THE HESPERIAN.
and annoying to the graduating class, they generally consist
of a a style of composition detrimental to the writer, in short
arc "better honored in the breach than in the observance."
This is the standpoint from which some regard Commence
ment. Is it not tenable?
NONDESCRIPT.
Vc hear a great amount of talk about the severity of the
college course. Students complain that they do not have
time to do outside reading, and so on, aditifinititm. Hut why
need we repeat all the complaints of students? For our own
present purposes this one is enough. There may be foun
dation for the foregoing complaint. We do not doubt that
students arc compelled to work' that's what they come to
college for. Yet we hold that they complain of a thing
-which is their own fault when they complain that they are
compelled to neglect something of the highest good for the
sake of study. Few students will calmly admit that they
pursue their course for the grades they get, yet they virtually
make sucn an aumission uy mcir jtmus. t muuchu uiuc
a course for the good there is in it, they ivill give jnst that
amount of attention to their regular class work which will J
pay them ie the highest sense, and not one whit more. If stu.
dents were really so independent of anxiety for grades as they
pretend to be, we should hear less complaint of a hard course.
If students feel that they can profitably neglect a lesson to do
some outside reading, they will do it unless they really prize
a good grade more than true mental acquirement. We do not
inveigh against the examination system and its parapherna
lia of grades, cramming and papers; it is a good thing, and
probably fills a place which could be filled by nothing eke.
But it is a student's own fault if he allows it to master rather
than serve him.
The opposition to a varied course of study conies from those
who carry the specialistic theory to extremes. Somewhere in
almost evcrj argument against it will be found the idea that
students should be specialists, and cannot therefore afibrd to
occupy their time with things outside of a comparatively nar
row course. We hold that the question should be argued on
other grounds. It is correct to say that men should be spec
ialists, for only by so doing can a large measure of success be
attained. But if it is necessary to success that one know
"everything of something" it is equally necessary for the
same end that one know "something of everything". It is
this sane feature of exclusiveness that has made a farmer "on.
ly a fanner," and has destroyed that sympathy which should
exist between all men. It is the function of a broad course,
rightfully used, to break down the barriers between trades and
professions. The antagonism to such a course is largely
formed on the idea that a college education gives all that is to
be known on any given subject and thus in another way
fosters an intolerable egotism too common in college- gradu
ates. On the other hand, one idea is that a college education
can do no more than prepare one for further study. One
who has pursued a varied course will be able to Tead intelli
gently on other subjects besids his own specialty and thus is
fitted to obtain a broad culture, while one who has pursued a
narrow course of study has neither breadth of culture nor
the means of obtaining it.
A short time ago the literary societies were somewhat start
led by the report that they were to be charged for gas and
steam used by them. The latter part of the report has not
yet been realized, but the former half has become a reality, a
solemn reality. The matter is more of a surprise since the
idea had never been broached to the societies, and they have
been allowed to grow up in the fond belief that they were an
adjunct to University work. So wrapped in their own ego
tism had they become that they really supposed they were, if
not indispensiblc to the institution, at least worth the cost of
gas and warming. Now, fellow students, you should not
laugh. This is no'laughing matter. The societies that real
ly do literary work arc a legitimate part of the University,
they arc so advertised, and it would be no more unjust to
charge professors for gas which they use in their rooms than
it is to charge the societies for the gas they use. It is hoped
that the Regents wdl relieve the societies from this unjust ex
pense. The matter will be brought before them at their nex1
meeting.
L.ATF.U. A ruling has been made in favor of the societies
Full particulars next issue.
Our dear fellow students: do you want a college paper?
There should be no occasion for this question, and it is hard
on our dignity to have to remind you that your support of the
Hksperiax is not what it should be. We shall not attempt
to give a philosophical dissertation on the whys and wherefores
of the situation. If any one wishes such a thing we will keep
t on sale at the Hksi'KRIAn office. What we want to say is
the same old stock article. Students must support the college
paper if there is any. On you the responsibility rests and if
you want a college papci put your hands in your pockets and
"whack up." It is a strange thing indeed if Nebraska State
University cannot or will not support a college paper. WTe
believe no college paper will ever succeed here unless it is run
by the students, yet if the students fail to support the college
paper either it will pass into other hands or die. The board
of editors is not particularly anxious as editors, but as students
they are solicitous for the prosperity of the paper and being
in a position to know something of its condition they tell you
these unwholesome truths.
CAMPUS CANARDS.
"Yes, thank you."
Knight should be tried on charge of Witchcraft.
A new Bible, revised version, now adrons the chapel pulpit.
I Miss Nettie Taylor of Waverly made the Uuiversity a short
! visit recently.
Low grades in final examinations seem to be perfectly gen
eral this term.
The literary societies have elected their" officers and the
world once again revolves.
The even temperature in all parts of the buildiug is extreme
ly agreeable this cold weather.
Ask Stephens and Ansley what they found under the car
pet in the S. E. corner of their ioom.
Problem: If the Juniors held a meeting three months ago,
in what century will the next one be held?
The meetings held in No. 5 every Wednesday evening
have been very interesting and well attended this term.
Miss Painter left for 'her home inTexas last Monday. Her
many friends in the U. of N. wish her a pleasant journey.
Bacon, revised by Clark reads: "Reading maketh a man
full." As soon as this becomes known it will be a dreadful
blow on the liquor dealers.
A portion of the cornice has been placed on the new labor
atory. A few more days of pleasant weather would have en
abled the workmen to enclose the building.
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