preparation to enter that course. Furthermore, in its four years' courses leading to the bachelor's degree, it offered only prescribed studies which all alike in the given course must take. But all that is changed. It now offers no degree course of less than four years. After certain prescribed studies which are regarded as fundamentals, electives are introduced as freely as possible. In its entrance requirements it gives due heed to the suggestions made by leading educational councils, like the reports of the Committees of Ten and Fifteen; and in all possible ways it tries to keep step with the great educational procession.

It has always been a patriotic institution. A significant motto in large letters, which for many years adorned the walls of the chapel, said, "We honor the men who wore the blue." In memory of these men, about a hundred of whom enlisted from the college and nearly thirty of whom either fell in battle or perished from exposure, the beautiful monument (an engraving of which appears on another page) was dedicated under the auspices of one of the Literary Societies, at the Commencement in 1895. Alumni or former students, including Col. Charles P. Lincoln of Washington, Congressman Hopkins of Illinois, Hon. H. W. Magee of Chicago, Will Carleton, Rosa Hartwick Thorpe, and others, furnished oratory and song for what was truly an interesting occasion.

A distinctive purpose of the college at the present time is to offer first class college facilities at a cost which should bring a liberal education within the reach of all. Its departments are preparatory, academic, pedagogical, theological, music, art, and military. A Regular Army officer is in charge of the military department. Special attention is now being given to the preparatory department with a view to making it the best in the State, while the normal work is in charge of an experienced teacher.

ARTHUR GAYLORD SLOCUM, A. M., LL. D.

PRESIDENT OF KALAMAZOO COLLEGE.

In 1847, on a farm in Steuben, Oneida Co., N. Y., Arthur Gaylord Slocum first saw the light of day. In boyhood he attended the district school, afterwards spent three years in the Seminary at Whitestone, N. Y., graduating there in 1867. After spending a few months as clerk (carrying packages, etc.) in New York City, he went to Dover, N. H., where he was bookkeeper in the Free Will Baptist Publishing House for one year. The desire for a college education grew upon him and he returned to Cortland, N. Y., reviewed his studies for twelve weeks in the Normal school, and entered the University of Rochester in the fall of '69. At the middle of the year he left college for lack of funds and became principal of the schools at Scottsville, N. Ye, remaining for one year and a half. Returning to the University in the fall of '71, he graduated in the A. B. course with the class of '74. After graduation he was Principal of the Rochester Collegiate Institute for one year, and during '75-'76 was principal of the Riverside Collegiate Institute near Wellsville, N. Y. The next fall he became Superintendent of Schools and Principal of the Free Academy at Corning, N. Y., retaining this position until called to the Presidency of Kalamazoo College in 1892.

The University of Rochester granted him A. M. in '77, a few years later elected him to membership in the Phi Beta Kappa society, and granted him the degree of LL. D. in 1892. He was at one time an officer of the N. Y. State Teachers' Association and also of the Council of Superintendents, and held similar positions in other organizations, having always led a busy life and having presented papers before various societies such as the Michigan Political Science Association, the Schoolmasters' Club, etc.

Since 1892 Dr. Slocum has been thoroughly identified with the interests of Kalamazoo College, and has infused new life and vigor into the institution under his charge.

KALAMAZOO COLLEGE.

The early settlers of Michigan were largely from New England and New York, and regarded educational facilities, such as they had had in their former homes, a necessity.

The history of the founding of Kalamazoo College is intimately connected with the early educational development of the State, and is of especial interest, as this is the oldest classical educational institution within the borders of Michigan. The plan of founding such an institution originated with Rev. Thomas W. Merrill, a graduate of Waterville College (now known as Colby University), who worked and traveled continuously for several years to raise the necessary funds, and to obtain a charter. Most valuable assistance was given him by Hon. Caleb Eldred. The original charter for "The Michigan and Huron Institute" or, as it was later named, "The Kalamazoo Literary Institute," was granted April 22, 1833.

The French name, institute, was chosen instead of the English term, college; but the following extract from the charter makes the character of the institution sufficiently evident:

"Said trustees shall establish in said territory at such place as they may judge best, a Literary Institute, to promote the knowledge of all those branches of education usually taught in academies and collegiate institutions." The provision for preparatory instruction was necessary, as there were few regular preparatory schools at that time.

In 1835 the citizens of Kalamazoo contributed $2,500 and a large tract of land in the southern part of the city to the new institution. The first building was erected in 1836. Later the school was connected as a branch with the newly founded University of Michigan, but the connection was soon severed.

The Baptists of the State, who had been from the first the principal supporters of the institution, purchased the present grounds of the college in the western part of the city and, in the years 1848-50, erected the main building, which is now used as a dormitory.

In February, 1855, a regular college charter was granted by the legislature. This charter, which was of the most liberal nature, was only obtained after a hard struggle. By it women were granted equal privileges with men, so giving to Kalamazoo the honor of being one of the first colleges for women in the United States.

The original policy of the Baptists of the State was to have a theological seminary at Kalamazoo associated with the college. More recently this policy has been relinquished, and the property of the seminary is transferred in trust to the college on condition that certain advantages shall be extended to students for the ministry; and biblical instruction in some form is provided for in connection with the courses in literature and science.

During the College year 1895-96, an agreement for mutual advantage was consummated between the Trustees of the College and the University of Chicago. By the terms of this agreement the College will be known as a College Affiliated with the University of Chicago.

COLONEL JOSEPH SUMNER ROGERS,

SUPERINTENDENT OF MICHIGAN MILITARY ACADEMY.

The Michigan Military Academy is identified with the name of its founder and present superintendent, Colonel Joseph Sumner Rogers, whose life achievement has been the gradual building up, often in the face of obstacles, sometimes with heroic effort, of this institution, which now ranks among the first of its kind in this country.

Colonel Rogers is a lineal descendant of Thomas Rogers, a member of the band of pilgrims who came to New England in the Mayflower. His father was Joseph Rogers, a native of the State of Maine; his mother was Joan Harriman, of an old New England family. At Orrington, Maine, in July, 1844, Colonel Rogers was born.

Until the outbreak of the war in 1861 he attended the schools in the neighborhood of his birthplace. At the early age of seventeen he enlisted, taking his place