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

Page 16 text:

the “rush.” This tender little plant could not thrive in our salt air, and has gone where it can procure more “fresh water.” In the field of college journalism, an experiment is being tried from which much is confidently expected. The stock company of The Berkeleyan, believing that its sphere of usefulness as a bi-monthly was somewhat curtailed, resolved to convert it into a magazine and publish it monthly. We have an abundance of the talent requisite for such a publication, thus making it no wild flight of the fancy to predict for it a brilliant future. The Occident has been enlarged and improved, and is, if possible, spicier and wittier than ever. Only the more important of the improvements characterizing the past year have been noted, but enough have been given to clearly indicate the foundation upon which we based our statement that we were experiencing a “boom and yet it is a misnomer thus to term it; for our growing prosperity has no real resemblance to this hot- house growth, but is of a hardy, robust nature and will be enduring. That this is no delusion is not now a matter of doubt. Whatever grounds may have previously existed for misanthropical speculation have been definitely removed, and we are now able to see our future clearly before us. The last Legislature, with a patriotism and a disin- terestedness which we did not expect, by its liberal legislation, has removed our University from its doubtful and uncertain position as an experiment, and placed it among the permanent and recognized institutions of the country. This benefaction, at once adequate to our present needs, and capable of keeping pace with our future growth and development, has forever removed the administration of our affairs from the political whirlpool. It places us in a position in which we will be able to compete with older institutions, and to offer at home those advantages of higher intellectual culture, which hun- dreds are now seeking abroad. That this is a cause for gratification all will understand who are acquainted with the warmth of the affec- tion which we feel for our Alma Mater. We are proud of her, as she is; and we can not but feel grateful to those who have contributed to enrich those gifts which, with a lavish hand, she will bestow upon her future sons. We rejoice with her in her good fortune, and are glad that our Blue and Gold is permitted to be the herald of her glorious future, in hopes that part of her glory may be reflected upon the unworthy herald. And now, gentle reader—for we can yet call you gentle reader, presuming that you have not become familiar with the body of this -8—

Page 15 text:

the corps of instructors. The selection of these instructors was entrusted entirely to the Professors in whose departments their ser- vices were required, and the quality of their work daily testifies to the faithfulness with which this trust was executed. A long-felt want has finally been satisfied by the establishment of the Professorship of the French and the Spanish Languages and Litera- tures. Professor Owen, of the State University of Wisconsin, through the instrumentality of President Holden, was secured to fill this chair. A complete reorganization of the department was at once commenced, and now, no longer an object of contempt and derision, it assumes its proper position. The improvements being made upon the grounds are still in such an embryonic state that it is not possible to comment upon them. However, judging from the thoroughness of the commencement, it is easy to predict that a wonderful transformation scene will be enacted before the end is reached. Unusually large additions have been made to the library and museums, and new apparatus has been secured in the Mechanical and Scientific Departments. The Military Department, under the management of Lieut. Harrison, has been entirely remodeled; “cuts” are now the excep- tions, and “extra drills” have passed into “innocuous desuetude.” We have come to an “about face,” and have carefully rectified the alignment. The students themselves have closely imitated their elders. Many new features have been introduced, and some old ones revived. Two new fraternities now bid for Freshmen; a Freshman debating club has sprung into existence, while the Juniors and Seniors have organized a rhetorical society. The old lawn tennis club has risen like a phoenix from its ashes, and once again feminine glee makes the Campus vocal. An organization of the student body has been perfected, and we may soon expect to see a University spirit, and that unanimity and harmony of action which can alone bring strength. In athletics we have at least not retrograded. Our football team still leads, in spite of the dismal forebodings that were every- where expressed when the term commenced. Baseball has received unusual attention, and now we are able to put in the field a formid- able nine, which promises to win new laurels for our colors. The other branches of athletics are not neglected, with the exception of

Page 17 text:

book—we would speak a word to you. If you should be so fortunate or otherwise, as to find your name among the illustrious ones, before you consign the poor editors to that place of wailing and gnashing of teeth; before you shoulder your irons and start in revengeful pursuit, pause and give one moment to reflection. Be not rash” is the eleventh Commandment, and it is worthy of consideration. “ My mother I know Would sorrow so, Should I be carried away,” —so do not do anything which may entail misery and suffering upon others, and cause you to feel remorse, like a vulture, gnawing at your vitals. Be calm, if possible; and after your first passion has spent itself, turn your thoughts inward, and subject yourself to a searching examination. We have felt no malice, but on the contrary, wished to do you good. We may have been severe, but “desperate diseases require desperate remedies,” or something to that effect. Just in the proportion that you feel the pain, you may know your complaint to be the more serious; so, do not display your anger, or you will dis- close to the world the fact that you are afflicted. As we have lavished no praises upon our Blue and Gold, so we will make no excuses or apologies for it. As it is we present it to you. You will soon enough find its merits, and you would not excuse its shortcomings if we were to ask it upon bended knees. Judge it in the way that to you seems proper. We have done our best, and with this plea alone are willing to stand for sentence.