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

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of The Junior Class, though noted for being quiet and unassuming, has de- veloped some good material. The mystery that has most puzzled the Junior Class to clear up is that surrounding the mythical Junior ease. The result of the investigation has been to multiply the number of non-believers to an alarming extent. To the casual observer it would seem that the present Sophomore Class has pursued its course through this year about as other Sophomore classes have done before it, with perhaps the exception that it has been a little less noisy and assumed a little less the dare-devil spirit which, in the eyes of the average Freshman, is supposed to be necessary to the character of the Sophomore. There is undoubted ability in the Class of ' 81, which the dignity and responsibility of being upper classmen will bring to the front. We are heartily glad to see that at our University a death-blow has been given by ' 81 to the barbarous relic known as hazing. This custom, which must have had its origin in the mind of the Evil One, has been dying a slow death here for several years. Only one case happened last college year and not a single case this year. It is hoped that future Sophomore classes, since they will have no grievances of a similar nature to be re- dressed, will abstain from this pernicious practice. The Freshman Class came in 101 strong, but on account of the ills which student flesh is heir to, it does not number nearly that now. It is yet too early to speak of the ability of the class, but we are sanguine that it will produce men that are strong and willing. The custom of the Burial of Bourdon is perpetuated by this class, but the Bacchanalian per- formance which usually takes place after the burial has been abolished, and the more refined spectacle of a social hop has rightfully usurped its place. This should ever redound to the honor of ' 82. Our frontispiece gives the portraits of the three Presidents of the Uni- versity since its founding. Henry Durant occupied the chair from August 16, 1870, to November, 1870. D. C. Oilman, from November, 1872, to June, 1875. President LeConte was elected in June, 1876. In closing, we have but few words to say for ourselves inclining to be judged rather by our work than by mere words. To the editors and man- agers it has been up-hill work, and the thick clouds of uncertainty often obscured our sight. Our earnest toil has been to obtain the approval of our class, whose servants we are. If we have encompassed it we are con-

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TIjc X!Iuc s.url Otolrl. 5 and guided in its work by the lady students of the University. It is a proud monument to the untiring energy of the co-eds of our young institu- tion. Our University supports two college publications. Their tone has been ever manly and independent, and we think that it has always been the course of the editors to conduct them so as to subserve the best interests of both Faculty and students. The Berkeleyan since it has been changed into a monthly magazine has been ably edited and has won many warm encomiums from the college press in the East. The CEstrus, although not aiming at a high literary standard, has gained a fair reputation among its Eastern brethren, and enjoys the confidence of a majority of the students. In the matter of athletics a praiseworthy advance has been made. From the daily practice in the gymnasium we hope in time to develop some first- rate athletes. A series of base-ball games has been played between the four classes. If the scores have not been so low as those in the games played by professional nines, it has been as much the fault of the grounds as of any defects in the nines. With our new ball grounds we hope to make a better record. In foot-ball an effort was made to bring the twenties of the two lower classes together in a friendly contest, but the Sophomores failing to come to time the game was declared for the Freshmen. Field Day has been in- troduced here this year for the first time. It is to be hoped that this day, which is almost general among Eastern colleges, will be kept up and be- come popular here. In reviewing the classes we shall only speak briefly of the most promi- nent things that present themselves to our mind. Anyone wishing a more minute description is respectfully referred to the respective class histories, where such details properly belong. The Senior Class has the satisfaction of graduating a larger number than any preceding class, and larger than any class will probably graduate for several years to come. They have at present about 60 members and the number of graduates will not fall many short of that number. ' 79 has also the satisfaction, if it be any, of issuing the largest BLUE AND GOLD of any preceding class. We cannot but regret the want of harmony existing be- tween all the members of the Senior Class. While the dissensions which have arisen in the class cannot but be deemed unfortunate for ' 79, it may prove of great benefit to succeeeding classes to beware of the same results.

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Tl.c Blt.c .-MI. I (Holrl. 7 tent. If any merit shall be found in the product of our efforts, then we crave the meed of praise; if not, then let the iron hand of censure fall as lightly as it may, for the error has been of the head and not of the heart. Not arrogantly, but hopefully, we present the sixth volume of the BLUE AND GOLD to our readers.