The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1900-03-26
YALE UNIVERSITY.

Mathematics and Greek-Other Elec-
tive Extensions--College journalism.
An examination of the Yale circular
which announces the extension of the
system Of elective studies in sopho-
more year shows that the change is a
very important one. AS has been
stated, the sophomores have been forced
to choose heretofore five out of six sub
jects, and can hereafter choose five out
ten. Counting, however, subdivision of
subjects, the old option was five out of
eight studies, and the new option is
raised to five out of sixteen. A much
more important fact, however, is that
the sophomore can hereafter in his
choice eliminate mathematics altogeth-
err, as well as Greek. He can, for ex-
ample, take Latin, chemistry, history
English, and a modern language. Thus
at one stroke the old sophomore math-
ematics," SO long, as required study,
the dread of students not proficient in
the branch, is swept away, and Greek,
except as an optional study, is confined
| to freshman year. To those familiar
with Yale conservatism in those studies,
| the significance of the change is obvi-
Gus. 1t leaves freshman year as the
hardest-with it's required studies-of
the curriculum. 1t is a prevailing I'M
preston that in a year or two electives
will begin in freshman year also
In the sophomore scheme two adj
vanced mathematical courses appear
one in calculus under Professor Phillips
and one in analytical geometry under
Mr.. Hawkes.. They are intended for the
mathematical specialists and will adj
vance such students one year In gradu-
ate courses. Indeed, the whole tenden-
cy of the new courses Of sophomore year
Is in the line of specialization. This is
indicated further by notes of advice for
the first time, 1t Is said, appearing in
Yale elective circular. They state that
all departments unite in asking the
sophomores to obtain, in choosing their
electives, the best advice they can in
college and at home; that instructors
will be glad to give such advice; that
sophomores should choose electives with
the idea of doing advanced work in later
years along the same line, and broaden
interest by choosing subjects more re-
motley contributory to the main sub
ject or choosing one that by contrast
will give relief and stimulus. The notes
Ol duVlce also Sldle lIldl SlellleHldly
French and German cannot be taken
later than sophomore year, and that
students for the graduate course of
Ph.D should not fail to get an early
reading knowledge of French and Ger
man.
There will be next year eighteen in
Etructors in the sophomore courses
Professors Perrin, Reynolds, Morris,
Phillips, Richards Gooch, Browning,
Dana, Lewis, Baldwin, Drs. Andreen
and Reed, and Mr.. Hawkes., Mr.. Hol-
brook, Mr.. Sanderson, Mr.. Taylor, Mr..
Eldridge and Mr. Farr. The general
scope of the plan as outlined in the cir
cular shows how greatly sophomore
year so long the stronghold of Yale con-
servatism, has been modified. Gradu-
ates of a generation ago will recall how
the scholastic terrors Of sophomore year
We're expressed in the meeting sdng''
of one of the old cornwall sophomore So
cieties:
"Our workday harness now unbuckle
Demosthenes we give the slip
'Twixt cup of pleasure and of lip
There rises up no shade of Puckle,'
the last word Of the verse referring to
PICKLES Comic Sections" as taught by
Professor Newton, on which many a
sophomore craft was wrecked.
Another very important change in the
electives, showing the direction in which
the Hadley administration is working, |
is the elimination Of theArequired two
hours a week OF philosophy in senior
year, making the whole senior curricu-
lum elective. Philosophy, as a, senior |
e+,, ~ IA
President Porter when the elective sys-
tenn was introduced some fifteen years
ago, and was retained under President |
Dwight though sharply resisted by the
large majority of the academic faculty. |
There are rumors Of other changes of |
moment in the elective system yet to |
come, and, as an ultimate, ii seems
probable that the whole Yale curriculum
will be elective, with the responsibility |
of training up to 1t thrown on the secon-
Diary schools.
The "heeler' system, with its squad
of competitive news gatherers for the
Yale News was modified by the out
going board SO as to encourage quality
rather than quantity in writing and to
substitute regular assignments for ir- !
regular work. The old system led to
poor writing, imperfect newsgathering,
and an amount of fruitlees work which
In not a few cases interfered seriously
with college duties. The new plan will
be continued through the coming year.
AS daily college paper the News has
been profitable for many years, and, in
view Of the hot competition of outside
has been fairly success
'ul in news gathering, though varying
much from year to year, according to
he abilities of its working force. 1t has
some unpleasant limitations in the dis
,ussion of academic questions. as illus
-rated, for example, by the fact that
throughout the existing sophomore So
,iety controversy it has said nothing
either as news or comment, on one of
he most important undergraduate sub
ects in Yale history. York Post
EFFECTS OF EARLY TRAINING.
Not long ago the warden of a peni-
entiary who had had long experience
With criminals and had carefully studi-
Il oe,to ttctta ,f r. c tt,e,t | -