UNIVERSITY COURIER.
5
one who can devote all his time to said work. During our last Commencement this need was made much more apparent than at any previous time in our history. Not because the work was so poorly done, but because the students had grasped the advantages offered and were anxious for greater. One of the professors who had charge of the oratorical work said, "We are getting where we need and must have some one to give his whole attention to instruction in elocution." The Regents realized the truth of this professor's remark, and for a time it was hoped that the demand would be supplied; the resignation of Prof. Gleed necessitating a change of some kind. But we are disappointed. They have engaged a man in every way competent, we believe to fill the position of instructor in elocution, but have limited the work he is to do in that line, by giving him work of other kinds. As a result, those interested in elocutionary work will not realize the good anticipated. We, the students, are making this need in our University more apparent every year. Let our work in the future tend the same way; and let us do more by aiding in the organization of a State Oratorical Association, this in turn to be a part of the Inter-State Oratorical Association. If a deep interest is manifested in said organization, it will keep alive the interest now shown in elocutionary work by our students. And then, after five or six defeats in the inter-state contest, perhaps those having control of matters here, will see fit to give us what we need.
LITERARY.
Encouragement.
For those who suffer and are strong
A word you say, a word you may,
To comfort as they pass along
Their weary path, from day to day,
Yet, oh, ye poets, grand in song,
One single word in kindness speak—
Not only to the brave and strong—
To those who suffer and are weak:
To those who know not how to bear
The burdens giv'n from day to day.
Give them sweet words, which they may wear
As talismans upon the way.
Tell them to hope, and not despair;
Look upward to the kindly blue,
Believe that angel friends are there,
With loving vision, glancing through.
If crowns await the victor, sure
A crown is meet for earnest toil;
Yet lay one rosebud, white and pure.
On brows that paled in the turmoil!
Oh pity those who could not fight,
The brave, and patient praise you should;
But once compassionate the sight
Of him who fell, though rise he would.
Not only to the brave and strong
Give cheering as they pass along;
But words of kindly mercy speak
To those who suffer and are weak.
LELIA BELLE HEWES.
BOOKS AND READING.
Of the making of books there is, seemingly, no end. Every man who possesses two or three ideas is vain enough to put them into a book and inflict upon this already overburdened and suffering public the few sparks that
emanate from his afflicted brain. What is the result of this vast industry? One hardly wishes to foretell the pernicious effect of so many books. They are doing more evil than good. A high sounding name attracts the eye; gives the impression that the book is one of much force; the chances are that the time spent in reading it will be wasted.
Young readers are suddenly dropped into a chaos of literature. They see works in every direction which they think are of great importance. Unassisted, in most cases, as to choice, they seize a book here, another there, and grasp even for the third. They try desperately to read all in a week. Before they have gone far they drop what they have and reach out for others. They forget what they have read and come up short after struggling blindly along in utter bewilderment. They then ask, what does man know? They see when it is too late that the mind cannot comprehend and retain everything. They learn that it is not profitable to spend a life time in a cobweb condition of mind. And, indeed, they have gathered in this state more dust and dirt than good material.
It is very unfortunate that so many of our most promising intellects have been burdened in this manner, and only in the end when the eye and ear refuse their office, are they led to meditate upon their fruitless endeavors. Every day hundreds are following in their benighted foot-steps.
The librarian of the Paris library estimates that there are 3,000,000 books in that library : that an average man reads 2,500 in a life time. How foolish and unwise for men to attempt such an impossibility as to read that immense number of books! Yet, men are trying it every day. A book ought not only to be read, but thoroughly digested, then what there is in it becomes a part of the man. It is evident that if men read books as they should do they will read very few in a life time. They should then be careful of falling into the habit of indiscriminate reading.
When men make a choice of some profession or business, they generally choose some branch in which they have great interest. It is of much importance that they read such books as bear upon their business: Men will then have a thorough knowledge of their business. Smatterers in all trades and professions are becoming a nuisance to the public. They cast reproach upon any profession. One cannot urge too strongly upon the young and the student especially the necessity and advantage of a strict adherence to some one branch of knowledge. Our specialists make our great men, for people listen to that one who knows the most about the subject discussed.
Read few works and do your own philosophizing. Read the fundamental and standard works. Most books that are written to-day are buta amplifications and repetitions of what has been written, and probably the thoughts of the first writer have been concealed by the second. The philosopher tells the truth when he says : "Words are used to conceal thoughts."
LITERARY SOCIETIES.
The true value of a literary society is not perceived by the average student until he is about ready to quit the University. It is safe to say that the majority of students who have taken advantage of the benefits found in literary societies, feel that the knowledge thus gained