The Free lance. (State College, Pa.) 1887-1904, April 01, 1901, Image 17

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    the magazine to the College, the curriculum, and the stu
dents; and their relations to it. What they are, and what
they should be.
First then, what is the present status of the Free
IyANCE? Briefly this. In the latter part of March of each
year a new editorial board is eletecd from the several classes
—from each by the class itself—three Juniors, three Sopho
mores, and two Freshmen. From the three Juniors thus
elected, the old board elects the new editor-in-chief, who or
ganizes the staff and appoints his own business manager
from the student body. And there is the editorial board.
A scarce half dozen articles voluntarily contributed
from the students outside the board in a year. A fishing
rod—and one big enough to hold a “lobster"—with plenty
of “taffy” bait neccessary to secure the remainder; and the
fishing process resulting in the usual fisherman’s luck—plen
ty of good fish in the sea but only a few small ones caught.
A lot of students growling - around because they “don’t pub
lish something decent. And there is the literary support.
A circulation of six-hundred copies, costing from fifty to
sixty dollars per issue or from five hundred to five hundred
and fifty dollars a year. Five hundred paying subscribers,
i. e. supposed to be, but most of whom are now delinquent.
Six hundred dollars now standing out in unpaid subscrip
tions. A gun and club necessary to collect from the stu
dents—at least from seven to thirteen “raps” and three
“hold ups” required for every fellow before he will “pro
duce.” A few advertisements to make up for the defi
ciency. And there is the financial situation.
An untold amount of time and energy spent in its publi
cation. No time off allowed for it by the College. No credit
in standing given for it by the College. No moneyed re
muneration or medaled reward gained by it. But little
praise by the College people bestowed upon the editor for his
successes; but plenty of blame heaped upon his errors and