No. 10.
March, 1897.
Contents. PAGE
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A POLITICAT. .LEAGUE OE UNIVERSITY WOMEN : A SUGGESTION
169
IN MEMORIAM
171
WOMEN'S INTER-COLLEGIATE DEBATING SOCIETY
172
CAMBRIDGE AND THE DEGREE QUESTION
1 75
CORRESPONDENCE .
175
THE X CLUB
.176
A.S.D:S.
176
SOMERVILLE COLLEGE .
176
CONCERNING TIIE MESON . MESON
177
LADY MARGARET HALL
178
ST. HUGH'S HALL .
180
ST. HILDA'S HALL
ISI
HOME STUDENTS .
182
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Oxforb : PRINTED FOR THE PROPRIETORS BY JAMES PARKER & CO., CROWN YARD.
E0itor : Miss ABDY, St.
Hugh's Hall.
treasurer : Miss
TREWEV,
Lady Margaret Hall.
Committee: Somerville College. Miss A-rityA, Somerville College. Miss Hounwrn, Lady Margaret Hall. Miss STARK, St. Hugh's Hall. Miss MACRAE, St. Hilda's Hall. Miss PEMBERTON PICOT'', Home Stu,':::nts, Miss OAKELEY,
le 41ritiliaq. No. 10.
MARCH.
Voliticai League of 1niver6it2 `Women: i Zugoution. THE debate on Women's Suffrage held in the House of Commons on February r4th did not throw much new light upon its theme. Nevertheless, the speeches of the opposition, poor as they admittedly were, deserve attention as gathering together those objections to female enfranchisement—which are general and obvious, and therefore offer themselves most easily'to the indolent speechmakers of a Wednesday afternoon. Objections which are almost invariably brought forward by every indifferent or hostile critic, whether true or not, are worth consideration, seeing that in these democratic days most questions are settled by the will of a majority which is indifferent to them. The opposition speeches of February 14th, with the exception of Sir W. Harcourt's, rang the changes upon two arguments. This agitation, they in effect said, is the work of a few middle and upper-class women, The vast majority of the sex do not desire the suffrage and would even dislike it. Further, women in general take no real interest in politics, and have no knowledge of them. They would not know how to use the suffrage if they had it, and would vote simply as their male relatives or their priest bade them. One speaker backed up these statements by asserting that women's suffrage societies were as a rule insolvent, and that in the effort to
1897.
prove that women wished for votes, " drawingroom meetings were magnified into national demonstrations." It is easy of course to show that the plea of " no real demand has been put forward in answer to every movement for the extension of the suffrage among males ; and to point out the inconsistency of these arguments with that which forebodes revolutionary changes as the result of the female vote, and asks with the " Times," what is to happen to the country in time of war "if all the men wish to make peace, and all the women wish to continue the war ?" But apart from dialectics, one is compelled to admit that the very widespread belief in the indifference of women to politics in general, and to their own political privileges in particular, has much justification, and that even those women who are not indifferent are unduly reserved in displaying their interest. This reserve is probably due partly to a revulsion from the methods of enthusiastic but injudicious advocates of " Women's Rights," and to a fear, natural perhaps, but rather cowardly, of being numbered among the "screaming sisterhood." Partly, also, I think one is not wrong in attributing it to a more respectable, but still, as I believe, mistaken feeling, that the work of bridging over the vast differences of economic, social and intellectual opportunity which divide classes in our day requires all our efforts, and is more dignified, because more entirely free from the suspicion of self-seeking, than that "
170
THE FRITILLARY.
of asserting our own and Our sex's claims to citizenship. This feeling implies a forgetfulness of the historical facts that political emancipation generally precedes social amelioration, and that if working women are to cease to be the drag which they now are upon the improvement of working men, they must be taught those lessons of loyalty to their class and to their country which political responsibility seems alone able to give. It has occurred to a few former Oxford students that some useful work might be done in lessening this ignorance and apathy, if a League or Association were to be formed for organizing lectures and meetings on political subjects for women, and for increasing their political knowledge in any other ways which might suggest themselves. Such an undertaking would of course require considerable organization and a subscription list, and neither has as yet been framed, but it seemed worth while to take the opportunity offered by the current issue of the Fritillary, to lay our scheme before its readers, and to invite the co-operation of those of them who sympathised with it. The name which first suggested itself as descriptive of the origin and aims of the proposed league was :—" University League for promoting the Political Education of Women," but it is hoped that some convenient abridgement of this ponderous title may be hit upon. Its objects, as already indicated, would be twofold, and may be summed up thus :— I. To prepare women for the exercise of the franchise by improving their knowledge of political and social questions. 2. To rouse women to desire and demand the extension of their political and civic privileges. Thus the work would have two sides : one educational ; the other propagandist. But though both are necessary, in order to give full expr,ssi n to our aims, it is believed
that the League will do wisely to expend most of its efforts upon the first. There are already numerous societies agitating for the suffrage, but few, or perhaps none, which attempt to prepare women to use it well. Further, for young university women, the most appropriate part of the work seems to be the educational part, which probably could not be done by the average busy member of Suffrage Societies. Our plan of work would be to send out trained women, mostly those who had received a university education, to give lectures and organize meetings of women in London and the provinces. These lectures and meetings might be of three kinds. 1. Short educational courses, or single lectures on subjects of general political interest, or on subjects connected with the political and social work of women, such as e.g. the Armenian Question ; the Education Bill ; Principles of Local Taxation ; England's Foreign Relations, &c., &c. 2. Single lectures of a propagandist character on subjects connected with " Woman's Rights," such as e.g. " The Suffrage ; " " Openings for Women in the Learned Professions." 3. Mass meetings of women on the Suffrage, organized by the League and addressed by prominent speakers of both sexes. Of these, the educational courses seem, as before said, the most important, and it may seem best at first for the League to confine its efforts to these. Great care will have to be taken that their character as lessons in politics is preserved, and that they do not become historical or philosophic disquisitions on the one hand, or mere party polemics on the other. Lecturers will be urged to remember that their object is to place women in a position to form an intelligent opinion for themselves on political subjects, not to win adherents to any creed or party. They
THE FRITILLARY. need not be required to conceal their personal opinions, but will devote themselves chiefly to setting before their audiences the facts of their subject, and as much of its past history as is necessary to an understanding of its present position. Thus, for example, a lecturer on " The Cretan Question" might be expected to pass in review the history of the previous relations between Crete, Greece and Turkey, to give some account of the position which the Cretan question occupies in the Eastern question generally, and finally, possibly even to attempt to sum up the opinion of leading statesmen, or of the best informed journals, as to the probable effects of annexation or autonomy respectively on the countries chiefly affected. If then she chooses to spend the last five minutes of her last lecture in unfavourable reflections upon the Concert of Europe, or in diatribes against the rash and inconsiderate policy of the Opposition, we have no doubt that no one would grudge her this vent to her feelings. The exact form which the constitution and organization of such a League ought to take requires -of course much consideration, and it is hoped that if the idea is approved, we shall receive the advice and help of those experienced in starting similar undertakings. It seems at first sight that the methods of the University Extension may be applicable. We might have a General Office and Secretary in London, and Local Centres and Secretaries in the Provinces. The General Secretary would keep a register of lecturers, and send them out to lecture in London or in the provinces ; the Local Secretaries being responsible for all the local arrangements, and for collecting the audiences. Largely no doubt they would work by offering lectures to existing associations of women and girls, such as Schools, Colleges, Trades Unions and Guilds, Girls' Clubs, Mothers' Meetings, &c. When the expected audiences are of the ,
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middle and upper classes it would probably be well to charge a small fee. Many of the lectures, however, will probably have to be given free, and a subscription list will therefore be a necessity. No doubt it would be possible to get some women to give lectures gratis, if their expenses were paid. But it is believed that the work would be placed on a much more permanent and business-like footing if a small fee could from the outset be paid to lecturers. The chances of success of such a League will depend chiefly on our being able to obtain the services of women who will be ready to give considerable study and trouble to ,getting up the subject on which they propose to lecture, and who can be trusted to treat it in a thoughtful and sober manner. Of two evils, it would probably be better to lay ourselves open to the charge of academic frost than of hysteria. If any of the readers of the Fritillary feel interested in the scheme, and can offer suggestions or help in starting it, they are asked to communicate with either Miss E. PHILIPPS, 7 Barton-street, Westminster ; or with Miss E. RATHBONE, Greenbank, Liverpool, E. ELEANOR F. RATHBONE.
3t1 Memoriam. IT would be impossible to issue our present number without a brief mention of the late Professor WALLACE, whose death through a bicycle accident has flung a sudden and deep glooni over the hearts of many, which it will take long to dispel. He was a master of the art of making men think ; and holding as we do that it matters much less to what school or system a teacher nominally belongs than that he possesses what an American writer has called " the masculine faculty of fecundating other minds," we should say that his influence told on many who would be quite unable to give a lucid account of his position in
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THE FRITILLARY.
the philosophic world. As the same writer continues, "Search for his eloquence in his books and you will perhaps miss it, but meanwhile you will find that it has kindled all your thoughts. . . . For us the whole life of the man was distilled in the clear drop of every sentence, and behind each word we divined the force of a noble character, the weight of a large capital of thinking and being. We did not go so much to hear what he said, as to hear him a." Professor WALLACE was certainly a living illustration of the truth on which he frequently insisted, that a man's or an institution's whole self in its completeness should be that with which Philosophy should endeavour to deal, in contradistinction to the analytical methods which are prevalent in many quarters. What he was he was wholly, and was always. It is easier to feel than to express the blank which will be left by so earnest, real, and many-sided a character in a society where the complaint daily on men's lips is that of the lack of commanding and stimulating personalities. There was a vitality, a sincerity about Professor WALLACE'S mind that made even the tritest topics, the most common-place themes subsidiary in an unexpected way to the great ideas which he lived to enforce. Things of the hour and the moment, when touched by his hand, took their place in the train of the Eternal Verities. Himself a man who took little part in what is commonly called " society " or "the world," he nevertheless must have often put into his pupils' grasp the key to difficult social problems, the clue by which the life of a man may be guided aright amid the complexities of a difficult public career. Of the loss to his family and friends it is impossible to speak. But those who knew and loved him best must feel, more than any one else .can do, that there were few to whom a sudden death would come with so slight a break in the habituall continuity of being, few who (as our poor flunnan judgment goes) would have less that was sordid and selfish to lay aside, or who were readier for an existence in the unseen world of realities on which his mind instinctively dwelt even while still among us here. E. W. Originally said of R. W. Emerson by Lowell.
Women's anteroCollegiate Debating Societr. President,
Miss ILBERT (S.C.).
Secretary, Miss SPARKS (S.H.H.).
Re/'otter, Miss
RANKIN
(L.M.H.).
THE first Debate of term was held at Somerville College (the President, Miss ILBERT (S.C.), in the Chair). The Motion before the House was :"That the introduction of the Motor-car is the most beneficial revolution of the century." Miss HOGARTH (L.M.H.), following the precedent of the House, first proposed to fight the motion, next the hon. Opposer. She preferred to emend the motion to " The Motor-car WILL BE the most beneficial revolution of the century." She then appealed in turn to economists, historians, socialists, humanitarians, aesthetes, and to the sense of the House. 1. Political Economists would find, she declared, that the motor-car would be a spur and stimulus to transport,—in agricultural communities in especial,—and would oust the dray and the provincial transport train. Both farmer and farmproduce would find a market. 2. Historians would be interested to learn that the County Council has set its approving seal upon the motor-car. The Councillors of the county had given their verdict that the cycle and the motor-car were less wearing and tearing to the county roads than any other vehicle. If the cares of road-repair no longer fall on the Council, their minds would be free for other repairs and reforms (perhaps educational !). 3. Socialists and humanitarians would see at a glance that the motor-car was (or rather would be) a moral lever to the submerged tenth. 4. Again, humanitarians and lovers of horses would understand why the cart should be put before the horse. The car can be left at the gate, at the theatre,—anywhere—without rousing the anger of the Socie y for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. K. Philanthropists and neurotics' would welcome the stillness of the motor-car, and a London as quiet as Gray's Inn.
THE FRITILLARY. 6. One class, the esthetes, would perhaps protest, but their protests are most prejudiced. Who would judge or predict the chicken from the egg, the car of the future from its representative here on earth ? When the motor-car has found its final form, and is not as wholly harmonious and as harmonious a whole as a Hellenic chariot, then, and not till then, will .the aesthete's opinion have weight. The House must remember that the car of the future will be Hyperion to a Satyr. Miss LEES (S.C.) declared herself opposed to progress as understood by the hon. Proposer, who confounded speedy progression with rapid progress. The House might judge that the hon. Proposer's case was desperate by her appeal to the future potentialities of the motor-car ! The car was likened to an egg, but what if the egg does not hatch ? If the car fails to evolve, her appeal to futurity is vain ; and at present the motor-car is unshapely and malodorous,—a truant that starts but never arrives, but leaves a trail of oil down the street. It is demonstratively and demonstrably explosive. Posterity on wheels will be posterity on thorns. Yet, if the motor-car made for true progress and future comfort, it must be accepted on its own demerits, at the risk of present discontents. But it is prejudicial, not beneficial, and destructive to the best interests of the community. Though its incidental drawbacks may be overcome, though it may supplant the horse and supplement the bicycle, what can correct its essential drawbacks ? By its action the leisure of the leisured class— that Greek ideal without which there can be no intellectual distinction—will be destroyed by overpressure, and " Leisure, fine old leisure, is dead" and forgotten, and in this loss we lose greatly. With leisure Romance will be cancelled, Imagination eliminated. " Posterity may be shot from Birkenhead to Newcastle like a bullet through a tube," but posterity will suffer for it, and will feel the nervous strain, the physical overstrain, and the resultant mental degeneration. Secondly, the motor-car is retrograde. Under its influence man will return to an earlier and lower stage—the nomadic stage of development. Thirdly, the motor-car is destructive to art,
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literature, and to the horse ! In art, picturesqueness will be lost. What Turner could idealise the lumbering transit of the motor-car ? Who would not find a harvest-wagon propelled by petroleum a sorry sight ? How would the frieze of the Parthenon look, if for horses were substituted cars, and motor-cars? Miss STEER (S.H.H.), (3rd speaker), was of opinion that the introduction of motor-cars would supply the comic papers with copy, and the army with an insensible substitute for the horse. Miss GRANT (S.H H.), (4th speaker), told of the harassing possibilities of the motor-car and its dangerous side. There also spoke—Miss SANDERS (L.M.H.), Miss JosEpu (S.C.), Miss HODGKIN (S.C.), and Miss SPALDING. There voted for the motion, 7 Against, 21 ,
The Second Debate of term was held at the New Buildings of L.M.H. (the President, Miss ILBERT, in the chair). The Motion before the House was :"That this House deplores the present disintegration of political parties." Miss JOSEPH (S.C.) was of opinion that Party Government, now, is confusion worse confounded, rivalling the dissensions of Medi eval Italian States. Who has mastered the infinitesimal factions of Welsh politics ? Their protozoan bodies divide and subdivide, and there is no end to their divisions ! So with Irish parties—the Parnellites, the Anti-Parnellites, the Healyites, the Redmondites, and their opponents ! Everywhere are infinite parties, infinite divisions, and a resultant want of stability, balance, and whole-heartedness in both Government and Opposition ; even the union and strength of opposition—that byword of the History Schools—is no longer verified in practical politics. The similar weakness of American politics is a warning object-lesson to England. Even now the great foreign policy of England has been ruined by Little-Englandism, by the undue attention of Parliament to parochial interests, by the changes and chances of party disintegration. As
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THE FRITILLARY.
74
long as parties (especially Irish parties) will play a politic game of puss in the corner, so long uncertainty and ill-principle will be the curse of politics, so long local interests will outweigh and thwart our national interests. Miss ROBERTS (L.M.H.) recounted the uses of severance in party politics. Firstly, the Liberal Unionist desertion has solved, or rather shelved, the question of Home Rule. Then the amalgamation of the most Conservative elements of the Liberal party with the Conservative party in power was of great service to politics and political morality. Liberal union is strength, and the Liberal desertion was a serviceable illustration of the principle that " measures, not men," are to rule and define Parliamentary parties. The Unionist party was wrenched free from the old Liberal party in obedience to political principle and national interests, and to this end the party traditions of a century and of a lifetime were thrown aside. Secondly, disintegration of Irish parties has had the educative value of an object-lesson to the public mind. Their factions are a warning that Home Rule run by unruly Irish members would be confusion worse confounded. Thirdly, disintegration at home is opportunity abroad. Foreign affairs are left in the safe hands of specialists and tried diplomats. Fourthly, diversity in politics has taken away much of the bitterness of party quarrels ; the fever of electiOns never runs so high. Men of different subdivisions of a party are not entirely sundered, nor so entirely opposed. So, in the future, we may hope to see our countless parties able to unite on national interests, and to divide on political principles. Such parties will be a safeguard to Democracy in its forward march. Miss OAKELEY (S.C.), (third speaker), suggested that the hon. Opposer had not met the position taken up by the hon. Proposer. She sheaved the evils of party, not of party disintegration. If party is an inevitable fact of our government, it can only be an evil to halve, or destroy, or undermine parties. Miss H kNS0N (S.C.), (4th speaker), advocated disintegration as the natural antidote to Party Government. Party is liable, without severance •
or development, to become mechanical and opinionated. There spoke for the Motion—Miss jEBB (L.M.H.), Miss VERNEY (L.M.H.). Against the Motion—Miss BULKELEY (S.H.H.); Miss FRY (S.C.), Miss HOGARTH (L.M.H.). For the motion, Against, r o
The Third Debate of term was held at St. Hugh's Hall (the. President, Miss ILBERT. (S.C.), in the chair). The motion before the House was :— " That in the- opinion of this House, England is deteriorating." Miss. PAREZ (L.M.H..) spoke as " advocates Diabole " to prove the degeneracy of England and English trade. The old English monopoly of certain trades and markets was lost owing to the shrewd foreign competition of Germany. On all we see is the brand " Made in Germany." England is now a second-rate commercial power, and will remain so until the stubborn conservatism of English trade is set aside, until the manufacture is made to fit the market, the supply to answer the demand, until a full and technical education has supplied England with skilled craftsmen, competent manufacturers. Miss WILSON (S.H.H..) held a brief for England. She maintained that to judge or- misjudge an age "as it strikes a contemporary" is most unfair. The judge himself is never- free from the- spirit of the age he condemns. The after-ages alone have the right to weigh an epoch—and. find it wanting. Then this age is not degenerate. It has shewn vigour in science and art, literature, and historical research and criticism, politics, and reform. No specialist, no competent critic,. would deny the power and quality of its literature and art. At its worst, in its decadence, it has. shewn sincerity and a realism that is sincere. The outré and morbid forms of art do not overbalance the good work of the age. The Yellow Book proves the prevalence of good work side by side with the false and distorted idea of Art. •
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THE FRITILLARY.
doing they were following the advice given in a letter from Mrs. Veley, one of the founders. As " the younger and vigorous society," more commonly known as the " X Club" (see below), did not come into existence until the seventh week of term, it is a little difficult to see how it affected the behaviour of the Sci. Phil. in the first. Yours truly, A SOLID FORMULA.
tbe
Club.
OFFICERS. President, Miss HUGHES, Secretary, MISS DEVITT. Treasurer, Miss WRIGHT. Two meetings of the above Club have been held this term. The 1st at St. Hilda's, when Miss KIRKALDY read a paper on " Coral Reefs," and the znd at Somerville, when a paper on " Sterrochemistry " was read by Miss ARDINGTON. Discussion and tea followed.
subjects, such as the relative merits of Reason and Emotion ; of Failure and Success ; of authorised or spontaneous expressions of speech. The more trivial motions of last term have been entirely discarded, and " Sharp Practice " is flattered to find itself at last taken " au grand serieux." Thus, though silver-mouthed Oratory has not herself deigned as yet to take her seat in the Somerville Library, we have certainly seen less of her under-study " Babble." And who shall say it is impossible that the day may come when the Leader of the women's party in Parliament shall acknowledge that her exalted position in that house is due entirely to the fluency and assurance gained in the weekly Sharp Practice Debates ? N.B.—As we go to press, frivolous proceedings at a recent meeting held in the Hall Library make it necessary to qualify the self-congratulatory spirit of the above remarks. We must now say that in the West only does the Society bear itself with that stolid dignity from which we hoped so much ; while we confess that the scheme of the fortnightly migration Eastwards threatens to restore to it the virtues and faults of extreme youth.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY (President, Miss
IT is our painful duty to record the dissolution of this ancient and venerable Society, which has flourished for many years in our midst. Few debating societies can boast so long and so distinguished a career. Peace to its ashes.
Zoinervitle College. SHARP PRACTICE. — The Sharp Practice Debating Society has, as usual, continued to cultivate (and prune !) the budding eloquence of the College. Members have been given opportunities for airing their views on the most subtle and recondite
SUTTIL).
—The Historical Society has had the following bill of fare laid before it for the Lent term :— A paper on Puritanism, by Miss Staveley. A discussion of two aspects of the life or Thomas a. Becket, by Miss Atkinson and Miss Ross. A discourse on one influence of the French Revolution, by Miss Fox. Only one of these items has as yet been discussed ; but the Society hopes to enjoy the two remaining in the sixth and eighth weeks of term.
SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY (President, Miss MCKURDY).—There is a happy want of formality about the meetings of the Shakespeare Society, for it has at present neither constitution nor rules,
THE FRITILLARY. In spite of this, however, it is in a flourishing condition. So far this term we have taken The Tempest and Twelfth Night. The former was somewhat lifeless, but Prospero made the most of a rather thankless part, while Caliban was indeed the success of the evening. Twelfth Night was much more spirited. The broad humour of Sir Toby and Sir Andrew was in marked contrast with the quaintness of the Clown and the pompous folly of Malvolio. Indeed the play provided all the readers with parts in which they might appear to advantage, and has been one of our happiest ventures, though we hope it may find successful rivals in Julius Cxsar and As You Like It, which are next to follow.
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Several new members have joined this term, and the boats have been out constantly. We are expecting to have three shares in the new boathouse which has lately been built on the Cherwell.
Concerning the Meson filSeson. To me it has always seemed that not only the mighty works of women should be put on record, but also their lesser and more curious deeds be preserved from decay, being convinced as I am that human greatness is never unattended by vicissitudes. There are amongst the inhabitants of Theropolis a happy few who possess a means of marvellous efficacy in soften. ing the grievous afflictions attendant on their lot. This remedy, well worth the admiration of all, is vulgarly termed a canoe, wherein when seated and gently wafted between the soft banks of the ancient Eucharis, there comes upon them a strange forgetfulness of the cruel trials to which they must return, of the chariot-form of torture, the never-
HOCKEY CLUB (President, Miss A. D. SCOTT).— Owing to the unfortunate state of the weather at the beginning of term the number of our hockey matches. and practices has been much restricted. Our first match, that against the Etceteras' First Eleven, took place on Feb. r6th, on the Holywell ground, resulting in a victory for the Etceteras by 4 goals to 2. On Feb. 25th our First Eleven played that of Lady Margaret Hall Hockey Club, and beat them by 2 goals to 1. The following day (Feb. 2 6 th ) our Second Eleven played the Second Eleven of the Etceteras' Hockey Club ; the result was a draw, each side counting one goal. Our First and Second Elevens consist this term of the following members respectively ;First Eleven. A. D. Scott, S. Fry, E. Tottenham, M. Staveley, L. Kempson, H. Errant, E. Samson, A. Davies, E. Fox, L. Ilbert, E. Joseph. Second Eleven. C. Dodd, K. Logan, K. Scott, E. Woodcock, E. Spalding, E. Hodgkin, J. Ogilvie, M. Ross, L. Hanson, M. Watt, J. Smith.
ending task of covering the papyrus with hieroglyphics, the Penelope's web of essay-spinning, the Procrustean bed of the time-paper. In the events I am about to describe, I shall follow those authorities whose object appears to be not to magnify the wonders of the episode, but to relate the simple truth. Knowing as I do of other more marvellous versions of the story I forbear to discuss them. Stern indeed is the decree of fate which will not suffer any part of mortal life to be without disaster, and mysterious are the movements of the feminine mind. Two there were of the fortunate owners of the Meson Meson (such the name of this precious vessel), who after lingering too long one day under the spells of its enchantments, could not arouse themselves from their dreamy state of sweet oblivion, even on their return to the coasts of Bosporos. Unmindful of their treasure they left it unbound to the shore, exposed to the treachery of the river-god, and sadly turned their thoughts again to the hardships of their lot. Dreadful was the re-awakening. For ere they were urged by the racking unrest of Bosporos to bethink them again, of that never-failing power of the canoe, lo the rain had descended in a great volume, and the river thus mightily aroused spread its waters over the wide lands of Mesopotamia, and the sacred boat was lost to mortal sight. And here I am able to speak likewise from my own observation. Terrible was the despair of those hapless maidens, and it would be unbecoming in the historian to omit notice of the ingenious methods to which they resorted to allay the anger of the river-god. For there was one Halosanthropos, well-versed in all the moods of Eucharis,
BOAT CLUB (President, Miss CUMMINS). —The Boat Club has at last received a Constitution modelled on that of the Tennis Club.
to whom they addressed appeals that might have moved the harshest of the fates. Not having myself examined the missives, I follow my usual plan of setting down whatever is reported to me by credible witnesses. Nor was he
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obdurate, but he despatched messengers who traversed at Hieroshedon and many other points the broad expanse of water, calling upon the malignant waves to deliver up the priceless Meson Meson. Meanwhile the waters began to abate, and it chanced that certain of the bereaved maidens standing sorrowful by the accustomed landing-place, espied what seemed the form of the canoe, moored in the rightful fashion. This suspicion of theirs confirmed on closer inspection, joyful they returned to Theropolis, deeming, as I conjecture, that by some miraculous intervention their source of consolation had been preserved for them. But as the good tidings were spread abroad, and whilst they were yet receiving congratulations from their fellowsufferers at Theropolis, it was reported that a certain Pheidippides, gatekeeper of the place, had somewhat to say in the matter. Being summoned to their presence, and perceiving from their gracious looks that he would not receive chastisement for his deeds, he confessed that he it was who, observing the boat loose from its moorings, had performed the fastening, and as I presume, from shame at his presumption in touching the sacred vessel, had gone his way and said no more. The Meson Meson has lost none of its ancient magic, and there is yet peace for those who embark in it. If any one disbelieve my story, let him observe, asI have done, the more than Theropolian exultation which gleams in the looks of those favoured few who continue to find asolace in that ilDO. wondrous vessel.
AMERICAN TEA.—AS February 22nd was Washington's Birthday it was observed at Somerville College by an American tea. About twenty Americans were present, in spite of the many outside events of the day. The Common Room at the West, kindly given up by Miss Maitland and the students for the purpose, was decorated with American flags. Refreshments were as American as possible, and prominent among them were candied cherries, to shew that in spite of a youthful misdemeanour of the Father of his Country, cherries have not been destroyed off the face of the earth. Every guest wore a name-card in shape of a hatchet, the outward symbol of that inner truthfulness which, since the time of Washington, has been the heritage of every American. In spite of the opportunity, no incendiary remarks were made upon the land of our temporary sojourn, and patriotic reminiscences were mingled with appreciative remarks on England, and England's most charming daughter, Oxford.
After an hour spent in " visiting," the company broke up after singing together " The Star-Spangled Banner," and " My Country, 'tis of thee." It is hoped that this was only the precursor of a permanent American club in Oxford. [Anglo-Saxons not belonging to the United States were gratified by hearing in the distance the strains of the National Anthem, and feeling that kinship asserted itself in music, however separation might be emphasized in words.—REP.]
ON Friday, March 5th, Miss H. E. COLENSO delivered in the Gymnasium (Somerville College) a lecture on " Our Duty in Africa." She protested strongly against the English treatment of the natives in Mashona and Matabele land, and the government of one of England's colonies being intrusted to the hands of a Chartered Company. At the end of the lecture, Prof. PELHAM moved a vote of thanks to Miss Colenso, saying that the audience were the more grateful to her for her interesting address, as it was evident that Miss Colenso had spoken at a great sacrifice of her personal feelings, owing to her father's participation in the events which she related.
%Op Margaret ball. BOAT CLUB.—The position of the Club this term is not easy to define—we are very hopeful, we have great expectations, we are rich in anticipation. Our new boat-house is a dream; thatched roof and willow-grey walls as exterior, an interior large enough to hold plenty of boats at a level above the ordinary floods ; in fact, every convenience inside combined with a general effect of colour and design which will more than excuse its substitution for the former elegant edifice which adorned that conspicuous point of the lovely right bank of the Cher. Just now, of course, while we are waiting to see the first stake driven in for the foundation of this .
THE FRITILLARY. house, we are one boat short; but still we feel somehow better off than before. One feature of the Boat Club which promises well for a flourishing Summer season is the swimming. The practices in the Merton Street Baths during this and last term promise well for a reinforcement of energetic boating-people, and, let us hope, keen supporters of the Summer watersports. BICYCLING CLUB (Secretary, Miss Asn).—Bicycling has not been pursued with much energy this term, chiefly owing to the state of the roads during the first few weeks. The club, usually formed to share in the use of a hired bicycle, could not muster sufficient numbers to defray the expenses, and has had to be temporarily given up.
SHARP. PRACTICE SOCIETY
(President, Miss Ho-
Society seems to have taken a new lease of life this term indeed at the first meeting every member spoke on the motion that " In the opinion of this House every member of the Hall should be in bed by eleven o'clock." Another motion that " A breath of the outside world is pernicious in term-time," evoked much eloquence. This increased vitality is doubtless due to the personal and local character of the motions. We must award a special vote of thanks to Miss Jebb, Miss Sanders, Miss Milroy, and Miss Royden, for so ably maintaining that high standard of rhetoric which is so conspicuous a feature of this term's debates. They find the President's bed an inspiring " rostrum," but " e'en the owner acquiesces with a simulated smile I" GARTH ;
Secretary,
MISS GILLIAT).—This
:
SOCIABLE
(President,
Miss MILROY).—These
gatherings continue to merit their name. The efficiency of the performers is only equalled by the loquacious character of sundry members of the audience, who in more senses than one signify their approval by acclamation. We regret that we have only once had the pleasure of hear-
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ing Miss Ranken sing, owing to an obstinate cold, but we hope that Fate will deal more gently with her next term.
HOCKEY CLUB
(Captain, Miss BELL; Secretary,
weather this term has been most unpropitious, but in spite of the difficulty in getting a ground the enthusiasm of the Club is not damped. We have been playing once a week at Holywell, and Mr. Lynam kindly allowed us the use of his ground till the floods went down. We are delighted to be playing again on the Somerville ground, now that the weather has improved. Our First Eleven has been very unfortunate this Term. The forwards have had to be entirely rearranged owing to the loss of the centre forward ; Miss Ash is now playing centre, but unfortunately Miss Fox, who is taking her place on the left wing, has been unable to play for some weeks. We also announce with very great regret the loss of Miss Prichard, whose health has obliged her to go down. Altogether we feel rather inefficient, and are specially anxious on account of the match between L.M.H. and Ireland, which takes place on Tuesday, March znd. The matches so far have been as follows :— 'L.M.H. v. Old Students, 2—o. L.M.H. v. Somerville College, 1-2. L.M.H. znd XI. v. Etceteras znd XI., x—o. Miss THICKNESSE).—The
L.M.H.H.C. v. IRISH LADIES' XL We were favoured by quite perfect weather for this exciting Match on March znd. The Irish XI. arrived in the morning, and were shown some Oxford sights before lunch. The match began at 2 o'clock, and was, we venture to think, a very good game. The Irish team played splendidly, and were especially strong in their half-backs ; so that, in spite of the gallant efforts of the L.M.H. forwards, especially perhaps of Miss Ash and Miss Lloyd, the home XI. found great difficulty in running up the ball, and did not succeed in making agoal. The L.M.H. defence was, however, strong, in spite of the loss of Miss Prichard. Miss Bell
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played with even more than her usual brilliance and several hard shots were saved by the goalkeeper, Miss Thicknesse. Of the 3 goals gained by the Irish team, the one made during the first half-time was the only long shot : of the other two, one hit the cross-bar and fell through the goal, and the other was " got through" amidst many legs. We can all say that we greatly enjoyed the match, and we feel that the honour of playing the Irish XI. far outweighs the defeat we sustained.
TENNIS CLUB (President, MISS GUNTER).—The Tennis Courts are in beautiful condition this Term, that is to say, they have been since the floods ceased to come perilously near them. We have never yet had such splendid gravel courts, for last term they were being alternately repaired, and there are a few enthusiastic players who thoroughly appreciate them. There is, however, a large number of members of the Club who let their tennis fall through during the winter, and we think that the general standard of play would be better maintained if they lived up to their advantages in the dull season of the year. However, the counter attractions of hockey and boating must be, of course, taken into consideration, The Home Students continue to use one of our courts twice a week.
LADY MARGARET HALL SETTLEMENT
(Hall
Representative, Miss TAYLOR.)—Since last Term a good deal has been done with regard to the starting of the Settlement in South Lambeth. A house has been taken at 129 Kennington Road, which will accommodate about six Resident Workers. A very well-attended meeting of Students, past and present, was held on the Friday before term, to inspect the house : Miss Wordsworth mq.de a short speech, and the Organizing Secretary and the Hon. Treasurer read their reports. On Feb. r8th a large meeting of Subscribers and others interested in the work was held in Kennington. The Bishop of Rochester took the
chair, and among the speakers were Miss Wordsworth, the Earl of Stamford, and the Rev. J. Andrewes Reeve, Rector of Lambeth. The meeting was most enthusiastic, and stirred up a great deal of fresh interest and support. The Lambeth Clergy have welcomed the Settlement most cordially, and we hope that by Easter all the necessary repairs and alterations in the house will be finished, and that the workers will be able to "go into residence," and take up the rather formidable looking list of work that is waiting to be done. The Work-party has been held regularly on Friday evenings in the Common-room of the Wordsworth Buildings. There has not always been a very large attendance this may generally be attributed to the wet weather, which has prevented members coming from the Old Hall. The work is no longer given to the Women's University Settlement, it is now sent to South Lambeth. To make the parcel a goodly one appeals have been made for " old clothes : " we are glad to say that there have been delightfully substantial responses. :
St. lbugb's tall. TENNIS CLUB.—The Tennis Club may be said to be in very fair condition as to numbers, but the Secretary would be glad to see more enthusiasm amongst the players. Miss Burnett, Miss Bulkeley, and Miss Hedley are to be congratulated on their regular and steady use of the court, but if we are to have any success in the summer matches it will be necessary for all members to play more frequently. [Sec., MISS SPARKS.] BOAT aus.—There is nothing of much interest to report with regard to the Boat Club this term. Owing to the bad weather and floods our boats have hardly been out at all until this week. We have at present 14 members, 5 of whom are qualified. We hope next term some more students will have passed their swimming test. .
THE FRITILLARY. BICYCLE CLUB ( Presi_en_, t Miss BARTER).— There has been very little opportunity for riding this term. Country rides have been quite out of the question except on a few days. We hope to have a bicycle-house which will hold all our machines before next term.
SOCIABLES this term have been a great success. It was unanimously decided that dancing should be every week instead of once a fortnight. Many thanks are due to Miss Moberly for her great kindness in playing dance music, and to the Senior Student for her capital organization. DEBATING SOCIETY (Secretary, MISS GRANT).— This Society was changed at the beginning of this term into a Sharp Practice Society, with a new President each week. The meetings have been well attended, and have called forth much original genius. The motion that Communistic principles are not desirable in a Hall was discussed with great animation ; a question, too, as to the merits of early rising called forth an animated debate, members being able to bring personal experience to bear on both these subjects. The Society owes special thanks to Miss Rice, Miss Abdy, Miss Stark, and Miss Sparks, whose eloquence has greatly added to the interest of the meetings. SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY (President, Miss JOEL).— The Society has diminished in numbers this term, as many members have pleaded the near approach of the Schools. Those members who remained faithful among the faithless " have been reading Coriolanus. Miss Sparks took the part of Coriolanus, and Miss Fear that of Menenius. Miss Bulkeley, Miss Burnett, Miss Bell, Miss Grant and Miss Wiglesworth deserve special thanks for their rendering of their parts.--IED.] BROWNING SOCIETY (President, Miss BARTER). —The meetings have been somewhat irregular, as people are often out on Sundays. We have been reading short pieces chiefly from " Men and 'Women," and last week we had a delightful reading
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of Saul. On Saturday, March 6th, Miss Lee was kind enough to invite us to a reading given by Dr. Pope. He introduced us to " Ferishtah's Fancies," which many of us did not know well, and afterwards read the first part of Saul which we all greatly enjoyed.
MANY old students have visited the Hall this term : Miss Jourdain, Miss Mammatt, Miss Ethinger, Miss Hatch, Miss Thompson, and Miss Watson. S.H H. has lost one of its most busy and energetic members in Miss Olivier. It is to be regretted that she was unable to stay up till the Spring, in order to finish her year's Editorship of this Magazine, as well as to achieve the brilliant success in the schools which we all expected of her. Miss ROUSE (Secretary of the S.V.M.A.) gave a very interesting address on the Woman's University Settlement in Bombay and the work of the Association.
WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY SETTLEMENT (Hall Representative, Miss ABDY).—As we were not able to go to the meeting last term at Somerville, Miss Pearson has kindly promised to give a short address to the S.R.H. students about the work at the Settlement. It is hoped that all members of St. Hugh's Hall, past and present, will join the Settlement, in order that we may raise our members to 5o, and so be entitled to a representative on the Council. If every one would make an effort it would be quite possible to do this before next June.
%t. lbilba's ibalL WE are glad to be able to report a half-term of peace and prosperity, and although there are no fresh names to add to our roll since the last list,
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sundry additions have been made to the Lares and Penates of the community. Three new parrots have come to join the three of their kind already in residence. St. Hilda's Hall has much pleasure in acknowledging the kind invitation received from the Secretary of the W.I.D.S. A "Sociable" Meeting was held on the evening of Feb. loth, when dramatic selections from the works of Lewis Carroll were successfully performed under the direction of Miss Carr. The 1st meeting of the "X" club was held at St. Hilda's Hall on Thursday, Feb. 4th (see Page 176)Presumably owing to the inclemency of the weather, danger by water having appeared more imminent than danger by fire, the Pump and Bucket Practices, this term, have so far been allowed to lapse. The same cause may perhaps be adduced for the want of activity on the part of the Boat Club. It is understood that a speedy and energetic revival of both these pursuits is about to take place. Gifts of books for the Library are gratefully acknowledged from the Rev. T. H. Grose, and from E. Armstrong, Esq., M.A., of Queen's.
HOCKEY CLIJB.—We have been playing, as usual, with the second eleven of the " Etceteras." Owing to the unfavourable condition of the ground during the frost and floods there was little opportunity for practice at the beginning of term. Three matches have been played ; in the first we were beaten by the Games Club ; the second was -a draw with Somerville ; in the third, after a hard fight, L.M.H. were victorious, one goal to none.
DEBATING SOCIETY.—The first Debate of the term was held on Feb. 5th, the Honourable the Vice-President (Miss F. ROBINSON) in the Chair. The motion, " That in the opinion of this House the aim of every colony should be its complete emancipation from the Mother Country," was pro-
posed by the President (Miss M. HAYES-ROBINand opposed by the Secretary (Miss FERGUSSON). After some discussion the motion was lost. A sharp-practice debate was held on Feb. 23rd, to discuss the motion, "That in the opinion of this House the English (as opposed to the British) are superior to every other nation," which was proposed by Miss BURROWS and opposed by Miss WEBB. A discussion followed, in which the merits of French, German, Scotch, and Irish were enthusiastically upheld by various members, and the motion was lost. SON)
READING SOCIETY.—Meetings have been held under the auspices of Miss Burrows ; the work chosen being "The Taming of the Shrew," in consideration of the approaching performances of the 0.I.T.D.S.
MAYFIELD HOUSE SETTLEMENT,—Great interest is being felt by' the Cheltonian members of St. Hilda's Hall, in the London Settlement of the Cheltenham Ladies' College, which has hitherto been established at Mayfield House, Bethnal Green, but which, for various reasons, is now about to be removed to Shoreditch. As it is found necessary to build a house for the purpose, it has been thought advisable to form a company, and obtain the necessary capital of JJ3,000 by inducing people to take shares. With this end in view, a circular was issued by Miss Beale, and we Are glad to be able to report that by the united efforts of Guild-members and friends of the Ladies' College, a most encouraging response has been made, and the required sum has been subscribed.
iboine Students. THE omission of all news from the Home Students last term was due to on oversight, for which humble apologies are now tendered.
THE FRITILLARY.
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TENNIS CLUB.—This Club has had the use of the Lady Margaret Hall court two days a week, and the members have enjoyed some good games in spite of the weather, which has been more suitable for *water-polo than tennis. The Secretary for next term is Miss R. SIDGWICK (64 Woodstock Road), Dice Miss PEMBERTON-PIGOTT, who has resigned owing to pressure of work. Miss SIDGWICK will be glad to receive the names of intending members.
against the " Savoyards " of Queen Anne's School, Caversham, fixed for March 6th, fell through owing to the unsettled weather. The team have been far less fortunate in the number of their matches then the Second Eleven, for matches arranged against Earley and Bayford, and return matches against the Moonrakers and Bournemouth, have had, for various reasons, to be postponed. The Committee of the E.H.C. for the present season are as follows :— I. C. OLIVE (CftIain), M. G. HUGHES (ViceCaptain), A. E. STOCK (Sec. and Treas.), G.
READING SOCIETY.—This Society has been started this term for the purpose of reading and discussing standard authors. There are about 12 members, and some very successful meetings have been held. It is hoped that the Society has a long and distinguished career before it, and that it will promote sociability among the Home Students, as well as a knowledge of the best works of English writers. The Secretary is Miss C. LEWIS, who will be glad to give any further information,
DEVITT, J. WINGFIELD,
HOCKEY CLUB.—The Etcetera Hockey Club !low numbers over thirty members, of which seven are Home Students, the remainder Oxford Residents. We regret that more of the former do not join the Club, particularly now that student-members of the Association are eligible for the combined Oxford team. This term's matches have so far resulted as follows :(r) The team defeated Somerville, 4 goals-2. (2) The Second Eleven were beaten by the Games Club Second, 6 goals-2. (3) The Second Eleven drew with Somerville Second, r goal—r. (4) The Second Eleven were beaten by L.M.H. Second, r goal—o. Matches are still to be played against the Somerville and L.M.H. combined team (March 9th), and against the Games Club (March 18). The match arranged against L.M.H. has unfortunately had to be given up owing to the illness of some of the L.M.H. team.; also the match
W.LD.S —At the 3rd meeting of this Society a resolution was passed that Home Students should be admitted to membership of this Society.
WE have to congratulate the following on recent appointments :Miss Coates, Head Mistress, High School, Burleyin-Wharfedale. Hechtenberg, Lecturer, Smith College, Mass., U.S.A. Venables, Vice-Principal, St, Hugh's Hall. Heppel, Head Mistress, Girls' Side, Glamorgan County School, Merthyr Tydfil. Patch, Nurse, Children's Infirmary, Liverpool. M. Williams, Assistant Mistress, East Grinstead Convent School. „ Gmelin, Assistant Mistress, Ladies' College, St. Leonard's. Burrows, Vice-Principal, St. Hilda's Hall. Watkins, Tutor, St. Kentigern's. Gurney, Sub-editor, Labour Copartnership, Secretary to the Profit-sharing Committee. ,
,
77
Miss Mary Taylor Blauvelt (Wellesley, U.S.A.) has been awarded the European Fellowship of the Association of Collegiate Alumni for special
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work in history and political science. Miss Blauvelt, who also studied in Germany, for three years held the chair of Greek at Elmira College. She is at present doing original work in connection with the history and development of cabinet government in England.
Grieve, Lucia Grxme, M.A., Wellesley, U.S.A. Mesnard, Jeanne Alice. McDowell, Mary Stone, B.A., Swarthmore, U.S.A. Roper, Mary Rogers, B.A., Columbia, U.S.A. Ross, Mabel Henrietta, Royal Holloway College, Sidgwick, Rose, Oxford High School. Walter, Hedwig.
New Students, Michaelmas Term, 1896,
Hilary Term, 1897.
(Omitted in last Number.)
Huson, Ruth, Training College, Cambridge. Walton-Wilson, Annie C. E. (St. Kentigern's).
Baker, Violet Emily. Revers, Violet, Oxford High School. Cox, Esther Lamb, B. A., Swarthmore, U.S.A. Drummond, Isabella Martha, Oxford High School. Earle, Dorothy Charlotte, Oxford High School.
Printed by
JAMES PARKER
THE Editor acknowledges with thanks the receipt of the Girton Review.
& Co., Crown Yard, Oxford.