COLLEGE CLIQUES.

It is but seldom that one can compare any of the small or even moderate sized colleges with the larger universities, and it is even more rare to find in such institutions some qualities which their larger rivals lack. Still, that a small college possesses some advantages that great universities have not, nor from present appearances ever will have, cannot be doubted by the skeptical. One of the most important of these advantages and one that will seriously influence hereafter many who wish a college education in its full sense is the good fellowship in the various classes. If as may occur in time, any small-sized college can offer as good instruction and as great an opportunity to study special branches as the great universities, then there will not be a moment of hesitation in the mind of the future collegian as to which he will choose. It has been urged more than once both by authorities and outside observers that the large classes now entering college injure it both intellectually and socially more than they benefit it pecuniary, and that the now almost total loss of class fellowship is working a bad effect upon the majority of men who graduate. Unfortunately this is too true. In the smaller establishments of learning where the classes are limited to one hundred or less, the men amalgamate, so to speak, together, and the metal of their mind is in consequence such that when any important question comes up all are consulted and all take a proportional interest in the proceedings. In athletics and in study they make up in enthusiasm what they lack in material and numbers, and the result is only too evident to all. In our large colleges where every class exceeds two hundred the men are too many in numbers to become acquainted, they form themselves in little groups which consist of men who have come from the same school or state, and instead of one great circle alive with interest in all matters pertaining to the college, we have a number of small cliques who think and act independently of each other. One, or possibly two of these small bodies control the class, and their opinion always prevails. This is but just, as power always must be in the hands of a few to become at all effective; but while the rest of the class concede this they do not look with favor upon the loss of the class fellowship which they expected to have when they entered college.

Such cliques must become exclusive, and in consequence great jealousy springs up among classmates and there is a broken union where there might be strength. Educationally, a small class is better than a large one, as it puts the men under the personal supervision of the instructors, and through their contact with them makes them much better morally and mentally. Much of Yale's success in athletics may be attributed to the good class feeling that existed and does still exist. The whole-soulness with which every class at Yale enters upon its duties is refreshing; but even this advantage which Yale possesses is rapidly disappearing, the large classes that now enter tending to do away with it. Many a graduate of our large colleges leaves them with great benefit of mind, it is true, but without any good socially. Such a man looks back on college years bitterly, without affection or sentiment, for to him his alma mater has been a good instructor,-that is all. For success, a class wherever it be, must associate and act in unison, and not remain broken up into little groups which are in opposition to each other and accomplish but little in whatever direction they turn.