CHICAGO ASSOCIATION

The 38th annual dinner and reunion of the Dartmouth College Alumni Association of Chicago took place at the University Club in that city, Saturday, Jan. 17, 1914. There were 115 present on that occasion. The oldest graduate present was Rev. Charles Caverno '54. He informed the writer that if alive he proposed to observe the 60th anniversary of his graduation at Hanover next June. At the formation of the Chicago Alumni Association in 1876, Rev. Charles Caverno '54, Maj. E. D. Redington '61, Dr. John C. Webster '64, George D. Holton '73, and E. C. Crawford '74, were among the charter members. Of that lot of charter members they are the only ones now living, and they were all present at this meeting. E. C. Crawford has attended every yearly gathering of this Association since its formation, this being a very unique record. As usual, the reunion before the dinner was one of great pleasure and enthusiasm. During the evening the singing was led by C. A. Pfau '13. The cheering was led in a very enthusiastic and powerful manner by George Morris '11. The cheers for Dr. W. J. Tucker were particularly enthusiastic. In the absence of. President W. E. McCornack '97, R. L. Burnap '94 presided. The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Walter T. Sumner '98; vice-president, Wm. H. Pratt '74; secretary and treasurer, Jesse B. Hawley '09; statistical secretary, Wm. H. Gardiner '76; executive committee, Everett T. Marsh '98, James A. Townsend '94, Earl L. Herman '04, Philip Fox '02, and George Morris '11.

The principal guests of the evening were: Dr. Nichols, president of the College, and Charles A. Prouty '75, of the Interstate Commerce Commission. The reception given to them both was royal and very flattering. President Nichols gave an exceedingly interesting and valuable address, and touched upon many topics that were very acceptable to his hearers. Only a brief abstract can be made of what he said. He started by speaking of visiting a machine shop and listening to the movements of the machinery. Applying it to the College, he said it was like a machine that is doing well when running silently and without faction. Speaking of the growth of the College, he did not wish the College to grow too rapidly. If it did, it became like an overgrown boy who outgrows his clothes. By growing too rapidly his internal organs get out of order. Dartmouth holds second position among colleges as having the most numbers in long-distance students, being surpassed only by Yale. In mentioning the numbers from various states, he said thirty-seven states and seven foreign countries were represented in College. He spoke at some length of the increase in scholarship in College, both among the students and faculty; particularly so among the students of the freshman class. The College is healthy in vital and subordinate interests. Money is needed to keep the College going. Told a story of a vulture eating its young so as to be self-supporting, illustrating how the College could devour substance of its offspring to keep it going. President Nichols spent last summer abroad. Interesting visits with Mr. Tuck '62, and the Earl "of Dartmouth. Mention of Mr. Tuck's latest benefactions to the College, particularly the donation for the purpose of teaching French at the College in a practical and helpful way. The Earl of Dartmouth's interest in the College. His pleasure at the gift by the trustees of the College of suitable robes for the degree conferred on him by the College. Things of interest at the College, such as the new dormitory on the Hitchcock property, Robinson Hall, Prof. J. K. Lord's History of the College, athletic organizations, student Christian organizations, long-distance and near-by activities. Students visiting New England towns and participating in various functions, thereby helping themselves as well as the College. By this means showing the good value of the College. Among other things the formation of an employment organization in College. By this get a complete history of a student making use of it. Mention of a tutoring bureau and through this, helping students in trouble about their studies. Chinning evils and fraternities. By the present method the record of scholarship thoroughly tested before pledging, and getting acquainted with proposed candidate. Outing Club and through it better physical development. Its great benefactor, John E. Johnson '66, and how much he has done to get the chain of cabins located in the White Mountain region. It has resulted in more equality and friendship between students and professors. Dramatic organization. Dramatic compositions. Cause of discontinuance of instruction in the Medical School. No material to carry oil such a school. Better for College. Business director of College well filled by Prof. Keyes Alumni Council. First meeting in Philadelphia. College training men for public life Candidates for president and vice-president al last election were all college men, Wilson Roosevelt, and Taft. Colleges are for conservation of men, education, and government. Business work for upbuilding of nation.

The next speaker, Charles A. Prouty '75, was introduced by President Burnap as the ablest railroad lawyer in the1 United States. Mr. Prouty said nothing short of a Dartmouth reunion would have brought him out this night, as he was entirely worn out by his labors in the Interstate Commerce Commission of late. In a fine manner he told of his interest in Dartmouth. He said he was one of those men who lived to send his sons to College. He told how much he enjoyed being at Dartmouth last Commencement, and seeing his youngest son graduate. He then spoke somewhat of the physical value of railroad property. He told what must be done to get at the cost of railroad property, and at the valuation of these roads. He spoke of the need of Dartmouth men to solve such problems.

The next speaker, William T. Abbott. '90, a member of the Alumni Council, proceeded to put those present in a jolly frame of mind with his -humorous stories and facetious remarks. He told of the doings at the first meeting of the Council held in Philadelphia at the time of the Dartmouth-Pennsylvania football game. He brought out the connection of the older graduate with the younger graduate to renew his interest in the College. He analyzed in detail the address of Prof. C. D. Adams '77, and the letter of Dr. W. J. Tucker '61 at that meeting. He outlined the purposes of the Council as expressed in the appointment of its committees.

Some very interesting historical remarks v Major E. D. Redington '61 closed the gathering.