WASHINGTON ASSOCIATION

One of the most interesting meetings of the Washington Association was held at the University Club on Wednesday, February 26. Dean Laycock, representing the College, was the guest of the Association. There were present also Former President Ernest Fox Nichols, Hon. John Barrett '89, of the Pan-American Union, Hon. Sherman E. Burroughs '94, representative in Congress from New Hampshire, and many of the sons of Old Dartmouth, either residing in Washington, or in the capital city helping the government in its great war-time activities. Mr. Henry P. Blair '89, president of the Association, presided at the dinner, and introduced the following speakers:

Hon. John Barrett '89, Hon. S. E. Burroughs '94, Mr. E. K. Hall '92, Dr. Ernest Fox Nichols, Capt. Harry Semmes '13, and Dean Laycock '96.

It need hardly be said that the central thought in all the after-dinner remarks, was Dartmouth and the service of Dartmouth men in the great war. Every man was thrilled at hearing from Mr. Barrett of the compliments paid the Dartmouth boys on the western front by Gen. Nivelle of the French army. Mr. Barrett visited the battle front during the war, and had occasion to see and learn much of the war.

Mr. Burroughs named our banquet the "Victory Dinner," and paid great tribute to the men who had gained for Dartmouth a service flag of more than 2400 stars. Amid the extreme radicalism and ultra-conservatism of the day, he expressed the hope of a bright future through following a middle course and through a "love of ordered freedom" inherent in our people.

Mr. Hall, trustee of the College, saw great opportunities, not only for Dartmouth men, but for all college men, in the great and serious problems of the reconstruction period upon which the country is entering. Dartmouth has done much for her men, but is destined to do more in the future than ever in her history.

Dr. Nichols, who has been in Washington on expert work for the Navy Department, saw for Dartmouth a quicker recovery from the effects of the war than for other colleges and universities. This war, as no other war in history, had called upon the college men and upon educated men for service.

Capt. Semmes of the class of 1913, who has been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and Bar for bravery in action, told of his thrilling experience on the battle field in the tank service. In action Capt. Semmes' tank fell into the water and became completely submerged. He escaped through the turret door, but upon finding that his driver was still in the tank, went back and even under gun fire rescued him. During his service Capt. Semmes was severely wounded.

Dean Laycock told us of Dartmouth and its life under the S. A. T. C., and paid a glowing tribute to the spirit of Old Dartmouth as it had been shown in the service, not only of those connected with the College but also of the boys who had gone to the front. The old College was coming back with a snap after its war-time experience. Much must be done, not alone for the College but for the faculty and for the students, to make Dartmouth, what she must be, the finest college in the /United States.

The officers of the Association were reelected: Mr. Henry P. Blair '89, president, and Mr. William J. Wallis '94, secretary. William J. Wallis '94.