New-York tribune., 1898-11-21
4 HINT FOR COLL NBil.

With classes labelling themselves with num-
bers belonging to the twentieth century, II
would seem as If the students in some or our
great institutions OF learning might permit
themselves TO outgrow habits belonging TO i'll
hammered boys rather than TO polite and studi-
Gus men. We should by 10 means discourage
the perpctuation of reasonable college tradi-
ton. and heartily approve Of harmless non
sense which adds charm 20 student life and
hrigh;ens It's afiermcmores. But there Is
really no reason for college boys TO think 1T
nraiseworthy or even cXcuSabe for them to
make a nuisance of themselves 10 the public
hv indulging in disorders which committed by
street oafers would bc the signal for police in
reference. few years ago this sort OF con-
duct was considered respectable in American
colleges far and wide Student disturbances
were regular institution. but fortunately
there has been great change in our leading
universities. The old rather barren life ana
narrow curriculum and discipline. which prob
ably did much 10 force outbreaks OF animal
spirits into rude channels have given way to
a totally different college atmosphere. Surely
with the present prominence Of athletics there
should hc outlet enough for physical activity
and the broadening of the social circle OF col
lcce towns and tIc growth OF new and varied
educational interests sufficient 10 fill the lives
OF men of all tastes ought 10 leave no col
lcgian in such emptiness of mind that he turns
TO The occupations Of the rowdy to find amiSc-
mcnt or prove his manlincsS.
To the credit of many OF our colleges. it IS
10 he said that there has been great reform
in recent years. We believe il il no longer
considered necessary for a Harvard or lalc
man TO damage college property. disturb hon
est citizens or make himself conspicuous in
public places by disregard Of the comfort ana
convenience Of other people in order to slow
his standing rs an educated man. This good
example has been largely followed 10y smaller
institutions We no longer read so frequently
of cum-shoc fights stealing street signs. tear
inc down fences and disOrdcry conduct in
strcctcars and all the other disturbances which
uscd 10 he the regular news items OF college
towns We hear more Of what the faculties
arc doing and of what the students are think
ing about In some places the undergraduates
themselves are 81 jealous Of their standing aS
gentlemen who observe all the proprietics cx-
pcccd of gentleman in the world that Snch
outbreaks would be impossible We wish that
were true Of the public spirit OF onr own great
University. Columbia of which in other re
specl> we are so justly proud.
Perhaps something should he pardoned 10
college body which is moi community Ou'
whose units are swallowed up IN great c'Y.
Yct the fa,A that they are a part OF the great
city ought to have a polishing Influence on the
individuals and il would seem as If. Their as
sociation being somewhat limited. they might
find better means Of social intercourse than
strpctcar wranglcs and other pranks. Spiehdii
things as We hear Of the growth OF 'oNmOa'
and admirable aS is the work done there ac-
corling "a all competent authorities. II Is nm
fortunate that the stIdent body should he most
often brought 10 tho attention OF the cltizehs
Of New-York through some rude act. when Is
hardened because il is the work ~ college
hovs" Isn't II about time for Columbia SUI
dents to realize that they are no longer pclhg
"sont TO school" and thereby set apart ana III
dutv bound to get even with the rest OF the
world bv breaking It's rules Of conduct: 1hat
NAV do for boys school II hardly Incomes
sorious seekers after knowledge in a great | nj
vorsi,v The Columbia students ought TO rise
| to ,he dignity of their own institution ana put
| .liIIiSb thnUs