisfaction at his newly acquired dignities. By holding secret sessions, it is presumed that the
But he soon finds himself confronted by multitudes ; constraint due to a critical audience will no longer
of requirements and duties which he can neither un- make the beginner fearful of presenting an awkward
derstand nor perform. Perplexed and confused at ! appearance or of committing as many blunders as
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.
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.
Mr.
