The Advocate.

The current number of the Advocate, while it contains several very interesting articles, is hardly as good from a literary point of view, as the previous numbers of the year. The editorial column lacks dignity to make it effective. The leading editorial in particular is open to this criticism. The graduate movement which it so caustically refers to as "patronizing," and "kind," may not have the force and value which have been claimed for it, but it at least deserves commendation more than sneers. The editorial on the founding of Clark university is written in the same spirit of contempt. A candid statement of the objections to a new university, which are undoubtedly many and strong, would have much more force, and would not be as liable to be misunderstood.

The "San Jose Coach" is a short sketch of California stage life by Mr. Frederick L. Duncan. It is a very good piece of description, the introduction being especially vivid. The idea is not new but the treatment is excellent, maintaining the interest to the very end. "Topics of the Day" include a thoughtful and suggestive letter to the freshman class, and a communication on the mutilation of library books, both of which are well worth reading, The former deserves the attention and reflection not only of those to whom it is addressed, but of every other man in college, treating as it does of a matter of vital importance in college life. Such matters are not generally discussed in the college press but a little plain, sober talk like this, by a man evidently in earnest, and professedly experienced, is quite timely and appropriate.

The parable of "The Little Game of the Blue Hound" is very bright, though that particular vein of humor is about exhausted. The daily themes cover a variety of topics, and as a whole are good. The publication of the first might be considered in rather questionable taste, if the paper were intended for general circulation.

The last article of the number is "Father and Son," by C. H. C. Wright. It is a well written story of the revolution, giving promise of much better work. The style is simple and direct except in the description of the Major's anger, when it approaches the rhetorical. The unexpected ending is very effective.

There are but two pieces of verse in the number, "At Crawford's," and "The Mould and the Bell," neither of which is especially good, nor indeed, especially intelligible. Some book reviews and the "Advocate's Brief" complete the number. The latter would be of much more value if it came down to more modern times than April 2.