156
EDITORIAL.
the needs of students or the latter will leave. Four years ago board was plentiful and low in price. Since that time the price has risen seventy-five per cent. and now is obtained with difficulty.
We have seldom met a class of people more pleasant than those of Lawrence. Those who do receive boarders deserve many thanks. The trouble of which we speak is easily remedied, but a remedy there must be. Few persons in Lawrence are compelled by circumstances to take boarders, but they should do it as a favor, when paid a good profit on their actual outlay. The merchants should remember that the money left here by students amounts to over $100,- 000.00 annually, and that without this business would be much smaller. They should remember what efforts they used to get the University here. They should remember that only a year ago $100,000.00 of their indebtedness was assumed by the State and charged to the University. Lastly, they should remember that they are vitally interested in the University, and any neglect of its interests is their own loss.
A SOCIETY HOMILY.
The literary society is a peculiar institution. As war is a leveler of men, so the literary society is a leveler of students. In the society hall the Prep. can quiz the Senior to the utmost without being twitted in the least about his plebean position, and if the Senior can't answer or defend himself, as is often the case, he must take a seat on the lower step. Class distinctions are thrown aside. Good sense, quick wit and a ready tongue are the only passports to favor.
The literary society has some odd characters. We don't refer to the politicians who have been too often anathematised to appear odd to any one. First, there is the good-natured man whom everybody likes,
and who often gets in the presidential chair, not for his ability, but because no one has anything against him. In the chair he tries to please all, and as a result gets so muddled that he isn't sure of his own identity. Then there is the smart boy who has much to say on every thing that comes up. If nothing comes up, he brings it up. He owns the president, and the society, and the University; he poses himself, then gushes and spurts and slops over; occasionally boils; objects to any one else speaking; is always on the move, but never toward his seat. He isn't to be sat upon. The members often think what a Utopia they would have without his presence. But he is always there. Every society has him. Next comes the crowd who sit in the rear, whisper during performances and cheer vociferously after. The member who recites in tragedical style, and his opposite who never raises her voice above a lower monotone, are also there. O, yes! we had almost forgotten the parrot members—those who "second the motion." All these are the eccentric characters, the mighty minority. The majority of members do good work, and become ready, spicy and often eloquent off-hand speakers. The literary society cannot be over-valued. Every scholar should make room for it. The first duty of every student is to subscribe for his college paper—perhaps we are a little prejudiced in this—and the second is to join a literary society.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
Courier subscribers will take notice that 25c will be added to the subscriptions not paid before January 1st. One dollar now, or one dollar and twenty-five cents after New Year. Pay up. and make the business managers of the great religious semimonthly happy.