"Snip!" ejaculated Shears, "He did, did he? Well, an
other Alumnus 'didn't do a thing to the Editor' but rake
him over the coals. Said he couldn't sec any point to those
sketches."
"That is just where the point comes in," interrupted
Inkbottle, joining the conversation. They are supposed to
be like Pastepot's remarks,--not to have any point."
At this point they all laughed,—that is all except Paste
pot, who retorted,—
"I guess they have as much point as yours, you red Indi
an. But I don't care what you say, or what any Alumnus
says. Sketches of college life arc the proper thing for a
college paper. Look at the Bowdoin Quill. What do they
print? Sketches of college life. Examine the Amherst Lit.
What do you find? Stories of college lire. Compare a half
dozen more of the best college papers. What there? The
same idea showing everywhere. Read "Before the Study
Fire' in the Sibyl, or 'Gossip' in the Nassau Lit., or the
'Window Seat' and the 'Mail Bag' in the Amherst Lit., or
'Ye Postman' in the Bowdoin Quill; they are all purely col
lege creations, and yet as interesting and entertaining as
any other part of these magazines.,'
Pastepot had spoken at length; but he evidently meant
what he said and would stick to it.
"What you say is all true enough," responded Shears,
"but don't you know, Pastepot, that it is immaterial what a
college man writes. If he writes at all, it is sure to be col
ored by the life about him, whether it is of college life, or of
any other phases of life. And moreover his writings will be
read by those who look at things very. much as he does, and
who judge things by his own standard of judgment. If the
outside world is to be the final and authoritative judge of a
college paper, then the outside world should publish it."
'Shears had now had his "say" and was satisfied'.
"Well, as far as I can see," said Pen, "an article should