Page 122 - YB1899

Pbilomatb~an[it~rary Soci¢ty. S EVENTEEN that years ago,. thirteen a new Society, a healthy spmt of rivalry Society young l~dies of the Bro':l~ing thought by establishing Philomathean was founded. Accordingly might be developed. So popular has this Society become, that, starting the year with a membership of twenty-six, our number was soon increased to fifty-three. The highest praise which can be accorded "Philo" is to say that she has ever exemplified her motto "Vcstigua Nulla Retrorsum" (No Retracing Footsteps). Though not so old as the other societies, we have succeeded in establishing a choice library, very helpful to us in our literary work. Besides this, the Society subscribes to several of the best magazines, and is thus enabled to keep in touch with up-to-date thought and fiction. This year we note a more marked improvement in the character of our pro- grams than ever before. It is our custom at each meeting to take up some author, study his life, and discuss the literary merits of his style and works. Probably the most instructive, as well as the most interesting features of our pro- grams, are our debates. We, being nineteenth century girls, discuss all sorts of questions, political, economical, psychological, and even ethical, in which the Seniors overawe the other members by the fund of "hidden" resources which they have at command. On February 22, Irving and Philomathean held a joint anniversary, in which a great deal of talent and ability were displayed by our members Every year there is an oratorical contest between the young ladies' societies for the troph y presented by Professor Newell in 1888, and "Philo" has been victo- rious six times out of the eleven contests. The uninterrupted growth of the Society warrants us in predicting that it will soon be on e of the most helpful factors in the development of Western Mary- land College, and we feel justified in saying that "Philo" is training a host of influential women who will go out into the world competent to bear their part in life's labors, and who will be ever ready to shed new lustre on the name of "Philomathean .', HISTORIAN. 112