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

Page 22 text:

THE INDEX. We see no reason why we should not progress rapidly under such an able corps of Professors, at whose head is our beloved President, just returned from his college in Japan. For our own part, we are well pleased with our experiences so far at the M A. C. , and in the future years may we be able to say that we do not regret having entered with the class of ' 80. F.

Page 21 text:

(s sss SSSsTES s E have spent one year of college life very pleasantly, W and, we think, profitably, and are now called upon to communicate to the Index as Sophomores. Our class now numbers fourteen, having lost six men dur- ing the year. While we regret that they are not with us, we wish them success in whatever they undertake. We have adopted the old custom of the college in getting class pins, as we consider them to be the best class emblem we could have. We are glad to see that so large a class has come in to fill our places, although we had wished for a still larger one. They seemed to have been trained well at home and, there- fore, we did not have to change their hour of retiring. We are glad to see that this important principle was instilled into their youthful minds before they left their mammas. In the rush, our courage was first-class, and so was our mus- cle, too ; but what could be expected when we were complete- ly outnumbered . ' ' We have introduced a new custom, that of letting the Freshmen carry canes. It worked to a charm, for in a few days we saw a big cord-wood stick dragging a poor, helpless Freshie after it. Some of these sticks have mysteriously walked off, never again to be seen by their owners in that lengthy state. We note with pleasure the interest taken in military affairs, as we believe this department to be as important as any other in the institution.

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.ALUABLE INDEX:— Last, though not least, ' 8i pre- sents her small contribution. Our experiences are limited, as our time here has been short. Yet the foretaste of college life is an agreeable one. Among the interesting impressions and events, are those pertaining to the upper-classmen, who seem to regard us Freshmen as so much raw material to be worked over at will. The Seniors are evidently trying to give us the impression that they have absorbed all the advantages of the college; consequently, are puffed up with pride and self-assurance. They strut and fret their brief hour with martial, but unnatural, dignity, as they endeavor to inspire us with their sublime gra ndeur. Seniors, we would modestly suggest moderation and sim- plicity, since the one lends grace, and the other beauty, of manners. The Juniors are more considerate, and seem not to forget that they were once Freshmen. Having instructed and assisted us in some of the arts of college life, we appreciate their kindness. The Sophs., at first opposed, now quietly concede to us the rights of students. Not, however, without an attempt to bring us into submission. This attempt was in the customary rush. Twice were they beaten, and so completely that they have since entertained for us a profound respect. We began the te m with nineteen members, and have since increased to twenty five. Enough to create and continue the best of class feeling and mutual good will.