New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-03-12
THE COLLEGE STUDENT.
LIGHT OK SOME OF HIS PROBLEMS

LENS BY James Hume Canheld 12mo, PIP
TX, l97. The Macmillan Company
College students and would-be college students
have received plenty Of advice from many
sources; from men of affairs from scholars and
professional men, and from college officials; but
perhaps none have formulated all the consider
ations that should govern the course of a young
man with such elaboration and at such length
as has Mr. Garfield in his book. The College
Student and His Problems" 1t is published as
the first of a Personal Problem Series that
shall discuss the various classes Of questions
confronting everybody in the shaping of Ideals
and life and that shall offer the thought and eX-
perience Of some one especially competent TO
speak upon each subject. Mr.. Garfield, as presl-
dent and chancellor respectively of two West
ern universities and at present librarian OF
Columbia University has special qualifications
10 speak TO the college student on account Of
his experience with institutions of both the lesser
and the larger type. and with boys in the West
and in the East. He is catholic in his views.
and candidly presents considerations on all sides
Of the subjects he takes up for discussion, put
ting them forward for the decision Of each Of
his readers for himself and refraining from any
dogmatic announcements. Why Go to COL
lege?' The Choice of College, The Selection
of a Course" The Fateful First Year. Fra
A
prises." Electives" The Choice Of Life Work"
"a Few Last Words" are the headings of his
discourse, and at the end he has grouped some
useful statistics as TO the expenses at different
institutions that form appendix to the dis
cussion the choice of a college.
The arguments for going to college are con-
elusive. as Nj. Garfield puts them. much less
easy to answer is the question of choosing COL
lege: but the choice-whether of college or uni
versity-'will depend somewhat upon your age,
your maturity and your preparation, as well as
what you propose to make of yourself The
advantages Of each. of the small college in the
country town of the great university in large
capital, are set forth judiciously; but his last
words seem to throw the weight of his advice
toward the urban university. The discussion of
the choice Of course is judicious; especially
commendable is the stress given TO the value of
American history and civics. Mr.. Garfield is
an urgent advocate OF athletics, both in the
gymnasium and out Of doors. and he believes in
hearty cooperation III all the other college
interests that engage the attention Of under
graduates and debating clubs, college papers,
musical and dramatic organization. He says:
Do not be deadhead in any Of these enter
prises. If you join, do so with the determination
TO give rather than to receive. Be loyal,
inteliigently active, wisely promoting the inter
ests of the association. Let this be a part of
your education in methods. what may be called
your normal training in practical aHalrs Whlch
is 10 give YOU both zeal and understanding in
that public service Of which every worthy cltl-
zen ought TO render his full share.
The remarks upon electives and the choice
of a life work are necessarily Of extremely gen.
eral application, and can only point out certain
principles and lines Of thought that would
doubtless occur TO those most interested and
would certainly be enforced upon them by the
authorities set over the young men who might
be in doubt. One consideration, however, that
is not always presented, is worth noting:
After all. the greatest advantage in the cleo
tive system is that you have an opportunity TO
choose your instruction. most blessed privilege
which you ought never willingly TO neglect or
forego. Always remember Mr.. Ennersons words:
1T is little matter what you learn the question
is with whom you learn" what you most neeo
rs student is no, information but teachers to
whom You will be profoundly and eternally in
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