6
UNIVERSITY COURIER.
as almost indispensable to them in whatever pursuit they engage.
If a student intends to follow the life of a recluse he wants to shun a literary society as he shuns other society. If he is going to be a man of the world it is just the place for him. It is the preparatory part to practical life. Here he acquires the rudiments of politics; learns to advance his views on different subjects; becomes acquainted with the rules for governing assemblies; in fine, he gets the preliminaries of all practical qualities in the society.
As for Greek and Latin roots, business men care very little. If men are able to tell what they know they answer the requirements of business men. But this is by no means the simplest thing to do. It is not enough that they make others understand but they must tell it neatly and impressively, and it is only by practice that they can acquire this ability. Henry Clay said that he owed his success in life to his powers as a speaker. Peabody says: "It is not the learner but the teacher, not the profound scholar merely, but the able expositor, speaker, or writer, who can expect a distinguished name."
It is a current opinion that a good speaker in a literary society is an indifferent student. We have, in our own University, too many shining examples of good society men who are good students, to give such an opinion much credence.
A gentleman once remarked, in my hearing, that the political knowledge he had obtained in college was invaluable to him in after life. There are always times in men's lives when they must put their shoulders to the wheel and help to move forward some issue which seems to them to be beneficial. It is no disgrace, no reproach to honest men to know how and where to place their shoulders.
Again, men well versed in parliamentary rules are sorely needed in our state, and young men who have thoroughly mastered the rules are in demand.
Most students who shirk literary societies do so out of pure cowardice. "Ignorance doth make cowards of us all." There is no excuse for being ignorant on these points. They are within the reach of every student. In the writing of essays, reading, declaiming, delivering orations and debates, what better or more valuable exercise could be instituted. They stimulate and exercise every faculty of the mind. When a student has finished a course of three to seven years he can read agreeably, write fluently, debate logically and persuasively.
PERSONALS.
Pliny L. Soper has been transferred from the Central Branch railroad to the A. T. & S. F. railroad. He still holds the position of "mail man."
James Going, during the last summer has travelled over the greater part of Kansas, in the interest of the Leavenworth Times.
One of the fair sex complains to the Courier that she "met Mr. Stalks during vacation but was not even recognized." How is that, "Mr. Stalks ?"
Harry E. Riggs took a summer excursion on the steamer Montana, which plied between St. Louis and Kansas City. Every time the boat stopped the watermelons and apples suffered terribly, it is said.
Ella V. Keist enjoyed the beauties of Southern Kansas during vacation, her room-mate, Lulu Miller, going an equal distance to the north.
Dr. Marvin, in company with State Superintendent Speer and President Fairchild, of the Agricultural College, attended the meeting of the National Educational Association at Saratoga, July 11th to 14th. Our Chancellor took part in a number of discussions during the session.
Miss Addie Cherry, the first secretary of the Class of 85, is teaching in the graded schools of Buffalo, Mo. While here she was one of the best in her class.
The master's oration, delivered by Prof. J. W. Gleed, has received most flattering comments from the state press, being published in full by the Topeka "Capital" and the Atechison "Champion." It has been pronounced on all sides the finest production yet made by any of our graduates.
The following sign, to be seen on Main street, Clyde, tells in what portion of the world another of our Alumni has cast his line:
Bion S. Hutchins, '81, has been re-elected principal of the Beloit Schools, with an increase of salary. During the summer months he acted as instructor in the Douglas County Institute and conductor of the Mitchell County Institute, with E. C. Little as assistant.
ARTHUR CORNFORTH.
ATTORNEY AT LAW AND NOTARY PUBLIC.
Miss Jennie Dunn, a former student, is a success ful teacher at Minneapolis.
Prof. P. J. Williams, after conducting the Douglas County Institute, by a special request, made a lecturing tour among the various institutes of the state. One of the Professor's lectures does more for the University than a full column ad. in a daily.
The Johnson county boys, who would rather loose a hand than desert one of their number, are back in full force.
J. D. McLaren acted as instructor in the Ottawa County Institute during the months of June and July.
Chancellor Marvin was elected chairman of the county delegation to the state convention, while he was absent in New York.
Why don't some of our enterprising athletes start a rowing association?
Elmer B. Tucker, 76, is pastor of the Baptist Church at Minneapolis.
Edith Webber, while enjoying her summer vacation in Wisconsin, was prostrated by a sudden attack of diptheria. Under the care of her mother, who was immediately summoned to her bed side, she soon recovered.
J. L. DuMars, a last year Normal, is a candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction in this county.
Don Rankin, '81, enjoys the distinction of Chief Civil Engineer on the Omaha extension of the Missouri Pacific. Bill McCann continues his right hand man, and the two make Hiawatha their headquarters, boarding at the house of Nelson Beardsley.