University of California Berkeley - Blue and Gold Yearbook (Berkeley, CA)

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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. scarcely seems possible that it is our turn to present a BLUE AND GOLD to the University. It hardly seems more than yesterday that we took the first number from ' 75 and thanked her for bringing it out; still we will endeavor, as far as lies iu our power, to present an impartial record of college life and manners during the pa-t year. In speaking first of our Alma Mater, we cannot but feel proud to see it on the road to as bright a future as any college may desire. Occasionally the dark clouds of political trickery darken our sky, but thus far they have left us unharmed. We dwell, however, ' ' out of door in regard to such storms, and will at some time get deluged unless the State, on one of its brightest thinking-days, shall see fit to place our University where such manifestations will concern us little. ' 75 has left us and 76 has donned the senior plumes. ' 76 has done well since she has been in the University, and has shown that she is a true class. Though not so absolutely impervious as many of her members would have us believe, still she deserves honorable mention. We are indebted to her for the introduction of the Junior Ex and the Pledge sys- tem, in which as a class she is unsurpassed. We are obliged to her for allowing us to issue the BLUE AND GOLD this

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THE BLUE AND GOLD. imaginary existence or of a nature by no means indicative of our University character, we have nevertheless excluded noth- ing that is, in our humble judgment, fairly deserving of inser- tion. To those whose knowledge of local occurrences may cause surprise at the absence of some things that might have appeared to their own interest, we have to speak particularly upon this point. We have, in short, endeavored to preserve herein the salient characteristics, be they ever so meagre, of the students as a body. In doing this it is of course easy to please a few and offend many ; however that may be, we deprecate earnestly any other opinion of our motives than that they have been directed to the portrayal of our Alma Mater, such as will be both intelligible to others as well as ourselves, and interesting to all. To one feature of our task we invite attention: the embel- lishment of the pamphlet, we believe, is an innovation among publicat ons of this sort. The thought was suggested by the beauty of Berkeley ' s surroundings, already famous among all our contemporaries in other colleges; we have tried to secure a beautiful frontispiece, and trust our readers will be pleased with it. With these words of explanation and apology we dismiss our little book; nor is it without feelings of pleasure that we do so We anticipate a cordial welcome to it, not only among those who have awaited its coming, but among our brethren across the plains, to whom we look with especial deference. To them, at least, let this be sufficient proof that the Univer- sity of California is not out of the world, and that we have extracted the good out of all they could offer and that has been great. We extend to all our readers, near and (let us hope we are right in saying also) afar, a hearty salve.

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THE BLUE AND GOLD. year; or, at least, the young ladies of Mills ' think we ought to be, judging from what ' 76 informs thsm. ' 76 has had con- siderable college spirit and energy, and deserves credit for it. ' 77 has managed to keep her head on about the proper level; she has taken her fair proportion of the honors in college sports, and at present stands at the head. Still we must acknowledge that she has not enough of class feeling. In future, however, when her turn comes to lead the University as a senior class, we may expect great things of her, for surely one who has held herself in reserve so long must come out at last in flying colors. If such be the case, we can admire her policy in keeping quiet till her turn comes and then doing all she can, and that at the best. ' 78 entered the University a large class, but has fallen off considerably. As Freshmen they did very well; as Sophomores they have done nothing. They tried to play base-ball once, but could not finish the game; they tried again and beat the Freshmen one point. They have utterly failed to play foot- ball, and thus have inaugurated a downward tendency amongst college sports. We would advise them, if they desire to keep their record clear, that they had better buy a foot-ball and challenge some class. ' 79 came upon us one hundred and fifty strong all ages, sizes, sexes, and one might almost say, shapes. It is an un- wieldy body without any apparent head. ' 79 hasn ' t done mueh we can ' t expect them to; they are only Freshmen, and in their simpleness stare with great eyes at calculus and resistance of materials, wondering if they will ever be allowed to become initiated into their mysteries. ' 79 is characterized by its rudeness and premature advancement. We cannot but feel indignant, and rightfully so, at seeing the Freshmen so far leave their place as to insult men of political station in our State. No matter what be the excuse, they must remember that they do not represent tlie University, nor any but a very small part, save in numbers, and it is their duty to show their sense by keeping quiet until they know what University cus- toms are; and at least show their respect to the upper class-