The Fritillary, March 1898

Page 1

No. 13,

March, 1898.

vk. lottl.

rAGE

. 209

MISS EMILY PENROSE

THE LONDON SCHOOL. OF ,

ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE

_,) , j

--2.,

, 2 209 STEPNIAK 211

IN MEMORIAM,

grikiriz„,„ , M4-4410-41. ..ij ---- --•-oiiiiiatf(r''' k,t qt..t.r4tk Aviiiii 'PAt,-ab,-4.-

HINTS FOR A READING PARTY 2/1 .1013R COMMON THINGS (con-

tinued)

-

-

212

WOMEN'S INDUSTRIAL COUN213 CIL

-----1-- _ii--.

THE OXFORD STUDENTS'

i-

DEBATING SOCIETY OXFORD STUDENTS' HOCKEY , CLUB THE X CLUB

216 . 216

FABIAN SOCIETY

. 216

SOMERVILLE COLLEGE -

218

ST. HUGH'S HALL ,

219 220 220

Oxford JAMES

216

LADY MARGARET HALL ST. HILDA'S HALL HOME STUDENTS .

PRINTED FOR THE PROPRIETORS BY

214

PARKER & CO., CROWN YARD.


Miss G. DEVITT, Home Students, 12 Cantcrhury Road. •

Urcasurer : Miss ATHYA, Somerville College.

Committee : Miss ATKINSON, Somerville College. Miss RovtirEN, Lady Margaret Hall. Miss BARTER, St. Hugh's Hall. Miss MACRAE, St. Hilda's Hall. Miss WILLIAMS, Home Students, 12 King Edward Street.


MARCH.

No. 13. (11)166

ErniIp 'Deno6e.

,

See Illustration.

MISS EMILY PENROSE, the newly appointed Principal of the Royal Holloway College, is the daughter of Mr. F. C. Penrose, F.R.S., late President of the Society of British Architects and Architect in charge of St. Paul's. Related to the Arnold family, Miss Penrose has also the distinction of being the grand-daughter of Mrs. Penrose, widely known throughout England as the authoress of " Mrs. Markham's Histories." Miss Penrose was educated at a private school in Wimbledon, and after having travelled in France, Germany, and Italy, accompanied her father to Athens, where he was in residence a year as Director of the British School of Archaeology. In 1889 Miss Penrose entered Somerville College as an Exhibitioner, and in 1892 obtained a First Class in the Honours School, Litero flumaniores, being the first woman to attain the coveted distinction. Having taken Greek Archae ology as a special subject, she was awarded a travelling exhibition for study abroad, and worked at the Paris and Berlin Museums, afterwards being appointed Lecturer on both the Oxford and London Extension Schemes, and lecturing in London at the British Museum and at South Kensington. In 1893 Miss Penrose was chosen as Principal of Bedford College, and also appointed Professor of Ancient History. During her tenure of office the College has developed

1898.

and increased in numbers in a remarkable manner. It has been recognized by Government as a College of University rank, the only College for Women so acknowledged, receiving, with other University Colleges, in 1894 a grant of . 700 a year, increased, in 1897, upon the Report of the Commissioners to ÂŁ1,200. Miss Penrose enters on her duties at Holloway next Easter, and that College may be congratulated on having secured as its Principal one of the ablest and most distinguished women in England. A. MAITLAND.

rbe lonbon Zcbool of Economic6 anb Votiticat %deuce. OXFORD students have peculiar reason to be interested in the London School of Economics, for not only was its foundation very largely the work of two Oxford men, Professor Hewins, its Director, and Mr. Graham Wallas, but also a considerable number of its lecturers are Oxonians, while out of the seven Research Studentships it has awarded, five are held by Oxford graduates or women students. The School began work in October, 1895, giving systematic instruction by means of courses of lectures, aided by private tuition, in various economic and political subjects. Before its foundation no similar attempt had been made in England to organize studies in these subjects, and already it has become


210

THE FRITILLARY.

the largest centre of systematic training in them which exists in the United Kingdom. In its first year there were over 300 students, and the numbers have continued to increase. It may therefore fairly consider itself a success. Lectures and classes are held generally in the evening, but also to some extent in the morning. This year the lecture list includes elementary and advanced courses upon economic theory, economic history, and upon statistics, and there are courses upon special branches, as, for instance, Banking and Currency, Trade Unionism, Railway Economics, Commercial Law, and Taxation. There are also special classes upon Palaeography and Diplomatics, and several courses of lectures upon Local Government—for the scientific study of local institutions is one of the characteristic features of the School. Besides these there are special courses by such wellknown Oxonians as Prof. Dicey and Prof. Edgeworth, and a number of single °lectures, or short courses upon particular subjects. In fact there is ample opportunity for obtaining instruction upon almost every branch of Economics or Political Science, from teachers who are practically specialists upon these subjects. Moreover, there is a special Research Course which includes the study of method of investigation and authorities, and practical work under supervision, while the results, if they are of sufficient merit, are published by the School. Research Studentships are awarded in July, after a two-days' examination in Economics or Political Science. There is a Studentship of .4.ioo, open to both men and women, and one of 5(:), for women only, as well as smaller Exhibitions. The elected students choose some subject to which they devote as much of their time and energy as they can spare, give one, or possibly two, courses of lectures upon it, and finally, if it is thought advisable, the .

results of their work are published by the School. The first volumes of a series of " Studies in Economics and Political Science" have already appeared. Among them are Mr. Edwin Cannan's admirable little book upon Local Rates, and Mr. Higgs' on the Physiocrats (which are to be found, among other places, in the Somerville library). In connection with the School has been founded the British Library of Political Science, which is open (gratuitously) to all students of economics or political science,— and both terms are construed very widely, so that already the library possesses an almost unique collection not only of the usual books and monographs upon the subject, but also of an enormous amount of material supplied by English and foreign municipalities, and a large number published by foreign governments. A subject catalogue of the British Municipal Literature has already been compiled, which, it is hoped, will prove useful to the student of local administrative problems ; and this will be followed in due course by subject catalogues, or bibliographies, of the other local government publications. This year a Debating Society, called the Economic Students' Union, has been started among the Students of the School, men and women alike. Its numbers are not very great as yet, though they are steadily increasing, but its energy and enthusiasm are worthy of admiration. It holds its meetings once a fortnight, but, as yet, owing to imperfect accommodation, it has not been able to arrange the debating hall in true parliamentary manner. The debates are mainly upon economic or political subjects,—but these two headings cover a very large variety of subjects for discussion. So far there has been little difficulty in finding speakers, though there is the usual reluctance to speak first or second.


MISS EMILY PENROSE.



THE FRITILLARY. It only remains to add that the School is at to Ade1phi Terrace, Strand, which is within 3 minutes' walk of Charing Cross Station, and therefore very easily accessible by train or 'bus. May Oxford long continue to supply it with students and lecturers ! L. I LBERT.

3n Memoriam. STEPNIAK. DECEMBER, 23, 1895. "The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed."— Isaiah li. IN peace he rests, the long life-struggle o'er; On those far-seeing eyes is set a seal ; Nor may the hushed and pallid lips reveal What vision of the Truth, undreamt before, Shone like spring sunshine from Death's opening door, When through the mist he saw the red lights steal, In that dread pause, ere the relentless wheel Silenced his throbbing heart for evermore. Prisoner of hope ! Now unto him are known Life's hidden springs and Pain's deep mystery ; Time's " broken lights " are gathered into one In the pure radiance of Eternity, And fearless Love yields at the great White Throne That willing service which is liberty. B.A.L.

bias for a 1Reabing 'Map. CHOOSE the English Lakes. It is always wet there, which is good for work. The brain flourishes like grass in a rainy climate, which is as favourable to it as fish and marmalade. Whitaker tells us that the rainfall is heaviest at Seathwaite, but this place is an undesirable residence for those who have not done their swimming test ; besides, the murmur of the ducks is distracting. We must therefore fix on a farmhouse near ; the details of the ideal one are as follows :— A rustic bridge over a babbling brook, a suitable place for meditation, and a garden in which the antics of worms and caterpillars afford relaxation and mental stimulus to the jaded brain. 2

211

Within the homely dwelling an old oak chest in which to conceal lodging-house monstrosities, and a piano to stir up the loiterers and arouse the idle from their slumbers. The bedroom ceilings must be studded with hooks on which to hang multitudinous dripping garments, which are required for a sojourn in these parts. The number of clothes must depend upon the length of the stay, as one costume is ruined every day, exercise of course being most essential. The most suitable costume would be a rational one of fustian. There is no difference betwe roads and beds of streams round Seathwaite ; the choice when walking out lies between the river and the swamp, the one forms a pleasant change from the other— it is pre-supposed that students will be prepared to spend much time in putting on dry garments, especially stockings. Bicycles may be taken with advantage to the Lakes, as skidding is almost impossible under ten inches of water, but it is not advisable to take them over passes higher than 1,500 feet. There is ample accommodation for them at the ideal farmhouse in a stable which they share with the fowls. There are many delightful excursions which the weary student may take for amusement. The best of these is to " The End of the World," a particularly damp and dismal spot locally known as " Watendlath." The chief attraction of this place is a cottage with an ancient and massive door, where tea can be enjoyed in the company of chickens and dogs. A great feature of this neighbourhood is an enticing looking path to the left which leads the misguided traveller to " the other end of Nowhere," the only exit being through bogs and over tottering walls. There are many lonely tarns in the Lake District in which an overworked student can avoid Schools; the most inviting is at the top of a high pass surrounded by black crags, and highly suitable in every way for a suicide. On the other hand the more hopeful will delight in the Wishing Stone, which they will eagerly visit to make sure of their Firsts. The Study of History and Political Science— notably of Hobbes and Maine—is especially


212

THE FRITILLARY.

suited to the fells and falls of Cumberland. Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Southey may also be studied with advantage when one is seated upon their graves. The motto for a reading party should be Falstaff's, " It is no sin for a man to labour in his vacation."

Four Common tbings

(continued).

(WITH APOLOGIES TO MR. B N). 3. The Worm.—This subject can only appeal to the female gardener, and should therefore be skipped by other readers. To the male mind (and indeed to the feminine so long as she does not come into personal contact with him) the Worm appears to be an unobtrusive and modest beast. But words are weak to describe the feelings which he arouses in the breast of the enthusiastic amateur gardener. To begin with, you feel aggrieved that he should have been let loose on the world in such an unfinished condition. He is hardly quite proper. A neat fur coat, or even a slight drapery of art muslin, would improve him so much, and might even help one to guess which was his head and which his tail. Such a want of shape, combined with such extreme agility as is displayed by the Worm impresses one as something mysterious and uncanny, and we know from old times that everything we cannot understand is probably evil. And, indeed, I feel sure that he has a very evil nature. If he has not, why should he hunch himself up into a few fat inches, and then suddenly writhe out into an endless length of attenuated pink nudity ? Humans don't do such things, nor do even respectable snakes, and it surely shews a nasty spirit of pride in a lower creature to do things that we cannot. Or why, when you are digging up your borders should his family come up in troops for yards round, and lie and stare at you ? You know they are staring though you can't see their eyes, and it gets on your nerves. Then his apparently suicidal tendencies are amazing. He impales himself on your fork with the ardour of a good Mahommedan rushing on

the infidel bayonets. At first you feel sorry for the poor world-weary creature, but after a time you get used to it, and you notice that both halves of him wriggle off quite cheerfully in opposite directions. Then you know that he did it partly in order to make you feel uncomfortable, partly that he might eat a dinner at each end. Your remorse fades away as you reflect that to-morrow he will return, and ask to be cut in half again so that he may enjoy four dinners while other people can only eat one. It is not the slightest use to ask any gardening journal how to get rid of the " loathly Worm." The editor will advise you to read " Darwin on Worms," and will tell you that after that you will feel what a thrifty and engaging beast it is. Of course, it is quite true—he is very useful, and therefore worthy of all respect, if not affection. If you read that book no doubt you would love and cherish him, and tie a blue ribbon round his neck, and deck him, on high days and holidays, with the diamond frill of the virtuous periwinkle. But I am very much afraid that you will not read that book, and that you will continue to follow your feminine instinct, and avoid him on all possible occasions. 4. Tinze.—But though the Worm or the Plough may embitter our lives for a time, yet after a while they pass out of our way. The Plough turns from us to fresh victims ; we tire of our garden, and leave its lawful gardener unmolested to grapple with the Worm. But how can we escape from the tyranny Of Time ? I do not speak of the tangible inconveniences of every day—of the attempt—ever unsuccessful yet ever renewed—to walk to lecture in ro minutes when we know it is quite impossible to do it in less than 15. Or it is a winter morning, when the sun scarcely thinks it worth while to get up, and we try to persuade ourselves that we can have just one more turn in bed, and yet not be late. Or, failing that, we remember that Matthew Arnold was never in time for. breakfast, and that to be too superior to one's neighbours tends to produce priggishness, and should be avoided. But the real difficulty lies in the fact that we;


THE FRITILLARY. are under a great misapprehension as to the real nature of Time. We think of him as the patron saint of clocks—a well regulated, aldermanic sort of person who stalks along, " left, right, tick, tack," always the same pace. In reality he is nothing but a tricksy imp, to whose erratic bounds or inexplicable tardiness we poor mortals are chained. Clocks, like ourselves, are his slaves. Perhaps it is a sunny afternoon early in October—one of those days when Nature seems to stand still, half dreaming that she will return to her old summer sweetness. You are lazily paddling up the Cher, where the yellow willowleaves float like little curved swords. Blue and violet mists lie over the meadows, the rose-red spindle berries glow in the hedges—even the swan who lately tried to compass the death of your harmless, necessary dog is in a chastened and pacific mood. Three o'clock strikes, " Another hour before I need go in," you think. Ah, don't you wish you might get it ! Another ten minutes of blissful drifting and dreaming, and then, with a chuckle at your innocence, the Time-fiend springs up to Great Tom, and presto ! 4 o'clock booms on your ear. Unwilling you turn homeward, and as you enter the gate you meet a friend coming from the town. " Hasn't the afternoon gone quickly ! " you exclaim. She turns a swollen and woe-begone face to you, and answers with cheap sarcasm, " Of course, it always does at the dentist's." Or do you remember that day in the Schools when you were simply brimming over with valuable ideas ? Madly your pen raced over the paper, but the clock struck, and you had to leave your theories only half developed. You did not see the grinning imp behind you, who kept stealing the precious moments from you, and giving them to the girl in front who did riot want them. She had finished long ago, and was only longing for the time to be up. And so the First, which would have been awarded you by enthusiastic examiners had you only had time to explain what you meant, dwindled to a miserable Third. Ah ! poor, deluded mortals, how long will you go on making clocks and thinking that they can tell the time-""—can explain that whimsical,

213

malicious, untameable creature ? Why, several years ago, Shakspere told us, among other things, that Time went at a different pace for everybody, and yet in this 19th century we have made no use of that knowledge. But, courage ! even in conservative Oxford there are signs of a coming change. Every year fresh clocks are added to us, and each clock keeps a different time. If the Railway clock does not harmonise with your feelings, perchance Tom may be more sympathetic, or the Schools clock, or the Post Office may chime in with your mood. Surely we may hope that at no distant day within our ancient city there may be found clocks attuned to the individual need of every man and woman.

3nbustrial Council. MANY though the Societies and Institutions be which lift up their voices and call for help from the so-called " educated women at the Universities," yet one which might well put in its claim has hitherto been silent, and, in consequence, received little or no support. This Society is the Women's Industrial Council, of 12 Buckingham Street, Strand. Started for the purpose of "investigating into and ameliorating the conditions of women's work," it contains members of all shades of opinions, and offers a wide scope for all kinds of energies. Unlike "charitable " Societies, it does not set itself to dispose for the advantage of the poor of what the rich choose to give. Its end, indeed, is to make the poor less poor, but its means are not the bounty of the " upper classes." Rather it tries to rouse the social conscience by opening people's eyes to the evils of women's work as at present carried on, thereby helping on such legislation as makes for improved conditions of life. Realising also that improvements imposed from without avail little unless those on whom they are imposed receive them gladly and co-operate in carrying them out, it endeavours to make the workers themselves more intelligent, more capable, more alive to their due claims, and less content with the ills that at present attend their " station of life."


214

THE FRITILLARY.

It aims in fact at bettering conditions rather committee, and so on. The Council is in fact than at helping individuals ; it wishes to strike split up into these Committees, and only meets at the root of the evils instead of merely patching on its own account once a quarter, whereas each up the surface. Committee meets once a month or oftener. NeedBut before conditions can be altered there is less to say, the financial position of the Council a long and weary wilderness to cross. Facts must is very low, so low that there has been great be collected, tabulated, digested, and discussed ; difficulty in getting the Report on Home Work public opinion must be stirred, and John Bull printed. The reason lies in the fact that the work requires trustworthy statistics in black and white of the Council appeals not to the ordinary supbefore he can be stirred to any purpose. Such porters of charities, those wealthy persons who a process is going on now with regard to the combine a generous disposition with the firm question of Home Work, a subject which the belief that the employers of labour have a right Industrial Council has, been investigating for some to do what they like with their own, but to a more time. Four hundred cases have been visited, and or less intellectual public which is not generally the results are now printed in an interesting flush of cash. It must be confessed that it is not report, which he who runs may read (provided he an attractive thing to give one's money to an has a shilling with which to pay for it). A Con- institution which spends it mostly on postage, ference on the subject has lately been held ; office and rent, when the same money would feed whether the recommendations of this Conference starving children or keep deserving old people will be adopted, or even noticed by the powers from the workhouse ; nor is it inspiring to spend that be, remains to be seen ; at all events, facts one's time at Committees, or in finding out cases about Home Work have now been published of injustice and sordid poverty, which one is probabroad, so that people at large can form their ably powerless to redress or relieve : yet let those who are discontented with the world as it is, judgments with some knowledge. Though investigations are perhaps the most honestly wish to do their best to improve it withimportant part of the Council's work, yet there out expecting to see results. Consider whether are many other branches. Lectures on social work of this kind and subscriptions of this kind subjects are given in all quarters, physical drill do not really in an unsensational and quiet way classes are established, leaders of girls' clubs are best help to bring into being that " City of God " roused to take an effective interest in the in- about which in Oxford atmosphere it is so easy to dustrial conditions of their girls and so on. Be- dream and theorise, but which in the workaday, sides this the Council forms a centre for informa- smoky world of London is apt to " die away and tion on industrial questions relating to women, fade into the light of common day." L. B. BRADBY. and by the kindness of a firm of Solicitors legal advice on matters connected with Industrial Law is given free of charge to persons recommended the Ogforb %tubents' Mebating Societr. by the Council. THE first Debate of Term was held in the Hall The benefit of this can only be realised by those who know the ignorance of workers as to of the High School on Tuesday, February 1st their legal claims and the expense of legal pro- (Miss OAKELEY, S.C., in the chair). The motion ceedings ; for though all men are equal before the before the House was :"That the work of a specialist tends to diLaw, they are by no means equal in their powers minish his influence for good in the world." of setting its machinery going. Miss BARTER (S.H.H.) said she had to face The work of the Council is done by means of those most necessary but somewhat tiresome two difficulties ; firstly, that since every one has evils, Committees. There is a statistical, an some pursuit to which he devotes himself more educations', an investigations', an organisations' or less, we have no instance before us of the ideal


THE FRITILLARY. non-specialist ; and secondly, that in the present infancy of science specialisation is necessary. She maintained, however, that a true specialist necessarily loses his interest in other subjects, and that therefore the area of his influence is diminished. Further, character depends largely upon a recognition of our true position in the scheme of the universe. This the specialist is likely to forget, and, in so far as his character is weakened, his influence will diminish. Another argument against specialisation is, that it defeats its own end, since knowledge is already so far unified that progress upon any one path depends on that attained upon others. By the working of natural selection, specialists will finally retain only those faculties which they exclusively develope ; and the result will be to produce a number of quite disconnected groups. Thus though the specialist is necessary at present, yet as he works for a posterity which will be incapable of understanding him, the ultimate gain cannot compensate for the immediate loss of influence. Miss SPARKS (S.H.H.) said it was first of all necessary to get a clear idea of what the discussion was ; and that she was not attempting to prove that a specialist has necessarily as much influence as a non-specialist. Her contentions were : (1) That his work does not tend to make the specialist's influence less than it would otherwise have been; (2) that in very many cases his influence is increased. Different kinds of specialists must be distinguished, and the genius placed in the highest class. Every specialist must have some knowledge of other matters; thus Goethe, though a specialist in literature, was a universal genius. But even without this universality, a specialist may have an enormous influence. Musical specialists are an instance of this, and also medical ones, who make the great discoveries of which other people take advantage. On the whole, we know of many geniuses who have specialised, but of none who have not. The inferior specialist, on the other hand, would have had equally little influence if he had generalised. The person of ordinary experience never creates; he has to learn from the specialist ;

215'

before he can do useful work. Specialisation is also an excellent education, since by it we learn our ignorance of other subjects. In every point of view specialists are invaluable ; we owe our civilisation to them, and their work will live after them. Miss SANDERS (L.M.H.) spoke third : and Miss HODGKIN (S.C.) spoke fourth. There also spoke :—Miss FULLER (H.S.), Miss HINDLEY (H.S.), MiSS CROPPER (S.C.), MISS ROYDEN (L.M.H.), Miss HOGARTH (L.M.H.). There voted for the motion 6. against 25.

THE second debate of the Term was held in the High School on Tuesday, Feb. r5th (Miss OAKELEY, S.C., in the Chair). The motion before the House was :"That in the opinion of this House the attitude taken by the men in the late Strike has dealt a blow to the cause of Trade Unionism." The Proposer (Miss ROBINSON, S.C.) first sketched a brief history of the Strike, and afterwards discussed the position taken by the United Federation of Employers. The first question at issue was of the Eight Hours day. This the masters had refused on the grounds that it would be a fatal handicap in their struggle with foreign competition. Finally, it was agreed to drop the Eight Hours question, and the battle was fought out on the question of Internal Management ; should the masters or the unions decide as to the number and ability of men used in the workshops? The masters maintained that the output must inevitably be lessened if they were obliged to use one man for each machine, and to pay skilled artisans for work that could be done by foreign labourers. Miss Rounisorr then pointed out that the Amalgamated Society of Engineers had failed to distinguish between the funds for the Strike and those of the Benefit Societies ; that they had been subsidised by foreign firms whose interests lay in the protraction of the Strike ; and finally that they had been defeated by their owp



THE FRITILLARY. is a thing of the past. The Sharp Practice' begs to say that it has outlived its first Minute-book,

started some years ago, and embarked this term on a new lease of life with its second. No doubt the suitable place of security for the valuable MS., containing examples of the various scrawls of ex-Presidents, and records of the problems which have taxed the brains of past generations of students, would be, as one member of this Society brilliantly suggested, the Bodleian Library. Failing this, it has been confided to the safe keeping of one who is a prospective member and President of Sharp Practice' for some time to come. Will the Somerville Librarians consent to give it a resting-place, when this member has been obliged to resign her charge? Frivolity, so far as the subjects for discussion are concerned, has been banished from Sharp Practice' this term. To rack one's brains over metaphysical problems—Is it or is it not possible and desirable to know one's own limitations ? Is praise or blame the more conducive to good action ?—is not exactly an after-dinner recreation ? The meeting at which the former of these questions was discussed saw a perhaps unparalleled enthusiasm on the part of members—the debate carried on with great vigour after the closure had been moved and the President had left her chair. This, when members used formerly to be thankful to escape from the room without having lifted their voices, speaks for an increase in the argumentative, if not the debating, powers of the `Sharp Practice' of to-day.

HOCKEY

CLUB

(President, Miss A. F. DAVIES;

Secretary, Miss E. L. TOTTENHAM.)—Owing to the weather the games this term have neither been very regular nor very brilliant, but, nevertheless, there is a marked improvement in some of the members of the 1st and and Elevens, no doubt owing to the enforcement this term of the rule, made last November, for wearing short skirts cut 7 inches off the ground, whereby the activity of the teams has been greatly increased.

2,t

7

The matches stand as follows :Feb. ir. ist XI. v. L.M.H. 1st XL Goals—S.C., o; L.M.H., 3. Feb. 7. znd XI. v. Games Club and XL

Goals—S.C., 3 ; G.C., 5. Feb. 15. znd XI. v. Etceteras 2nd XI. Goals—S.C., 6; Etceteras, 3. First Eleven. Forwards: M. Pesel, M. Staveley, A. Wynne Willson, H. Errant, J. Strange. Half-backs: M. Scott, A. F. Davies, L. Hanson. Backs: J. Ogilvie, E. L. Tottenham. Goal: J. Smith.

TENNIS CLUB (MISS GRAHAM, President).—Last vacation, owing to the generosity of the Council in sharing the expense, a gravel court was laid down to take the place of a very indifferent ash court. It is in every respect most satisfactory, but the weather has been so unfavourable that only the most zealous members of the Club have taken advantage of this improvement.

CLASSICAL CLUB (Consuls, H. D. OAKELEY, M. Scorn).—The number of Classical Students having considerably increased this year, it was decided at the end of last term to start a Classical Club, the title and rules of which were borrowed from Girton. At the first meeting of term Miss Lorimer read a paper in which she brought out in a striking way the main principles of the philosophy of Lucretius, showing its basis in the theory of Atoms, and the relation of this to the Epicureanism of his ethical system. The chief point taken up in the discussion that followed was the relation of Lucretius' scientific views to some theories of our own time. At the second meeting Miss Sarson, in an in teresting paper, drew a comparison between the Antigone and the Spanish Gipsy, pointing our that the distinguishing mark of Sophocles' heroine was the loneliness of her sacrifice. A brief discussion followed.


THE FRITILLARY.

218 BOAT CLUB

(President, Miss DoDD). —As

this Club escapes the influence of competition its history is somewhat uneventful. In spite of the superior claims of Hockey, its members have shown unusual energy this winter. The number of half-captains is larger than ever before, and most of the beginners have been passed into the outriggers. HISTORICAL SOCIETY (President, Miss GRAa business meeting held at the beginning of the term the Society decided to open its meetings to the rest of the college. On Feb. 4th Miss Athya read an interesting paper on " Thomas Cromwell," which led to a keen discussion afterwards. The following papers have been promised for the other two meetings of the term :—" Charles James Fox," by Miss Robinson ; "A Sketch of the Medixval University of Oxford," by Miss Graham. HAM).—At

CONGRATULATIONS to Miss Hurlbatt on her appointment as Principal of Bedford College.

1Laby Margaret ball. (Secretary, Miss HoRomeo and Juliet" is the play this term, Miss Royden and Miss Roberts being in title roles. The attendance has been good and on the whole regular, though the Influenza has worked havoc here as everywhere. Miss Milroy, as Mercutio, needs no words of mine to emphasize the excellence of her rendering of the part. SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY

GARTH).—"

BROWNING SOCIETY (Secretary, MISS HOLGATE). —The Browning Society, which is an innovation of the term, is in a very flourishing condition. We are reading "Strafford," with Miss Kempe in the title role,—to the satisfaction of all. The members have so far been very regular in attendance.

IIOCKEY CLUB

(Captain, Miss BELL; Secretary,

Miss THICKNESSE).—S0 far the weather has been favourable for the Hockey Club, though the frosts of the last week have caused daily anxiety as to the state of the ground. As we have been a good deal taken up with United practices, and many of our 1st XI. have Schools hanging over them, we have restricted our matches as much as possible. At present our 1st XI. has only played one match v. S.C.H.C. 1st XI., which ended in a victory to L M.H. of 3 goals to nil. We have specially to congratulate Miss Notley, Miss Taylor, and Miss Ash on their play on this occasion, and we need scarcely mention our relief that Miss Bell was not, as last term, incapacitated by a childish disease ! The and XI. have not as yet played any matches.

WORK PARTY

(Secretary, Miss Woon).—This

Meeting is now held on Wednesday evenings. Owing to outside attractions the attendance has been very irregular. The work is sent to the L.M.H. Settlement. At the beginning of the term we sent a large box, containing over 3o different articles of clothing, including 13 pairs of mended boots and shoes (needless to say not all made at the work-party). SOCIABLE has welcomed the appearance of two new violinists this term, especially as there has been a dearth of performers on that instrument for the last term or two. Miss Kempe, too, has come back to the Hall, and is eagerly received as a singer at Sociable. On one evening, Miss Hogarth, in a dialogue from Lewis Carroll' s " Alice through the Looking-glass," gave us an " admirable rendering" of the part of " HumptyDumpty," which met with much applause. On the whole the programmes have been more varied than usual this term. L. MILROY.

BOAT CLUB.—It is seldom, indeed, that the Hilary Term is so favourable to boating enthusiasts as it has been this year. The memory of former years, when the boats could only be reached by the insecure road of a fence top rail,


THE FRITILLARY. which stood above the floods, has added zest to the pleasures of the river. Still, this term maintains its character of a season which tests the earnestness of our rowing members. It is more or less matter of habit to keep up the boating and swimming in the Michaelmas Term as prolongations of summer pleasures. It means serious work to start them again after all the winter dissipations of the Vac. We are happy in having more than a " faithful few " who boat and swim regularly this term. It bodes well for the success of our club, and testifies to our appreciation of the unfailing kindness of our vigorous coach, the President. BICYCLING CLUB (Secretary, L. Asx).—If one may judge of the prosperity of this club by the number of bicyclists, and their unwearied energy during the winter, it is certainly in a most flourishing condition. There are now thirty-seven members. Owing to this increase in numbers the accommodation is still too limited. We are hoping that the Council will see fit to provide us with one more house to hold fifteen machines ; we shall then be able to house forty-four bicycles on the premises.

%t. Ibugb's

2 19

was read on the "Reasonable Rhythm of Browning's Poems." We are at present engaged in reading "Strafford." Careful preparation and some vigour is shown by the representatives of the different parts. It might be well to remember that many voices " do not generally make remarks in unison. (President, M. M. far-away expeditions have taken place this term. A very successful visit was, however, paid to two old friends, St. Giles' and St. Mary Magdalene's. The architectural interest of both was keenly appreciated. The fonts of both churches are well worthy of notice and comparison. One or two more meetings will probably be held before the end of term. ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY

BULKELEY).—No

HOCKEY (Secretary, M. LANGsToN).—The Club is still flourishing. This term we have three new members, Miss Barter, Miss Burnett, and Miss Simpson. We much regret that the results of our Hockey matches cannot appear. Owing to snow and frost two of our matches have been postponed. Last term we played two matches—we beat Somerville 3rd XI., 5-3 goals, and Lady Margaret znd XI. beat us r—o. We are delighted that the S. Hugh's XI. has lost its miscellaneous appearance, and that our hockey blouses have met with general approbation.

SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY (President, D. LEACH).— The Shakespeare Society has largely increased in numbers this term in fact there are now no fewer than twenty members. But though it is so far satisfactory there is still much to be desired as regards reading and attendance. Miss Joel and Miss Ash. deserve thanks for their behaviour in both these respects. Henry V. is the play being read at present.

BICYCLE CLUB (President, E. M. C. PRIDEAUX). —We have increased our number of machines by three. The house has been more satisfactory than last term, so that the bicycles have been kept free from rust. We have not hired any additional machines this term as the weather has been scarcely settled enough.

(President, M. M. BULKEincrease in the number of those who regularly attend our Sunday afternoon meetings bears witness to a growth in the popularity of Robert Browning's works in this Hall. It is a fact on which we should congratulate ourselves, as a Society. At the beginning of the term a paper

BOAT CLUB (Secretary, M. A. GRANT).—The boats have been a good deal used this term when weather permitted, and the new sculls and paddles prove a great addition to the "Swan." Congratulations to C. Hedley on passing her swimming test. May her noble example inspire other would-be members of the boat club.

:

BROWNING SOCIETY

LEY).—The


THE FRITILLARY.

220

Recent Appointments. M. H. Birley, Assistant Mistress, Girls' Collegiate School, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. M. M. Dodsley-Flamsteed, Assistant Mistress, S. Cyprian's School, Cape Town. A. E. Bell, Assistant Mistress, Girls' Intermediate School, Newport, Mon. H. E. Wiglesworth, Assistant Mistress, Higher Grade School, S. Margaret's, Liverpool.

'borne Stubents. READING SOCIETY

(Secretary, Miss C. LEWIS).-

This Society has met fortnightly during term, and has read "Christmas Day," " Easter Eve," and " Pippa Passes," by Browning. The reading led to very little discussion. THE ETCETERAS HOCKEY

CLUB.—Captain,

I. Olive ; Vice-Captain, N. Taylor ; Secretary, L. Baines Treasurer, Mrs. Stock ; Committee Member, G. Devitt. The 1st Eleven has played matches against Caversham School lost 2—I. Games Club draw 7-7. The znd Eleven against Somerville znd lost 6-3. The 3rd Eleven against Somerville 3rd won 4-3. An Eleven chosen from the Eceteras and Games Club also played against the " Oxford Combined" team, and were beaten 7—I. ;

of books were received last Term from Mrs. A. V. Dicey, Mr. H. T. Gerrans, and Mr. J. A. Simon. LIBRARY.—Gifts

St. ibitba's (President, Miss BURROWS).—In spite of the great attractions of " Romeo and Juliet," we have been able to remain constant in our perusal of the misfortunes of the ill-fated " Richard II." SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY

(President, Miss MACRAE).— A meeting was held on Feb. 4th to discuss the motion, " That the stage is not beneficial to society, and ought to be abolished." In spite of an able speech from the proposer, Miss Tothill, the House sided unanimously with her opponent, Miss Webb, perhaps because the subject was one in which theory and practice were felt to be irreconcilable. DEBATING SOCIETY

(Secretary, Miss CARR).—The use of one of the L.M.H. gravel courts this term has been much appreciated. Hockey players have joined the " Etceteras " as usual. TENNIS CLUB

A " SOCIABLE" was held on Feb. r9th, under the direction of Miss Cooke. The audience were entertained with some portions of the courtship of Jack Absolute and Lydia Languish, while Mrs. Malaprop's " oracular tongue " reminded them of the essential accomplishments of the young lady of the r8th century. Let the Oxford student take her warning to heart, and beware of "simony, fluxions, paradoxes, and such-like inflammatory branches of learning " !

TENNIS CLUB (Secretary, Miss R. SIDGwicK).— The Club is once more alive and in a state of comparative prosperity. The Summer term will no doubt complete its restoration, but members are requested to observe that their duty is not discharged by paying their subscriptions, they should also (if possible) Play.

New Students, Hilary Term, 1898. Barber, Winifred Belle, Vassar College, U.S.A. Fuller, Mary Breese, Smith College, U.S.A. (from Somerville College). Recent Appointments. E. C. Pemberton-Pigott, Assistant Mistress, High School, Oxford. R. Huson, Assistant Mistress, High School, Monmouth.

Correction, Michaelmas Term, 1897 E. H. Moore, Manchester, not U.S.A. THE EDITOR acknowledges with thanks the receipt of The Girton Review.

Printed by JAMES PARKER & CO., Crowu Yard, Oxtord.




Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.