DePauw University - Mirage Yearbook (Greencastle, IN)

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devotion. As in the past to measures that will secure the unconditional prohibition of puns, the immediate and total abo- lition of the flunking system, iron-clad restriction against the immigration of under-class men into the afiections of the junior girls, and that which will promote the absolute freedom of the junior press, we pledge our strict and unswerving adherence. On the living measures of the day ,PHE MIRAGE, ever con- sistent with its character and moving spirit, takes a decided and consistent stand: 1. We believe that nothing so well bespeaks a thriving and progressive institution as the earnest and loyal support of an enthusiastic body of students toward the departmental profes- sors, courses of instruction, and the executive management of the University. Better, for purposes of advertisement, than catalogues or year-book, urgent appeals from pulpit or lectures from platform, stands a contented and satisfied body of students, unanimously respecting those in authority for broad-mincledness, ability and liberal culture, speaking and working for the new De Pauw. No one with a word of regret that he came here, none dis- satisfied with his instruction or treatment, none compelled to leave because of lack of appliances, of libraries and labora- tories with which to pursue his work, means for the future a popular and growing institution. In accord with this belief we recommend that trustees and board of visitors alike mingle more freely with the students, learning their opinions concern- ing instructors, modes of instruction and the needs and de- mands ofthe students. A flying visit made at a definitely appointed time, and mingling with no one but the instructors whom they employ fand who find it convenient to their interest at such times, on dress parade, to present as good a showing for themselves as possible, and from gentlemanly courtesy refrain from setting forth the faults of other departmentsj, is but a poor way of discovering how well their constituency, the great mass of the students, are being satisfied. 2. Once more we are compelled to note that a relic of the olden times haunts us still. But the Sunday afternoon antiquity 1' ,469-

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The Platform of the Mirage. di HE Junior class of De Pauw University, in convention as- sembled, pauses on the threshold of its proceedings to do honor to those noble defenders of the rights of the students, and self-sacrificing champions of reform and progress who, in the past, have advocated in the MIRAGE the principles oftruth and justice. We look back with admiration on their unswerving devotion to progress, their persistent opposition to shams and false ideas and the courageous spirit in which they met the petty fiings, the backbitings, and the impotent ravings of those in authority upon whose official feet they, in the exercise of their duty, happened to tread. Their principles have triumphed, their position has been vindicatedg their names will be handed down for inspiration to future classes. We wish again to congratulate the University upon its unparalleled prosperity during the past year, and reaflirm our unswerving devotion to the guiding principles ofthe new adminis- tration, to the unvarying rule of reason and justice, and the growing recognition of the inalienable rights of the student in every department of the institution. Pointing with pride to the abolishing of chapel speeches, the establishment of the Junior performance upon a sensible basis, and noting with pleasure that measures long advocated by us are at last, under the able direction of our executive ofiicer, be- ing-rapidly adopted with the resulting growth and increasing strength attending our institution, we feel renewed confidence this year in the powers and capabilities of the Class of '91. To those fundamental principles, cardinal doctrines and long- standing traditions of our class, around which we have so often rallied, for the triumphs of which we have so often battled, in defense of which we have so often bled, we aflirm an undying D

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yr is bound to go. At the last time this chestnut was up for discussion before the powers that be,'l but four ofthe faculty lent it their support. Of those, out ofharmony with the spirit of the times, one has been dethroned, one has left for pastures green, the second two supported it on the miserable plea that some restrictive measure is necessary to keep the students of De Pauw ffrom the best Christian families in the land, and a body of students the most reasonable and orderly of any in the nationj out of mischief. Out of mischief! From Sunday fish- ing! Aye, rather to preserve this opportunity to roar and bellow and paw the air. But this prison discipline will go. The curses and contemptuous fiings of a thousand students three and thirty times a year COMPELLED to attend this Hweariness of flesh and vexation ofspirit are bound at last to beat it down. 3. The MIRAGE would lend its encouragement and support to the maintenance of our famous students' enterprise-the De Pauw branch of the Inter-State Oratorical Association. No one thing, perhaps, draws so many enthusiastic, ambitious, brainy young men to our University, or from so great a distance, as the healthful condition of the department and the uniform successes we have met with in every encounter. Success that speaks well not only for the energy and intellectual strength of our students, but in the most complimentary terms, also, of Prof. Carhart, the leading instructor of oratory, written and spoken, in the country. For the interest and sympathy in this enter- prise manifested by Messrs N. T. and C. W. De Pauw, by their generous donation offered each year to the successful contestant, the students wish, through these pages, to extend their thanks. 4. On the question of Finances, the MIRAGE advocates the adoption of a sound and conservative policy. We favor heavy issues and a large output of both greenbacks and legal tender, and urge the growing necessity for the free and unlim- ited coinage of both gold and silver bullion. We would con- demn, however, in most urgent terms, the hide-bound poli- cy that would store up in barred and bolted vaults t' those glit- terirlg Shekels, much to the detriment of our several private exchequers. A rapid circulation and fair distribution of all