WAS IT A DECOY OR SILLY "CATCH," OR A REAL ATTEMPT TO GAIN POSSESSION OF A DIPLOMA, IN DUE FORM, UNDER THE PRETENSE OF HAVING IT CONFERRED UPON A "FRIEND?"

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The following letter, dated Boston, Mass., April 12, 1889, was addressed to the Dean of the Medical Department of a University located east of the Alleghany Mountains, and by him forwarded to us:

"Dear Sir:  —I take the liberty of writing you a confidential letter suggesting we exchange college honors. I have the honor to be Dean of the Medical Department of a University in New England. If you will confer the degree of M.D., upon a friend of mine who is now a graduate in medicine, I will ask the Board of Trustees of the above-mentioned University to confer upon you, or one of your colleagues, the honorary degree of A.M. or LL.D., just as the person is qualified to receive. Hoping you will give this matter your immediate attention and forward an early reply, I am very truly,"Dr. P. Ripley."An envelope was enclosed for the reply