Columbia University - Columbian Yearbook (New York, NY)

Page 9 text:

Y J. ' ,t,. W.V..,1 .. En the ilihitnra nf the Gtulumhizm ,XR-XF N T IS JUST thirty years since, as a member ot. the Junior Class .in the College, 'noi l found myself charged with the task of assisting as managing editor in the prep- araticn and publication of what we then called THE COLUMBIAD. Well do l M XM remember the fun that we had in the undertaking, and .the troubles by which we found ourselves surrounded in consequence of some editorial indiscretions. Despite '7 E' the fact that that is all ancient history now, l am sure that I can still enter with sympathy and heartiness into an appreciation of the work of the Board of Editors of the Class of l9l2, and l congratulate you both upon your responsibilities and your pleasure in connec- tion with the undertaking. THE COLUMBIAN of each successive year is an amazing revelation of our student life and activi- ties. No one who has not looked over with some care the pages of a recent issue of THE COLUMBIAN can form any conception of the scores of ways in which Columbials students associate themselves together for social purposes and for sport, as well as for the promotion of the more serious interests of life. The best thing about all this activity is that it springs naturally from the desires and ambitions of the students themselves. It is not regulated or prescribed. It is a legitimate exercise of liberty, and the carrying on of all these organizations and undertakings is a helpful training in the use of liberty. It makes for the development of character and capacity. I welcome the largest possible measure of student life, and the welding together of as many close associations with Columbia as are possible. To those who carry on the burden of these undertakings l offer hearty thanks, as well as an ex- pression of readiness to co-operate with them in any way that may be desired. You will leave on our permanent records the evidences of the literary and artistic skill of yourselves and your associates, and you will sum up and present in your own way the student life of the Columbia of your time. That your task may be as successful as l know it will be enjoyable, and that you may ever turn back to your student life at Columbia with affection and regards, is my sincere wish. Faith fully yours, 'und-. bca. .-9-

Page 11 text:

.. - -- ,,,,. if g j i if . ,-. Z Il En Ihr 0112155 nf 1912 R.ul-l. G. WELLS, in his novel, Wlwhe History of Mr. Pollyf' says of Prim: l-le was not so much a human being as a civil warf' I suppose that may be Q Ut f said of about all of us, men in the making, and not yet perfected, made clear ' i through to full manhood. It is particularly true of young men. But College men 3503x331 have, or should have, better chances than others for bringing that civil war, which they L it are to some sort of satisfactory issue. The accumulated wisdom of the past is put at their service in books and instructions to gain some insight into that warfare, and some mastery of the tactics and strategy that avails. Student activities also may help, and help much. lVlen of character in past classes have told me of the value of athletics in regulating troublesome and insistent impulses. Through the necessity to do something for their Alma lVlater, they gained self-control and self-knowledge of inherent waywardness and unexpected treacheries of passion or indolence. Herein lies the chief value, and a really great value of college sports. More men should take part in them, not only for health of body, but the sake of character. But athletics are after all a passing investment of self-knowledge and self-control. Une must take longer views. The civil was is to go on after football, baseball, and crew are out of the question. Here comes in the larger, wider, and more permanent discipline of the proper college training. When the Junior year comes to a young man, he should begin to be seriously aware of this and regulate his affairs accordingly. I can wish the men of the Class of 1912 nothing better than that, before they go out from us, they should have gained clear knowledge of the warfare they are to wage, and skill in pushing one's worst enemies within to the wall and into harmonious union with one's best friends, which are also within. Xkdeff- .