EDITOR'S TABLE

The opening article of the Yale Literary Magazine, though an editorial of especially local interest, bears suggestion to all our college world, for it concerns the "neglected opportunity" of an unusually well-furnished art gallery. There is a familiar sound in this exhortation of the Yale undergraduates, urging them to cultivate themselves by familiarity with the masterpieces found in the various art collections. We know the voice of such gentle persuasion very well, almost as well as we know the sound of demurring :-"Oh, yes, we know we ought to go, but we never think of it and, any way, there isn't any time for such things!"

The Yale writer proclaims the presence of the "spirit of Philistinism" among the undergraduates of his college, you see he uses that familiar term which Matthew Arnold borrowed from the Germans and to which his use has given such significance for English readers. But where shall the enemies of Philistinism come from if not from the strongholds of the higher education, where dwell many whose only purpose in undertaking the four years of college life is the attainment of culture? We know that American life is considered lacking in the highest refinement, but we look for education to redeem it from the fault, what shame if the remedy itself become infected!

Looking into college life, we find unmistakable evidence. of the Philistine spirit. Such is the intense horror of the "grind", who may, indeed, receive some commendation if he works hard from necessity, but none if he works hard from enthusiasm. Another infallible sign is the valuing recognition of ability higher than ability itself, for the Philistine joys not in the doing but in the getting. Especially significant is that cry called forth by the accusations of the fault-finder-“No time for culture!" If this phrase is meaningless anywhere it

is in college where four years are devoted to this purpose only. However, the attainment of culture depends less on the amount of time devoted exclusively to this end than upon the attitude of the seeker; the broadening effect of art galleries is not exactly measured by the number of hours spent in them.

For the examination of the attitude of the college student toward these matters the most direct course is to go to the records that appear in the college magazines. Here the aspect is more encouraging, for here, it is safe to assume, is represented that part of the college population to whom the name Philistine is least applicable. This month our exchanges contain fairly good critical articles on Whitman, Heine, Poe, Charles Reade, Shelley, Hans Andersen, John Fiske, and a few other figures, in pictorial art and in history as well as in literature. Some of these productions do indeed suggest the required theme, but others display a spontaneity that encourages one to believe in the writer's unfeigned joy in his subject. This joy is rarely well-restrained, for superlatives are frequent, and in reading a number of such articles an amusing similarity becomes evident in the tone of high admiration and in frequent declarations that each literary hero is "second to none". Here we are finding a trace of Philistinism-for narrow-mindedness is its most distinguishing trait-among those whom we expected to find in the ranks of the chosen.

There is another side to most arguments, and to ours also. The stimulating effect of college courses, the familiarity with the high things of art and knowledge, and the acquaintance with cultivated minds can not fail to influence every student. Then there is floating about in the college public a sense of dissatisfaction, vague in character and uncertain in expression, over the present forms of literary art as they appear in America. Outsiders, indeed, accuse college students of being over-critical, but though the critical tendency aroused in college often takes a very young and unattractive form, this tendency is the best weapon against the spirit of Philistinism.

ALUMNE DEPARTMENT

In 1890, twelve Smith graduates met quite informally, at the invitation of one of them, Miss Mary B. Whiton, who was in the first class graduated by Smith College, and the New York Association of Smith College Alumnæ was started.

Report of the New York
Association

It is interesting to follow the gradual growth of the association from an informal meeting of

a few graduates with a purely social view, to that of a continually increasing body of women with wide interests and ever broadening aims, until the New York Association of Smith College Alumnæ to-day has made a definite place for itself and has made its influence felt in this great city, with its varied interests and its numberless demands. The history of the association from the beginning is creditable. Its aim when started in October 1890 was social, but it is interesting and characteristic of college women that in December of that same year there was already a demand for other objects. We determined to take more interest in the problems of sociology, pedagogy, and politics in New York, and in this direction, as a result, we have had addresses from leading men, as Dr. Nicholas M. Butler, now President of Columbia, Mr. Hamilton Mabie, Professor Perry, Professor Sprague-Smith, Mr. Osborne of the George Junior Republic, and many others.

College Settlement work was looked into, and workers from Rivington Street and Hartley House were invited to speak of the needs there. It is interesting to note that Miss Elizabeth S. Williams '91 is at the head of the Rivington Street Settlement and that Miss Alice Hubbard '94 is her assistant, while Miss Helen F. Greene '91 is at the head of Hartley House.

As a result of these talks some practical help was given by the association in the form of a box of books, toys, games, and other articles. Other members became interested and volunteered to work and teach classes in the settlement. It was decided by us to appoint committees to look up and interest the association in the various problems, and an educationsl committee was appointed to look into the social and educational problems, while a financial committee devised means of raising money and the promoting of a social spirit was looked after by a social committee. There are now fewer meetings held than formerly, four during the season, but they are of more importance than the more frequent (monthly) ones.

Soon a plea came to us from the general association for help in completing the new college gymnasium. After a good deal of trouble and much energy on the part of the chairman of the committee appointed, Mrs. Mary B. Talmage, and the other members, a glee club concert was given here, and $475

sent in as a result. After the gymnasium was completed we turned our attention to the Smith College Library Fund and selected as our especial department that of literature. The proceeds of a reading by Mr. F. Hopkinson Smith were devoted to this.

The sums of $156 and $100 were sent in at other times toward the Library Fund. We have also joined in giving to the Students' Building, and the Students' Aid Society has been helped from time to time. Concerts, lectures, plays, and readings all have been used as a means of raising money, and after all we have turned to plain subscriptions as the best way of all.

In coöperating with the plans of the general association we deserve approval. Instead of branching out independently to promote objects which seemed to us more alluring, we have subordinated our wishes to those of the larger association and in so doing have helped to accomplish more for the college than if we had pursued our own plans.

Being but a few hours distant from Northampton, we have the advantage of enjoying frequent talks from the faculty, and are always kept in touch with the college and its changes. We are always glad to hear of the flourishing condition of Smith and have enjoyed the talks exceedingly, and yet we sometimes would like to hear more of the real needs of the college, what it lacks, and criticisms and comparisons with the workings and management of other institutions. We are earnest in our desire to help and are loyal, so that we often feel it is due to us and that we can, so to speak, be trusted to hear the "other side". It is only by knowing what conditions are not so flourishing that we can take our part in helping to improve them.

In 1896 the first of the annual luncheons took place at the Windsor Hotel. Now they are an established event and a well known feature of the social life of our branch. The luncheons afford great opportunity for reunions and inspire and strengthen college spirit. They are besides delightful and interesting occasions. The last two have been held at the Manhattan Hotel, as will be the one this year. Undergraduates at home for the holidays are availing themselves more and more of this chance of meeting and also of getting acquainted with New York alumnæ. The luncheons have always been well attended and are very successful. President Seelye has favored us several times and is to be our guest this year. Professors Tyler, Jordan, Gardiner, Czarnomska, Brady, Kapp, Caverno, and in fact most of the faculty have been with us and have talked to us at various times, and we enjoy meeting and chatting with them at the receptions preceding the luncheons.

Other speakers also have been invited :-Minister Wu, President Roosevelt, Mark Twain. Ernest Seton Thompson, Dr. Lyman Abbott, Senator Chauncey Depew, Professor Clarke, Miss Tarbell, and many others have spoken to us on many interesting topics.

We are glad to have this opportunity of telling you about our association for several reasons: first, because it is well that you of the college should know how we have extended the influence of the association and of the college in New York City and vicinity, how we have ever kept before us the needs of the college and had its welfare at heart, and how we have tried by whatever means we had to raise money and in this way to give very real help to Smith College; and secondly, that any undergraduates who may be com

ing to New York or its vicinity may feel that they are cordially welcomed into the association and that they will feel that they can still both work for Smith College and also keep in touch with it, besides having the opportunity of enjoying social reunions with old friends and meeting new graduates.

Membership in the general association does not include the local associations, but an annual fee of $1.00 admits of membership to the New York association.

Mention might be made of some of our members who are distinguishing themselves in one way or another. I can include only a few who have come under my notice. There are, I know, many others equally worthy of mention, but they can not be included in such a brief account.

Miss Elizabeth S. Williams, who is at the settlement at 95 Rivington Street, has been mentioned already. Miss Emma B. Beard '95 has charge of the cooking classes. Mrs. Mabel Wood Hill '91, our president at one time, and Miss Ellen E. Hill '91 have both given valuable help in organizing and supporting the music school in the settlement, and the latter has taken an active part in the City History Club. Dr. Jane E. Robbins '83 is head of the Alumnæ College Settlement, and Miss Frances Tyler '84 and her sister are taking a leading part in the work on the East Side. Miss Edith L. Taft '93 has been for some time a deaconess at St. George's. Mention should be made of the faithful and efficient work at the Nurses' Settlement in Henry Street, where Miss Georgia D. Coyle '98 and Miss Susan E. Foote '96 are working. Miss Mary B. Whiton '79 for a number of years conducted a school of her own here. Now she is Principal of the National Cathedral School at Washington, D. C. Miss Marian Burritt '92 and Mrs. Rachel S. Deane '88 conduct schools of their own. Miss Laura D. Gill '81 is Dean of Barnard College and Miss Mary F. Knox '85 is Registrar there. Miss Anne D. Van Kirk '87 has made a position for herself at the Sloane Maternity Hospital. She is Superintendent of the Training School for Nurses, has three assistants under her, and trains twenty-eight classes. She has risen to this position in a remarkably short time and her services are greatly valued.

It was in 1899 that the first plan was suggested for joining with other alumnæ associations in hiring some club room and so forming one large college club, the Women's University Club. It seems hardly possible that this has really been carried out in so short a time, and that to-day we can hold our meetings in the assembly rooms of the Women's University Club, 13 East 24th Street, that we have a reading room, restaurant, and sleeping rooms, and that the club house is already a center for college women.

We take some very natural pride in the fact that Smith graduates have taken a leading part in the management of the club. Miss Laura D. Gill is president, and Smith College alumnæ hold the largest membership. Ours, too, was the first meeting held at the club house. Mrs. Grace J. Adams '88. our president for some time now, was instrumental in getting the house for the club, and Mrs. Florence L. King '95 was chairman of the first house committee. The board of managers includes Miss Gill, Mrs. Adams, Mrs. King, Mrs. Winifred Ayers Hope '95, and Mrs. Ruth Bowles Baldwin '87.

The University Club is in itself a broadening influence. For are we not likely to narrow down into the belief that our own Alumnæ Association is just