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HESPERIAN STUDENT
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA.
Vol. XIII.
LINCOLN, NEB., OCTOBER i, 1884.
No. I.
A school in one of the largest Buddhists Temples in
Japan, whore several hundred young priests are being ed
ucated, has recently adopted the Bible as one of its text
books for daily study.
Andrew D. White, of Cornell University, has been
elected president of the American Historical Associa
tion which held its first meeting at Saratoga Sept. 9, 188-1-The
object of this association is the promotion of histori
cal studies by bringing into personal contact students
and writers of history.
The fall term of the University opens with a bright out
look. The Student welcomes those who are here for the
first time and extends its hearty congratulations to all
who are now enjoying the superior advantages here
afforded. Our learned professors, both old and now, are
doing their best to raise the standard of scholarship and
to make this institution the pride of our noble state.
"The English language is spoken by more people than
any other on the globe. The written language of China
is understood by more people; but, as spoken, it is not
one language, but many. JMiglisli is spoken by not less
than one hundred millions of people, and is rapidly in
creasing in use, in all the various points where it comes
into contact with other tongues; while the vast diffusion
of English literature in all its branches, give a constantly
widening sphere; and wherever it goes it catries a larger
amount of evangelical truth than any other language.
A recent writer has said that brain work is as necessary
and healthful to the economy as muscular exercise and
),oth are essential to health. The conditio n, however, un
der which brain work is wholesome is freedom from
anxiety and worry. If the work can be done calmly and
dispassionately, it is but the natural physiological action
of 11 bodily funciton and, like the escapement wheel of a
watch, is part of the machinery to the movement of the
whole. As a machine may run for years without friction
but soon wears out when sand becomes mixed with the
lubrication, so the human m ichine may run along.
Dec. 1, 1884, is the date for the opening of the world's
fair. The states and territories in the Union, as well ts
all the civilized nations on the globe, have been invited
to participate in this grand exibition. The project is on
a more extensive scale thau ever before attempted. The
roof of the main building aloue covers forty icrcs of
ground, The entire available floor space will exceed two
and one half million square feet. A great proportion of
this space is already taken by tho prompt and vigorous
movement of foreign countries as well as our own states
and territories.. A prominent feature in Nebraska's exhi.
bltion will be its "Model Farm" with all the modern
improvements and conveniences. Arrangements are also
being made to plant one thousand forest trees and an
equal number of fruit trees on the exposition grounds.
There will be varieties tested and known to bo reliable
on Nebraska soil. Many other items of interest in regard
to Nebraska's share in the world's centennial will be
found in the appeal to the people of the state from
which these facts have been gathered.
Along felt want in our University is at last beginning
to be supplied. Our students have not come in vain for
mental development. This has been thorough systema
tic. But is this the sole end and aim of education ? How
often we find this question practically snswerd in the af
firmative by the graduate that yearly leaves the schools
and colleges' flow many enter with high expectations
for the future, who leave, it muj be with brilliant honors
but so impaired in health that t cir bright hopes are
doomed to disappointment. This is certainly a system
of education unworthy of our modern civilization. Bet
ter return ta the crude system taught by Cyrus the Great
'to speak tho truth and hurl the javelen." If we ask our
selves the cause of this, may we not find the answer to a
great degree in a very few words? Lack of systematic
2hysical training.
How often is heard the insinuation that if (he present
generation had to work as hard as their forefathers did
there would bo no call for gymnastics 01 calisthenics
This may bo true to a certain extent but it is not alwayt
the amount of work that is lacking. It is this very exer
cise taken without proper regulation that is often tho
means of breaking the student down.
A famous writer has said: "With all our lectures, con
versations, newspapers and other similar means of mental
culture wc are not willing to trust the intellect without
sciutific training. The education of chance would prove
unbalanced morbid propellers." Is this not equcally
true of the body? As a mind devoted entirely to one
branch of study would soon become dwarfed in its other
capabilities so the body is strengthened and developed by
exercise in proportion as it is systematic and general
Fo- this reason gymnastics and calisthenics arc no longer
regarded ns a pleasant pastime but an indespensable necessity-
Until recently this has only been recognized by a
few. More than twenty years agoa noted educator wrote
"Before our system of education can claim an approach
to perfection wo must have attached to each school a pros
lessor who thoroughly comprehends tho wants of the
body aud knows practically the means by which it may
made symmetrical, flexible, vigorous, and onduring."
Many Institutions have recognized the truth of this and
adopted a system of physical training. Our own Uni
versity has taken initiatory steps toward such a system
and wo hope it will continue to inane advaucos in this direction,
Yi