DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 35 



DISCIPLINE. 



For more than twenty years, 1870-1896, the discipline of the College 

 was intrusted to the student body. 



The students carefully organized for this purpose under the direction 

 and with the support of the Faculty, and adopted a constitution, by-laws 

 and such other regulations as were deemed necessary to carry out a com- 

 plete system of self government. 



Prof. Geo. T. Fairchild, who was then at the head of the English De- 

 partment and who was for many years the honored and efficient president 

 of the Kansas Agricultural College, took a very active part in perfecting 

 this organization. All the original documents are in his hand writing, 

 and bear the impress of his cool, discriminating judgment. This fact is 

 mentioned here to show that the plan was undertaken with great care and 

 deliberation on the part of the Faculty and was given, at least during its 

 inception, all the support and encouragement possible by the members 

 of the Faculty. 



At that time the College was well adapted for the successful carrying 

 out of such a plan. The number of students — less than two hundred — 

 was not too large; there was but one course of study hence their interests 

 were the same; they nearly all lived in the dormitories on the grounds 

 and could be summoned together quickly and easily; the isolation of the 

 College rendered it free from outside influence such as come to schools 

 located within village or city limits. 



As to the real success of the organization in carrying out the purposes 

 for which it was originated the opinion of those who ought to know T differs 

 somewhat. From a limited opportunity to examine the College records 

 and minutes of the Student Organization during these years I am led to 

 believe that when the students took an interest in their organization and 

 elected, strong, popular students as officers, the self government plan 

 worked quite satisfactorily to both students and Faculty. On the other- 

 hand it is quite evident that very often the organization drifted into the 

 hands of those least fitted to control in such matters. When this oc- 

 curred discipline became lax and often the Faculty was compelled to mete 

 • ont punishment regardless of the wishes of the organization. 



During the fall term of '96 the students' organization was at a very low 

 ebb. The better element among the students were willing to give it up. 

 The Faculty were equally willing to assume control. During the winter 

 term the Faculty quietly exercised its authority and student government 

 was a thing of the past at M. A. C. So quietly was the transition made 

 that it is difficult to fix the exact time. No protests came from students. 

 They seemed perfectly willing to relinquish all claims to authority and 

 allow the Faculty to shoulder the responsibilitv and assume entire con- 

 trol. 



A great many colleges have in recent years endeavored to carry out 

 the student government idea, but in most cases the efforts have been of 

 short duration. That such a plan should succeed in this College for more 

 than twenty years is remarkable and probably stands without a parallel 

 in the history of self government by college students. 



The function of government in a college belongs to the President and 

 Faculty. They are the governing board of all college matters and are in 



