Clemson University - Taps Yearbook (Clemson, SC)

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Mrs. Minnie Shands Middleton 85 g?|

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' TA PS for Nineteen-Seventeei A HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE 5fT WAS on a hot summer day in July, 1893, that 446 Rats toilfully plodded the !W dust - v roac from Calhoun and Cherrys to our College. After matriculating, these youths immediately penetrated the recesses of barracks. Then there was no hungry Sophomore for them to supply with contraband; no vandal ' s hand to turn their beds; no audacious villain to become knight of the bayonet. Everyone was on a plane free and equal. We sometimes ponder on how these young men were able to prevent homesickness without a superior in barracks. However, four long years passed, and, in December, 1896, thirty-seven dignified Seniors gravely received their dips, and once more were turned into the hard, cold world. In this line, we may consider the amount of speculation as to when the practice of hazing was first installed. By the process of ReJuctio ad Absurdem, we have arrived at the conclusion that it was begun in July, 1894. In the same connection comes the origin of the word Rat. There have been thousands of explanations offered and theories advanced concerning this problem. However, there has lately be- come to our eyes an explanation which seems highly probable. This explanation states that the word. Rat, probably has some connection with the Malayan Rattan, a cane used sometimes by pedestrians and sometimes by Hogging-masters. This theory is accepted by some of our most worthy scholars. Until 1897, the College had been operated between the months of February and December. However, it was not long before the boys took a sudden notion that it was too hot in July to plow, and that they objected to hoeing cotton; so, by a request of the majority, the college was thereafter operated between the months of September and June only. So now the boys can carry on only fall, winter, and spring plowing. About this time, the annual football game with Carolina was started, and, as tradition tells us, the Tigers have usually come back with feathers in their mouths. The same old spirit is prevailing now as in the dear old days of 1900. Tradition states that militarism has always been a feature in our curriculum. In the good old days of 1910, the life of a soldier was indeed a great one. The old records say that Reveille occurred at 10 A.M., and Tattoo at 6 p. M.; Taps was entirely optional. The Rats were aroused at intervals of thirty minutes by a rotation of their downy couches. In these good old days democracy of military life ruled supreme. But, ah, a warrior stepped in, and Militarism pitched his tent on college grounds in 1912, and ruled supreme. No longer did the ruddy sun kiss the ranks of Reveille; no longer did the clink of beds arouse the sleeping Rats. For in the dead of night, as the sonorous snores of the sleeping soldiers softly soared above the barracks, a clanging of bells and blading of trumpets, followed immediately by a rush from barracks, could oft be heard amidst this chieftain ' s rule. Not content with this, he endeavored to change the title of our dear Rats to that of Recruits, which attempt met with very little success. But chronological and climatic order seems to have proceeded hand in hand in the military line at our College. It is rumored that we are soon to have a military contest with West Point, but, of course, our authorities are confident of our success. We hope also to arrange such a contest with one of the higher German Universities in the near future. Lights have been constructed at various points on the campus in order to afford light to the First Sergeants at Reveille in case of the absence of the moon. It is barely possible that the Rats of 1893 would recognize their old Alma Mater. The main building was burnt down and rebuilt in 1894. Barracks and buildings of instruction have risen on every side. New residences are scattered over the hill. A beautiful Y. M. C. A. building has been recently erected. Our campus has been wonderfully improved. Let us say to these men of ' 96, and to all others of our graduates, that we are all sons of the same old Alma Mater, and should entertain the same high regard towards the College. So let us all be loyal to her forever, and always keep in view our common interest in doing everything to help old Clemson along. M. M. Brice, ' 17.