to get a leave of absence at all, and it can only
be gotten on condition that missed lessons be
studied and recited within a limited time after
return. All such close measures of regulation
are universally conceded to be indispcnsible
in preparatory departments, but we think they
might be materially modified in college. We
say this well assured that they are so modified
in many colleges. And it is significant in this
connection that colleges most liberal in such
respects arc the largest and leading colleges,
It seems to be conceded in the light of these
examples that close routine requirements arc
not necessary for the maintenance of a high
standard of attainment,'., If this be true why
may not absence for a time, of certain pre
scribed limits be granted to our base-ball team,
for instance, for a trip, without subjecting them
to requirements upon return which almost
amount to compelling compliance with the few
days of routine which they have missed?
Might this not be granted in the case of those
students at least, whose standing under the
professors in charge recommends them as stu
dents who may be relied upon to do fair work
in the studies of the term ?
LET not the non-Christian in our midst
suppose that any standard which he or
others will ever bear will overshadow the stand
ard of the Y. M. C. A. Why ? Because it
holds aloft the truths of the gospel of which
Paul said lie was not ashamed, “ for it is the
power of God unto salvation." The mathema
tician is apt to judge that student dull who is
not apt in mathematical study. The like is
true of many people, who judge by a standard
of their own, apt to be biased. Talmage says,
every man has his hobby, and no doubt this
THE FREE LANCE.
fact is conducive to extended accomplishments
in given lines. So we say to all students:
Think enough of your chosen studies to love
them better than all other studies, have a high
idea of the importance and influence of your
chosen field, but whether that field be law, civil
engineering, electrical or mechanical engineer
ing, never suppose that it will vie with those
principles, which the gospel mentioned em
bodies, in claiming the attention of men. If
your surroundings and your associates arc
quite engrossed with the important secular is
sues, never suppose that men will become so
commercial and so entirely, “of the earth
earthy," that this gospel will cease to be re
garded. It is not beneath your notice; you
have time to concern yourself about it now; it
is compatible with and preeminent to your
present study, whatever that may be, and it is
compatible with what the habit of life, not to
mention other Considerations, ought to be.
WE are pleased to call the attention of the
.students, Alumni, and friends of this
institution to the proposed publication of a
College Annual by the present Junior class,
The class has selected an efficient corps of
editors, and, judging from the present activity
of the staff, we will be favored with a volume
worthy of the support of the institution and
its friends. This will be the first Annual ever
published at this institution and so far as the
literary character of it is concerned we predict
it will be a success. Now as to the financial part:
The Annual as now anticipated will burden the
class with a great expense which they hope
will be shared by the students, Alumni, and
friends. We can assure the class the aid of
the students in this undertaking, as they have