The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-04-27

Dr. McCosh on College Discipline.
The distinguished and respected Presi-
dent of Princeton College contributes to
the May-June number of the North Amer
lean RevieW an interesting article on "Dis-
cipline in American Colleges" q subject
thrust ON public attention last winter by
the scandalous disorders Of the Princeton
students. We reproduce extracts from
DR.. McCosh's article, but are un-
able to perceive much value in
his practical suggestions. Hc is right
enough in repudiating the spy system and
condemning attempts to undermine the
sense of honor of students by requiring
them to give testimony against one another.
He reprobates hazing as brutal. but seems
to despair of suppressing it without the aid
of outside public opinion. In our judg-
ment outside public opinion goes for little
in its bearing on the conduct of students,
but it may have powerful effect when
brought to bear on the college faculty
Students care little for any public opinion
beyond that which exists among themselves,
and the art of governing college consists
in creating, moulding or modifying the
social atmosphere which prevails within
the institution. When the faculty of col
lege neglect their duty outside public opin-
ion may bring them to o sense of their re-
sponsibility, but it cannot be ex-
pected to act with much force on
the students. If the faculty are o
set of wooden heads it is inevitable that the
students will amuse themselves by playing
practical jokes upon them and making game
of their efforts at discipline. But if the
professors as body are able teachers and
men Of character. force and courtesy they
will have no difficulty in gaining as
cendancy over the minds of young men and
securing their respect and confidence
Youths are generous in their impulses
but quick in their discernment of character,
and humbug professors are pretty sure to
be taken at their just valuation. No man is
At to teach who is incapable of kindling
the intellects of his pupils, and students
smitten with the love of knowledge and
filed with admiration of those who COM
municate it are very easily governed.
Besides ability on the part of the faculty
of college there is needed reasonable
amount Of social tact and an active personal
interest in the students. In every college
class there are few young men who were
born for leadership, and if the profess
sors know how to cultivate these and
gain their friendship they may easily
convert them into instruments for
controlling the rest. If they will not
take pains to do this the college will
suffer the effects Of the negligence and in
dolence. A mere perfunctory hearing of
Rotations by the professors, as if that were
their whole duty, is pretty certain recipe
for lax discipline Every member of the
faculty of college should take an active
interest in the daily life Of the students.
They should
Feel At each thread and live along the line
If they are too stupid or indolent or
wooden to enter with zest into the life of
the institution the students will create their
own social atmosphere, and it is very likely
to be an atmosphere of contempt for their
instructors.
Under an able and competent faculty the
discipline Of a college will be promoted
by encouraging such athletic sports
as excite strenuous emulation. There
is great amount of superfuous
physical energy in young men that will be
worked off in some manner, and If it finds
no legitimate vent it win expend itself
in college pranks. Young men whose
minds are keenly interested in their studies
and Rotations during the proper hours,
and who are stirred to keen emulation
in athletic contests in their hours of relaxa-
ton, will care little for the coarse practical
Jokes which are the amusement of idle
minds. Like master like man. When col
lege officers are able and inspiring college
students may be pretty safely trusted to be
"a law unto themselves"