The Georgia collegian. (Athens, Ga.) 1870-current, April 30, 1870, Page 3, Image 3

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Thus far, we have debated only the latter; we leave it to our readers to decide whether or not we have clear ed Secret Societies from the charge of causing factions ; and we are wil ling now to enter upon the other field, and examine whether secret societies ought to exist in College. It is but just that we should eor rect one mis-statement advanced, no doubt unintentionally, by our friend —who is writing against us. He says, “ In College elections, the secret society party has generally triumph ed by its numerical superiority. How, in the Demosthonian Society, of its 75 members, only 33 belong to secret societies. Hence, when a gentleman belonging to the S. A. E. Club, was recently elected Commencement Or ator, it could not have been done by numerical majority. We have count ed the Phi Kappa roll, and find that the members of secret societies in the a ££ re g ate > ar e fewer than those who arc* hot members. Surely then, the five orators (secret society men) who have been chosen this term by the Phi Kappa Society, did not obtain their elections because of numerical superiority. They must have had some merit to recommend them to their Phi Kappa brothers. The antagonist of secret societies admits that their object is literary, and yet in the same breath, speaks ot them as resorting to the veil of secrecy to confer honors upon those who may deserve them. He either ought not to have made the former admission, or the latter accusation. They are irreconcilable. All the facts in the case demanded the con cession ; and as for the charge—we solemnly affirm, anl we desire our friend to believe it—for we will be lieve anything upon which he stakes his honor—we affirm that the secret society to whieh we belong has not the remotest connexion with seeking to O confer on its members the distinctions of the Literary Societies. And tfe think the same is true of the others. And again, our friend declares that membership in a Club creates unna tural friendships. We judge that he means close friendships, for no doubt the brother members of the same society are bound together by a bond of affection. Now, if our friend ar gues against friendship, we refer him to Cicero de Amicitia, and hope that his prejudice against this noble sen tiraent may be removed. Thus far we have sought to show that certain objections against secret societies are invalid. Wo have yet in reserve, the montion of many abso lute advantages of these organizations. We defer entering upon these; we know that the editors like brief.artia cles, and that they will expect him who answers this, to be as brief as S. S. THE GEORGIA COLLEGIAN. Duty of the Students. The subject which heads this brief article, is one that is harped upon by a great many; and is, doubtless, one for which students entertain such a perfect antipathy, that I scarcely need expect more of this piece to be read than the mere heading. I do not propose to go into detail, or speak at length on the subject of duty in general, and point out what course is proper for all students ; nor do I propose to look after the stu dents of other institutions, for all of which, I would not presume to think myself competent. But I wish sim ply to call the attention of the stu dents of our own University, to one particular branch of their duty, in which a fearfully large number is sadly derelict. It is, that .they don’t do what they ought and what they can for their paper—their own Geor gia Collegian. Now, there are about one hundred and eighty-five registered students in the University, and all in attendance on the exercises. Out of this num*> her, forty-five have subscribed for the Collegian. It was expected, when the students unanimously conceived the glorious idea of publishing a Col lege paper, that every student would aid the enterprise, by subscribing for it immediately after its appearance as a real thing. But they did not do what they were expected to do; a few failed—only one hundred and forty! The queslion forces itself upon us, why is this unaccountable delinquency ? Why do the students neglect so important a part of their duty ? Why are they weighed in the balance and found wanting in the discharge of a duty —for duty it unquestionably is—which is of equal importance with any College duty? When the question is actually put, you meet with such answers as these: “ I can’t spare the money.” “My room mate takes it, and that is enough for both of us.”, “ I haven’t time to read it, and can’t afford to pay for things which I have not time to enjoy.” These are facts, for I have put the questions, and have received these answers. These excuses are not suL ficient to justify such a palpable fail ure in the performance of duty, and such ought not to be considered as sufficiently valid to exculpate the de linquent student from the just cen sure that must fall upon his head. — Thero may be some extreme cases where the student has barely money enough to defray the necessary ex*> penses of his College course; But these, I apprehend, are very few in number. If there are any such cases now in the University—which is very doubtful—they certainly are excusa ble. But the majority of those who offer this excuso, are not absolutely too poor to take the Collegian, and 1 think they will acknowledge it, when they consider how they spend all their, money. There is scarcely a student here, but what, at some time, can rake up greenbacks enough to take a buggy-ride, either with some friend, or his-, sweet-heart. It costs exactly two dollars and a half to take an afternoon ride—just enough to pay his subscription for one year; and I honestly believe that there is not a young lady in town but what would say to the young man who came to take her to ride, if sho knew ho didn’t take the Collegian , “ Don’t spend your money to give me a ride, but go spend it for your paper, and we will walk.” , Let another, who spends money for cigars, at ten to twenty cents apiece, take up his pipe, if he must smoke, and he will soon save money enough tc take the paper, for six months at least. Ice cream time will soon be here, and then there will he a great deal of treating and eating. Suppose a third man denies himself this luxury till he can save money enough for a good purpose ; I’m sure Mr. Flisch would commend such an one for it. Another says his room*, mate takos it. But that does not ex cuse him. Let him take it, and if he and his room-mate insist on reading the same paper, let him send it to his family or friend, or some one who can appreciate its merit more than he can. Those who refuse to take it because they haven’t time to read it, generally find time to read novels and light trash, not half as valuable as the Collegian ; they find time to loaf and do a great many other use less things. Not a single studentcan give a plausible reason for refusing to subscribe for the Georgia Collegian. If then, the students slight their own paper by refusing to contribute to it, can they expect those who are not connected with the University in any way, to interest themselves in it? It certainly is the bounden du ty of every student to subscribe for at least one copy. I know a young man who notonly takes it for himself, but sends another to his lady love, and I don’t think he has money to throw away either. There may be one or two more of the same kind, but these are isolated cases. I repeat that it is every College boy’s duty to take his own paper; and surely no one will hold the stu dent of this University guiltless who openly and wilfully fails to discharge the’ duty imposed upon him by his own enterprise. Then let every one subscribe for the Collegian , for one year, or for six months, or for at least 'months. Student. ...Laws are made, customs grow— laws have to be executed, customs execute themselves laws begin where customs end. A Poem of Seventy Years Ago. [The following is an extract from an oration delivered at the Com mencement of 1801, by Judge A. S. Clayton. The reader will bear in mind that at this time, the country in which our University is situated, was the scene of contests between the Indians and whites.] This balmy place, on which the savage ran, Contains man friendly to his fellow-man. A place where youth, where innocence and age Fell bleeding victims to relentless rage, Affords a sacred shelter, free from harm, Where drooping care may all its fears disarm. The sun of knowledge, through our hap py laud, Will hence his vivifying beams expand ; A gilded throne to wisdom shall he rear ed, And all the art of useful learning cheer’d. There growing reason shall attest her sway, And mount refulgent as the new-born day; On us her laws, her precepts will impose On us no labor, hut a sweet repose. Delightful task! the tender thought to rear— To teach our flexile minds no ills to fear. Our youthful minds with ‘ fresh instruc tion’ fill, To bear with resignation nature’s will. Here the fond parents shall conduct their child To reap from study, all the virtues mild ; No disaffection shall they e’er repine, But find a comfort in their life’s decline. Here too, our country this great truth will prove, Conducive wisdom causes freedom’slove; Her sons from hence will honor’s paths pursue, And pay to virtue tributes justly due. With pure designs their country’s glories make, And pledge their liyes and honors for its sake; With scorn the mercenary world regard, Where sordid minds do,good and hope reward. Through the thick shades of future time I see Great destiny’s immutable decree ; I see immortal statesmen here arise, And for their country generous laws de vise; Givq,grateful peoce to all their fellow men— Nor of injustice shall they e’er complain. The following crimes and offences may be committed with impunity, and without fear of consequences : Killing time. Picking your steps. Beating—carpets. Murder ing—an air. Stealing—a kiss. Cut ting —jokes. Smothering—the feel ings. Shooting—Niagara, and set ting the Thames on fire. Poaching —eggs. ‘ Breaking into —a gallop. Striking a balance. Trespassing— on the attention. Forging—anchors. Hoe Your Own Row, A good many workers I’ve known in my time— Some builders of houses, Some builders of rhyme; And they that were prospered Were prospered, I know, By the intent and meaning Os “ hoe your own row.” ...To get wrong things out of your child’s head—comb it often. ...To find the square root of a bog’s nose turn him into a garden patch. 3