RESPECTABLE GRAFTERS.

On occasions such as distributions of Yale game seats or appointments to various coveted positions, those in charge are besieged by a host of petitioners, each with his own little claim for preferment. In some cases these requests are deserving, but the great majority have the weakest grounds for appeal and are most persistent in their demands. In fact, they exaggerate their importance to such a degree that it is difficult to rate them at their true value. As a rule these men realize the insignificance of their claims, but hope to impose upon the good nature of the authorities.

These grafters--for no other name suits them as well--would bitterly resent being classed with the multitude of political parasites who besiege a successful candidate for office. They insist that they are merely claiming their rights, and cannot understand the attitude of men with equally strong claims who are content to sit by and receive what they deserve. We do not intend to urge men who have been treated with obvious unfairness to refrain mistakes. But if every malcontent would weight his claims thoughtfully before presenting them, and act upon the promptings of his sense of justice, he would save the time of the persecuted officer, as well as his own self-respect.