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��Phillips Exeter Academy.
��est" b}' the students, an academy paper was established April 6, 1878. The Exonian has been published reg- ularly since during term time. It has been of signal service to the athletic interest, and given the latest news from other schools and colleges. Every student has an opportunity to see his views in print, if expressed in a gentlemanly manner, on all ques- tions affecting the welfare of the academy.
Nowhere is merit found out quicker than at a large school, and the boys at Phillips P^xeter seem to take on with their new life extra discernment in this particular. If the new fellow can do anything well, he may be of any shape, age, or nationality, and get his due meed of acknowledgment, and if companionable, contract en- during friendships. The system of management is the outcome of steady growth. There have been no weak administrations, for at no time during the school's hundred years has the faculty as a whole been lacking in power. It is no secret that the set of the institution is towards Harvard. The present teaching force is made up altogether of Harvard graduates. The work of the Senior year does not furnish the best drill for advanced standing in other colleges, and the course might profitably end at expira- tion of the third year, but for the peculiar demands of Harvard.
Phillips Andover is a lively rival. Its inQuence has been in favor of Yale, but '83 and '84 sent large num- bers to Harvard. It is likely that the preliminary examinations will bring still nearer resemblance.
If Harvard's new theories are re- pugnant to the old teachers, they
��make no sign, but year after year "hit-up" the pace, and send the boys well prepared. Nevertheless, it would be instructive, perhaps enter- taining, to hear the outspoken opin- ions of such fair exponents of the Harvard of a quarter of a century ago concerning the Harvard management of to-day. Whatever else happens, the new departure is likely to improve the English province of the academy. When our own language and physics are taught as ably as Latin, Greek, and mathematics, Phillips Exeter will be "far and away" the best school in the country.
AVe never heard a student assert that the son of a wealthy man received better treatment because of his wealth, but it is widely believed that weak goodness sometimes gets the better of prankish ability in the matter of pecuniary assistance. School boys there, as elsewhere, are keen observ- ers in their own sphere, and it may as well be said now, the marking sys- tem in use is never understood by the students. For a time the belief ob- tains that high marks indicate ability. Next, it seems certain that they are secured by sustained effort. Then the conviction is forced home that the marks of some of the dull are starred. Finally, marks lose all sort of significance to any save those who are struggling for scholarships ; but the estimate of the faculty, expressed in other ways, has great weight.
It is generally known that no acad- emy affords more assistance to poor but enterprising young men. Tuition is remitted in many instances, schol- arships supply great help, and Abbot Hall furnishes board for fifty at cost. But fears are expressed that rich
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