New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-12-04

Tfsg Should Not Be Djsregarded By
Societies.

II the opinion Of President Charles ". Eliot
NJ Harvard University. College societies are both
natural ard beneficial. I do not regard as seri-
ms or Of lasting Importance he said, the jeal-
ogsiss and llsarpointments that may arise
among men who do not make certain fraterni-
ties OF clubs.
Another member Of the faculty, however, who
vas graduated from Harvard only short time
sgo said that there was danger Of the societies
trying 10 dominate the classes by electing their
officers. and he gave for an example the recent
election Of officers in the junior class. He said
For many years Il has been felt here that the
societies and clubs have been too powerful an in
huence in the politics and the life Of the uni
rersty Especially IS this evident in the cleo
tons Of the freshman class The reason is that
comparatively few Of the freshmen know per-
sonsHy lie men put Tp for Office, who, as
usual hing come from the big preparatory
schools This save rise 10 sort Of machine by
which certain societies elected their slate, and
the men elected were in for four years.
The present Junior class broke away from
precedent. however, ana passed q rule by which
the class elections were to be held every year.
The class Of % also adopted q similar bylaw.
TIE drst president Of the class of '0T was
ciety man. and. although good man for the
place, his election nevertheless stirred UP the an
tagouism Of the fraternity men. This year.
therefore, the ordinary men determined TO
show their strength. and they did. They noInl-
mated as their president a man who was not
81 athlete a society man or a man Of wealth
Being poor, he had worked as a waiter in Ran
dal Hall. But he had made his mark as de-
batter, and this year was elected president of the
Junior Debating Club. The revolt proved sue
ceSsfTl and e. 1rs7fr7ar- man yvas eIac+e5
This goes TO show. therefore. that Harvard
bottom IS democratic and the judgment of the
majority is against ezcIusiveness and the ten
dency toward clannishuess. I think that the
society is q good thing II composed of good men,
hut thnk that society men should not forget
hat theg represent only a part and not the
Whole Of this great Institution. The interests Of
the non-society men should not be forgotten or
neglected"
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Byron satteree Hurlburt, dean of Harvard
College, said he was sttl in doubt as to the COM
para1ve Importance of the benefits and evils Of
college societies Dean Hurlburt added:
find myself very much puzzled over the
"Aoie question Of college fraternities and So
osues and / confess my mind is not made up on
ne relative advantages and disadvantages.
recognize that college societies as they exist
nm Us here a. Cambridge do q great deal of
to'' here can't be any doubt Of that. On the
s-9 hanG, ! realize that they DO some harm.
- mats as far as have gone in working out
p'o4em. One thing however. I am fully
'..''ceo Of. and thar is that freshman So
e~e@ ere unwise and am firmly opposed to
st. -'o|' when you come 70 discuss the Ques-
@'' u whether the failure Of certain under
n
bitterness, why, Of course It is, that's clear
,-sH' 'It that is I think largely monlentary
.'-5'nllS that yantshes, II not before gradu-
- ~ IL lAe Years that follow soon.
'e3- al recent commencement one Of the
e.@-Iates Who spoke said that his class reunion
les, - year which was the tenth since they had
0o'ese' developed the most unity and the
- +,'-'t' o. any. Now. even herein college I
rairs,-e -'s Class spirit which is truly ad-
vsra - ---' ehceedifgly strong with us In Har-
fng,. 90 reality much stronger than the feel
IN irse-- - any society. Time and again find
e,leqAs. ---' response, loyal and hearty, to any
GERS ls made through the class off,
ing Fl, '-sSlag THIS question ana in approach
save,. p'S'Con IS thar Of a non-society man,
socferf.. al honorary member Of one or two
owB min - ten you frankly that while my
70 ,,5a - III doubt ia the matter and have
IS thar :, az yet one Thing 90 feel and that
'aa,sps u yer The advantage or the disad-
IA tie NJ @'+ society, the loyalty to Harvard
alike CO.,. q me graduate and undergraduate
ciety. = lar above any feeling for any So
asarpo,s. -.7 end IN after years. whatever the
and r ..-i''eht Of TIE moment, do not believe
survive, = nor NY experience that there is any
sis,ss q The bitterness that may have ex-
sSaaua,. 'Niho Of the disappointed under
~ e tbs moreover. Go feel sure that the 10y
ERIN or Harvard certainly overbaiances anv
.slhed n tt-ay9 o!ntmeni that may have re-
: ieVe TIA, rs I4L mad Of g-~duate and do not
a toTs o. -! ara loses either possible bene-
is0Essa ss,s1t4ple donations because of under
r tho -, iss 10 make certain societies
sssasrl ~ o"n judgment rests on the whole
t<ctsnsse ~ ~ - nc final opinion and my mind