OUR SOCIETY

The object of the Palladian Literary Society, in common with all such societies, is first, to promote literary culture among its members, and to this end each member appears on the program at least once each period, or three times each year. By this method, it is thought, better results can be obtained than by more frequent appearances, for in this way the member has ample time to prepare and give to the society the best there is in him, and is not compelled by frequent calls upon him to slight the work. It is believed that to do one thing well is more beneficial than to do many things poorly, for the one giving the exercise, and certainly for those who listen. But this literary culture is not our only object. The fact that literary culture is in a very poor setting unless carried on side by side with social culture is recognized, and a part of each meeting is devoted to the social side of school life. Aside from this occasional receptions and "feeds" are given either at the homes of some of the members or in the society hall, which is well fitted for this purpose. Thus are united the best features of the old-time literary culture and the modern fraternity. While none of the literary culture is lost, we add to it the social featue, which is just as necessary.

The society is justly proud of its history, yet this pride has not led to any abatement in its zeal for hard work. We recognize the fact that a brilliant past is of little service except as an inspiration for the present, and it is with this spirit that we hold this pride. Beginning in this first term of the University itself, in 1871, it has ever since been the recognized leader in open society work. Other societies have grown up beside it and at times have been hostile to it, most of them to their own sorrow, but today the three literary societies in school stand together for a common object.

The society was first organized upon the co-educational principle and has for most of the time been open to both ladies and gentelmen. At one time the girls boycotted the society, but, as was to be expected, they soon returned and have since remained loyal. The first society hall was in what is now the east room of the library, and the story of its furnishing reminds one of the old men who used to visit our primary school and tell of the days "when I went to school." These furnishings consisted of a table and some benches, and would be in strange contrast with the present quarters of the society.

For the first two years the society was hindered by factional strife, but in the spring of 1873 one faction withdrew and formed the Adelphian society. The rivalry resulting was such as to strengthen rather than weaken the Palladian society, as it was at this time that the ladies who had previously withdrawn came back into the society. The year 1875 was marked