An Oxford Freshman had a lowly status, but the Rhodesmen seemed to get somewhat better treatment than average. Perhaps as foreigners they were of some special interest to the upper classmen. Also, the Rhodes Scholarship required at least two years of college, so many were at least as old as the upperclassmen, and older than a typical freshman. Nevertheless the Oxford traditions of hazing and ignoring freshmen still affected them.
An article, “Oxford from Within,” written by an American studying at Oxford, John F. Horns, [The Outlook, Vol. 82, April 14, 1906] described one of the hazing traditions and a Rhodesman’s reaction to it:
“Since the Rhodes scholars made their first appearance in Oxford I have heard of one significant incident. In nearly all the colleges it is an old custom for the second and third year men to entertain the freshmen by what is known as a “Fresher’s Drunk.” This orgy is held in the rooms of one of the Freshmen, whether the occupier wishes it or not. Last winter, however, one of the American Rhodes Freshmen was informed that on a certain evening there would be a “Drunk” held in his rooms, so that he had better prepare to receive the guests.”
“The Rhodes man quietly but firmly told his informer that he personally had no objection whatsoever to their having a “Drunk,” but that it would not be held in his rooms. The Senior looked at him and gasped; for such independence on the part of a Fresher was almost unheard of before. However, it was determined by the “Drunk” Committee that, nolens volens, the Fresher should submit. But when the eventful evening came, and the “Drunk” Committee visited the Freshman’s rooms, they were met by an assembly of the friends of that Freshman, all Americans, tall and muscular, like himself, who smiled pleasantly, and cordially invited them to come in. Needless to say, there was no “Drunk” held that evening.”
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Charlie does not mention the above incident, which would have happened in his first (1905) term, but you can imagine him being part of that athletic, defense wall the upper class men met when the arrived to hold their Fresher’s drunk.
And, of course, Charlie had plenty to share on being a Freshman at Oxford.
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None of the upper class men for the first year have anything much to do with the freshers. Even after they have you in to supper or breakfast the next morning on the street will not recognize you. The freshers are in that way supposed to mingle among themselves. For the most part they are very boyish looking lot but seem to have some pretty good men among them. [10/15/05]
Carol F. is having a most distressing time. Is rather too big a talker and made a little splurge about smoking, booze etc. right at first. Since then he has been ragged (hazed) pretty constantly. Last night he said he had given in and bought a bottle of whiskey and some cigarettes. That was what the hazers always demanded. [10/15/05]
We have been treated very nicely so far. Simply ignored is much better than being hazed. After the first year however, the fellows get along finely. [10/15/05]
Here in John’s there has been very little hazing and none of the Americans have been bothered in the least. Carol is getting on much better now, but is hardly the disposition to be happy. [11/26/05]
One graft that is called a voluntary one but really is not has been sprung this week. They have about 20 men here in John’s in training for the boat races and freshers are invited to entertain them to breakfast. Three freshers together thus keeping the cost down to about $7.50 apiece. The notice runs like this, “Gentlemen who desire to entertain the togger men for breakfast put their names below.” Looks very polite but as far as keeping out of digging up is concerned it’s about the same as tho they pointed a six shooter at you. Suppose [Cecil] Rhodes went through the same though and knew what he wanted when he distributed his coin. [02/05/06]
