One of the events which will help to make this year a memorable one in student estimation is the new rule lately passed by the faculty, by which upperclassmen are given the privilege of substituting some optional course for conditions on certain. courses of freshman work, notably the required work in mathematics. To say that this radical change has been hailed with enthusiasm by the students most concerned in its operation is but a mild statement. As far back as student memory reaches, the mathematics of freshman year has been a thorn in the flesh to generations of incoming classes. It is almost appalling to attempt the task of estimating the number of mathematics conditions which have, like a cloud before the sun, obscured the prospect of a degree to many of our fellow students. But all this, be it thankfully said, is changed now we must display a knowledge of analytics sufficient to gain a paltry forty percent. Algebra and trigonometry are things of the past now, and like all other relics of antiquity may be forgotten as speedily as possible. The only dark side to this blissful picture is the remorse which some men will feel who have squandered small fortunes in the unsuccessful attempt to tutor through the required examinations. After all, the new departure is a good one. It is a change which the modified requirements of the present freshman year warranted the faculty in making. It would be manifestly unfair to compel a student to bestow twice the labor up on the attainment of a degree which is required from the most fortunate underclassman.