The recently published Dartmouth
football schedule bears larger evidence of conscientious struggle than of unqualified success on the part of its framers. No one is particularly pleased with it; and yet no one is disposed to criticize it. Most men can probably recall an awkward period in boyhood—just on the verge of long trousers—Mien, having on a sudden become too big for the little chaps, while not admitted to complete fellowship among the big ones, they found their estate a lonely one. Those who have endured the experience will perceive an analogy to Dartmouth's present position. They will realize, too, that there is no applicable remedy except good-nature, patience, and an unquenchable spirit of fair play.
One regret which the schedule arouses is found in the passing of Williams as a football rival. Dartmouth holds her friends of the old-time "triangular league" in particularly affectionate regard, which occasional squabbles have served rather to intensify than to impair. And with affection goes the respect due to sound drubbings received. Williams elevens have time after time completely outplayed themselves against Dartmouth, with a resultant exhaustion that interfered often with a season's success. Hence there can be no quarrel with the decision that found in the game more damage than satisfaction. The cordial feeling that survives the severance is tribute to the tact and courtesy of both sides in the negotiations.
As Williams passes, word comes that Dartmouth and Brown have buried the hatchet. They have been, for years, meeting uninterruptedly in debate; but beyond thus formally jawing at one another, have had few mutual interests. The causes of controversy have long since been forgotten. There is no reason why they should not be buried. How far resumption of athletic relations shall proceed, may now be determined on the basis of advisability uninfluenced by foolish prejudice.
In forming the organization known as The Arts, the undergraduates have sought at once to encourage and to unify the various student strivings toward self expression. Membership in the body consists of fifty men; but the influence of these selected ones should touch the entire College. It was under the auspices of The Arts, recently, that the paintings of Mr. Woodhull Adams were exhibited in Robinson Hall. Mr. Adams, an accomplished amateur, has been, perhaps, the first painter to interpret satisfactorily in oils the snow-clad beauty of Dartmouth College and the surrounding country. To the boys who have seen his work the revelation of unsuspected beauty in familiar things has been a most valuable experience. Through The Arts, further, not only his work, but Mr. Adams himself has been made accessible to the students. The opportunity appears to have been enjoyed by all concerned. Mr. Adams, modest though he is, may properly feel gratified in the frank allegiance of the students. They, in turn, are proud to know him, and doubly proud of the tangible expression of his interest which he has given them in the shape of an excellent painting, which now hangs in the rooms of the organization.
Professor Dixon stated the matter accurately and acutely when, at the Boston alumni dinner, he remarked that failure of the entire student body to spend all its time on the side lines watching and cheering football practice is not a sign of waning college spirit, but of rapidly increasing college activity. There are fewer men than there used to be who have time to indulge in vicarious sports. Probably none will admit that his idea of college spirit is to get a crowd together to howl while a few others do the work. In any event, the idea seems to be obsolete. To be working —and working hard—at something is now the important thing; let who will do the howling.
This does not mean that athletic interest is on the decline. It is merely taking its place among other interests. There has never been a cheering throng to urge on the rehearsals of the dramatic association. But the association has learned that, when it has something carefully perfected to the point where it is really worth presenting, the effort will be cordially received. The same is true of other organizations.
There would be great value in the permanent establishment of such an understanding, since it, quite properly, places emphasis upon the responsibility of the doer, and not upon that of the persons for whom he may imagine he is acting. If a college man's extra-curriculum work does not, on the whole, bring its own reward, the question is pertinent as to whether it is worth doing at all. The mere fact of labor expended is of benefit to the laborer; but unless the fruits are excellent there is no excuse for exhibiting them. To appeal for support solely on the ground of loyalty is to appeal on behalf of prejudice and of false standards of value.
The semester examinations are now over. Within a few days the result of the test will be known in terms of the freshman casualty list. The proportions which this list will achieve are still subject of speculation. Unusual interest will this year attach to the returns in view of what will be shown of fraternity influence upon the scholarship of candidates for initiation. This year, it will be remembered, pledging took place at the very opening of College. Initiation, however, is, as usual, postponed until the candidate has twelve hours to his credit: that is, until he has passed four of the five courses of his first semester.
How many of the men whom they have pledged the fraternities will save for initiation, and how many they will lose becomes, therefore, a matter of considerable importance. Upon the outcome hangs not only the reputation of individual fraternities, but in considerable degree, the integrity of the whole fraternity idea.
