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while overhead the silent stars seem eloquent. apparently very enjoyable, but utterly without regard This conduct might be The deck is filled with passengers, who stand to the instructor's efforts. hour after hour in silent admiration of this excusable among young students, but youth is not a glorious panorama of nature. Gradually the special trait of the graduating class. number lessens; but we still stand, and vainly striving to grasp entire the glorious picture, sail and sail into the night.

Such were some of the sights and sounds on shipboard with which we became familiar during the eleven days' trip between New York and Bremen.

THE LOOKING GLASS.

The OBSERVER's remarks in the last issue seem to have been misread by some, misjudged by others, and misinterpreted by some, although it was generally recognized that no spirit of malice, prompted the lines. A large portion of the criticism as indeed upon an interpretation. But he desires to repeat what he thought was clear, that he has no designs upon anybody's character, still less a desire to find a vent for petty meanness, which he believes he hates as thoroughly as may be. It is his sincere desire to be reckoned as a believer of the golden rule as well as a loyal servant of its Divine expounder.

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And their replies to questions excite a worderful surprise in an uninitiated observer. When questioned recently in Modern History, as to what the Revival of Learning produced dear to the student's heart, the ladies of course, remembering, responded lexicons and grammars, but the innocent Senior boy lisped translations; while a young maiden being inquired of as to the character of the land of the universities and reformers said, "The Germans are a very wild and barbarous people."

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It is not as clear a case of

It occurs to me, here, that the gentlemen of the seminary have expressed themselves very freely on the question, as to the rightness or wrongness of the action of the Chicago ministers concerning that message of condolence to Mrs. Beecher. bigotry as the secular newspapers made out, and divinity students least of all should have hastened to condemn these men. The recent Advance says that "no reporter was present and the 'information' was worked up purely for sensational effect." We wonder, though, that the Methodists could respond so freely, when Congregationalists couldn't. Perhaps Mr. Beecher's terrific blows against Calvinism will somewhat explain both.

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But language is flexible, and often, loosely used, expresses what, if apprehended, would cause horror and pain. The greater need, as we have found out, for using it carefully. It is not merely in personal interThe last two Thursday lectures were beautiful illuscourse that this is true. Writers on philosophy, theol-trations as to the attitude of mind requisite for forming ogy, ethics, have experienced similar difficulties. Richard Grant White somewhere maintains that the great majority of our legal documents do not mean what they say. It is a great tribute to our national honesty that there is not more quibble and strife over these, although it is now no rare occurrence.

Speaking of strifes, however, is it not refreshing that 7 agreed so quickly respecting class pictures? And the marvel is that there was, so far as could be observed, none of last year's scheming and senseless fault-finding. The gentlemen who were chosen will undoubtedly prove themselves worthy of the "honor" thus bestowed upon them.

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But all the ways of the Seniors are not so delightfully proper as this. Their behavior in class is not the most commendable thing on earth. We noticed while a professor was lecturing recently, several of the ladies and some of the gentlemen holding private discussions,

a judgment concerning a given theme. Prof. King on "Doubts" impressed upon us the necessity of extreme caution in holding positive views dogmatically, while showing such to be a necessity in practical life and intercourse. Prof. Fairchild in illustrating the "Potential' in the expansion and concentration of energy, kept us continually in the state of mind, which the previous lecture urged as the true state. Both were thoroughly enjoyed.

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night, snowing fiercely as it was and cold, after everything had been removed and we stood in front of Sturges Hall watching the flames eat up the dear old home, an old man tottered by us murmuring "Too bad; but I'll make it good. I'll make it good." On inquiry we learned that he was a stranger, a western stock-man who was in town but that day, leaving the next morning. Not long since we met him as we boarded the afternoon train. He inquired carefully and minutely about the results of the fire, and told us that some day he would come again. which speculating upon made us wonder whether the unknown, mysterious stranger would not some day build us that $50,000 gymnasium that we are all hoping for. Time alone can tell.

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whilst you are putting off the old man you do not put on the old woman.

It is stated that Mr. Gladstone received $1,250 for his This, recent article in the "Nineteenth Century." some one estimates, would be at the rate of twelve cents a word.

Our recent minister to Turkey, Congressman S. S. Cox, is at work on a volume to be called "The Diversions of a Diplomatist," the greater part of which was written while he was in Germany.

where he is expected to receive every assistance from Mr. H. M. Stanley is now far on his way to Zanzibar, the Sultan in the organization of his expedition to rescue Emir Bey. The gallant explorer, having received promise of a transport to convey his followers around the Cape of Good Hope, will disembark at the mouth of the lower Congo, and proceed to the interior of Africa in the King of Belgium's steamers, by a familiar route as far as Stanley Falls. There his difficulties will commence.

Mr. A. S. Root, of the class of '84, has been appointed librarian of Oberlin College. Mr. Root is a born librarian, and has secured thorough preparation in the science of library administration. He is a thorough scholar, and a writer and statistican of rare promise. With its new Spear Hall, and the vigorous administration now assured, Oberlin College Library bids fair to become one of the most important collections in the United States.-Advance.

Three important libraries of deceased professors have lately been sold in Berlin-that of Prof. Scherer, which was bought for 28,000 marks by an American university; that of the historian Waitz, which fetched 16,000 marks, and that of Prof. Müllenhoff, which has been purchased for the new Germanische Seminar of the University of Berlin. Scherer's library is reported to have been one of the finest private collections in Germany.

COMMUNICATIONS.

The Study of Horace.

A good text-book is surely a thing to be desired. One begins to see and understand the truth of this statement about the time he gets half-way through the term's work in Horace. Horace is really interesting— greatly so-but when the text-book used is only half a text-book, the beauty of Horace and the pleasure of studying his odes changes to something quite opposite.

In nearly all of the odes there are references more or less extensive of a historical nature. These lines when read by the large number of students convey no meaning whatever, and they lose what of value they may possess. There references to territories, rivers, deities, tribes, stories and legends innumerable, all of which when understood and fully appreciated, make the study really valuable. But how is the student to find out the meaning and application of all these? In the

edition of the Horace now used there is a sickly little index of proper names, which is all the light in form of notes that the book contains. This is surprisingly inadequate to the need, and comes nowhere near answering the purpose. The student, then. must depend on his classical Atlas, history, etc. for information. It is not possible to look up many of these references directly in a classical Atlas. That is, the reference is not made in the text in such a way as to refer to some specific head in the classical Atlas. Knowledge of such references can only be acquired by a general knowledge of history, and of the stories, legends, etc. Of course such a knowledge is desirable. But no student has the time to look up all these points, and, even if he had, would not always get the right idea of its application. The thing, then, that is needed is an edition of Horace | that has notes and explanations that relate to the references in the text, such as will give the idea in the poet's mind, and make Horace entirely intelligible to the student.

There are other faults of the edition. Punctuation is made without strict or even proper regard to known rules of punctuation; and they often confuse the meaning. The notes are often poor and erring, but the greatest fault is the one above mentioned. When such an edition is used in the college, the study of Horace will be much more interesting, instructive and pleasing to all concerned.

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most forgotton, but the purposes for which those foundations were laid still remain, and are emphasized by other and more attractive buildings, and we feel sorry for the student who has not kindled within him a new inspiration, who does not tingle with a more burning enthusiasm to do better work, as the "advancing times" hurry him within the comforts of Warner and Peters Hall. May the quality of the work done for Special Quarterlies also keep step with the "advancing times," and may no student of the present generation desecrate the walls of new audience rooms with exercises unworthy of him.

It is claimed that "the old time interest and enthusiasm is all dead, and Special Quarterlies are fast coming to be regarded as bores." That only the second and third rate speakers appear on these occasions, and even they, with exercises which it lies within their power to improve. That the effect of this "poor grade of exercises on public occasions can not help being an injury to the society, and have a demoralizing effect, the inevitable tendency being to lower the standard of the exercises in general." Ladies of L. L. S. and gentlemen of Phi Delta, whoever you are, to whom we are soon to listen at your Special Quarterlies, have you no pride! Are you willing to be accused of presenting exercises "the inevitable tendency of which is to lower the standard of exercises in general" I do not believe you ar are. I do not believe that you will deserve such criticism. I earnestly hope that your efforts will

Another Phase of the Quarterly Question. be a flat contradiction of such statements, and that all

To the Editors of the Oberlin Review:

In the last two issues of your paper have appeared articles favoring the abolition of our Special Quarter-¦ lies. The last writer refers to what his predecessor, said, as "timely and deserving "the thoughtful consideration of all who are interested in the growth and usefulness of our college societies." "Permit me" the writer goes on to say, "to add a word in favor of the 'heroic treatment' advocated by your correspondent" Permit me also to say a few words in reference to the heroism of both the anonymous writers. I wish to see the Special Quarterlies retained. I do not desire this because I have any great reverence for custom. I would stand by no precedent which is not worthy of emulation. I am willing to yield just homage to the principle of precedent, but I by no means acknowledge its supremacy over reason. It is because I believe that the reasons, which led to the establishment of the custom, still exist, if possible with more than their pristine importance, that I would say, let us follow in the path marked out for us by the unerring footsteps of our predecessors.

who have held such opinions with reference to Special Quarterly exercises will be compelled to relapse into silence.

But for the sake of the argument let us admit that "the exercises are by no means up to the old standard,” and "the old time interest and enthusiasm is all dead.” This is a sad state of affairs and certainly something ought to be done to correct it. "What shall we do to be saved?" is certainly a very potent question. One remedy which is proposed "to solve all the difficulty, and anticipate all future annoyance and chagrin, is the abolition now of the Special Quarterly." The use of the adverb "nore" in the last sentence seems to indicate that the intention of the author of this proposition was, that the "abolition" was only to be temporary. Will a temporary suspension revive the "old time interest?” Do we desire by abolishing the Special Quarterly for a time, to make our audiences so hungry and thirsty for our literary efforts that they will be only too glad to listen to exercises by no means up to the old standard?" This is not a worthy aim. Our purpose should be to give our audiences the best exercises which, under the circumstances, we can offer. If the interest taken in "The Special Quarterlies, like Tappan Hall and the t se occasions has declined, it is because the exercises old laboratory have been outgrown and left behind in have degenerated in value. Our students and citizens these hurrying, advancing times." True! some of our, to-day appreciate a good thing fully as much as they old buildings, as mere architectural structures, are alever did.

duties. The same gentlemen appeared only a few weeks later with a "four-handed debate," and we heard the remark that "although they were only Sophs they gave us the best discussion we have had the privilege of listening to this term." These gentlemen do not do anything but good work. It is a "habit" with them,

But possibly it was intended that this temporary abolition 'was to give character and importance to the exercises. We might as well say to our teachers, if your students come to the class room poorly prepared for recitation, dismiss them! Tell them to go home and not to return until next week, or possibly not until next term, at any rate not until their absence and neg-nor are they men who slight their college work. If we lect of duty have made them feel keenly the necessity of thorough preparation. The services of such an instructor would not be retained for any considerable length of time. Yet we think his instruction would be as valuable as he who advises a similar course of action for our Special Quarterly speakers. If our speakers do not do themselves justice, are not a credit to the societies they represent, in sisterly and brotherly kindness we should plainly tell them so, and this fact we should also make known to the younger members of the society. The critic should be unsparing in his censures of any person who has not done his duty when he appeared in public for his society.

The argument that Special Quarteriies are "quite expensive" is a very specious one. It is like "burning the bain to get rid of the rats." (A chestnut we know, but a good one.) Special Quarterlies are not necessarily expensive. If we cannot afford the most modern and best approved style of cards for our programs, we can get common paper upon which we can print all that need be known. It will be some time before we shall be compelled to do away with commencement exercises because of the cost of the programs.

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are in need of them, let us make our plea for more such
men and not for the "abolition" of the Quarterly.
Notice the inconsistency of the writer: "It may be
wise to retain the right
to hold public meet-
ings." "When circumstances favor, when the regular
society work will not suffer, then let it speak and
its utterances will have the zest of oracles." But,
according to the previous argument, there never will be
a time when "the regular society work will not suffer."
For we have been told that whenever we prepare a
Quarterly the appointees are either "excused from all
regular society work," or their time is divided between
their "weekly work and the Special Quarterly." Then
the question is interposed, "What then, through the
loss of those who take no part, and those who take a
divided part, becomes of the general average?"

Possibly some one is ready to offer the same objection to the Special Quarterly that we have heard urged against the contest, which in substance is as follows: It is simply an It presents an unworthy motive. attempt to shine before the public. God pity the man who has no ambition to do good, hard work, and let men see the results of his labor. Possibly some one may Two men are to be benefited by our humble efforts. appear at the contest. care anything for the decision of the judges; the other says he wants first place, and if he can possibly make himself deserve it he is going to have it. The probabilities are that the first gentlemen is assuming a modesty he does not feel. We respect the second because we know he is telling the truth, and if his purpose is not a noble one, then let us never do our best, (unless we conceal the results) for fear we may do better than some one else and cause him to be envious.

One declares that he does not

The "Ex-Member" in his communication makes the retention of Special Quarterlies depend upon their influence "upon the average of the literary work done at the regular meetings." The writer adds, "Let us look at the facts. The best men in the societies are selected for the Special Quarterlies. These appointees may be, and often are, excused from all regular society work. In case one does not avail himself of this permission, he is still divided in time and thought between his weekly work and his Special Quarterly. What, then, through the loss of those who take no part, and those who take a divided part, becomes of the general averSuppose it be true that society men are at present age?" The same argument would apply with equal indifferent to the Special Quarterly. Shall we despair? force to the Sophomore and Junior Quarterlies. The In 1885 the Oratorical Association tried in vain, to Special Quarterly is only a Senior quarterly. It is spe- find the sixth speaker for the contest, in the Senior class. cial because it is Senior and also public We have Some of the students felt discouraged. They said, “let known ambitious, bright, spirited and conscientious | us give it up; there is no use talking about a contest if Sophs and Juniors to present splendid exercises at we can not find six men in the Senior class willing to their quarterlies. Phi Delta's Sophomore Quarterly represent us." When the last nomination was dethis year was well worth the attention of the most clined "with thanks," '86 proposed one of her men to thoughtful audience in Oberlin. (Other societies, fill up the gap. The gap was filled. The next year '86 can doubtless remember similar experiences.) Yet the saw her men elected, who, with the assistance of average work of these gentlemen was by no means one member of '87 (whose services, by the way, '86 did marred by this special effort. Their minds were only not beg for) gained considerable notoriety for the quickened, and the opening up of new possibilities Oratorical Association. In 1887 the question of abolishmade them the more zealous and faithful to new ing the contest was presented to the students by the

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L. L. S. has voted to keep up her Special Quarterlies. The College-Seminary debate will not come off this year.

The Preps subscribed $15.00 for the Michigan campaign.

L. L. S. Special Quarterly takes place one week from to-night.

Eight minute speeches were made by several upon both sides of the question at issue in Michigan.

The W. R. C. will give a supper to-night in Mr. ReMcKee's writing rooms over S. Life's shoe store. freshments will be served from 5:30 to 9 p. m.

Miss Taylor, because of over-work, was obliged to resign her position as disputant for Special Quarterly. Elioian elected Miss Heter to fill the vacancy.

The Freshmen have elected the following speakers for their class day-Orator, H. McGlashan; Paper, S. A. Commons and Miss Winter; Historian, A. Kelly.

Mr. Brett, of '88, who returned home on account of illness, is slowly recovering, and expects to be able to go on with his class by the beginning of the spring

term.

Phi Delta held a very interesting debate at her last The question was a new one and was well worth conmeeting upon the subject of abolishing attachment laws. sideration.

Rev. C. A. Stanley preached in the Second Church Sunday evening, March 6, upon missionary work for Mr. Higgins of the Sophomore class has been seri- China. Pro essor Judson Smith made a short address ously ill for some time.

Dr. Hutchins has been unable to be out, the past week, on account of illness.

An excellent public recital was given in the college chapel last Wednesday evening.

Dennis of the Junior class was called home last week by the news of the death of his father.

Professor King gave the Sophomores and Second Years a social on the evening of March 1st.

upon the same subject.

The faculty want the gentlemen's society room for the art department. All of the societies have express ed their desire however that the room should be used

by the Preparatory societies.

lecture upon the subject "Potential." The lecture was Professor C. G. Fairchild gave the last Thursday illustrated by many excellent experiments and was listened to with great interest.

A meeting was held in the college chapel last Friday The table reserved for the Michigan volunteers has evening, in the interest of the manual training school some valuable temperance literature upon it. which is hoped can be established here. Interesting re

A very excellent description of the John Brown paint-ports and statistics were given. ing has been placed upon several cards in Peters Hall. Phi Delta voted at her last meeting to postpone her quarterly until the fourth society meeting of the spring

term.

The Seniors and Fourth Years were very pleasantly entertained last Friday evening at the home of Prof. Currier.

The dark wood-work in Baldwin Cottage is exceedingly beautiful and adds greatly to the symmetry of the building.

The bicycle club intend to petition the Village Council to abolish the ordinance against riding upon the sidewalks.

The Juniors and Third Years held a social on the evening of March 2d, at Mr. Laird's residence, No. 14 West College street.

Professer King delivered the Thursday lecture, March 3d, upon the subject, "Doubt." He made a masterly presentation of the theme.

G. E. Crane, of the class '77, was in town one day last week, looking at the recent improvements. Mr. Crane is practicing law at Kenton, O.

Mr. J. B. T. Marsh presented to the College some valuable photographs of zoological specimens which, having been framed, will be hung in the Museum.

The Michigan volunteers held a meeting last evening.

Money for the furnishing of the gentlemen's new society rooms in Peters Hall comes in very slowly. The society alumni do not seem to manifest much enthusiasm in subscribing for this purpose.

Mr. A. S. Root left last Tuesday for the East, where he will visit the principal cities in the hope of securing funds for the library. He will return and resume his work in the library by the 1st of April.

The Philosophicals will hereafter meet for rhetoricals with the Classicals. This seems but just, as the courses Prof. Chamberlain should be given to both. are now so nearly alike that the same instruction under

Miss Ann Sheldon, who studied in the Conservatory and Art departments, spent a few days with her sister. Miss Sheldon is on her way to New York City, where she will continue her studies in art in Cooper Institute. The classes of the College and Seminary subscribed liberally to the Michigan campaign fund at the meet ing held some two weeks ago, The Senior class headed the list, giving $15.00, and Juniors came in next with a subscription of $13 00. Over $300 were raised in all.

Mrs. Johnston two weeks ago gave to the ladies of the graduating classes in Sturges Hall a most delightful hints for future work. and instructive talk, offering many useful and valuable Last Saturday afternoon the hour before prayers the talk was continued in the form of a question box.

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