VALE ATQUE AVE

The following communication to the Cornell Daily Sun under the above caption, expresses so well the spirit in which our own students are leaving their college work for national service that we reproduce it here. It also shows incidentally the feelings of those whom they leave behind:

"They are going.

"And there is something very fine about the quiet way in which these boys have taken to their unpleasant task. There has not been any enthusiasm. That was right. A war like this does not ask for words but for silent deeds. Our boys seem to understand it. At odd moments they drop into the office. There is very little talk.

" 'Going away ?'

"'Yes, Sir.'

"'Army or Navy?'

"'I don't know yet. I called up my people on the long distance phone last night. They said it was all right. So I am going to New York tonight and then home to say good-bye.'

" 'Want to go?'

" 'Not particularly. But I suppose it is the only thing to do.'

"And that is all.

"They are going, and many of them never will come back. The pleasant life of mediocre endeavor has come to an end. To be sure we had never looked at them in the light of heroes. They were nice, lovable fellows. Their outlook upon life was simplicity itself. Graduation and a job. Then, after a few years another job, a little higher up. Finally a home of their own and some nice girl to be their wife and a few babies and a car and two weeks' vacation to go hunting and fishing. Here and there a man with a hobby or the ambition to do, or write, or build, or achieve some particular purpose.

"To most of them, however, life meant a cheerful gift to be enjoyed as the faithful days came along. There was no searching for hidden motives or for an ulterior purpose. The amiable Divinity of Things-as-they-are ruled their realm. They accepted whatever came with a smile, and they did not ask questions.

"And now, without a work of warning, they have been asked to face the Invisible Mystery. There was no complaint. They packed their trunks and God bless them.

"They are going.

"Thus far they have been my students. But now, in an humble fashion I am grateful that I have been their teacher."