New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-07-19

pletey shutting themselves up in their own aristocracy.
To such extent was this secluson and nobbery car
operated against them with the Juniors some seven
eight OF whoa refused its election Tor scroll G,d hey
Since then they have been more reasonable in many
things, hayingeven given up their midnight tramp and
skull aad Bones claims TO give elections TO the first
fifteen Of the class. This first is defined cxcelng
IN literary ahlty scholarship eIc, literary distinction
spoon man. commodore Of the Navy prominent Lit"
editors and heavy politicians are considered or
late years new element of fitness has asserted itself
and high place In the category Of essentials, viz
near relative in The s"cietv NAV heSin ~ fr s m III
Initiation fee; but brother in recent class liz worth
more than father in forgotten one for the
of Gen Russell was not adequate to procure an election
for his son.
Scroll and Key cultivates the lighter weights While
she is willing TO accept Of the scholars, writer's &C.
who will refuse Bonesas her rival is sacre giously
caledshe dotea ON broadcloh sunny faces, nice mus
taches good fellowship and POrtemonnaes. Generally
making bid sufficient to get one two literary gods
as proper candidates for the classday honors she fills
out her list with members of the spoon Committee, and
such other addressed and generally recognized good
fellows the catalogue affords While Bones listen sub
mssfvey 10 the commands OF elder brothers, Scroll and
VINO oiten get up rack, as Is called e., certain
number of desirable men club together aud say, Take
90 virtually elected themselves.
ch then are the secret societies Of Yale They must
exert powerful influence on the college life Of the
beers who enter them the first year and under their
control during the whole There is in minds
dows and behind iron doors and many fathers first
instruction to his son on starting from home is Keep
IL
take. The societies, have, Of course, Objectionable
features but they prevent more evil than they create
The idea OF carOusals and unscemly gatherings which
are sometimes supposed to be cOeXstent with these
cqucs for the students feel them
necessity Of giving character 10 their society In
Freshman year the exercises wholly literary and
graduate who wins college hOnOrs can trace their
origin society efforts More of the recreatve enters
into the programme OF the older societies, but
of the Faculty belong 10 all OF Them and have free
their halls story OF dissipation can be sub
santiaed. Then, too, students Of bashfuLsature will
be brought out and induced 20 write and speak
among those with whom they have some bond of union
than If thrown at once into the open societies and
among strangers. This point Is yearly verified IL II Is
objected that cannish snObbsh spirit is engendered il
he replied that in such large classes cques must
form necessarily friendships All cannot become
intimate with ALL True the conduct Of the Senior sOce
ties in many respects childish and excessively foolish
as none are willing than their members confess
after few years OF business c but the college feeling
cOrrecs this in part 10y of rejected elections, and
perhaps in time the Alumni OF these orders Will bring
their influence bear upon the acting members To do
away with bOyish foes and build up regulations real
members OF upper classes avenging them
selves Oh members OF the class be-
low them by "back-balling' them. and
that Of real worth compelled 10 see brothers
and politicians enjoying hOnOrs which strictly their
due Societies indeed arbitrary in giving out their
elections and choose candidates to suit themselves; but
this they have perfect right 10 do, acting out their
wishes and unworthy men are chosen 1t viii re-
dound "a the detriment of the organization. Dlsap
pointed candidates only show their acknowledge
OF a SOcieys claim TO literary scholastic disnc
ton when they out against their disappOint
ment. Acknowledge them To he just what they are, and
realize that they not Crlteria OF talent give them
credit for pleasures and do not forget that they
ing important part in the college course part which
need anxiety TO the friends Of the institution