society work which doubtless every member
wishes.
It is the will of the societies to do the best
possible thing for its members, but when the
membership is SD great that the practice and in
Struction in literary work which is desired is not
obtained; it is high time that something be done.
What shall it be ? The question thus opened
seemingly admits of but one, answer : establish a
third society. It may be fully thus to hazard an
opinion, but any one who justly considers the
matter can do naught but conclude that the good
of all demands it. Where such a movement
should take its start is a question for each to con
sider. Loyalty to his own society might prevent
any present member from taking the lead in such
a question. Let it start outside the limits of
membership of our present societies. Whether
such a start should be made by the' Preparatory
students or by the body of new students, they
would receive the hearty support and co opera ion
of the members of both societies.
• Under such auspicious circumstances success
would surely attend the efforts of the few who
would venture to be the starters of a new enter
prise. These few words can only serve as a sug
gestion, but, if we succeed in placing the matter
before the students for their thought and consid
eration, our purpose has been accomplished.
6
..
ii, 1-lE el peti t t l ionsubm e itt t e il d tg to th th t e .t F d ac t ul t ty some
s
requ
wose
. 1 . class standing for recitation work during the
term is 85 or more,be exempted from examination
at the close of the term, has never been answered.
It would be a satisfaction in some sense to know
at least what the action of the Faculty has been
and what are their views. From the standpoint
of the student we say that we think the change
suggested by the petition is desirable. It has
been adopted elsewhere, and is working satisfac
tory to students and Faculty. The good to be
derived by the student in the study of any text-
THE FREE LANCE.
lIMIEE
book must be absorbed by him during the term ;
it can not be drank in during the brief period im
mediately preceding examination.
If the student were exempted from examina
tion on the conditions named, or some similar
conditions, he would have a.goal before his eyes
as regards this matter. As it now is we have the
necessary evil, examination, assured in any case.
It will be admitted that in the case of those who
now make Eigh term gradesexaminations would be
unnecessary. Would these persons not then make
their high term standing doubly sure by increased
carefulness in their daily work ? In the case of
those who now approximate the lower limit of ex
emption proposed, would there not be increased
effort ? If fear of examination in prospect at the
close of the term will cause a student to exert
himself, will not the hope of escaping it do so ?
Would there not be less opportunity and tempta
tion to some classes of students -to practice dis
honesty ? Would there not be more careful
study in preparation for the detailed work of the
recitation room than is now given in order to get
a syllabus of the term's work, which is likely to
appear in examination ?• In the case of those
whose ambition would not be roused the right of
examination would be reserved. Moreover, the
week of examination could be spent in further
pursuit of the branches being studied.
HE engineering students have at last organ
ized a society, the object of which is to
awaken a more lively interest among students
pursuing engineering courses in the work of the
engineer. The means of awakening this interest
will be by holding regular meetings, at which
papers prepared on live subjects will be read and
discussed. The benefits to be derived by discuss
ing engineering topics of the day are many. (I)
It acquaints the student with matters not intend
ed to be taught in the class room, owing to the
limited time 'of a college course, and yet of in
valuable worth to the professional man. (2) It