The second number of the Advocate is perhaps one of the best which has appeared during the last few years. The editorials are clear, and to the point, the stories are all interesting and well told, the topics of the day and kindred articles touch subjects of an all-absorbing interest, and the poetry is up to the Advocate's usual standard.
The first editorial relates, as the writer says, to the well worn subject of giving cups as prizes in athletic competitions. Prizes naturally lose a good deal of their value if distributed a year or even six months after they have been won, and the principles put forward by the Advocate, that the prizes should be bought before the event, so that every competitor will know that after the event the winner will receive his prize, is an excellent remedy for the evil complained of.
To those who have the interests of Harvard well at heart and especially to those who have come from the large preparatory schools the second editorial must be very welcome. By all means, let Exeter and Andover play their championship games on Jarvis Field; encourage at Andover a similar feeling for Harvard as exists at Exeter, for there is no reason why Andover men should prefer Yale, and Exeter men Harvard.
The other editorial touches rowing matters and gives great credit, and not unduly to Captain Herrick for the energy he is displaying in having five eight at work on the Charles. The gift of Mr. Weld must be hailed with joy and will undoubtedly give rise to renewed interest in rowing.
"Right or Wrong" is an episode from the Civil War; although the idea is not new the story is related so charmingly that the reader cannot help enjoying it. "The Adventures of an Evening" is a curious bit of fancy; although well told, somehow or other is unsatisfactory, perhaps because the reader does not know what the pretty young woman said in a low tone. "The Death and Spoiling of Tiresias" it is a story from Thebeau history; as a story it recommends itself to the reader, but the style is rather heavy. "The Siege of Xavier de Chateaufort" is the best story in this number, the change in the young duke is as unexpected as it is complete, and the idea of the Indians being frightened off by the dirge of Brother Xavier is exceedingly original. "A Practical Joke" is good as far as it goes, but has hardly a place in the Adventures it is interesting and well told but perhaps better suited to a comic paper.
The subject discussed under "Topics of the Day" is the high rent charges for college rooms. The arguments advanced in favor of a decrease in rent are to the point, and lay bare the evils brought about by the present high rent. The communication touches the same subject as the second editorial. The Athletic Outlook is a straightforward article on the causes of Harvard's athletic defeats of the last few years and the present outlook, which, according to the writer, is "no more discouraging than any that have preceded it."
The number closes with the usual books reviews and with the Advocate's Brief, brought up to October 29.
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Books Received.