TROUGHING SEASON

On June 4 there appeared in the columns of The Dartmouth the following resolution, signed by the officers of the sophomore class: "Believing the custom of troughing detrimental to the best interests of Dartmouth, the class of 1921 hereby resolves to abandon the present troughing season. We further recommend to Palaeopitus that the institution of troughing be herewith abolished, and that a suitable substitute be established to take its place."

Palaeopitus was not slow in taking action on the proposed move. Feeling certain that the class of 1921 had taken its stand in an entirely generous and unselfish spirit, the student governing body gave out a statement voicing its approval, published simultaneously with the sophomore resolution. The notice from Palaeopitus read: "In view of the action taken by the sophomore class, Palaeopitus hereby recommends to the administration of the College that the custom of troughing be abolished. It further recommends that some constructive steps be taken to provide a substitute that may act in the place of troughing as a deterrent force on undesirable features of college life."

Because of the complete cooperation among undergraduates in their attitude toward the matter, as evidenced by the statements mentioned, it seems practically certain that troughing is to become a mere interesting bit of history of the Dartmouth that is past. Undergraduates today, in considering the reconstruction that must necessarily come next year, favor a total re-establishment of all the good traditions that the College has cherished. That much must be accom- plished, if the true "old Dartmouth" is ever to return. But, when such a favorable opportunity is offered for the weeding out of unnecessary and undesirable customs, it would be an unpardonable evasion of responsibility to neglect the challenge.

The student body as a whole does not regard troughing as a beneficial means of fostering class spirit. It fails to accomplish its one worthy end — the suppression of a natural "freshness" among members of the entering class — and it inevitably brings with it other results, the influence of which is detrimental to wholesome college spirit. The formation of an interclass. council, to have charge of Delta Alpha and other class activities, has been suggested as a substitute for the departing troughing season. Some such step will, of course, be necessary; but, whatever action is taken, it is maintained almost unanimously throughout the student body that the abolition of oldtime punitive methods will act in every way for the better interests of the college.