New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-07-03

TSHE sophomores by virtue OF traditional
authority had decreed that the ne .i ls,,
caps. The sophomores, as usual, CONSIDERED
themselves we'll qualified to act as arbiters OF
freshman etiquette and fashion.
Tod Kean, freshman did not share this
view Tod knew little and cared less about
tradition Moreover, Tod, being an only son,
had been his own supreme authority IN most
matters for some years and he was confident
that he knew more about dress than the whole
sophomore class. So Tod strolled out with
derby of the very latest design
This of course was deadly affront to every
sophomore 1t was also rebellious revolution
ary anarchstic, and everything else that IS
horrible. The very foundations OF great IN
stitution of learning were threatened. Nam
Hall shook Science Hall tottered the gyrnna-
SUM wabbled the dormitories rocked and all
other buildings gave similar evidence OF Ils'a-
bilitv Even Woman's Hall shuddered.
The situation the more serious because
the derby was really of late des On. If it had
been a battered thing of ancient vintage, an old
SLOUGH a back number cap or anything like that,
disaster would not have been so imminent; but
for mere freshman to wear an up to date Id
was a frightful menace to the whole college world
How could he be distinguished from his bettersc
Thus reasoned Sam Tanson, sophomore,
when the bonnet first dawned upon his view, and
Sam was man to whom tradition was dear. 1t
was clearly his duty to protect the dear old
college from Dissertation: yet he was not disposed
to be too hasty in his action A mere warning
might be sufficient. 1t was possible that this
youth erred through ignorance only and had
no realization of the enornity OF his crime or
that il was crime at all. So Sam approached
and chided him gently IN some such tacttul
words as - Burn the helmet and put on the
pink Tod however, 50 far forgot himself as 20
answer back which. as everybody knows, was
a grave breach of etiquette. Furthermore, the
answer was not cOuched III deferentlal or even
polite language
There was naturally nothing for Sam to do
hut reach for the hat and inf1ict such damage
upon it that it would be OF no further use. which
he promptly did This YOU understand not
only his right but his duty a sophomore. The
freshman was clearly in the wrong. He should
not have worn the hat in the first place he she
not have answered back in the second, and he she
not have glared detiantly in the third. A g
principle at stake, and 1t devolved upon
lone sophomore. who had been as conSiderate
circumstances permitted, to uphold it.
UNFORTUNATELY Tod could not see it t
~ way A man. freshman. whose new
has Just been ruthlessly wrecked, is seldom able
see things in just the II ht light. Tod sought
minute he and his volunteer mentor were engaged
a rough and tumble argument which promised tC
one of the loveliest little affairs of the college
There came then various freshmen and varl
sophomores. none Of whom needed any expana1
of the trouble of his duty in the premises. tt
came also Buck Penroy. to act as interested 81
tator and, possibly referee Buck. whose comp
front name Buckingham. seated himself &C
fortably on fence to watch the battle BEN
Junior, it was not necessary or becoming that
should take any part in it but 1t was entirely pro
that he should en- Ov the sight and take such act
as might be advisable in case hOStll1tleS eXCee
the limits of undergraduate deCOrum.
When the smoke of battle cleared away. whic
did in brief time the freshmen had been beaten
leaving three of their number as prisoners of v