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

Page 23 text:

9. In beginning our second year at college, we are once more called upon for our communication to the Index. Instead of being the lowest class in college, as last year, we have risen one stage higher in the course, and have become Sophomores. But a year ago, how distant the time of our graduation seemed, and yet a year passed ere we were aware of it. We are happy to state that we have done away with the dis- graceful custom, which nearly all Sophomore classes follow, of hazing Freshmen. We hope that the practice is done away with entirely in this college, and that a Freshman will always be treated as well as an upper-class man. For what pleasure can there be in a number of fellows getting together and besmearing their faces so that they may resemble savages as much as possible, arousing a single Freshman, if one can be found by himself, and hazing him ? The notion has been, and is still entertained by many students, that Freshmen should not be allowed to carry canes. Why have they not as good a right as any one ? Our class numbers sixteen , having lost six men during the past year, three of whose places are now filled by new comers. We will not boast of our scholarship, although we have very good reason to believe that our rank, as a class, is fully up to the aver- age. One thing, however, may be remarked, that one of our men, on entering, passed a better examination than any previous applicant for admission to the college. [Tn the Athletic Sports last year, our class was very poorly represented, although we had at the time men who would, with a little practice, have been equal to the best of them. Last year we furnished two men to the Wilder Base Ball Nine, besides having a nine of our own, which, it was stated, was able to give

Page 22 text:

12 THE INDEX. earnestly strive, fellow classmates, that his anticipations may be fully realized in so far at least as we are concerned. We must be active. Quickly the remaining less than half of our course will speed away, and then we sh all go out to do our part in the great work of life. Then will it be seen how well we spent our col- lege days. In this centennial year of our glorious republic, may it be our determination that the advance of our country, in every desira- ble line, during the next ten decades, shall owe an honorable part to our having lived. Look higber, comrades! endeavor to subdue all within that tends to weaken or debase us. God, wbose mercy is infinite, will help and strengthen us, so that our lives here below shall be prosperous and happy, and, if faithful to the end, we shall re- ceive a reward good beyond all conception and altogether price- less. B.

Page 24 text:

14 THE INDEX. the nine of ' 76 a good rub. Howsomever, it was not put to the test, either because they did not wish to risk their reputa- tion, or for some other good reason. In the latter part of last winter ' s term we were called to mourn the loss, by death, of one of our number — a classmate, esteemed, respected and looked up to by us, almost as an elder brother. He was taken from us in all the strength and ambition of youth, and his loss was felt, not only by his own classmates, but by the whole college. In him we have an example which we should all strive to follow : that is, pay strict attention to our duties, and always stand up for the right ; for, by so doing, we not not only earn the respect of our immediate friends, but of all with whom we have any connection. By application to our studies now, while we have the opportunity, we shall have no. cause, in after life, to regret the non-improvement of our advantages. May it not be said of any of us, either by our professors, or any one else, that we are passing through college with just as little study as possible — our only object seeming to be a diploma. For of what use is a sheepskin, without the knowledge to back it up ? We should be something like the wolves in sheep ' s clothing, not what we pretend. Therefore, let us do all in our power to acquire knowledge, that we may be better fitted to ful- fill the obligations which we owe to our country and to our fel- low men. L.