THE HESPERIAN.
UNIVERSITY of NEBRASKA.
Vol. XVIII.
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA, NOVEMBER 15, 1888.
No. IV.
THE HESPERIAN
(HESPERIAN STUDENT.)
Issued semi-monthly by the Hesperian Publishing Associ
ation, ofthcUniversity of Nebraska.
C. F. AN5LEY, Editor-in-Chief,
associates:
G. W. GERWIG, '89. - -O.
W. FIFER, '89. -T.
S. ALLEN, '89. -H.
PETERSON, '90.' -W.
W. ROBER TSON, '89. -
- Literary.
Miscellany
- Comment.
Local.
- Exchange.
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EDITORIAL NOTES.
Just how and why the alleged poem appeared in
the last issue, is a mystery. The authors of it intended
t.o read it to some frejnds, and it was far from their
wish that it should ever be seen in cold print. The
verses escaped the eye of the editor until he saw
them for the first time in the paper as it was sent out.
What is done can not be undone; but we hope the
readers will remember that there was no deliberate
indention to impose upon their good nature. As a
rule, poetry is, not mumbered among the many
failings of the present editorial board.
Anp still the agricultural and the religious news
papers continue to struggle with the preplexing
Hr.Qble.m pf "low to keep the boys on the farm."
There is apparent reason ior the discussion; for one
often sees farnuboys that no sooner reach years of
discretion than they begin to wish for a different life,
aj$ np.sponer Jjnd themselves at liberty than they
WW ftUttpin the object of their early wish. Indeed,
mong tl.e families of native American farmers, such
instances seem to be in the majority.
Americans, as a race, and especially those accus
tomed to breathe the country air, are well endowed
with energy aud ambition. The energy is without
doubt an advantage: the ambition, accoiding to
its direction, may be fortunate or unfortunate. We
find that among the early Nonemen and othsr pj
pies of the old days, one of the chief forms of rivalry
was as to the quantity of brandy an individual could
dispose of; and among certain classes of Americans,
there are, of course, tendencies that those on a higher
plane are no more inclined to praise. Ambition
may, and often does, cause a youth to aim at leader
ship in the dare-devil achievements so lauded in the
American dime novel. But it is a question whether
such a youth would succeed even on a farm. He
seems to be a'person of no use to his kind; and,
apparently heartless as this doctrine is, it may be
better, both for himself and for others, to permit him
to choose his own method of disposing of himself:
He is likely to choose the speediest way.
But such boys are not in the majority in farming
communites. In general, the boys are inspired by
the vast possibilities that our nation offers in the way
of greater wealth, success, and distinction than can
possibly be gained on the farm. It is these youths
that we see, a little latter, begin by learning a trade
or entering business in some humble capacity; or, if
they are so fortunate as not to be altogether without
means, we see them working upward and bringing
credit to themselves in some good college or univer
sity. And any newspaper, any magazine, any
congressional record, or any report of tne proceed
ings of learned bodies, will tell what these boys are
doing in later life. The greatest of our nations
writers, scientists, and statesmen came from the
country; and they came as soon as they could.
Tl.e farm is a good place in which to develop.
Country air, country food, and wholesome exercjse
bring boys to robust, energetic youth. Then comes
the choice; and we can see no reason for interfering
with native fitness or inclination. If the youth is of
the right turn, there are strong chances that he will
succeed, whether he goes or stays. If he stays, he
is almost certain to lead a happy and prosperous life,"
And what more can anyone desire or attain than
prosperity and happiness? If the youth goes hj
chances are still in his favor; the only difference'
that he has a broader field to till.