Lehigh University - Epitome Yearbook (Bethlehem, PA)

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History of ' Eighty-four. IT has again fallen to our lot to write the history of ' 84. The pre- vious chapter, published a year ago, brought us to the end of our first term. After the holidays every man came back to his place; not one was missing. During the first part of the term, the examina- tions being too distant to excite apprehension, the student ' s ruling passion, a desire for fun, was amply displayed. The monotony of the recitations in modern languages was frequently relieved by the mys- terious appearance of gum shoes in mid-air, the spontaneous combustion of parlor matches, and many other phenomena; of course no one knew whence those articles came, but if a fellow was unfortunate enough to be struck, he was immediately consoled with a zero, or its equivalent, — an opportunity to flunk. The drawing-room was a favorite place with the bad spirits ; much to the annoyance of the respected in- structor in Graphics. His improved system of marking (chiefly for deportment) was brought into play, but it utterly failed of effect. Even the imperturbable Arthur was known to get off on several occasions, and to give utterance to threats, brief, but gorged with meaning. The great event of the year was our first class supper. By skillful mancevering we outwitted ' 83, and secured the Sun for the last Friday evening before Lent, — the night they were to have their supper. Their only alternative was the Eagle, whic h they obtained after much solicitation, by promising to keep quiet and sober. What misery compliance with the latter promise must have cost them ! Promptly, at nine o ' clock, we took possession of one of the sumptu- ous parlors of the hotel, which had been decorated and fitted up as a dining-room for the occasion. It were vain to attempt a description of the tables ; suffice it to say that for full three hours the work of demolition (and imbibition) went on merrily. Many toasts were proposed, and the replies in English, French, German and Spanish, did credit to the speakers and the class. We broke up in the early morning, happy

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in all the degrees of comparison. Before supper, the class was divided on the temperance question, but for obvious reasons they became firmly united on the way home. The annual examinations and attendant cramming pas sed off much as usual, with this exception, however: every man passed in Chemistry . ' Returning to college in September, we found the place overrun with a mob of Freshmen much larger, and we may add, greener than usual. Recognizing our responsible position as Sophomores, we at once set to work to reclaim these children of nature. Our evenings were spent in trying to instill into their youthful minds the first principles of college etiquette, in advising them as to their toilet, etc. ; for all of which they were very grateful, and promised to perform the same kind offices for the next batch of innocents. Some surprise, and even disappointment, was manifested because the old practice of hazing, which so enlivens the beginning of the college year, had been neglected. We apologized for our lack of courtesy in this respect, and explained that through the influence of a missionary who had been laboring among us, the custom had come into bad odor, and that thenceforth the hazing of Freshmen was to be considered cruelty to animals. Truth, which has been our only lamp thus far, requires us to score a couple of defeats. ' 85 won the cane rush. (We insert this merely for the information of the Sandwich-Islanders, and the few other nation- alities not represented in ' 85.) The rush lasted nearly an hour, and notwithstanding we were outnumbered two to one, it was well contested. The annual game of base ball was not as good as usual. The ground chosen was rough, and it seemed impossible to secure an umpire who was up to date on the subject. Several were tried, but their decisions, although accepted, were not satisfactory. ' 85 came out ahead by a large majority. Our autumn trips with Professor Chandler were both pleasant and profitable. The trip to Wilkes-Barre was particularly enjoyed on account of the fine weather and beautiful scenery, and the kindness of the superintendent of the mines, who did all in his power to make our visit a success. The underground boss was quite fascinated with us at first ; but an hour ' s experience with the advance party so modified his admi- It was rumored that, with a view to winning the cane rush, several Freshmen developed considerable muscle by picking huckleberries during the summer. 23