them their own guardians ; but that such
liberty would be best in this college we seri
ously doubt. The great need has been a
moderate liberty in these matters. The
allowance of a number of "cuts" shows a re
coghition of the fact that man is not perfect.
Emergencies will arise, little mishaps occur.
That these slight offences should be followed
by a letter to parents, imply any danger of
suspension, seemed from the students' point
of view obviously unfair. The appointment
of class officers invests the power of excuse
with those in daily contact with the student.
Excuses under this plan may be given with
greater equity than when such power lies in
the hands of a single person who, though
he doubtless is equally disposed with the class
officers to impartiality and justice, yet cannot
appreciate the specific case nearly so well.
The very simplicity and definiteness of the
new system augurs well for its success. It
cannot be misunderstood nor can
, ignorance
of the existence of laws be plead as in the
past.
On the whole the change is a step in the
right direction. It is, however, but an experi
ment. Upon its success depends its perma
nence. Now is the opportunity to prove what
we all claim, that we are prepared for greater
privileges. A proper use of these privileges
will warrant further advance in the future.
WE are pleased to note the generous gift
of Andrew Carnegie to our college
library, it consists of complete copies of all
the English writings relating to America.
These volumes are very valuable to all stu
dents, and especially to those interested in
THE FREE LANCE.
the study and research of history. If we are
correctly informed these copies are in the
possession of but two other institutions in this
country, Which causes them to be the more
highly prized. Mr. Carnegie has not only the
thanks of the college officials for his kindness,
but also those of the body of students for
whom the gift is given.
WITH the approach of warm weather come
thoughts of outdoor sports and athletics.
Although the opportunities for outdoor train
ing have been very fe'w, the unusually mild
weather has been in our favor, leaving us in
better trim than the same time last year. The
opening of the gymasium has been followed
by a manifestation of enthusiasm and interest
which will speak gratitude for the State's gen
erous gift. We should now seek to cherish
and fan this lively spark into a steady flame,
which shall result in regular and beneficial
work, A field day during commencement
week is of prime importance. To insure suc
cess, in fact to make it at all feasible, we must
have a running track. Without this, as in
previous years, a few clays' training will be
given by some, which by the majority means
all till the day of the contest, Such a contest
will be unworthy of the excellent material in
college. We earnestly hope the authorities
will find it possible to give us a track imme
diately ; if not entire, a single stretch of the
track as planned, would be of great service.
In this connection it would be well to think
Of establishing prizes. With limited means
anything costly would be impossible, But
even in these days of practical "Dollar and
Cent" ideas, there still lingers a touch of
that sentiment which made the laurel wreath