University of Arkansas Fayetteville - Razorback Yearbook (Fayetteville, AR)

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The greatest need of the University at present is a good gymnasium. We hope now that the present General Assembly will grant an appropriation for this cause; and it will be a crime if it does not, for the time has long since passed when vesical training was regarded as a thing unworthy of consideration. The prospects are unusually bright for track athletics this year. We hope to have a field day meet with Missouri School of Mines and Drury College, and we know that this will give impetus to this branch of athletics. THE MILITARY DEPARTMENT The Military Department is a very important feature of the University. In this republican government of ours very little stress is placed upon a standing army; so in time of war a volunteer army of raw recruits is mustered, and it naturally takes a long time before it is thoroughly disciplined and ready to cope successfully with trained soldiery. So what an advantage it would be to the United States if as many citizens as possible had a knowledge of military science. To be sure military practice becomes very monotonous, but certainly it is worth while. This department is under the supervision of the United States Government. Our equipments are very good. This year we have five companies of about fifty men each; our cadet band ranks second to none io the State. STUDENT BODY The student body of the University of Arkansas will compare favorably with that of any college. As in all schools, we have different types of students. The “grind,’’ who confines himself so closely to his books that he takes very little interest in other school affairs, but at present this class is the exception, for there are very few students in school who would not cut a class to take part in a class fight, or even to witness one. There is one type of student that the University of Arkansas can gladly say she has not, and that is the wealthy “slob,” for truly ours is no rich man’s school, and surely we can say that our students are in reality free and equal. But we regret to say that we have a few “slobs” of another nature. Let us assign to this

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The Main Building

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class those students who “crib” on examination day, and those who nourish in their hearts those little petty quarrels that arise between different clans of students. Surely a student should be above such things, and I really believe that this element is fast passing away. Dissipation occurs very seldom among our students, and the “boozer” is almost a total stranger among us. The last type I shall mention constitutes the majority of the student body. It is that class which is essential to the well being of any university. I refer to the student who loves his Alma Mater, and who is deeply interested in the advancement of all her departments. One who not only meets the requirements of the class room, but also is willing to lend a helping hand to athletics and college publications. CLUBS AND ORGANZATIONS Our students have banded themselves together for almost every laudable purpose under the sun; for literary work, scientific research, athletics, social benefits, and for spiritual advancement. We have three literary societies, the Mathetian, Garland, and Periclean. All three societies are doing splendid work. The scientific clubs are usually under the immediate supervision of some members of the faculty. The Athletic Association is an organization, whose purpose it is to regulate and govern the athletic sports of the University. The Association stands for clean athletics, and for amateur sportsmanship. Since fraternities are prohibited in the University, the old maxim still holds good, that “birds of a feather flock together.” So in the place of “frats,” clubs have been orgenized purely for social reasons, The Y. M. C. A. has made wonderful advancement during the past two years; and it cannot be said that the students of the U. of A. have not opportunities for spiritual training.