there is a likelihood that the same interest cannot be main
tained throughout the year.
For convenience we may divide college entertainments
into two classes,—first those functions which are given
mainly for pure entertainment or amusement, such as con
certs, lectures of a humorous nature, dramatic presentations,
etc., and second, lectures whose chief aim is to be instruc
tive. Of the former we are glad to say that enough interest
has been manifested in such matters that we are able to
have a series of good entertainments during the winter, and
several during other seasons of the year. The manner in
which such courses are supported is proof that the student
body apprecia,tes these opportunities.
In regard to the second class it must be confessed that
there is a great dearth of such lectures at this place, and
why is it? The fault cannot lie particularly on anybody,
and the only reason seems to be that no one has felt author
ized to take the initiative in such a movement. It is true
that the nature of our college may partly explain why no
lectures on literary subjects are given here like at more clas
sical institutions, and that support outside of the faculty
and students cannot be depended upon as in towns of a lar
ger size. But if some 'attempt were made to procure a few
addresses on social and political subjects by some of the
public men of to-day, there is no doubt that they would be
earnestly patronized. There are many prominent political
and scientific men who could be procured for sums within
our means. The benefit of a lecture on some political or
economical topic to the young man must be conceded, for it
is at this age that lie begins to exercise the rights of citizen
ship and has an interest in some of the current subjects of
discussion. Our president is well acquainted with many
public men and may it not be suggested that he or some
other members of the faculty take an interest in such a pro
ject? We notice that our sister institution, Lehigh, a col-