CLASS OF 1899

Out of one hundred living graduates and thirty-three non-graduates, a total of seventy-three men of '99 attended the decennial reunion at Hanover at Commencement. The occasion was marked with the greatest enthusiasm, and the heartiest thanks of the class were expressed to the committee for their splendidly efficient work, which resulted in the largest and most carefully planned decennial reunion ever held by a Dartmouth class. The decennial committee, Lucius E. Varney, Warren' C. Kendall, and Charles H. Donahue, had also the loyal assistance of a large number of helpers, to whom special tasks had been assigned.

On the Dartmouth Alumni Special, where many of the class sat down to a dinner with a '99 decennial menu, the reunion really began. A most attractive program, with an apt quotation for each event, gave the time of each attraction from Saturday till Wednesday. Among the features of the reunion were a tour of inspection, class hums at Massachusetts Hall, walks, drives, a baseball game with 1904, marching to the music of '99's own band, exercises at the class tree, a special memorial service, and a most successful Decennial Reunion dinner.

A most distinctive exercise was the Ninety-nine Memorial Service, in Rollins Chapel on Monday morning. This service was in fitting commemoration of the men who have passed from the ranks of the class: Alfred W. Boston, Charles Pratt Graham, Harry Ladd, William Murdock Fraser, John McQuesten French, and Ralph Spencer Wilder. After singing by the class, scripture was read and a brief address given by Prof. John K. Lord. Prayer was offered by Rev. Montie J. B. Fuller. Then followed a brief memorial address by Elmer W. Barjtow, the secretary of the class, who in a simple and sincere manner made reference to the noble qualities in the lives of those mourned by the class. The class ode, written by Charles P. Graham, one of the deceased members, was then sung by ithe class. The service was a very impressive one, and all present entered deeply into its spirit of reverent respect and solemn commemoration. The men of '99 and their guests especially appreciated the presence of Doctor Tucker at the memorial service.

The class won the admiration of the Commencement visitors by their splendid marching. The regalia worn by every man was a long linen coat.with green collar and cuffs, and '99 numerals on the pocket; high hat to match the coat, and cane. The costume was attractive, and the seventy men marching by fours presented a splendid appearance.

The baseball game with 1904 on the campus was won by '99, and was enlivened by amusing and spectacular incidents that will not soon be forgotten.

About twenty wives and other lady guests were present. The ladies were a loyal group who entered heartily into the spirit of the occasion, and their presence added to the enjoyment of all.

Each member was presented at the reunion with a copy of "The Ninety-nine Hymnal," a valuable one hundred page collection of Dartmouth songs of our day and later. This is neatly printed in attractive form, and in its thoroughness and faithfulness in compilation, with its accurate explanatory notes connected with many of the songs, reflects great credit upon its author, George G. Clark.

The Decennial Reunion Dinner at the Hanover Inn on Monday evening was a great success. Over seventy men were present. Joseph W. Gannon was toastmaster. Many pictures of college scenes and groups of our day were shown by the stereopticon, with happy references to the men and events portrayed. Prof. Charles F. Richardson was the guest of the class, spoke in a happy and inspiring vein, and was enthusiastically elected to honorary membership. Those of the class who responded to toasts were: Elmer W. Barstow, Robert P. Johnston, Frank C. Staley, Charles H. Donahue, Arthur D. Wiggin, and Nelson P. Brown. Lucius E. Varney was also called upon for a few words, and Gordon Hall Gerould read a poem for the occasion. The banquet was the crowning event of a most remarkable reunion.

At a meeting of the class on Tuesday it was voted to accept with regret the resignation of the secretary, Elmer. W. Barstow, who has served in that capacity for ten years. Owing to limitations of time and strength Mr. Barstow desired to be relieved of the secretaryship. He was given a splendid ovation by the class in appreciation of his years of faithful service. It was voted that the committee in charge of the decennial should continue as the executive committee of the class, and that Charles H. Donahue, as a member of the committee, be

secretary of the class. His election was unanimous and enthusiastic. The class of '99 has been distinguished during the past decade for its full reports, its loyal co-operation, and its largely attended round-ups ; and it is believed that even more may be expected byway of enthusiastic loyalty in the coming years.