an institution of learning. One step in the right direction has been the refusal of late of some of our most noted institutions of learning to grant such degrees as C. E., M. E., and Ph. D., until after the candidate has fin ished some considerable amount of ad vanced work in the institution or sub mitted proper work as an equivalent. The practice of some of our colleges conferring high degrees on men in ele vated public positions without regard to their accomplishments in the lines which the degrees should require, leads to confusion however. The term Professor is much used by graduates of colleges who are teaching graded schools and academies, who mak ing specialties of no branches of learning, who would find it difficult to say what they are Professors of, or what Chair they hold. Almost any noted cowboy, bicycle rider, or snake charmer, can style himself "Prof." and have the assent of those who should receive it with dis- approval. Not unlike many other examples in the history of our language, these terms which once were used to denote accom plishment, may in time through improp er usage be applied to only the baser classes of our civilization. MORE attention should be given to the literary societies, More students should take part, and of those who do take part more should manifest THE FREE LANCE. exercise when appointed. We are glad to notice a very marked improvement over last year and the term preceding, when the societies from sev eral causes which are generally known, came very near disbandment. Now that the good work is going on, let more interest be shown, so that we shall have just as good results as formerly. A change by substituting some new feature in the general program for an evening each term, has often done much to awaken a lively interest, and is to be recommended. a greater interest. During this term when out-door sports are not practica ble, there is more time for such work, and now is the time for making a good effort to raise the standard of the per formances. No one should be offended if it were said that the standard Of the societies three years ago was much higher than at present, for such is the truth. There are students just as capable now as then, and as many, but they do not show the interest which was shown then. Then it was the exception where a class had more than one or two members who did not belong to one or the other of the literary societies. It was the exception when a student failed to come on for an There is nothing in a college that can take the place of the literary society ; nothing that can overcome the embar rassment of speaking in public, like the debates and extempore speaking which
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers