Showing 183 results

The Censors offer two topics for debate: the use of streetcars on West State Street and the use of the death penalty. Though undated, the Censors signed their names, which allows for an approximate date using the book of Thencanic Officers. Transcription included.

A fairly brief report, though one that still takes time to chide the members for not standing upright while orating, putting their feet on the desks, and eating candy during the meeting. Transcription included.

H. O. Cauldwell reports on one an "exceptionally well conducted meeting," though remarks that the presence of faculty helped keep the boys in order. Transcription included.

A report by a Thencanic member known only as "Critic." It refers, with tongue-in-cheek seriousness, to the other members' poor appearance and behavior. Transcript available below.

A Thencanic Critic pleads with the Society's members to improve their behavior. The Critic's name is legible, but cannot be clearly connected to an author.

The recap of a fairly quiet meeting of the Thencanic; the author attributes the good behavior to the threats of fines from the President. Transcription included.

James S. Messler gives his brother Benjamin serious competition for the longest Critic's Report. This highly detailed summary of the meeting includes some of the usual discussion of the membership's behavioral issues, but Messler takes some time to lay out what qualities he believes embody a Thencanic member. Transcription included.

A lengthy report that spares no criticism towards the author's fellow members. Brace provides commentary on the society's behavior, the President's missteps, and even the clothing of one student. Transcription included.

A long, slightly meta, commentary on the meeting. Persifor Spilsbury emphasizes the need for honest criticisms, even if they upset the Thencanic's members. He also points out flaws in the students' behavior and oratory, chastizes them for making excuses, and demands they "act as gentlemen or get out of the Society." Some students cannot be identified with the provided information. Transcription included.

A long report by William Bamford that features many of the characteristics of the Thencanic's meetings: rowdy behavior from the members, tongue-in-cheek remarks, and discussion of the Society's debating practices. In this particular report, Bamford proposes a scoring system to ensure impartial judging ahead of the Society's debate on women's suffrage. Transcription included.