Part 2

The ignorance of the majority of young men about the national government is really astonishing. Young men who have had more than ordinary educational advantages, and have considerable general information, often exhibit an entire lack of knowledge of the Constitution and in fact of everything pertaining to the general government. How few young men ever read the Constitution and study its meaning! Yet these same young men will soon be invested with all the rights, powers and privileges of American citizenship, if they have not been already. How can such young men vote intelligently, when they have scarcely any knowledge of the nature of the government under which they live? How can the most sanguine patriot expect a good government to continue to exist when the average voter is so ignorant of politics? This is the reason why lawyers hold most of the responsible offices—they are, as a rule, the only men who study politics. Farmers will assemble in a political convention, and nominate a lawyer for some high office, and before they leave the hall in which they have met, will commence a tirade of abuse because the lawyers hold all the offices, while the honest, hard working farmer is denied such privileges. The farmers are themselves generally to blame, as the majority of them are too ignorant of the requisites to get their rights. A copy of the Constitution should be in every home where there is any degree of intelligence, and the best political newspapers should be taken. In fact, every high school and college should have a competent teacher to instruct the rising generation of young men in the Science of Government. The voters of the future will then be more intelligent than they have been in the past.

* * * * *

Dr. H. B. Battle, Director of the Experiment Station, has recently made a report of his analysis of various brands of fertilizers used by North Carolina farmers. This report also states that the relative commercial value of fertilizing ingredients has been considerably reduced. An ammoniated fertilizer valued at $22.00 last season will be valued at $20.65 this season. This is good for the farmers. The Experiment Station is certainly of great benefit to the Agricultural classes.

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It is not proposed to interfere with the Endowment Fund by _soliciting_ subscriptions for the New Building; but an effort is being made to raise money for this purpose by concerts, lectures, etc.

Reviews.

═══════════════════════════════════════════════╤═══════════════════════ D. C. ROPER, _Columbian_, │EDITORS. J. S. BASSETT, _Hesperian_, │

WEARING OF THE GRAY: Comprising personal portraits, scenes and adventures of the late war, with thrilling narratives of daring deeds, dashing charges, toilsome marches, willing sacrifices and patient sufferings of the “Boys in Gray.” Interspersed with stirring incidents of life in camp and hospital, and many important events hallowed by association with the gallant dead. By John Esten Cooke, formerly of General Stuart’s staff, and author of “Surry of Eagle’s Nest,” “Life of Stonewall Jackson,” etc., etc. Illustrated. Octavo, 601 pp., $2.75. New York: E. B. Treat.

The highest praise which we can give this work, perhaps, is to say that the above, which forms the elaborate title page, falls far short of giving a full summary of those qualities which go to make the book more than highly prized by all, both North and South, who reverently hold in memory the deeds of “Grand Heroes.” The author presents a graphic and picturesque view of some of the most striking scenes, adventures and personages of the “late unpleasantness,” with anecdotes and details, concerning them. His position on Gen. Stuart’s staff gave him the opportunity of seeing the men and witnessing the scenes of which he writes. Invention has absolutely nothing to do with the sketches; the writer having recorded his recollections, and not his fancies. This volume is a welcome addition to the war literature. Such books ought to be found in every Southern home, that the memory of ’60–’65 may be preserved for all time.

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WIT, WISDOM AND BEAUTIES OF SHAKESPEARE.—Edited by Clarence Stuart Ward. Boston and New York. Houghton, Mifflin and Company. 188 pp. 1887.

The editor of this volume recognizing the fact that few at the present day have the leisure or interest to know Shakespeare thoroughly, has provided a means for increasing the general knowledge of that author by arranging, in a manner which admits of easy reference, those passages of wit and humor which must ever amuse and delight the mind; those of wisdom and philosophy from which the profoundest significance of action and habit in life may be deduced; and those of incomparable beauty which have become the absolute and fixed expression, never to be changed or displaced in our language, of the ideas they represent. This compilation, therefore, contains all the passages in Shakespeare, long or short, which are of special significance, or of inherent excellency, all those which a speaker or writer might employ to lend grace or vigor to his theme. While the make-up of this little volume reflects honor upon its editor, it certainly does honor to the publishers who have exercised no little care and taste in giving the work its very commendable appearance.

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In number 341 of _The Edinburgh Review_, there is an article on the Franco-Russian Alliance, by Prince Nicolai Nicolajewitch Galizyn—a letter to _The Figaro_—upon the doctrines of Kathow, the late celebrated diplomatist and politician of Russia. The author begins by tracing the history of diplomatic relations between France and Russia from the time of Peter The Great to the present. Russia, in prosecuting her scheme of obtaining the Bosphorus, must have an ally in the West of Europe. France is situated so as best to fulfil that part, but France will derive nothing by helping Russia fight her wars; and, besides, the attitude of Germany toward Russia is most peaceful. From these main facts, the author thinks that a war of Russia’s precipitation would be far too rash for her present weak military and financial affairs. British statesmen who know the inner aspect of things are acting wisely in their policy of not preparing for war. One cannot read the article in question without feeling that the present newspaper scare is entirely without foundation.

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AMUSEMENTS AND THE CHRISTIAN LIFE in the Primitive Church and in Our Day. By Rev. L. C. Vass. Philadelphia, Presbyterian Board of Publication, pp. 91.

This little book, both on account of the spiritual benefit to be derived from it, and the interesting glimpses of primitive church history contained in it, is well worth reading. The author, an eloquent divine of Newbern, N. C., has divided his subject into two parts—Popular Amusements and Primitive Christians, and Lawful Christian Amusements. He shows the effect of amusements on the spiritual life of the Christian in a very clear and easy style made attractive by examples from authentic history. The type is large and leaded and the volume, taken as a whole, is creditable to the printer as well as to the author.

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Those interested in the history of our State will be glad to know that a valuable book, giving the history of the counties of North Carolina, by Hon. Kemp. P. Battle, LL. D., together with an introduction and date of the erection of those counties, etc., by Prof. W. A. Blair, is now in press. The work is the result of long labor among our official records, and the names of its editors are sufficient guarantee of its reliability. This is more valuable material for the man who is to write a history of North Carolina which shall endure as a literary monument. William A. Blair, Winston, N. C., is the publisher.

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With a clear idea as to what is best in literature and art, the February number of _Harper’s Magazine_ issues, in most excellent form, quite a number of articles which are both interesting and instructive to every one of literary taste.

Exchanges.

═══════════════════════════════════════════════╤═══════════════════════ W. A. BARRETT, _Columbian_, │EDITORS. A. M. SHARP, _Hesperian_, │

The _Davidson Monthly_ takes THE ARCHIVE to task for a failure in the use of “respectable” grammar, and refers to _Reed and Kellogg_, page 147, where it says information may be obtained, and where is found the following: “CAUTION.—Unless you wish to _affirm_, do not use two negative words so that they shall contradict each other;” also “CAUTION.—Do not use adverbs for adjectives or adjectives for adverbs.” The first caution refers to use of negatives, therefore the critic cannot mean this one. Does he mean the second caution? Does he mean that ‘most’ is an adverb where an adjective(?) should be used, or that ‘most’ is an adjective(?), and that an adverb is here needed? Perhaps the critic meant that it is a case of improper comparison, such as ‘roundest,’ ‘straightest,’ etc., which the old grammars vehemently denounced, though the best writers use them. It was perhaps a little irregular to consider ‘too patent’ as an adjectival term of degrees, and we thank our courteous critic for his suggestion of ‘almost’ for ‘most.’ Still such terms as this are in common use, and we confess a desire to conform to the many.

* * * * *

The _Charlotte Chronicle_ of Jan. 27th, contains a very earnest appeal for the endowment of Trinity. The editor says: “We confess we are impatient about the matter.” Also there occurs, in a February number of the same, a complimentary notice of the college and its work. The _Chronicle_ is a broad-gauge paper whose zeal, not only in the interest of Trinity College, but in all educational interests, is worthy of the object.

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The _Wilmington Messenger_ is one of the newsiest, most successful dailies of the State. For its success, editor Bonitz, who has striven against trying difficulties, deserves much commendation.

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Henry Ward Beecher’s average grade while at Amherst was but 57 on a scale of 100.—_Exchange._

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The _Vanderbilt Observer_ announces the marriage, in China, of Chas. J. Soon, Trinity’s Chinese ex-student.

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Governor Foraker says: “I would rather be a sophomore in college than Governor of Ohio.”—_Exchange._

The Governor either must never have attended college, or, while there, must not have gotten a proper conception of a sophomore; or probably there was a difference in the sophomore of his day and this.

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There is a growing sentiment, meeting the approval both of Faculties and students, among the colleges, favoring the abolition of the grading system. In a recent number of the _Student_, a journal devoted to the educational interests of the Society of Friends, occurs an article which advocates dispensing with grades, or, if there must be such a system, protests against its being made a motive force to study. As long as the working system remains, so long will students work for figures and not for knowledge. Grades are not measures of scholarship, but only indicate the result of a week’s “cramming.” Knowledge thus acquired makes the head very full one week, but leaves it very empty the next. Cornell has given the non-grading system a trial and the results have proved it satisfactory in every way.

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A prominent politician, not a thousand miles from here, was heard to say a few days ago: “Jeff Davis ought to have been hung at the close of the war, and a monument erected over the grave of the truly great John Brown.” The speaker was a Southern man, a Democrat, and a Prohibitionist.—_Exchange._

The “speaker” may have _been_ a Southern man, but is not one _now_. The man who says that Davis ought to have been hung is at heart an alien and an enemy to the South. The “speaker” has also ceased to be a Democrat, for Democrats don’t talk that way. If the “speaker” be stripped of his false apparel, he will be found to shrink into a bundle of prohibition fanaticism. This fanaticism and prejudice has robbed him—like many others—of truth and patriotism. The prohibition cause is a good one. Its advocates cannot forward it by censuring Jeff Davis, but on the other hand, will greatly damage it.

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The matter in the _School Teacher_ is of a kind that cannot fail to be of peculiar interest to any one who is now engaged in teaching, or expects at some time in the future to make it his profession. It is gladly welcomed as an Exchange of THE ARCHIVE. Long may it continue to advocate the cause of education and impart instruction to the pedagogues of the State!

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The _Goldsboro Argus_ of February 9th contains an announcement of a change of editors. Mr. Munroe has withdrawn and his place is to be filled by Mr. J. R. Griffin. THE ARCHIVE has a friendly interest in the welfare of all its exchanges, and tenders its best wishes for the success of the new management.

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When the _Oak Leaf_ copies an article from THE ARCHIVE it is respectfully requested to give THE ARCHIVE credit; also to copy the article without verbal changes such as were made in the case of THE ARCHIVE’S critique upon the article “States Rights” in the _Wake Forest Student_.

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The receipt of the _Twin City Daily_, the _Thomasville Gazette_, and the _Summerfield Sheaf_ is acknowledged.

Locals.

═══════════════════════════════════════════════╤═══════════════════════ J. C. MONTGOMERY, _C._, │REPORTERS. T. E. McCRARY, _Hes._, │

There is another “Blarney” in town.

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Prof. to Mr. McD. “Don’t you know what ‘hug’ means?”

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The man with the beaver had better be very careful that he doesn’t sit down on it.

* * * * *

Chief-Manager, Burkhead and Chief-Marshal Moffitt treated the boys handsomely.

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Rev. Dr. Bobbitt, Financial Secretary of the College, was here on the 18th of last month.

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“Joe,” you must not run off and go to any more Spelling-Matches, especially when it is against your “judgment.”

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Mr. C. W. Ogburn, a former student, now agent for the Home Library Association, was in Trinity a few days last month.

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When so much business is transacted in High Point by Trinity citizens, the leading grocery men should advertise through our columns.

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A dignified Senior translated the following sentence from French, “_Quel est ce bruit? dit-il á l’huissier qui entr’ouvrit la porte_,” thus: “‘What is that noise?’ said he to the ‘Hoosier’ who opened the door.”

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The Sunday School classes have been reduced in size by dividing them. The new classes have been put in charge of the Seniors.

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“Trinity Commercial Bank” having survived its financial troubles, has reopened with a new outfit in the rear end of the college building.

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Now henceforth and forever we intend to do unto others as they do unto us. If a man advertises in our paper he is our man; and _vice versa_.

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Prof. A. Hopkins, of New York, delivered a lecture on Prohibition last month. He is an able speaker and presents his subject with cogency.

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The Young Men’s Christian Association numbers over three-fourths of the boys in school. The Sunday afternoon meetings are attended very well.

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The grades for last term came out last month and some of the boys look like they have the “blues.” Hope it was not because their grades were “so low.”

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Mr. W. M. McCanless spent a few days in Trinity visiting relatives. He has just returned from Raleigh, where he received his license to practice law.

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Thanks to the town authorities for the new bridge at the post office. Those boys who take so much delight in tearing it up and moving it will wake up some morning in the calaboose.

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Boys, if you want to find out the name of a star, ask “Prof. Bandy’s Mathematical Astronomy Class as it is well versed in the Heavens.” ’Tis wonderful how the young astronomers learn!

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The Juniors and Sophomores had a match foot-ball game on the 13th. After playing three hours, the game stopped, neither side having made a goal. The game was played by Rugby rules.

* * * * *

Prof. Dred Peacock spent the 11th and 12th here on a visit to Prof. O. W. Carr. He says that his school is prospering. We are always glad to hear of any old boy that is doing well.

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Prof. Henry, of the State University, lectured in Trinity on Feb. 8th. His subject was “Common Sense in Education,” an appropriate subject for the times. Everybody was well pleased. We hope the Professor will visit our little town again.

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The Laboratory Department is now completed. All apparatus neatly fitted in various parts of the room, making this room (Prof. Pegram’s) the most attractive. Four hours a week are required, and as much more allowed as one wishes to devote to the subject.

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Some one has said that Trinity needs a clock that will keep time. Allow me to say that she has one clock that suits the College and that is what it’s for; and if other people don’t like the clock, let them have one of their own.

* * * * *

The Black Diamond Quartette, known throughout North Carolina, sang two nights in Trinity Hall. Large audiences attended both nights, and all were pleased beyond a doubt. Half the proceeds for the “New Building,” amounting to $50.00.

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The unknown gentleman who slipped in the last sentence to a local in the last issue of THE ARCHIVE, “It must have been hard to hide that shoe,” certainly judges other people’s pedal extremities by his own.

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While Kelley, an old darkey well known throughout the limits of Trinity, and his friend were prattling away the long hours, Kelley unfortunately became partly wrapped in the arms of Morpheus. In this state he was relieved by his friend of his pocket book, with contents. The latter added insult to injury by fastening the door from the outside.

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A free-delivery wagon will run from High Point to Trinity once a week. All groceries sent to Trinity free of charge. Some may not like this, but where the people in a community are not in a hearty co-operation and do not help sustain the business that helps to support the town, nothing else can be expected.

Alumni.

═══════════════════════════════════════════════╤═══════════════════════ W. H. RHODES, _Columbian_, │EDITORS. G. T. ADAMS, _Hesperian_, │

The Alumni Department, having for its object news about old students, their occupations, &c., cannot fail to be one of the most interesting and commendable features of THE ARCHIVE. To the Alumni it is especially interesting, and in order that this department may accomplish that for which it was intended, it must necessarily be supplied with proper material. This material can be obtained only through the Alumni and former students themselves, who are earnestly requested to forward any information concerning themselves, as to their occupation, location, &c., and any change of either. The editors urge and greatly hope that the postals sent you, asking for this desired information, will be promptly answered, thereby contributing largely to the pleasure of acquaintances and to the success of the department.

* * * * *

—W. C. Gannon, ’56, a prominent minister of the North Carolina Conference, is now stationed at Monroe, N. C.

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—B. J. Bell is merchandising in Beaufort, N. C., and is also Sunday School Superintendent.

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—G. B. Everett, ’73, is now a Land Officer at Mitchell, Dakota. He has been married twice and is the father of four children.

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—B. F. Howland has been a seafaring man for a number of years. He is now Captain of a vessel plying between some port in Virginia and Philadelphia.

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—H. B. Adams, ’70, a very prominent lawyer at Monroe, N. C., was elected to the Senate in 1884 and to the House of Representatives in 1886.

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—J. D. Ezzell, ’85, is principal of Bellevoir High School, Sampson county, where he has been teaching for two and a half years. We learn that his school is in quite a prosperous condition.

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—H. C. Foscue, who was here in ’58, is now farming near Pollocksville, N. C. He is one of the leading citizens in the county, and has been magistrate a number of times, which office he now holds.

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—E. M. Foscue is one of the largest and most successful farmers in Jones county. He lives near Trenton, N. C., and has been elected to several important offices in the county.

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—Samuel Leffers has charge of the public school at Beaufort, N. C.

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—S. S. Mann is teaching school at Lake Landing, Hyde county, N. C.

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—J. W. Townsend, ’66, is keeping books for J. M. Fairly, a large cotton buyer and merchant at Monroe.

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—John W. Gannon, ’83, is Bookkeeper for H. H. Reynolds, a large tobacco manufacturer at Winston, N. C.

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—J. H. Robbins, who recently married Miss Minnie Edwards, is farming near Trinity. The editor took occasion some time since to visit Jim’s farm, and can say of a truth that he is one of the neatest, best and most successful farmers in the community.

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—E. A. Armfield is a merchant at Monroe, and also a Revenue officer.

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—A. C. Weatherly, class of ’83, is principal of Morning Sun Academy near Fishdam, N. C. Mr. Weatherly established this school only a short time ago, but owing to his earnest, zealous efforts, his fitness and peculiar adaptation to the profession and his popularity in the vicinity, his school has increased rapidly and promises to be an important factor in the accomplishment of much good.

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—J. A. Monroe, ’72, one of our prominent teachers, is now principal of Monroe High School, Monroe, N. C.

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—D. H. Everett is superintending his father’s farm, near Clio, S. C. Judging from the interest he always manifested in the discussion of any topic that pertained to the farm, the conclusion is natural that he will be pleased with his occupation and that success will crown his efforts. The boys miss Dan’s ever genial countenance and dry humor, and hope that he will ere long return.

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