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THE MERCER CLUSTER
August 18, 1988
TheMercer Cluster L,rE 0N CAMPI,S
Published weekly by the student* of
the fourteen schools and colleges in
the Mercer University System.
• This issue of-Cluster edited by Prof.
• Sparks’ journalism students of
fierce Summer School
Subscription Rates, one year, $1.50.
Advertising rates on request.
WHY I C AME TO MERCER
> WMiy iliil I-come, to Mereer? Why,
from among, all Southern colleges did
I pick .Mercer as the home of my col
lege career?', These are- questions
that every Mercer man could, and
, should be able to answer. Reasons
for ray coming to Mercer'arc for uny
•ne's coming to Mercer, are abundant
and convincing-.', .. ‘
, It might be said that the size of
the stuck rit body; had much to- do with
my choice. It was apparent that the
stuclcnt body. of Mercer was large
enough to carry on successfully all of
the' necessary. student activities, and
•on tile other hand, it was ■. small
enough to got that iddividual instruct
tcon neccssal*y for proper growth.
.This could not lie said of our other
Georgia colleges, for tlufy were over-
llowing with students and sadly laCk-
• -ing,ih equipment.
The next reason why I came to
Mercer was that-there was a spirit .of
fellowship unci loyally-among the stu
dent body .that, was - noticeable to
every observer. Every Mcreep, boy to
■whom I talked spoke-in highest terms
of praise for his Alma Muter'. - ■ . '
Another reason why I came,to Mer
cer was because I saw 'that my ath
letic 'appetite*' would be thoroughly
satisfied. People • everywhere were
talking of the ever increasing
strength of the athletic teams of
Mercer,. 1 was impressed, not only
with the strength of the Mercer
Teams, but with the cleanliness and
sportsmanship represented in these
teams. .Then there was a desire to be
‘a supporter, of a team that had as its
leader the greatest of Southern Col
lege pitchers—“Tige” Stone.
.Still a more powerful reason for my
, coming, lay in the fact that I must
either come to Mercer or be separated
from some of my best boy friends.
The ties that' had bound me to these
friends whom I had made during
prep school days were too strong to
Ik- so severed. The fact that I knew
hoys who were already at Mercer and
might be of help to me influenced me
to come ,to Mercer. •
Then there was -the fame of Mercer
men in the field of oratory to haunt
nae and draw me to Mercer. The de
sire to become it good speaker natur
ally led me to a school that amply
provided for that side of my training.
The,reputation of the men that had
■gone ■ out of the Ciceronian and Phi
Delta halls made one of the strongest
of appeals to me.-
As-an addition to the hbove reason,
I might say: that the recognition of
the ability of the Mercer men to fill
positions of prominence in the busi-.
ness, social and religious life of Geor
gia was becoming more and more ap
parent. Naturally this was an incen
tive to lead any one Mcrcerward.
Finally, I recognized iii Mercer the
coming University in the South. It
was plain to everyone that Mercer
was just entering upon a period of
greatness and usefulness that has
never,been surpassed by any South
ern University. People were predict
ing that Dr. Weaver would lead this
institution to a place of prominence
that Would make all hearts rejoice.
These and many other similar rea
sons led me to make the choice that
I have yet to repent.
Roy W. Davis.
GAME IS UNUSUAL
“The newspaper game is full of the
unusual,” said Prof. George Sparks.to
his beginners’ class .in journalism.
“That’s what makes it great.” Then
he did the moat Unusual thing that has
been done at Mercer this year; dis
missed, the class from the regular lec
ture period and took the member* in
a body to Tattnall Square Pharmacy
where *11 enjoyed a “set up.”
Prof.' (to student entering ten min?
utei lata): I “When Were yon born ”
St ode: “The second of April, sir.”
Prof. “Late again.**
The Student Life of- Mercer Univer
sity is of that distinct type, which,
combining with one of - the most en
viable college spirits, makes of each
student a part of a well wrought- pro
gram-including in his daily life such
freedom us to both dignify and popu
larize his every wholesome activity.
Whether the student chooses as his
specialization something akin to his
cultural life, or some sport as a rec
reation, Mercer University opens
every field for his active endeavor.
The student selects his phase of col
lege life and the faculty and univer
sity administration encourages the in
dividual in every way tmdevclop most
thoroughly his .singular talent.
For. the orator and debater special
instructors together with Literary So
cieties possessing historic records are
considerably in evidence; scores of
clubs, and societies invite student
membership; the Glee Club, brass
hand, orchestra and.saxophone groups
are anxiously' recruiting to full
strength;: while Coach Josh Cody und
Everett Strupper, with other coaches
in 'charge of the different branches of
college sport are daily building var
sity machines ih which the student
body and friends ^very season rejoice,
From Student Life;
MERCER AND YALE AGAIN
Because of the fact that the debat
ing council of Yule University -is
away on - vacation, there can be no
definite fuels given out concerning the
Mercer-Yule debate as yet. However,
Dr, Montague is on the job and will
close negotiations with Yale relative
to the place and other arrangements
us soon as possible after the next
meeting of Yale’s debating council.
Dr. Montague has made the follow
ing proposal to -the' Yale council:
1st, that the debate be held in Wash
ington, D. C., and that George Wash
ington College be asked to furnish an
auditorium for the -contest; 2nd, that
the judges be three- United States
Senators, one to be chosen from N«w
England exclusive of Connecticut, one
from'the South, exclusive of Georgia,
and that these two chose a third from
the West; 3rd,- that each team pay
their own transportation and other
expenses be shared equally between
the two teams. Dr. Montague will
also endeavor to get entertainment
for the teams foom Geooge Washing
ton College.
Dr. Montague was dean of George
Washington College for 22 years when
it was known as Columbian College,
ahd it is a certainty that this college
will'welcome any'debating team that
is sponsored by him. Dr. Montague
has done much to develop the oratori
cal side of the ‘Mercer students since
his coming here and every one awaits
with eager expectation -the day when
Mercer will take Yale in tow in tKd
field of persuasion and oratory.- Mer
cer hus taken old. Eli’s . measure on
the baseball field and why not on the
platform, where keener minds and
closer study arc required?
R. L. Brantley:
SCOUT EXECUTIVES
The faculty and students of Mercer
University are this week the hosts of
the Scout Executives Training School
of the Southeast. We wish it was
possible for the entire student body
to give them the big, wholesome wel
come their great work demand*, but
those of us herd at Summer School
are at their Command for anything
they desire.
It is always a pleasure for college
people to look upon those who . have
such high ideal* as the men who sto
engaged in and are fostering Boy
Scout work. We believe there is no
service 'so constructively planned as
the work these men are doing for the
youth of' the land.
Mercer University not only wel
comes them to all we have but eVen
selfishly believes the training school
will leave with the student* here at
Mercer University a much more ap
preciated idea of the standards and
ideals of . the' great Boy Scout move
ment.
Bill Weaver: “Some expl.
had yastanjay, wasn’t it?”
Hackney: i “Didn’t hear about it,
what was it?” 1
BUI: “A fallow stamped a letter
id It " ' ' —
ATHLETICS AND STUDY
The relation of athletics to study
has lately been exercising many of
the colleges. Annapolis-has Vade the
most thorough investigation of the
matter. Captain John Halligan sends
ub the results of the board of invest!
gation. This inquiry covered 30 years,
1801-1921. The results showed among
other things that the average stand
ing of a letter man in a class of 100
was 48.43, of two letter men 49.11, of
three letter men, of whom there were
very few, 55.14. An athlete’* scholar
ship is therefore slightly above the
average.
, Professor Spaeth, coach of rowing
at Princeton and professor of Eng
lish, declares ip the NewyYork Times
of April TO'thut athletics should in
terfere with studies and studies with
athletics. He deplores intensive cram
ming for either a,meqtal or a physi-.
•caj test.'
Students are gradually coming to
agree, with him, but on the whole they
st.ill take the point of view of the
football player that ability to meet a
test is one of our most valuable as
sets. In the intellectual field also the
'student is still apt to Relieve that if
he can “study six hours at a stretch
without becoming a physical wreck”
ahd ‘‘if he has learned to concentrate
for a 'sufficient length of time with
out flinching upon an unpleasant text
book written with approved dullness
his efforts at an education have not
been in vain.’ . (Harvard Graduate
Magazine quoted in the report of the
American Association of University
Professors.),
* * * ■
The medium grade of Mercer’s
championship basketball team during
the past year was B, considerably
above the average.
merger university Faculty four years ago. there are
NOW 62 PROFESSORS AND INSTRUCTORS AT MERCER.
WHY I CAME TO MERCER
In the fall of-1903 I entered Mercer
as Freshman but stayed only through 1
the fall session as I wps compelled to 1
drop out on account of lack of funds, j
I returned to. my home county ( Elbert )
and continued my teaching in the'
rural schools, where I had taught for
two years before going to Mercer. ' I
also entered the Baptist ministry two
years later, and became an active
pastor in country churches, and at the
same time continued my teaching in
the rural schools.
At the end of .sixteen years I still
had a desire to secure if possible a
cqllegiate education, and after having
fully realized the great need of fur
ther training, and also having been
advised by one of my best friends who
was a Mercer man, I re-entered Mer
cer University in January, 1920. I am
now working on- my eleventh succes
sive term and will finish with fall of
1923.
In the first place, I have always de
sired to secure a collegiate education,
but was' reared as a poor farm boy,
without sufficient funds with which to
defray my expenses through high
school and college. So in the mean
time -I managed to save some funds,
and planned to enter college again,
and if possible complete the prescrib
ed course. I fully realized how much
1 needed more training. This was
easily- seen in my teaching and also in
my ministerial'work. Good training,
like a sharpe instrument, always se
cures better results, when properly
used. So this idea prompted me to
take a full graduate course at Mercer
and I have no regrets of having made
thisdecision three years ago.
In regard to selecting my school,
Mercer ha* always been my choice as
* college. Having stood all these
years for Christian education, I felt
that it was the place for me to get
my collegiate training, and at the
same time as good education as could
be had in any Southern college.
G.W.Hulme.
from two of the guests who live near
Mereer.
I corresponded with these young
ladies until I finally fell in love with
one of them, then 1 came to Macon to
see her, und visited the old Mercer
campus which greatly impressed me,
so I returned to my home in Tennes
see and mude preparations to matric
ulate at Mercer. -V" "
I canic here in September, 1921, and
have been satisfied ever since.
* , Glenn F. Carthron.
'•/ ON THE JOB
WHY I CAME TO MERCER
While in the army I was stationed
at Fort Oglethorpe from February,
1919, to September, 1919;
During this time I met several peo
ple, from Macon who told me about the
wonderful growth of Mercer and the
unlimited capital that It had behind it.
Some time in July I attended a
dance at Signal Mountain tan, a sum
mer resort near Chattanooga, Tenn.,
and it was there that I Anally made
up my mind to enter Mercer beeftnae
I had gained Af*t band informntteu
Editor Mercer Cluster,
Mereer University,
Macon, Georgia.
Dear Sir: I have just received a
copy of the Mereer-Cluster und as
sure you of my deep appreciation of
your kindness in sending it to me. I
always have the-interest' of my Alma
Mater at' heart und wish for her every
success she. may attain.
Am glad, to learn thut Mereer was
successful in securing a debate with
Yule for the coming year. This inter
ests me. Since ' leaving Mercer in
June I have established laW offices
here. I have done’far better than was
expected of me. However, 1 am deeply
in love with debating .and it would be
no surprise to me if this fall found
me trying to enroll for the tryput for
the selection of debaters to face Yale
next fall. Not having'keen defeated
in a -single debate of any importance
during my stny at Mercer, I would
like tq be one of- those to test the
strength of Old Eli. There is nothing
that Would make me give.up the. legal
profession except to become a profes
sional debater for some university.
I sincerely hope that the talent for
debating at Mercer will be greatly
improved next year. Bob Green ami
myself have given Mercer two victo
ries in the triangle debate and there
is no reason why Mercer shook* not*
cinch the championship next year. I
hope to see interest in debates on the
increase at Mercer this fall. Physical
accomplishments are all right while
they last, but when the old athletic
vigor leaves the body the necessaries
of life will have to depend upon the
ability of the mental faculties to sup
ply them.. The training of the mind is
by far the more' important. I hope
to see debating- the leading, sport in
our Alma Mater in the future.
Again thanking you for the copy.of
the Cluster and wishing you every
success,'l am,
Your sincere friend,
WM. G. McRAE.
FROM MERCER GRADUATE
- House of Representatives!
Washington, D. C.
June 24, 1922.
Hon. Geo, M, Sparks,
Mercer Alumni Association,
Macon, Ga.
Dear Mr. Sparks:
Upon my return to the city I re
ceived your letter inviting me to at
tend the meeting of the Alunini Asso
ciation on the- 6th day of June. As
my primary was on the 6th, it was
impossible for me to meet with you
for you can imagine. I was busy along
other lines. I am glad to state I won
out by an overwhelming majority; in
fact, the best majority I have ever re
ceived, carrying fourteen out of the
sixteen counties in my district.
. I. have ■ not forgotten the good old
days spent at Mercer and while home
I met my friend,. Charley Harris, now
of Gainesville, Fla., who played full
back in ’96 when I was playing quar
terback. While years have come and
gone as each one speedily passes by,
my devotion to my Alma Mater grows
and 1 trust it may be my. pleasure
next year to attend the Alumni meet
ing, ; .
With every good wish, I remain,
Very sincerely yours,
W. J. SEARS,
* Member of Congress,
FOR THE LEGISLATURE ;
1 hereby announce myself a candi- .
date for the Legislature, subject to
the action of the ensuing Democratic
primary. My platform: Freedom of
Speech, Freedom of Assembly, Im
provement and Protection of the pub-,
tic' Schools,. Free . School Books, the
absolute Separation of Church and
State, Capital moved to Macon. I
favor the consignment of the criminal
insane to the State Farm; -1 want the
State to employ secret service men
tp look after her public institutions
and inform the Legislature. ‘I will
work for better schools, better roads
and better farms.
I believe in a Government by tho
people, through the people and for
the people.
Your support and influence will be
deeply appreciated.
In Addition to the platform above,
I wish to add that I am in favor of
three County Commissioners.
B. R. ANDREWS.
Known to Mercer University stu
dents as “Judge” Andrews, and now
a summer school student..
“Johnnie, dear, you mustn’t eat
your Jelly with a spoon. Pot it on
your bread.”
“I did put it on. Mother,” replied
little Johnnie, “but U won’t stay. It’s
Weaver: “Hey, old lady, get out .of
bed there, You’re going to church,
aren’t you?” '
Hardy (still in bed): - “Not going
thi smornirtg. Answer for me, will
you?“ '