Kenyon College - Reveille Yearbook (Gambier, OH)

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EDITORIAL. “We as Freshmen came to Kenyon In a very verdant state; Now we splurge along the campus. Seniors stately and sedate.” How unfortunate it is that the name of the author of this touching verse has been lost to posterity. Its beauty of diction and depth of thought stamp it a production of the highest merit. Surely the knowledge of human nature, especially as displayed in the two classes of society mentioned, is wonderful. How more appropriately could you characterize a Freshman than as “ver- dant ? ” What so well could express Senior conceit as “splurge? ” They seem right before us, swinging along in their upper-classmen state and sedateness. How real; how true to life. Some muse must have inspired this elegant and expressive stanza. But we almost forgot in our raptures over the heaven-suggested rhyme, that we ourselves arc Seniors, and “splurge” along in the proverbial stateliness (?) and conceit. Perhaps we had better show more class spirit. Oh, yes! ’75 is an exception to the general rule. We exhibit to the admiring gaze of Freshmen and “Barbs” the real, original sedateness. We were only led to make the above observations on Seniors generally by our recol- lections of the last class, forgetting for the time that we had stepped into their boots. But the Senior and Editor is himself again—as the inquisitor of heretic Freshmen, the awe (?) as well as pride (?) of his fellow students. Classmates, forgive the mo- mentary desertion, and know that we shall forever hereafter be loyal to ’75. Yes, it is no less strange than true that we are Seniors who, less than four years ago, proudly imagined ourselves almost at the

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4 SALUTATION. from Seniors to Freshmen, though seemingly abrupt, is most nat- ural and easy. Freshmen ! You have just entered College, and you above all others need the warning which only Seniors can give. Stand together as a class, shun the advice of Sophomores, and be not discouraged because you have given no evidence of ability in any direction. Remember that better men than you were once Fresh- men ; and above ail, when you are tempted “to cut’ church or recitations, do not distort veracity, but remember the example of the great and good G. Washington and his liitle hatchet that could not tell a tie. Sophomores! You who know more than you will ever know again, do not think that because you “rushed” a class one half your size, you are any better than they. You display too much dignity for your position, and it is doubtful if Kenyon can hold some of you as Juniors. “ Twice two is four,” and this axiom is no truer than that the Juniors are inferior to the Seniors. Juniors! Strive to prepare yourselves for Senior dignity. I-ct your past, which consists mostly of lay figures and saw-dust, be forgotten; thus will you be able to act as becomes Seniors. Re- member the example of your illustrious predecessors. Remember the hints we have thrown at you in the form of “H,0.” and profit by them. And now, kind friends, we offer you the Reveille. It is open to your criticism and censure, if deserving it. Remember that it is more of a publication of dry facts and names, than an exhibi- tion of the literary talent of the editors. May it afford you pleasure in reading it, and we shall feel that our time was well spent.

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6 EDITORIAL pinnacle of learning; who thought that every passing head which chanced to turn after us was attracted by the air and atmosphere of exalted learning which hovered around us and pervaded us. Now we can look contemptuously on the follies of our verdant Fresh man hood, and unconcernedly and cold-bloodedly condemn the motes which obstruct the vision of our neighbor underclass- men, forgetting or ignoring the beams which were in our Fresh- men eyes. But surely if there were any beams in our young eyes, they were very small, and almost invisible to ourselves at least, while the motes in the optics of succeeding classes have been very patent to all critical observers. '75 always was noted for sur- passing all other classes in every way. It was always a matter of wonder to us that the Faculty did not sooner recognize our supe- rior ability. We are confident that they show their preference this year—at least we can see it if no one else can. Since now we have blown our own trumpet, which preceding classes refused to do for us, we hand over the brazen instrument to ’76. May they learn well its use, as it gives splendid exercise to the lungs, and sounds most joyfully the welcome, most pathetically the fare- well, and most brazenly the notes of mutual admiration. Perhaps a few remarks in general would not be out of place. How discouraging it is to us that after the heaps and mountains of labor last June, such a ridiculus mus as ’7cS should come forth. We went away from Gambier with our hopes for old Kenyon higher than they have been fora long time. The sad farewells of Commencement time were spoken in a more joyous spirit than usual. Our hearts were full of love for Alma Mater, our mem- t ories supplied with countless pictures of the beautiful spot and buildings of the “hill.” We came back with the same love and hope, to find the same beauty, natural and artificial; but alas, how discouraging, a Freshman class which is almost lost out of sight in the chapel seats. So, now we must keep up our hopes for the future by the thought that merit can not forever go unrewarded, nor can so bright a light as Kenyon be much longer concealed under a bushel. For