Stanford University - Quad Yearbook (Palo Alto, CA)

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Foreword The compilation of the 1908 Quad has not differed in any important particular from that of other Stanford Quads. While the Board, like all its predecessors, entered on the work full of amateur fire, with a multitude of unspeakably clever pos- sibilities looming up before them, each step toward the completion of the book has brought them closer to sea-level. That is to say, the first impulse of the Board — of all past and all coming boards — was to tear the established Quad to pieces, from beginning to end, and set up something truly original. But the editors have learned a lesson in practical evolution ; they have learned that the Stanford Quad is not a creation, but a growth. They found that they had to sift down from their novel conceptions into the accustomed grooves, for these grooves — worked out long before them — were the best possible channels for the interpretation of Stanford life. After coming to this conclusion it was with admiration, not criticism, that the editors followed the Quad traditions ; for they realized that the book, as handed down to them, was a typical expression of the ' Red-tiled Principality. It could have arisen among no other surroundings ; and, since, in many respects, the Stan- ford Quad differs from all other college annuals, it should be the effort of its editors to treasure and preserve its distinctiveness. Board of Editors.

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Foreword

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Stanford Quad 1908 A Plea for College Athletics HE mention of the word athletics calls to the mind of almost every Stanford man the different Varsity teams, Football, Baseball, Track, and Crew. Undergraduate interest is centered in the progress and success of these teams. The winning of the four great contests with California is the end and aim of our athletic effort. To the accomplishment of this object we devote all of our spare time and most of our money. Is this right ? Yes, for the men who are candidates for positions on the teams ; no, for those who sit on the bleachers night after night. Out of intercollegiate athletics men learn the lessons of obedience, unselfishness, and determination. What these three virtues have done for Stanford teams is a matter of history. But a very small proportion of the men ever get the opportunity to work for a season on a Varsity squad. The vast majority have neither the skill nor the intense, unselfish interest that marks the Varsity man. They are, therefore, barred from 8