University of Massachusetts Amherst - Index Yearbook (Amherst, MA)

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Comnmnicatioiis. — e©s- -i 71. Again, and for the last time, ' 71 presents her communication to The Index. Before another volume is issued we shall have resigned our position as Seniors, and taken up that of Alumni. And yet how little we realize that four of the best years of our lives have passed since the College was brought into existence through us. The position of the first class in any college is one of a very pe- cuHar nature. Theories are to be put in practice ; courses of study developed, and a general outline given to the coUege ; while it is reserved for future classes to fiU out the details. Reahzing these facts, we entered as the first class. Accepting them, we have en- deavored throughout our course to fulfill the duties devolving upon us. In many particulars we may have failed, but it has not been from lack of interest. Our best wishes always have been and al- ways willsbe with the CoUege. In our studies during the past year we have wandered through the pages of History, Astronomy, Rhet- oric, Literature, Mental Science, Geology, c. In each of these departments we have made some progress, and have learned to love those whose patient efforts guided us to hidden treasures therein. We welcomed with joy the advent of our new Professor in Science, and chaplain whom we could call our own. We congratulate our- selves on the fact that our numbers remain the same, while the golden cord of friendship has been drawn tighter about us, strength- ened by ma: y fond associations, the memory of which will ever be a bright featuie in our recollections of the past. It is with feehngs of sadness, mingled with joy, that we look for- ward to our graduation from College. We are anxious to begin

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EDITORIAL. Perfect harmony exists between ruler and ruled, and a healthy moral sentiment among the students themselves, upholding law and order, renders hght and easy the task of governing. Muscular Christianity has also its votaries here as elsewhere. Without any outside aid we have raised a liberal sum as a basis for a boating organization, and a crew of four weeks ' training has already nobly and victoriously represented . our College in the popular Cedar SheU. It is our sad lot to record our first losses by death. First, a stu- dent, in the full vigor and hope of young manhood, was suddenly taken from us. And now a teacher, useful and beloved, has passed on before, leaving a bright example of life ' s work well done, more enduring than the most costly monument. Thus, through light and shade, through calm and storm, we are slowly but surely gaining ground, choosing rather to commence at the beginning than at the eleventh hour of our existence. Meeting discouragements necessarily accompanying a new enter- prise, we still feel we are laying the foundations, broad and firm, of an institution whose Hght radiating far and near, shall disarm old- time prejudice and ignorance, and reflect honor upon founders and State. By their fruits ye shall know them, and we confidently await the results, when annually she sends out her men, armed with a Hve education to battle with a live age.

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6 THE INDEX. our life-work, and yet, shall find it hard to break up friendships which we may have formed, both in college and in the community in which our lot has been cast. On the good people of Amherst we bestow our best wishes, and flatter ourselves that we shall receive the same from them. Our fondest expectations will always be in- separable from the under classes, particularly ' 72, whose course, parallel with ours for three years, has given us better opportunities for acquaintance than with the other classes. We feel that the honor of the College will not suffer with them. Our four years ' course has thus far been of pleasure and profit to us, and if the memory of college life shall be as happy as our participation therein, our lot wiU be pleasant indeed. N.