The Exit: All things have their start, their course, and their ending. Each fall there comes to Bangor High a motley throng of Freshman, some timid, some over bold, some foolish, some wise. They linger throughout the first year among these historic halls, and then pass into the Sophomore mob. Another year and they are Juniors, old in experience, and happy that they know no more. Three years have slipped by and now they are Seniors, who know that they know not, for the saying is true that the more you learn the more you discover your ignorance. Now the time of parting has arrived; high school friends must separate, perhaps never to see each other again. Out of the class that goes forth some will make success, let us hope that the percentage will be large.

Are we Wrong? There has been of late a great agitation among reformers as to the efficiency of our present school system, and such a distinguished educator as Charles Elliot, President Emeritus of Harvard, has denounced it as antiquated and behind the times. Most of the reforms are proposed with the idea in view that the modern curriculum is not practical enough. According to the reformers too much attention is paid to the study of ancient history and the languages, to the theoretical teaching of modern languages, and to the higher forms of mathematics. They believe that modern languages should be taught so that pupils will be able to speak the language after two or three years' training; and the teaching of the complexities of grammar should be subordinated to this. The few fundamentals of mathematics should be thoroughly mastered at the expense of the more advanced work. Such studies as the natural sciences, government, civies, and political economy should receive much attention; and drawing and shopwork of a practical character should be taken. The aim of these suggested reforms is that the student on leaving school shall be ready to enter immediately into the busy world, without being handicapped by theoretical and pedantic teachings, and by lack of practical knowledge.

Odd, Isn't It? This is the Odd Number of the Oracle. Some of the synonyms for odd are quaint, queer, comical, or droll. We hope that this is a real odd number. The "Girl on the Cover" is odd, and so is the would be comedy. The children's page, we hope, will be very instructive and entertaining for Bangor High's babies. Many prominent Freshmen have demanded that they be given a fair show, and we have tried to comply with their requests. If you find anything else about the paper that is odd, don't tell any one. It's a secret and must be religiously kept. The prize this month goes to Miss Pauline Miller, whose story, "The Pardon of the King," was judged to be the best.

The Cadets: The high school cadets' organization, that was dropped when the high school burned in the Bangor fire, has been reorganized and the students have taken the work up again with enthusiasm. Now, some one asks, why should the boys of B. H. S. join the cadets and what advantage is to be gained by the organization? Military drill accomplishes two ends: It helps the student and it helps the nation.

Preparedness and Patriotism: What is a true patriot? The dictionary says that it is one who loves his country and is devoted to its welfare. How many Americans are truly devoted to their country, and love it enough to give up some of their time and money to provide an adequate national defense? It is a well known fact that Americans are as a rule willing to give money. "Easy come, easy go," has been a national watch word. But the time has come when not money, but personal service, not hired mercenaries, but true defenders. must be the nation's guard. America has boasted of her democracy. Now that the awakening has come will she rise to the occasion and help make the nation safe from foreign foes and internal revolutions?

Faculty Number: The Oracle respectfully dedicates this issue to the Faculty of Bangor High, and to our new principal, Mr. Eaton. It was thought that it would be interesting to have a picture of the Faculty and brief sketches of the lives of the members; the modesty of the teachers made it necessary to have the biographies short, and not at all detailed. A few teachers preferred not to be spoken of at all, and so if you do not find a biography of all of the Faculty, please do not think that it is due to carelessness on the part of the Oracle Board.

The Race For Wisdom: Probably every normal student during some period of his school life does a little cribbing, either to save what seems unnecessary labor, or else to gain marks. Those who do not avail themselves of this short cut to wisdom are either too conscientious, or else they see how foolish the practice of cribbing is. Getting lessons by using a pony is like taking headache powders; the pain is relieved for the moment, but lasting harm is done.

Football at B. H. S.: This year is the twenty-fifth anniversary of football at Bangor High. It is her silver anniversary and the season has been a successful one. In the fall of 1890, Bangor played her first football game. Hiland Fairbanks was the captain, and Bangor's first adversary was the University of Maine's first team. When the final whistle blew, the score stood, Bangor High 16, University of Maine, 0. Thus the football career of B. H. S. started out with a rush.

The Entering Class: The new school year has begun, bringing with it a big Freshman class. We are sure that they will enter heartily into the school life and help keep Bangor High up to the high level it has always maintained. A good start is half the battle and the better the foundation that is built the easier it will be later on. Everyone should take part in the school life. There is always a chance for the get-there people in all departments of the school. Turn out for the teams. The more fellows there are out the better the team will be. Get interested in Bangor High and its activities.

Profecturi Salutamus: In this same space, in the first number of the Oracle four years ago, a joyous welcome was given to the Senior Class of this year. Then, we were Freshmen; now, we are Seniors about to leave school. What a change has come over us! Do you remember the first day you appeared at Palm Street and were directed to your proper room? Does not your memory oten turn back to the days that were? Those days that were, indeed, the foundation not only of your high school career, but also of your college and business careers? Now you have spun out the thread of your course in high school and are ready to continue in life. But, as you leave this school, there is a touch of sadness mingled with the joy and bustle of graduation. And what causes this sadness? It is the breaking of the bonds that have held this class of 1915 together. It is the cutting of your active connection with the school. But not, by any means, is it the severing of the firm and lasting friendships made during these four years. For the last time we meet at the rendezvous; our ways lead in different directions, but may there be many cross-roads! And may the spirit of 1915 never lag or die out!

Announcement: Proof of class enthusiasm in B. H. S. is not wanting in this Junior issue. Last month's Oracle came out very late owing to our abundance of holidays, and the campaign for junior material was started only a week before going to press. In this short time, far more material than we could use was received. The prize award this month will go to Louis B. Dennett whose story "War" was judged to be the best.

Announcement: As much enthusiasm seems to have been shown by the Sophomores as by the Freshmen. A great number of stories was received, nearly all of them excellent. We congratulate the Class of '17 on the many brilliant writers in its ranks. Of all the stories, "The Lost Run," by James C. McCann was judged to be the best, so Mr. McCann will receive a season ticket to the baseball games in recognition of his efforts.

The Freshmen: This month the Freshmen have an opportunity to show their ability in the literary line. A large number of these first year students have been preparing for the Freshman Number of the Oracle with much energy and zeal. Although many persons at present thought that a Freshman Number would be impossible, the enthusiasm with which this class entered into the work of preparing the necessary material for this issue, served largely to dispel these doubts.

A War Incident: Many stories are told of the present war, but of all of them, the one about the young cornetist who was the first to play the now universally known marching song, "It's a long, long way to Tipperary," seems to be the most tragic and pathetic. The story was told to the writer by some friends who were touring in their machine through the countries now at war. They had just time to get away from the warring countries to avoid capture of their machine for use on the field. This story was told to them in Holland soon after it happened.

On Required Studies: The reading of school and college catalogs discloses the fact that there is a wide range of opinions as to what studies should be required of every student and which should be elective. Since the college programs show this much more plainly than do the high school programs, we will take our examples from the former. At Harvard, for instance, the only requirement is a certain English course in the freshman year; at the other extreme, many colleges prescribe as many as ten full-year courses. Like variety of belief in regard to required studies is found in the school catalogs, although not by any means to so marked a degree. This is a matter which vitally concerns us, and which therefore merits our investigation.

The Editorials as Seen By the Associate Editor: The night is dark and dreary, and I am weak and weary, and there's an editorial awaiting to be writ. My fact is but a rumог. It must contain some humor. Oh, I am sure that I can never learn to be a wit! Upon what shall I write? Who'll help me in my plight? And so I sit and think and rave and write and scratch and daub. And after all this trouble? The piece bursts like a bubble. You see the editorials are not an easy job.

The Story Contest: We take great pleasure in announcing that the best athletic story written for this month's issue by the student body was the description of the world's series game, last Columbus Day. The Oracle will present Mr. Edward Harden, its author, with a ticket to the Sophomore Reception in recognition of his work. We wish to thank all who have contributed to this, the first of our special issues. We would urge those whose work was not accepted, for various reasons, not to be discouraged. Rejection does not always mean lack of merit; there are many other reasons for not using a story; as we have carefully explained in person to those whose work we did not accept. Try a humorous story for next month's issue that may be more in your line.

Welcome To the Freshmen and New Students: Welcome freshmen and new students! In behalf of the school we extend to you, the largest entering class, and now dents, a hearty welcome. Enjoy the building with all its advantages; enjoy your studies at this school and make them profitable; get all you can out of them. Participate in the school life while here. You can pass through without turning your head to left or right, but, do you realize what it means to you to do so? See! there are the foot-ball, basketball, baseball, and track teams there is the debating society, the Oracle board and the student council. Each one of these is looking for the right person: who knows but what you are the one? At least try.