THE STUDENT ATTITUDE

The general undergraduate view point this year—on things collegiate and those outside of Hanover—has had a seriousness not usual in former years, and every undergraduate activity so far this fall has been marked by this tendency to get something done. Last spring, whenever men gathered in groups, there was only one topic of conversation —war; but with this discussion little else was done. This fall there has not been so much talk about the war but a great deal more work actually accomplished. The thousand men in college seem to realize their purpose in being here and have used their time to. the best advantage.

This attitude is reflected in the scholastic work being accomplished. No definite figures are available, but the daily work given by the professors has been up to the standards of last year and in many cases exceeded it. Work is being well and promptly done, and professors, despite the many additional calls made upon their charges by outside activities, have had little chance to be dissatisfied with the undergraduate viewpoint.

One evidence of this new attitude of serious thought is found in The ThirdRail, a magazine published by the students taking English under Professor Lambuth. In the November number only one story is found, and this has as its theme the "business of war." The rest of the magazine is devoted to serious discussions of such problems as conservation of food, the embargo, Russia, Italy, and draft machinery. A year ago this magazine was also largely editorial but contained discussion of a much lighter nature and had a plenteous injection of fiction.

In the actual work of "preparing for war" much has also been accomplished. Three times a week freshmen drill on the campus in the elements of successful fighting and the same number of times each week a company of upper-classmen meet to study military science. On the afternoon of November 3, under two divisions staged a mimic trench battle on the open field east of Alumni Gymnasium and the Oval. Here for the past months complicated trench works have been under construction and Company A, made up of upper-classmen, attempted to capture that section held by the freshmen. An imitation mine was exploded and the "stormers" seized the crater. After consolidating their positions they advanced on the "enemy" and routed them. "Sweepers" cleared up the trenches and finished the exhibition. Up to date the freshmen have gone as far as the school of the battalion. After Thanksgiving the major part of the work will consist of lectures.