ut better than their expectations. Notwithstanding some
inconvenience, it had obviated serious evils, had secured
unquestionable benefits, and had given a decided impulse to the
college. They were not prepared to advise its discontinuance.
Whereupon the Trustees resolved to adhere.

"Yet, after another short term of years, changes having occurred both
in the Trustees and Faculty, and the outside pressure still
continuing, the subject again came under the discussion of the Board.
In that instance it was formally proposed by a majority of the
Faculty. Some new members had been added to that body, who had had no
experience, as college officers, of the old system. Others had left
it, and some had seen reasons to change their opinions. A large
majority requested that the old _regime_, or something analogous to
it, should be restored.

"The minority confidently protested. They had had experience on both
sides, and were satisfied that the new system had greatly the
advantage of the old, both in respect to principle and practical
results.

"The Trustees gave the subject their attentive consideration,
canvassed conflicting reasons, and still adhered. They enjoined it
upon the Faculty to abide by the new system, and to keep its principle
inviolate in the college discipline.

"Since that time the question has been at rest. Whatever differences
of opinion may have existed in the Board or in the Faculty, they have
not interfered with the regular and faithful administration of affairs
upon the prescribed basis. The college has not suffered. It has not
ceased to flourish, in respect to sound instruction, easy and
effective discipline, a righteous order, thorough scholarship, a
liberal patronage, and an honorable position. It is believed to be not
behind any of its sister colleges in the proper characteristics of a
learned institution, even though measured not by its best, but its
average scholarship, as determined by lot, in the exercises of the
Commencement. Its order has become so well settled and understood in
this respect, that any reversal of it, principle apart, might be
attended with inconveniences and hazards more than sufficient to
counterbalance any supposed possible or probable advantages.

"But it is eminently due to the learned Memorialists [Alumni], and to
other friends and patrons of the college, to explain more fully the
theory on which the Trustees have acted, and which applies equally to
the questions now in h