THE MEETING OF DARTMOUTH SECRETARIES
The eighth meeting of Dartmouth secretaries occurred in Hanover on March 15 and 16. A larger number of members were in attendance than last year and the attention given to the debates on the various motions showed the live interest of those present. The following report is prepared from the stenographic copy taken during the sessions of the conference:
OPENING SESSION
The meeting was called to order in the faculty room of the Parkhurst Building at 5.30 Friday afternoon. After the roll call, showing an attendance of fifty-four, a brief report was read by the secretary, A. K. Skinner '03. Statistics prepared show that the class group obtains representation at these meetings much more easily than the club pr association. Six classes and seventeen alumni associations have never been represented, while seven classes have never missed representation, and thirteen classes have been without a representative only once. Mr. Skinner cited as results of previous secretaries' meetings, the founding of the DARTMOUTH ALUMNI MAGAZINE, the establishment of the Tucker Alumni Fund, and the plan for the standardization of class reports among undergraduates, alumni and non-graduates. With the plan for the proposed Alumni Council well under way. and other propositions affecting the welfare of the College waiting for the opportunity to be considered, it is evident that the Association of Secretaries is justifying its existence.
Following this report, Charles Smith '91, president of the Association, appointed the following committee on nominations: Rev. C. C. Merrill '94, H. G. Pender '97, and Professor H. D. Foster '85, as well as one on resolutions consisting of Rev. Samuel C. Beane '58, Ex-Governor Pingree 57, and Professor C. F. Emerson '68.
The next order of business being the reports of standing committees, a report was made by W. M. Hatch 86, chairman of tlie committee on the Alumni Council. It was at once evident from the lively discussion, that this subject was considered to be of paramount importance. Mr. Hatch read the constitution, as drafted, showing what changes the committee considered advisable from the draft discussed at the secretaries meeting of the previous year. J. P. Richardson '99 discussed at length the proposed changes, which consisted in a reduction of the size of the Council and the adoption of the geographical group system of election. Discussion that followed centered largely around these points and the name which the organization should have.
A. M. Strong '92 suggested that with a total membership of twenty-five with nine coming from the West a quorum of thirteen was dangerously large. It was then pointed out that it was hoped election to this body would be considered such an honor that each member would plan in advance to attend this meeting even if he had to come from Denver or beyond to be present. It was also suggested that the meetings might sometimes be held in such a central spot as Chicago, in view of the large western membership. W. C. Hill, 1902, objected to the proposed title as vague, and suggested the title Dartmouth Alumni Council. The discussion on the whole matter of the Council was postponed until the morning session.
Professor Charles A. Holden 95, chairman of the committee to inform desirable preparatory school students about the College, reported briefly that the whole matter was being held in abeyance to await any action on the appointment of a Director of the Secretaries' Bureau, to whom such work would naturally fall.
BANQUET AND AFTER-DINNER SPEAKING
At 7.30 adjournment was made to the Commons where an excellent banquet was served to the guests of the College. After the banquet, President Smith in his capacity of toastmaster, brought the discussion back to the subject of the opening meeting, the Alumni Council, a subject that seemed uppermost in the minds of the delegates. The discussion that followed was very general and it seemed to be the unanimous opinion that such a Council was most desirable. In answer to the question as to the attitude of the administration on this subject, President Nichols said that he and the trustees would welcome a body such as this, that could speak with authority. for the alumni, and Dr. Cyrus Richardson showed by specific instances, such as the burning of old Dartmouth Hall and the building of the new gymnasium, how the trustees at times were desirous of coming in touch with the alumni in an authoritative way. At the close of this part of the discussion, President Nichols stated that as it was the custom of the College to send to every alumnus, some number of the ALUMNI MAGAZINE each year, it would this year send out the copy containing the report of this meeting, that every alumnus might be fully informed on the important subject of the Council.
The formal speaking of the evening began with an address by President Nichols on the relations between undergraduate and alumnus. He emphasized the weight which alumni opinion has with the student body and showed that nearly every student represented to some extent'the efforts of some alumnus. He-suggested two ways in which alumni might exert their influence, first, they might show students who are making a fight for high scholarship, that they are serving the College just as truly as those representing it in other than its scholastic side, and second, good counsel on fraternity matters is now extremely necessary. The fact that twothirds of the freshmen who failed in the mid-year examinations were fraternity men., while only half the class as a whole belong to fraternities, is proof that advice is needed. In closing he expressed his appreciation of the genuine interest in the needs of the College which could tiring so many of the secretaries to Hanover at this time.
Mr. H. C. Edgerton, the auditor of the College, next spoke on the administration of college finances, dealing particularly with the budget system which has only been in operation for three years. On 'another page figures comparing the expenditures and income of the College at the present time with the figures of previous years are printed. The substance of Mr. Edgerton's remarks will be found there.
As the last speaker, Professor Laycock treated the subject of the social development of the College. He showed how the old institution of faculty: calls had passed out of existence, and spoke of the closer relations between student and instructor that had taken their place in the adviser system. Other recent developments on the social side have been the class and college smokers, the activities connected with the Winter Carnival and Junior Prom, and the institution known to many of the younger alumni, Delta Alpha, the old hazing instinct under healthful restraint. Finally a new development that promises much for the social life of the College and the preservation of its democracy is the plan of the trustees to have rooms in the dormitories now building for purely social purposes.
SATURDAY MORNING SESSION
At the request of President Smith, Professor Foster explained plans which had been made for preserving the stump of the Old Pine, and stated that Herbert L. Smith '82 had offered to arrange the expense of such preservation. A sketch of a stone canopy designed by Professor Keyes, in the same style as the tower, was exhibited.
Report of Alumni Magazine
Professor Clark reported for the the ALUMNI MAGAZINE, stating that it was the purpose of the MAGAZINE to form a link between the alumni and the College in its various phases of activity. He made a plea that the department of "Alumni Opinion" might be revived and become a strong feature of the MAGAZINE, as is it just as necessary that the College and administrative officers should know the sentiments of the alumni as that the alumni should know the needs of the College.
Professor Gray, the business manager of the ALUMNI MAGAZINE, then reported on the financial condition. His report, although slightly more favorable than the one of the year before, showed that the balance was not yet on the right side of the ledger. He made the suggestion which loses none of its force through repetition, that the secretaries cooperate in interesting the alumni in the MAGAZINE through their class reports.
The discussion then returned to the question of the Alumni Council and centered especially around the name of the organization. It seemed to be the opinion of those present that the name eventually adopted should be the Dartmouth Alumni Council, although the secretaries did not feel themselves competent to act in the matter.
It will be remembered that at the last meeting of the Secretaries' Association, it was decided to submit the plan of the Council to the alumni association in June and that the original committee act in conjunction with such a committee as might be appointed by that body to bring the plan before the alumni for final action. To bring the matter up to date the vote of the alumni association in this matter is given: Voted, "that the committe appointed by the Association of the Secretaries to prepare a report on an Alumni Council be continued as a committee of the Association of the Alumni of Dartmouth College.
"That this committee forthwith elaborate into a constitution the outline submitted by it to the 1911 meeting of the Association of the Secretaries of Dartmouth College and published in the ALUMNI MAGAZINE for April, 1911.
"That this constitution, when prepared, be submitted to the alumni by mail and by them accepted or rejected by postal ballot."
The constitution as drawn up by this joint committee follows:
Proposed Constitution of the Council
ARTICLE I.
Name.
Sec. 1. This body shall be called the Auxiliary Council of the Alumni ofDartmouth College.
ARTICLE II
Purpose.
Sec. 1. The purpose of this Council shall be to give organization and aid for the highest efficiency to all efforts of the Alumni of Dartmouth College for the benefit of the College; and more particularly in the following respects:
To act as a clearing house for alumni sentiment and the interchange of alumni ideas.
To approve or disapprove projects put forth in the alumni name, and to be the seat of authority in all such matters.
To act as the official spokesman of alumni sentiment to the administration, and as the avenue of approach by which the administration should have access to the alumni collectively.
To initiate and carry on such undertakings, or to provide for their being carried on, as are reasonably within the province of alumni activity.
ARTICLE III.
Officers.
Sec. 1. The Officers of this Council shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and such subcommittees as the Council, in its discretion, may from time to time appoint.
Sec. 2. These officers shall be elected annually for a term of one year.
Sec. 3. Their duties shall be such as usually appertain to the respective offices.
ARTICLE IV.
Council Year — Meetings.
Sec. 1. The Council Year shall begin July 1, of each calendar year.
Sec. 2. The Council shall meet not less than twice annually and one of these meetings shall be held in Hanover, N. H., on the day preceding the day of the annual meeting of the Association of the Alumni of Dartmouth College.
ARTICLE V.
Membership — Nominations — Elections.
Sec. 1. Any member of the Association of the Alumni of Dartmouth College shall be eligible to nominate and to vote for members of this Council and to membership therein.
Sec. 2. The Council shall consist of twenty-five members. There shall be four ex-officio members, as follows:
1. The Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Association of the Alumni of Dartmouth College.
2. The Secretary of that Association.
3. The ranking (in service) Alumni member of the Athletic Council.
4. A representative from the faculty of Dartmouth College, appointed annually by the President of the College,
The elective membership shall be as follows:
Three members from the New England States, one such member to be elected each year for a term of three years.
Three members from the States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and States South of the Ohio River and East of the Mississippi River and the District of Columbia, one such member to be elected each year for a term of three years.
Three members from the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, one such member to be elected each year for a term of three years.
Three members from the States of Minnesota, lowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, one such member to be elected each year for a term of three years.
Three' members from The Rocky Mountain and Pacific States, including all states not hereinbefore mentioned, one such member to be elected each year for a term of three years.
Three members elected from the Alumni at large by the Dartmouth Secretaries' Association, one such member to be elected each year for a term of three years, at the annual meeting of that Association.
Three members to be elected from the Alumni at large by the members of this Council as provided for above, one such member to be elected each year for a term of three years.
Sec. 3. Nominations for members of this Council from the above described groups of states shall be made by nomination papers. Such papers must bear the signatures of at least twenty-five Alumni, resident in the group of states which the nominee seeks to represent. Such papers must be filed with the Secretary of the Alumni Association of Dartmouth College on or before February Ist. He shall then prepare a ballot, giving names and residences of all nominees, divided into groups as above and shall send this ballot to the Alumni at large, who may thereupon vote for one member from each of said groups of states for a term of three years; each alumnus thus having the right to vote for five members of this Council annually. The polls shall close on June tenth.
The nominee in each group receiving the largest number of votes shall be declared elected to membership in this Council and the result of the vote shall be announced at the annual meeting of the Association of the Alumni of Dartmouth College.
Sec. 4. The first election of members in this Council shall be held during the college year 1912-1913; at this election three members from each of the seven groups above described shall be elected for terms of one, two, and three years respectively; at this election the three nominees from each geographical group receiving the three highest votes shall be declared elected for the terms of three, two, and one years, according to the number of votes received.
The terms of office of the members chosen at this first election shall begin on July 1, 1913.
ARTICLE VI.
Quorum.
Sec. 1. A majority of the full membership of this Council shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE VII
Amendments
Sec. 1. This constitution may be amended at any annual meeting of the Association of the Alumni of Dartmouth College by a majority of the members of that Association present and voting, but no amendments shall be adopted unless the amendment shall have been stated in full either by mail to each member of the Association or published in the ALUMNI MAGAZINE and in either case such notice must be given not less than one month before the date upon which the amendment is to be considered.
At the request, of the editor the committee on the proposed Council prepared the following explanatory statement:
To the Editor-in-chief of the DartmouthAlumni Magazine:
It may safely be assumed that the alumni as a whole are reasonably familiar with the general scheme for an Alumni Council.
The project has been discussed, both historically and editorially, in previous issues of the MAGAZINE, and has been the subject of general discussion and debate at two conferences of the secretaries, and has also been the subject of much informal discussion among different groups of the alumni.
The committee originally appointed by the Secretaries' Association, and now continued in office as a committee of the General Association, feels, however, that a word of additional explanation may properly be said at this time with regard to the draft of the proposed constitution for the proposed Council, which appears in this number of the MAGAZINE, and is also being placed in the hands of each alumnus for acceptance or rejection, by a mail vote.
The constitution has intentionally been left very general in its scope. The committee feels that the working out of details may safely be left to the body itself when constituted, and that it is unwise to surround the Council with a long set of rigid rules.
The plan for a sectional representation on the Council is new. This has been adopted in place of the scheme of general elections at first put forth, after much thought and mature consideration on the part of the committee.
By this method the more distant Dartmouth constituency, which grows very rapidly and is very active in behalf of the College, is ensured for the first time a representation in matters of alumni interest. Attention is especially directed to the clause providing for nominations by districts, but elections by the alumni at large. It is believed that this feature is a very valuable one.
The number of members has been reduced from thirty-one to twenty-five upon the theory that the smaller body is likely to prove the more effective and also with the idea that membership in this Council is a prize not to be too lightly won.
Doubtless this constitution is imperfect. Doubtless experience will dictate and provide for many needed changes, but the committee believes that in general principle it is correct, and that, if accepted by the alumni, it will provide for a body of great potential usefulness.
The committee hereby invites correspondence from members of the alumni who may desire to ask questions or to make suggestions with reference to the proposed organization before they cast their ballots upon the question of its acceptance.
Yours very respectfully, WILLIAM M. HATCH '86, Chairman 221 Columbus Ave., Boston CYRUS RICHARDSON '64 JAMES P. RICHARDSON '99 ERNEST M. HOPKINS '01 RALPH M. BARTON '04
Tucker Alumni Fund
H. G. Pender '97 reported on the Tucker Alumni Fund. His statement showed that the Fund had received more subscriptions in its first two years than in its last three, though the last year shows larger receipts than any since the first two. The fact that the subscriptions come from less than 1,000 alumni shows a field in which work by the secretaries may have favorable results.
General Catalogue
Professor Emerson expressed his regret that the General Catalogue was not yet ready for distribution. On account of the many new features which the book will contain, its publication has been delayed. It will contain nearly 900 pages and among the new features will be a geographical index and a division of non-graduates. He assured those present that the catalogue would be" ready for distribution before Commencement.
The Class Secretary
An interesting discussion on "The Class Secretary, his functions, tribulations and rewards," followed, participated in by Rev. S. C. Beane '58, J. M. Comstock' '77, and H. G. Rugg '06. All dwelt on the difficulties often experienced in getting replies to letters, and Mr. Comstock related one successful attempt at locating a classmate by advertising. The problems of financing the class reports and other activities of the Secretaries were discussed. One successful method has been found to be the establishment of a class fund by the payment of ten dollars a man, and financing the secretary with the income from the fund.
The Class Report
C. H. Donahue '99 presented most interestingly and with a vein of humor the subject of "The Class Report." He took up the class report on its historical side and showed its development since the first one was issued in 1851 for the class of 1811. He showed that today the class report must be more human than statistical. Figures don't go far to hold a class together, figures of speech are better. As a means of welding the class together he advocated the annual class report, and showed that those classes which had the best standing were usually the ones that issued reports regularly.
Class Reunions
Interesting discussions on the class reunions followed, from the alumni point of view by Rev. C. C. Merrill '94, and from the faculty standpoint by Professor C. A. Holden '95. Mr. Merrill expressed the opinion that secretaries should be careful not to crowd the reunion days so full as to prevent the men from having the fullest possible opportunity to see each other. Commencement is not a favorable time to see the College, though alumni should attend some of the functions of Commencement, but the real object of reunion is to come back and renew fellowship with a wide circle of men. Professor Holden spoke of the great effect an enthusiastic reunion has on the graduating class and urged the importance of class solidarity. The advantage of costumes and class buttons in keeping the classes together has been well proved at our Commencements and at other colleges.
The Association Secretary
E. C. Farrington '08, secretary of the Connecticut Association, treated the activities of the secretary of an association and showed how this work might be extended. His chief work is to arrange for an annual dinner and see that there is a good attendance. Other chances for activity lie in acting as publicity agent for the College and bringing young graduates in touch with older alumni to their mutual advantage.
Dartmouth Clubs
The last paper of the session was by J. P. Richardson '99, on Dartmouth Clubs. The clubs serve chiefly as a place where men may get together, learn, the latest news about the and discuss it informally. The interest of many men is stimulated through the club. It must, however, stand on its own feet and offer inducements enough so that alumni will wish to join. It is not wise to insist that a man shall join because he is a Dartmouth man. A club is often a valuable home for younger graduates not yet settled in their own homes. The Boston Club, of which Mr. Richardson is secretary, has 375 members.
A letter was read from D. J. Main '06, who has been a. very active secretary of the Association of the Great Divide. He stated as the principal aims of an association secretary! first, to create and hold interest among the members, second, to keep the name, Dartmouth, before the public in a dignified manner, and third, to influence the right kind of men toward Hanover.
Officers Elected
The following slate of officers for the ensuing year was presented by the nominating committee and duly elected:
President — William D. Parkinson '78 of Waltham, Mass.
Vice-presidents - Lawrence M. Symmes '08 of New York.
Secretary and Treasurer — A. Karl Skinner '03.
Executive Committee — Charles A. Perkins '90, Charles H. Donahue '99.
Managing Editor of ALUMNI MAGAZINE — Homer E. Keyes '00.
Resolutions Adopted
The following resolutions on the death of Horace S. Cummings, secretary of the class of '62 were adopted:
Horace Stuart Cummings, born July 1, 1840, died December 7, 1911.
The death of Horace Stuart Cummings, secretary of the class of 1862, removes from our list of members a name that stood for personal worth and honor. Excepting a few years of early childhood, Mr. Cummings was a New Hampshire man. During his early manhood he was called to important offices in the state government, and later, still holding the same citizenship, he served the republic in official ways with marked ability and faithfulness.
He drew and held many personal friends and did his part to preserve the best traditions of the past.
Mr. Cummings was a steadfast and loyal son of Dartmouth and his survivors in this. Association gratefully put on record these memorial words.
Miscellaneous Business
On motion of Professor Holden it was voted that the secretary of the Dartmouth Educational Association and the secretary of the Tucker Alumni Fund be made members of the Secretaries' Association.
Secretary Skinner read the vote of the Trustees' Committee on Business Administration, regarding the appointment of a Director of the Secretaries' Bureau, which had been referred to them by the last meeting of the secretaries. In their vote the committee of the trustees deemed it inexpedient to take definite action with reference to the appointment of such a director until after the Alumni Association should take definite steps relative to the Alumni Council.
L. W. Thompson 'OB suggested that the Association recommend to those classes now in college that the office of secretary and treasurer be merged. The ensuing discussion showed differences of opinion and it was voted that the matter be laid on the table and taken up at the next meeting of secretaries.
Professor Foster urged that secretaries endeavor to interest their families to a greater extent in the class report, and start the Dartmouth spirit in the boys at an early age. C. P. Chase '69 suggested that each class would be making an excellent investment of its money if it saw to it that its secretary was provided with all the college publications.
On the suggestion of Mr. Skinner it was voted that the Secretaries' Association send greetings to its oldest member, Dr. I. W. Barstow '46 of New York.
On motion of Professor Foster 'it was voted that the Secretaries' Association approve the suggestion made at Dartmouth Night, 1911, to the effect that the various Alumni Associations and Clubs hold meetings on Dartmouth Night where such meetings would not conflict with attendance in Hanover and send greetings to the College assembled.
After Mr. Parkinson had expressed his appreciation of the honor done him by the Association in electing him its president, Mr.. Hatch moved a vote of appreciation and thanks for the generous hospitality extended to the Association by the College. The applause left no doubt as to the unanimous nature of the vote.
FURTHER ENTERTAINMENT
Those secretaries who were not obliged to hurry out of town were invited to a gymnasium exhibition arranged in the Alumni Gymnasium by Doctor Bowler, and to a house-warming in the new quarters of the Thayer School, Bissell Hall. In the evening the attraction was a smoke talk by Judge Ben Lindsey of Denver.
