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

Page 23 text:

THE INDEX. The class of ' 77 enters colleg-e with her members number- ino- twentv-tvvo. We certninly hope that there will be no diminution of the present number, but rather an increase; and that the succeeding- years will find us all here, struggling on to the desired end in the same sound health and good spirits in which we find ourselves at the commencement of our Freshman year. We are pleased to find in our class one member from Japan, and another from Brazil. The number of Foreigners sent to America to be educated increases every year. This fact shows that the excellence of American institutions is be- ing recognized all over the world. We hope that these gentlemen will be the means of bring- ing more of their countrymen to these shores to be educated. The other members of the class are all fair specimens of Yoimg America and possess a great amount of pluck, that quality which is so essenlially necessary to success in life. . Having safelv run the gauntlet ot second-hand furni- ture dealers, booksellers and society runners, we are at length settled down, and have come to look upon the brick walls of the dormitories with less feelirgs oi homesickness than were at first exhibited, and n nv regard them as our homes. We have also become yjerfectly familiar with the road lead- ing t o the boarding house ; and alter witnessing the feats of some of the members, when there, we must conclude that they were sent away from home in tl)e interest of home economy, as well as toprocure an education.

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I ' HE INDEX. Some of our men liave tried to o et muscle by various ways, senile ball playing-, others practicing in the gymnasium, hav- ing no doubt very good reasons for this training; but our professor of military with probablv equally good reasons, has had us fiont into line bv the ' right turn. Some not caring for so much exercise of muscle, have quietly stood and looked at the Freshies using theirs upon their hopping double step. We have not drilled with the eight pounders this season, but hope to and probably shall, it tliev do not travel off without their limbers. ' 77 came here strangers in a strange land, without know- ing our ways, and being almcjst irreconcilable about the loss ol no ' ue caresses ; whac was more befitting in us, having just lett their placi ' S, than lo go and do all we could to condole with chem tor their loss,es, and try to enlighten them in our ways. ' e paid them one or two calls, and one evening as we were liaving a quiet little time together, airing their room.s, and preparing them for a good night ' s rest, ' 75 made their appearanc.-e, prol)ably welcome to the Freshies and cer- tainly so to us ; now when they very selfishly demanded the care of these Freshies, and erv ungent Itmanly told us to clear out, we felt oljliged to CAXxy them out, and left them outside in the care of ' 74. We could not see but that Freshmen had as good a right to carry a cane if they wished, as a Sophomore ; but for cus- tom ' s sake, we felt obliged to remove this support 01 the.r infirmities ; alter ha ing ccjnsulted ttie Secretary of the Fac- ulty upon the subject our leelings have changed. Here we would say to all classes coming after us, that it is neither right nor gentkuianly lo follow customs, especially poor ones, and in this newly founded institution, founded for a comparatively new purp(;se, let us do away with all these silly old college cust jnis. We hope hereafter that the rights of all persons, as persons, will here be respected; and now let us say to th(jse who will be inclined to scoff at this sudden revulsion in opinions, that these sudden revulsions are some- times the most permanent ; and that betbre they judge us harshly they will think of the obstruction we met with in trying to make custcnn a law. K.

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THK INDKX. Our exercise in practical agriculture is no doubt a new ex- perience to some of us, and productive of some lame arms and blistered hands, and judgine: from the frequent display of watches, when in the field, vvr think that the majority agree that the best part of tiit- exercise is when the bell rings to call us home. The Sophs have manifested an unfriendly feeling toward us from the first; doubtless owing to their inability to exact from us the proper respect, which their great superiority, as Sophomores, demands. Our success as rushers and runners and the flat refusals of Freshies to comply with Sojihoinoric regulations, are other causes which probably bred thi i nfriendly feeling. We have taken a New ne|)arture from the old estab- lished customs of c:ol]eges, by insisting upon our right to qome and go, and wear sucii artic-les of dress as best suits ourselves, regardless of the interdicts issued by Sophomores. It.was thought by some that tiiis action on our part would terminate in a free fighi, bui through the efforts ot ihe Fac- ulty, amicable resolutions have been adopted, and a full rer- ognition of our rights accorded. This is a step in the right direction, and we may look tor- ward to the time, when the rights of gentlemen will be res- pected, as well when acting the part ot Freshmen, as at any other period of their existence. We are fortunate in having such an excellent and able corps of Professors to point out the way, and assist in clear- ing the path of all difficulties met with, in acquiring a scien- tific education. And by our earnest endeavors and strict attention to study, may we be able t show at the end of eacli term, such results as shall testify to their excellence as in- structors. In conclusion, we can only say, that by acting the parr of gentlemen at all times, we hope to merit the good will of all connected with the College; so that in after years, when looking back over our college days we may not have one cause for regret to mar the hap|)y memories c;f tl.e days spent in the M. A. C. B.