In the fall of 1882 Richard entered Lehigh, but the first
year of his college life varied very little from the one he
had spent in the preparatory school. During that year he had
met most of the upper classmen, and the only difference was
that he could now take an active instead of a friendly
interest in the life and the sports of the college. Also he
had formed certain theories which he promptly proceeded to put
into practical effect. Perhaps the most conspicuous of these
was his belief that cane-rushes and hazing were wholly
unnecessary and barbarous customs, and should have no place in
the college of his day. Against the former he spoke at
college meetings, and wrote long letters to the local papers
decrying the custom. His stand against hazing was equally
vehement, and he worked hand in hand with the faculty to
eradicate it entirely from the college life. That his stand
was purely for a principle and not from any fear of personal
injury, I think the following letter to his father will show:
