Yale publication, Iconoclast, Anonymous Yale student, 1873. [Even if you've never attended college - we are all this student]
To whom it may concern:
We come before the college now on justice's side arrayed,
To claim redress for open wrongs that vandal hands have made,
To give a college sentiment expression bold and free,
Asserting each man's native right, if such a thing there be.
We represent no clique or clan, but honest men and true,
Who never will submit to that which 15 men may do,
Who feel the shameful yoke that long has on the college lain
And who propose to do their best to break that yoke in twain.
We are not 'soreheads', God forbid that we should cherish strong
Desires to be identified with principles that long
Have been a blight upon the life and politics of Yale
Before whose unjust aims the glow of "Boss Tweed's" brass would pale.
We represent the neutral men, whose voices must be heard
And never can be silenced by a haughty look or word
Of those whose influence here at Yale would but void and null
Did they not wear upon their breasts two crossed bones and a skull
We hold no grudge 'gainst any man, but wish that all may be,
United by the common bonds of peace and harmony.
Yet, when a few do to themselves most proudly arrogate,
The running of affairs, there can be no such happy state.
What right, forsooth, have fifteen men to lord it over all?
What right to say the college world shall on their faces fall
When they approach? Have they, indeed, to 'sickly greatness grown'
And must each one Post too long. Click here to view the full text.