CORRESPONDENCE.

TO THE EDITORS OF THE CRIMSON : -

THE last Advocate, in an editorial, makes a personal attack on the instructor in Sophomore Rhetoric. The writer of this piece implies that the instructor is neither "sensible" nor "competent," and is to blame for the ill-bred conduct of some members of his class. The Faculty is recommended to discharge the instructor at the end of the year, and it is suggested that it might be well for the University if he should be dismissed even before that time.

No one who reads this piece can fail to conclude that the writer has a personal grievance. In his indignation he has, I think, forgotten the facts; for he implies that the rhetoric "class occupies itself in the recitation-room with stamping and clapping." There has been no clapping.

One might suppose that the writer of the attack tried to show by his own style what a failure the rhetoric instruction had been. We must grant, I fear, that it has been a complete failure in his case.

Many of us noticed that in the last rhetoric examination those who had read and heard good English generally had good marks. Some, who by application and hard work had in other subjects done well, were surprised and provoked by their low standing. In this way only can we account for the fierce attack.

Although perfectly aware that an individual opinion has no weight with others, I will say that I think the rhetoric course has been interesting and valuable. The instructor has done his best to make the recitations in a dry subject entertaining, and I think he has succeeded.

It seems to me strange that the Advocate should give its authority to an attack evidently made in personal disappointment, and to opinions representing a very small number of the class.

'80.