The accident at the boat house caused by the carelessness of the corporation, and which came so near being a frightful disaster, directs the attention of every student towards what may at any time produce a far greater calamity, namely, the lack of fire-escapes in several of the buildings in the yard. This question has been agitated yearly by the students until it has become almost a by-word, but of a sudden it may turn into a ghastly sort of joke, unless the college takes some definite action in regard to it. The clamors of the students last spring did have some little effect, apparently, on the corporation, for rousing out of their lethargy they gave one or two exhibitions of patent fire-escapes to a small and enthusiastic audience, and after some reluctance graciously gave their permission for any student who wished it to purchase a rope at his own expense, and keep it in his room. This was all.

Some one not acquainted with this too characteristic proceeding may ask why this state of affairs has been allowed? It is the now famous reply-Poverty. Poverty! when a hundred lives may be endangered for want of what a few dollars could buy. Such an excuse is unworthy of any weight. Let them procure the money by any means, but let them see to it that our death-traps be made decently safe. Not one of the gentlemen who represent the corporation would allow such a thing if he could personally help it, we are sure, and why then cannot the corporation as a body somehow gain foresight enough to do what each member of it would do singly? This playing with danger is not to be encouraged.