The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-12-29
GERMAN STUDENT LIFE.

contribution to science have amounted to
more than those of any other man OF modern
times-indicate perfectly the spirit of the
University of Berlin. Passing between these
emblems, the walk approaches and enters
dim narrow halls. Students throng the pass
ages, gravelv and formally salute each other,
and press silently into lecture-rooms, to
which beauty is as much stranger as elo-
guence is to the ponderous lectures OF a Ger
man professor. In the crowded lecture
rooms are many English and American
faces. 1t is often asked why American stu
dents cross the waters, almost owning a for
eigu allegiance, in the higher pursuit
of science, when American col
leges are well equipped in labora-
tories and able instructors. The sim
pie answer is, that nowhere do discipline and
encouragement to original research unite to
bear the fruit they do in the Berlin Univer-
sity. The professor is not only instructor,
who plods year after year in the beaten path,
but is an earnest student himself, examining
with his class and by his personal example
~infusing among his students a love OF origi-
nal discovery. Study in every department
is conducted by lectures-no text books; or,
rather, all text books are used; subjects are
studied in such a way they require the sup
port of all special authorities; students CO.
operate with instructors, especially in
science rooms. If a new species of plant or
bird is presented each student takes a part.
and when all the parts are examined, the
combined classifications accurately describe
the species. In relying for truth upon his
own examination the student becomes an
original investigator, and in spite Of the fact
that many students assert the air OF
universal wisdom, and betray hopes of the
career of a Kant or Kepler, the system re-
mains unparalleled in results.
The daily life of a German student is IN
like American student life. The citizens are
never harrassed by boyish caprices; the fac
ulty fear no outbreaks of merry war; one
hears no college songs, or class jokes that
weave such charming memories around col
lege life. Gravity pervades every association
of the student. He treats his professors with
unvarying reverence. He is never drought
before the faculty" like a culprit, and cross
examined purposely to entrap him. Such
humiliation in the eyes of the grave faculty
only leads to slyer misdemeanors. Some
times he receives a special invitation to
meet some members of the faculty corps,
then, instead of long, ethical discourses, he is
treated in such a polished, courteous way,
he instinctively summons every manly I'M
pulse to deserve it.
The club, much like the American fratern-
ity system, elects young men to social
salvation or ostracises them into non-ex ist-
ence. They usually meet of evenings. A
question, likely scientific, is proposed, all
members being obliged to take part in the
discussions. Sometimes the discussion
reaches a depth that would startle the very
ashas OF IeRe9i nevertheless, it is claimed, that
the club has been the starting point for MANY
now prominent workers in science.
In these meetings the students frigiditv
warns, but his dignity is maintained. often
at the point OF the sword. Dueling is the Sc
cret OF the renown of many of noble birth
whose scholarship alone would not support
them, Every scar left by the sword dis
tlngulshes; and a student bearing the left
sloe OF ms face scanned and scared like a new
ploughed corn-field, reaps all the honor
of the brave. In no way can a fresh.
man prove his title to respect
so effectually as by making it convenient tn
conceive a slight from some mate, in order
to avenge bis manhood in a duel. The
causes are frequently of the himsiest kind
IL Is not hard to conclude that the 6rhtino
is an object of much more interest than the
previous insult. In one case of a hot debate
one OF the debaters innocently asked his on
ponent for the authority the latter was sun
posed to quote. This was conceived as an
lmputatlon of plagiarism, and called forth a
challenge to fight a duel. There is small
comfort for the man who declines to font
The majority of students prefer exposure to
Inc thrust OF a sword to the keener disgrace
that stigmatizes a coward.
DuelIsts prepare by binding the left arm
IN silk until it is sriffened like a pillow.
Then wrap the neck in the same. The left
arm is arched over the he d in fencin. to
ward blows, the sword being welded
IN the other hand. The time
tor hghtlng is usually agreed
hours, as injuries demand frequent halts /
Tor surgical examination. The friends OF
either duelist stand on opposite sides. one [
faction wearing red caps the other green; /
presidents bearing the sword stand ready to a
call halts and prevent unauthorized strokns n
If a duelist deals an unlawful blow il ends Y
the duel and leaves him in disgrace. A e
member OF the nobility, titled, is present. as k
police can make no arrests, dueling being a i
violation of municipal law, in the presence k
a noble scion, except for felony. rendering d
the attendance of one indispensable. Some -
college government interferes and i'm.
prisons the offenders, which Imprisonment [
a great honor. Any student who has g
been locked in the career for two years-the k
longest period of punishment-is famous for a.
al tlme-and envied by less distinguished as
pirants. Sometimes the duel terminates a
.ndicrously. An awkward combatant lost a cl
patch OF scalp which was finally discovered pr
TO the ceiling. In another lamenta- ii
Die case the offended party lost the point pl
ii his nose. As the freed organ D.
away, a terrier dog, evidently on the
watch, sprang after it and devoured the
polls of the ARRAY with a great satisfaction, r.
The injured party recovered his honor at
ne point OF his nose. hf
No such thing as hazing, or any diversion ar
o be compared to Harvard and Yale boat in
acing, exists in a German university. The hi
lbrary is the home OF the student. In look W
ng over the books in the United States de- f1
"a uncut u tle ItONdl Library, which is adj hi