A German legend tells that Frederick Barbarosa, the great protector of a once united "fatherland," lies sleeping in his palace 'neath the mountain. "Ah yes! and he will come and bring back the glory of his kingdom," says the simple German faith. "When the black ravens of war no longer circle about the mountains, then will he come again and restore peace and unity to his people." Slowly the years went by, but the reign of Frederick the Great, was the reign of strife and not of peace. Still must thou sleep, O Germania's Spirit King! thy time has not yet come! A century rolled by and the spirit of the long-dead king came forth. It found expression in the life and character of Frederick III. The time was approaching when "Die Wacht am Rhein " should roll on its billows of song over a free and united Germany.

Frederick III was the noblest of Hohenzollerns. All the lofty and excellent virtues of the past generations of his house were blended in him. Art, music, literature and war combined to round out his character to its highest perfection. At the University, and during the early days of his soldier career he studied German life in its every phase. Seeing that the German heart was one, there awoke in him that beautiful dream of unity, for the realization of which he lived and toiled. Never did prince strive harder to learn how to rule. In all his life he was German in spirit and one with his people. This spirit quickened into life the spark of nationality. German arms won at Weissenberg, Werth and Sedan, not because Prussia's Crown Prince led them, but because "Unser Fritz" was on the field, and because the homes and loved ones of peasant and prince were imperiled. The Holy Roman Empire had passed away; the House of Hohenzollern had reached imperial power; and the "German fatherland" was united. Come forth, O sleeping king! Come forth! restore the glory of thy kingdom, for peace reigns at last.

By unwavering purpose in council and courage in war, Frederick acomplished a long-cherished dream, his people were united. One hope yet remained to him; long and weary years he waited to become his people's king and father. Three

short months were all that was granted the realization of this hope. Death took from him the crown of Germany that he might receive "the crown of life." Men wept tears that fell like the gentle shower when the old "landsvater" Emperor William died; for he had fought a good fight, he had kept the faith. He belonged to the past and was buried with it. How different the loss of Frederick III. Not gentle weeping, but wild, fierce sobs were heard in all German land. It was a tempest of sorrow that swept from the Palace of “Frederickskron" to the humblest home in the realm. It was It was "Our Fritz," the German's hope who lay dead. Germany's future was buried in its present.

How different that scene at Sans Souci a century before. The Great Frederick lay dying with none but his dogs and his servants near. No womanly love and tenderness soothed that bitter hour. There was but one who loved him and she was spurned. About the sufferer's couch at "Frederickskron" stood loving wife and children, and over it hovered the anxious solicitude of two hemispheres.

As they differed in death, so they differed in life. Fredreick II was cold, cynical, harsh. Frederick III was warmhearted, benevolent, gentle. The one was allured by glory and sought its shining wreath. The other sought love rather than honor. The one was proud to be a Hohenzollern and Prussia's king. The other was glad to be a German and Germania's friend and father. Both had a mission; Frederick II strengthened Prussia's arm and honor, Frederick III united Germans, North and South in spirit and in love, and helped to consummate their imperial unity. Frederick the Great rests in his marble tomb at Sans Souci and Unser Fritz" is enshrined in the hearts of a loving people.

The simple-hearted peasant of Schwabenland scans heaven's vaulted dome at night, eagerly gazing for that single star which stands above his home; for that star is the guardian spirit of his loved ones. So now, over the grand temple of German unity, is a star, which dwells alone and and shines with a clear, serene ray, protecting the German's fatherland and home. That star is Frederick the III.

CHARLES W. E. CHAPIN, '89.

Editors' Table.

Now is the time to subscribe for the LIT. Every undergraduate should take it; every alumnus would do well to support it. Particularly would we say to the Freshmen: Begin by subscribing for the LIT., continue it through your course, and when that course is ended, you will have a record of your four collegiate years that will be invaluable to you. To those who did not take the LIT. last year we would say: "It is never too late to mend;" the support of the LIT. ought to be far more general than it has been; and we are confident that there are few men in college unable to stand the expense.

The LIT. is not published as a private venture; it is representative; it is yours; and as such we have a right to demand your support for it. Aside from the financial phase, we ask for work. We are largely dependent upon you for literary material. Who is at fault, if that material is not up to the standard? We are deeply indebted to those who have worked for the LIT. in the past; and we take this opportunity for expressing our gratitude; at the same time, urging upon all the necessity of doing what they can for the cause. Particularly do we feel the need of poetry, short editorials, sketches, and the like. Indeed, these latter have always been difficult to obtain; but poetry has never been as scarce as at present. Almost all of the undergraduate poets, whose verses graced our pages last year, have left us; and there seem to be none to take their place. The LIT. is sent to all undergraduates unless otherwise directed. are unable to subscribe should not take it from the post-office. hope that these may be few.

Those who But we will

We believe that the 26th of September, 1889, will ever mark an epoch in the history of Hamilton College. It will date a radical change in its old and longestablished conservative policy. The old fossilized system of absences and excuses has been buried forever, and a new, vital one takes its place. From being treated as though without judgment, the student is made to realize his own manhood and responsibility. He may now exercise his judgment as a man and has no need or occasion to lower himself as such to keep within the limits of the system. For years has the LIT. labored to force upon the Faculty the need of some change in this direction. It has repeatedly shown that the old system was a fosterer of deceit and falsehood and a promoter of unmanliness and meanness. But at last we are glad to say that a premium on lying is a thing of the past. Whether the LIT. had anything to do in bringing about this result is not for us to judge. One thing, however, is certain: The voice raised by the LIT. against the old methods has never given forth a doubtful sound.

The resolutions adopted by the Faculty provide that one-tenth of all recitations and exercises may be "cut" without excuse. All absences in excess are

to be treated in a very vigorous manner and none excused but for a protracted illness or other like sufficient reason. In the experience of the Faculty it has been proven that the average student can not lose over one-tenth of his classroom work without being materially injured as a result. For this reason onetenth was placed as the limit.

It may be too early in the history of the system to judge of its beneficence; but the increased attendance on recitations and chapel exercises, and the corresponding increased interest in the work of the term since its adoption, plainly foretell the wonderful benefits that will result in the near future. The change will be heartily accepted by the students who are regular in their work. From the others it will merit opposition. To the former it will make no material difference, for they are regular from principle. The latter will think the system oppressive at first, but will soon realize that it is sufficiently lenient and that their increased regularity improves their scholarship in the same proportion. We believe that the individual tone of the College will advance as the system matures and its College influence becomes felt.

We congratulate Faculty and students, alumni and friends of the College on the grand progress which this step indicates. May Reform" ever continue to be the watch-word and motto of "Old Hamilton."

SINCE the Professorship of Law was left vacant in 1887 by the departure of Professor Burdick, it has been the unpleasant task of the LIT. to remind the Trustees that the vacancy was an injury to the students and the reputation of the college. We now take great pleasure in offering to the Board the congratulations of the LIT. and the students in general in the happy choice made in the selection of Professor Terrett.

Professor Terrett was graduated with high honors at Williams College in 1871. For some years he has been pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church at Saratoga Springs and as an able preacher and original thinker has borne much more than a local reputation.

When the selection of Professor Terrett was first known it was thought that the Trustees had made a mistake in selecting a minister as instructor of law, and this would undoubtedly be true in the majority of cases. Professor Terrett, however, for some years has turned a great deal of his thought and study in the direction of the philosophy of law and while an experienced lawyer might be better acquainted with the practical details of the profession, yet it is a greater advantage to gain in college a wider knowledge of law in general as a basis upon which to found the structure of legal knowledge, gained in office or law school.

A deep thinker, an eloquent preacher, a courteous gentleman, in his brief connection with the college, Professor Terrett has impressed students and Faculty with his ability to fill with advantage to the students and credit to the college the chair of Law, Political Economy and History.

The election of an assistant to the Professor of Greek was made necessary by the departure of Professor Evans to fill the pulpit of the Presbyterian Church at Lockport. The fitness of Prof. Fitch for this position is evident to any who are acquainted with his record during his college course,

Prof. Fitch was graduated in 1886, standing fourth in his class with a numerical standing 9-48. Freshman year he won the second Brockway prize; sophomore year a first essay prize; junior year the first classical and first French prizes and senior he was Pruyn medalist and Clark prize orator. Since graduation Prof. Fitch has had the professorship of Greek in Park College and has won an enviable reputation as an able instructor.

The addition of these two gentlemen to the already able corps of instructors at Hamilton, gives promise of an increased usefulness and fame of the old college.

THE College, as represented in her various organizations, evidently does not intend to sink back into simple admiration and adulation of her magnificent achievements in '89, but by the early election of competent officers and by the interest manifested among the students, has shown that the enthusiasm in college sports which was aroused last year has lived unabated through the summer vacation. The successes of the ensuing year depend largely upon the officers of the associations. We feel confident that the coöperation of the students will be hearty, and we hope that every officer will exert himself to the utmost with the intention of making the year of '90 even more successful than was the year of '89. The Tennis Association in the past has not taken enough prominence as a college organization. This has largely been due, as we think, to the inactivity of the officers. There is sufficient interest in tennis on the part of the students; the courts furnished by the kindness of Prof. Chester are of the best; and the necessary expenses of the association are light. In view of these facts we can not see why, with proper management, the Tennis Association should not take its proper place this year.

The Glee and Banjo Clubs have been united under one management. Considering the similarity of their interests this is a good plan. These clubs should look forward to a bright year. The Quartet remains the same as last year. Its excellence is universally acknowledged, but we are sorry to state that it has not reached that degree of excellence where practice is superfluous. They are meritorious, but need constant practice like any other musical organizations. Let them not put off their meetings for rehearsal till the last moment, as was done once or twice last year, and much improvement will be noticed where it had seemed impossible to improve.

The Banjo Club has been thrown back somewhat by the loss of three valuable artists. This loss, however, will probably be only temporary, for it ought to be possible to fill these vacancies without much difficulty. If players can not be found, they must be manufactured, for surely an organization which in so short a time won such a reputation for itself as the Hamilton College Banjo Club, can not be allowed to die. If necessary, the old members ought to be willing to restrain their artistic zeal, and wait patiently till new men can be developed under the skillful training of Prof. Lucas.

With proper management last year the Glee and Banjo Clubs would have made instead of losing money. The financial matters should be looked to more closely this year than last. The clubs should organize immediately and go into training in preparation for an extensive trip.