COMMENCEMENT, 1919
After two Commencements, subnormal in numbers and unusual in arrangements., the College celebrated in the old way its one-hundred and fiftieth Commencement, from June 21 to 25. The numbers were again normal, costumes for the younger classes were again in evidence, and holiday reunion spirit was in the air. The weather was favorable and interfered with none of the arrangements, and Hanover presented its most beautiful June aspect to its returning visitors.
Sing Out and Wet Down
The two regular features of the period before Commencement, Wet Down and Sing Out were observed on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8. In spite of early showers the traditional round of buildings and town was made by the undergraduate procession under the guidance of a very efficient Palaeopitus. Returning to the Campus the spectators had the unusual opportunity, thanks to day-light saving, of witnessing a real keg rush, more realistic perhaps from the fact that its every detail could be seen this year for the first time. After the gauntlet had been successfully run the Senior Fence was delivered into the custody of the junior class by Harvey D. Gray of Burlington, Kansas, and accepted for the juniors by Herman W. Newell of Beliefontaine, Ohio. Voting by the three lower classes for the winner of the Barrett Medal for All Round Achievement had already taken place, but the announcement was made now for the first time by President Hopkins who introduced Percy Allen Grey of Salem, Mass., as this year's winner. The Seniors then adjourned to College Hall, where they were the guests at dinner of the Trustees of the College. President Hopkins presided and introduced as speakers Professor Bartlett, Senior Class Officer, Max A. Norton, Secretary of the Class of 1919, Harwood L. Childs '19, Dr. John M. Gile for the Board of Trustees and Dean Laycock.
Sing Out was observed on Sunday, June 8, as the last regular chapel exercise and was conducted by President Hopkins. The Chapel was crowded and the occasion fully merited its name this year, as the ('singing of Hovey's "Men of Dartmouth" was of an unusual quality and volume.
SATURDAY, JUNE 23
In always increasing numbers, the alumni are returning to Hanover on special occasions by motor, and all day Saturday they arrived by this means. By evening the town was filled with motor conveyances many of them bearing legends showing the class to which they owed allegiance and telling the world in general their destination.
The only official event of the day was the speaking in Dartmouth Hall for the Class of 1866 Prize in the evening. This prize, amounting to fifty dollars, which is open to members of the junior and sophomore class for excellence in original oration upon an assigned subject, was awarded by vote of the audience to Earl K. Smiley of the class of '21 of Caribou, Maine, who spoke on the subject of "Political Conscription". Honor- able mention was also given to Samuel S. Stratton '20, of Newburyport, Mass., who spoke on the subject "Democracy in Industry".
SUNDAY, JUNE 22
Sunday was, as usual, fully occupied by the returning classes in quiet means of reunion, and many of them took this opportunity to hold memorial services for those of their number who had died in the war. The Baccalaureate sermon delivered by the Reverend Ozora Stearns Davis, D. D., of the class of 1889, was on the subject "The Supreme Partnership." On this occasion, too. President Hopkins delivered his final message to the graduating class.
In the afternoon, the Chapel bells tolled for a Memorial Service for those Dartmouth men who had died in the service of their Country. On a similar occasion in 1918, the roll of honor contained but nineteen names. This year the number had swelled to ninety, but it is not sure that it is complete at even that figure. The simplicity of the service added to its effectiveness, as the list of names, together with the brief cumstances of death, was read by President Hopkins.
The official events of the day were concluded by an organ recital in Rollins Chapel in the evening by William Churchill Hammond, Professor of Music at Mt. Holyoke College.
MONDAY, JUNE 23
Meeting of the Alumni Council
Hanover, New Hampshire, June 23, 1919.
The Council of the Alumni met in Wentworth Hall, Monday, June 23, at 9 a. m.
The meeting was called to order by President Little.
Roll call showed the following men present:
New England States:
Fred A. Howland '87, Albion B. Wilson '95.
Middle and Southern States:
Luther B. Little '82, Henry P. Blair '89, Randolph McNutt '71.
Central States:
Walter E. McCornack '97, John C. Wallace '07.
Western States:
Robert F. Leavens '01.
Rocky Mountain and Pacific States:
None
Elected by the Council:
William M. Hatch '86, Clarence B. Little '81, Wesley G. Carr '84.
Elected by the Secretaries:
William D. Parkinson '7B, Morton C.
Tuttle '97, Edward W. Knight '87.
Elected by the Faculty:
Eugene F. Clark '01.
Members by Virtue of Official Relationto the Alumni:
Edward K. Woodworth '97, Homer E.
Keyes '00, Joseph W. Gannon '99.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Announcement of ballot for Councilors was made as follows:
Chosen to represent Votes
1. The New England States to succeed Fred A. Howland, Lafayette R. Chamberlin '05, 638
2. The Middle and Southern States to succeed Luther B. Little, Edward W. Knight '87, 630
3. The Central States to succeed Walter E. McCornack, Robert L. Burnap '94, 635 4. The Western States to succeed James A. Vaughan, James A. Vaughan '05, 628
5. The Rocky Mountain and Pacific States to succeed Richard C. Campbell, David J. Main '06, 620
6. The Secretaries to succeed Edward W. Knight, Natt W. Emerson '00.
7. The Faculty, Eugene F. Clark '01 to succeed himself.
William M. Hatch was nominated to succeed himself for a term of three years as member of the Council elected by that body. It was
Voted: That the Secretary cast one ballot for William M. Hatch as Councilor for a term of three years.
Report of the Alumni Fund was made by the Chairman of the Fund Committee, F. A. Howland, and by the Secretary, H. E. Keyes, showing receipts to June 21, of $25,205.09 from 1647 subscribers. It was
Voted: That, of the Alumni Fund, (1) $5,000 be appropriated for liquidation of the indebtedness on.the Alumni Gymnasium; (2) that a maximum of $500 be appropriated for the support of the University Union in Paris, (expenditures to be made by the Secretary, with approval of the President of the Council) ; (3) that $500 be appropriated for the maintenance of the William Jewett Tucker Alumni Fellowship for the year 1920; (4) that after carrying to principal such proportion of the income of the Fund as is required by the terms of its establishment, as much as need be of the remainder be applied to liquidating the College deficit for the year closing June 30, 1919; and, that any sum remaining be carried to the principal of the Fund.
In the discussion of the relation of the Alumni Fund to the support of the University Union, it was evidently the general opinion of the Council that, at the close of this year, further support of the Union through application of alumni funds would be of doubtful advisability.
Mr. Tuttle's report with recommendations from the Committee on Faculty Salaries was now presented. It was
Voted: That the report be accepted and be transmitted to the Trustees of the College as expressing the opinion of the Council; and, further, that the report be filed; and that an expression of the appreciation of the Council be extended to Mr. Tuttle and his committee for their careful work and for the especially constructive character of their report.
President Little reported in behalf of the Committee on Increase in Tuition Charges to the effect that these charges had been put into operation by the Trustees, to go into effect the coming fall.
Discussion of the financial condition of the College brought into consideration the numerous benefactions of Mr. Edward Tuck of the Class of 1862. Thereupon a formal resolution was presented to the Council by the Secretary and was unanimously adopted as follows:
The Council of the Alumni of Dartmouth .College, meeting in Hanover, wish in behalf of the alumni body whom they represent, to take special cognizance of the indebtedness of Dartmouth College, and of all those who hold the College in regard, to Edward Tuck of the Class of 1862.
Mr. Tuck's benefactions to Dartmouth now total a million and a half of dollars, nearly a quarter of the entire assets of the College. Without his aid, the high hopes and untiring efforts of successive administrations during the past twenty years would have been in vain. First recognize the new Dartmouth as visioned by President Tucker, Mr. Tuck was first to proffer it substantial assistance. Where his courageous foresight led the way others have followed.
Never, from the beginning, has his interest in Dartmouth been abated, his understanding of its affairs clouded, or his generosity diminished. Year by year his thought has expressed itself in the form of timely aid shaped always to meet an exact and definitely comprehended need.
Long-time resident of Paris, intimate participator in affairs of world moment, bearer of notable honors from the Government of France, Mr. Tuck's loyal and generous memories have still reached out to his native State and to the venerable College of which he is so illustrious a graduate. There in the hills of New Hampshire an enduring monument to him abides.
It was further
Voted: That the Secretary transmit to Mr. Tuck a copy of the resolution.
It was
Voted: That Natt W. Emerson '00 be nominated to the Association of Alumni for election as alumni member of the Council on Student Organizations.
It was further
Voted: That J- T. Gilman '05 be nominated to the alumni for election as alumni member of the Athletic Council for a term of three years to succeed L. H. Bankart '01, whose term expires June, 1919.
President Little informed the Council. that he had been requested by the Trustees to appoint a Committee to represent the Council of the Alumni on the general College Committee on the Sesqui-Centennial of Dartmouth College; said representatives to consist of the President of the Council and two others. In accordance with the request of the Trustees, President Little named:
Joseph W. Gannon '99 of New York City, Natt W. Emerson '00, of Boston, Mass.
General discussion of various aspects of the College now occupied a considerable part of the time of the session, without resulting in definite action.
Time and place of the next meeting of the Council was discussed at length and it was finally
Voted: That time and place be left to the Executive Committee with power.
Homer Eaton Keyes, Secretary.
Class Day Exercises
Class-Day waited only for the arrival of the band to give it the proper atmosphere. As usual the. procession formed at the Senior Fence, and filed across the Campus to the stand in front of Dartmouth Hall. Here the visitors were welcomed by the president of the class, Percy A. Grey of Salem, Mass., who was followed by Frederick W. Alden of Brockton, Mass., in the address to the President. After President Hopkins had responded, Harwood L. Childs of Rangeley, Maine, delivered the Class Day Oration and Edward E. Martin,, of North Attleboro, Mass., the Address to the Old Chapel. Proceeding to the Bema, Robert Proctor of Chestnut Hill, Mass., foretold the future of his classmates and Hildreth M. Allison of Dublin, N. H., read the class poem. Gathered around the stump of the Old Pine, at the foot of Bartlett Tower, Windsor C. Batchelder, of Hampton Falls, N. H., addressed the Spirit of the Old Pine, and the Class Ode, written by Frederick H. McCrea of Alexandria, Minn., was sung by the class.
Varied forms of entertainment, including the gathering of members of Greek Letter Fraternities at their chapter houses and the presentation of the Hanover dramatic success of the season "Oh, Doctor!" in Webster Hall, completed the program of the day.
TUESDAY, JUNE 24
Phi Beta Kappa Meeting
As usual the Phi Beta Kappa Association met in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Professor E.. J. Bartlett, as presiding officer, congratulated the present senior class on being the first one within his memory that had formally given a majority vote expressing its preference for the Phi Beta Kappa key over the athletic D as a desirable college souvenir. One new member from the class of 1919, Frederick H. McCrea was elected', and Professor Charles E. Bolser '97 was elected to honorary membership. The officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows:
President, Edwin J. Bartlett.
Vice Presidents, Professor Lemuel S. Hastings '70, D. M. Dustan '80 of Boston, Mass.
Secretary and Treasurer, Harold G. Rugg '06.
Executive Committee, The President, The Secretary, Hi. M. Tibbetts '00, Professor P. O. Skinner, Professor J. W. Goldthwait.
Meeting of the Alumni Association
The annual meeting of the Association of Alumni was held in Room A Dartmouth Hall at 10 o'clock A. M.
President Ozora Stearns Davis occupied the chair.
Prayer was offered by the Reverend Cyrus Richardson '64.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The President appointed a nominating committee as follows:
H. B. Johnson '04 A. B. Wilson '95 E. F. Clark '01
The Treasurer's report was offered showing receipts and expenditures as follows:
Receipts
Balance from previous year ............. $764.82 Received from H. E. Keyes, Secy ...... 875.00 Received from O. J. Hitchcock ........ 10.00 Received from Malcolm Rollins 2.00 Interest from Dartmouth Natl. Bank.. 7.60 $1,659.42
Disbursements
Paid Dartmouth College: Labor and material on Addressograph.. $240.91 Paid Dartmouth College: Clerical Salary ..... 153.97 Paid Dartmouth College: Postage and Envel- opes ............. $51.40 Paid Dartmouth Press: Printing .......... 55.60 Paid E. T. Ford, P. M Envelopes, stamped. 51.32 Paid Dart. War Fund 5.00 Paid Ass'n of Secretaries ........... 5.00 Paid C. C. Stewart, clerical ............ 2.08 $565.28
June, 1919 Balance in Dartmouth Savings Bank $1094.14
There being no special communications from the Executive Committee, the Trustees or the Council, the President invited the centennial Class of 1869 to the platform, where.it was introduced by the Secretary of the Class, C. P. Chase, Treasurer Emeritus of the College.
The Reverend Cyrus Richardson and the Reverend Charles E. Swett then said a few words in behalf of the Class of 1864; 14 out of 18 living members of that class being present."
Joseph W. Grosvenor '59 spoke briefly for his class and Roger Sherman Greene '59, who had come to his sixtieth reunion from the Pacific Coast, brought greetings from the alumni of his part of the country.
The Committee on Nominations reported as follows on officers of the As sociation:
For:
President: W. T. Abbott '90 Vice-Presidents: G. A. Ham '00 L. R. Chamberlin '05 Secretary: H. E. Keyes '00 Treasurer: . 90. P. R. Bugbee Statistical Secretary: J. M. Comstock '77
Executive Committee:
E. K. Woodworth '97 O. E. Hovey '85 E. S. Gile '95 G. G. Clark '99 G. C. Agry '05 M. C. Blake '01 C. R. Cabot '12
Member of the Athletic Council for threeyears—to June, 1922 :
For the Alumni: Joseph T. Gilman '05
For the faculty: James P. Richardson '99
Members of the Athletic Council for oneyear:
For the students:
The Managers elect of Baseball, Football and Track
Alumni Member of the Council on Student Organizations:
N. W. Emerson '00
It was voted:
That the Secretary cast one ballot for the slate as presented by the Nominating Committee.
There being no further business to come before the meeting it was adjourned.
HOMER EATON KEYES, Secretary.
Report on Ballot for Alumni Trustee.
Sanford H. Steele '70 having been nominated by the Alumni Council to succeed himself for a term of five years from June, 1919, his nomination was ratified by the alumni by 664 votes.
The nomination, having been duly transmitted to the Trustees, was acted upon favorably by the Board and Mr. Steele w'as declared duly elected.
Tuesday Afternoon
Contrary to the usual Commencement custom, the ball game was this year scheduled for Tuesday afternoon instead of for the morning. The parade, under the direction of E. K. Hall '92, formed at the Senior Fence at 1.30 and included not only the reuning classes in costume, but the reuning ladies and children as well. The Athletic Council was fortunate in securing the Cornell team for the final game, and the large attendance showed the general approval of this policy. The Alumni Oval was the warmest spot on Hanover's weather map that day, but the spectators stayed to the finish and the end of the contest showed a score of 6 to 0 in favor of the home team.
Adjournment was then had to the home of President and Mrs. Hopkins who received the Commencement visitors and members of the community.
The remainder of the day was filled with music, provided by the visiting band at College Hall and College Yard and by the Dartmouth Musical Clubs in Webster Hall.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25
Commencement Exercises
Shortly after nine o'clock the various sections of the Commencement procession began to gather at their appointed places around the Campus. The Trustees and invited guests at Parkhurst Hall, the Faculty at Tuck Hall, the Alumni at College Hall and the seniors at the Fence. Promptly at 9.30 o'clock the march began, picking up the various units as the round of the campus was made, and filing into Webster Hall between the split ranks of the seniors shortly before ten. The order of Exercises was that so well known to graduates of recent years. Prayer was offered by the Reverend Ozora S. Davis '89, followed by the singing of Milton's Paraphrase of the 136 th Psalm. The Commencement speakers were then called upon and spoke on the following subjects: William Thompson Smith, "Science and Destruction"; Wallace Wright, "The New Outlook for Americanization"; Roger Atherton Clark, "The Railroad Problem"; Frederick Hoyt McCrea, "Literature and Ideals"; Robert Joslyn Bard, "Industrial Democracy"; Harwood Lawrence Childs, "Justice and Palestine"; of these speakers, Mr. Bard was of valedictory rank and Mr. Smith of salutatory rank. After the singing of Hovey's "Men of Dartmouth", the degree of Bachelor of Arts was awarded to fifty-five men and that of Bachelor of Science to sixty-two. The degree of Master of Arts was likewise conferred upon two candidates; Howard Floyd Dunham, Dartmouth 1911 and William Ralph Smythe, Colorado College 1916. The Thayer School of Civil Engineering had already completed its work for the academic year and the degree of Civil Engineer had been conferred on nine men on April 24th. The Tuck School which for the period of the war had given its faculty and its equipment to various forms of war work in Hanover and elsewhere presented no graduating class this year.
The recipients of honorary degrees were then presented, by Professor Frank Haigh Dixon. Five degrees were conferred and it had been expected that General Goethals would also be present to receive the degree of Doctor of Laws. He was, however detained by illness at the last moment. The words of presentation by Professor Dixon and the characterizations by President Hopkins follow:
Professor Dixon:
Mi". President, at the request of the Trustees, and in their behalf, I present to you
JOHN HENRY BARTLETT,
Chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth of New Hampshire; a loyal son of the College; the thirteenth in the succession of Dartmouth men who have filled this high office; a fearless executive whose influence has already in his few months of service resulted in significant accomplishment, for the honorary degree of Master of Arts.
President Hopkins:
JOHN HENRY BARTLETT, honored graduate of the class of 1894. the degree which in accordance with custom Dartmouth College confers upon the chief executive of the state of New Hampshire is at once a token of a mutual and desirable friendship between the College and the Commonwealth and a symbol of the adoption of the elected representative of the state into the Dartmouth fellowship. In the case of yourself, Your Excellency, the latter action is superfluous, for no tie could bind you more closely to the interests of the College ; but as a tribute to your distinguished ability, and as recognition likewise of the high office to which the people of the state have elevated you, I confer upon you the honorary degree of Master of Arts.
Professor Dixon:
Mr. President, at the request of the Trustees, and in their behalf, I present to you
GEORGE LEVI KIBBEE,
editorial writer whose analytical and interpretative powers have gained for his work a wide and increasing recognition; a patron of letters; a powerful influence in the intellectual life of his home city of Manchester, for the honorary degree of Master of Arts.
President Hopkins:
GEORGE LEVI KIBBEE, whose life is an exemplification of the spirit of quiet service; steadfast adherent of civic righteousness and high ideals; who has utilized the rigors of the daily task and the problems of practical life for the acquisition of most of what could have been contributed within college walls; long time a valued friend of Dartmouth ; we seek your membership within the fraternity of Dartmouth men, and accordingly herewith confer upon you the honorary degree of Master of Arts.
Professor Dixon:
Mr. President, at the request of the Trustees, and in their behalf, I present to you
WILLIAM PALMER LADD,
Dartmouth son of a Dartmouth father; Dean and Professor of Ecclesiastical History in the Berkeley Divinity School; a modernist in an atmosphere of conservative traditions; a recognized scholar, teacher and administrator; for the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity.
President Hopkins:
WILLIAM PALMER LADD, of the class of 1891; resolute disciple of the spirit of truth; possessor of the diverse arts of learning and of teaching; who, holding fast to the worth in the old, seeks with clear vision to discern the opportunities and obligations of spiritual leadership in the future; I confer upon you the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity.
Professor Dixon:
Mr. President, at the request of the Trustees, and in their behalf, I present to you
RAYMOND PEARL,
son of Dartmouth; a biologist of international renown; professor of biometry and vital statistics in the School of Hygiene, and Public Health, Johns-Hopkins University; able coadjutor of Mr. Hoover in that marvelous achievement of conservation and mobilization by which the food resources of the world sought out and met the world's necessities; for the honorary degree of Doctor of Science.
RAYMOND PEARL, of the class of 1899; frequenter alike of the realms of esoteric knowledge and of practical affairs; who have acquired distinction without losing simplicity, and in whom love of learning is matched by the will to serve; able administrator; lucid interpreter of vital statistics; scientist of brilliant achievement and promise; I confer upon you the honorary degree of Doctor of Science.
Professor Dixon:
Mr. President, at the request of the Trustees, and in their behalf, I present to you
IRVIN SHREWSBURY COBB,
author and playwright; keen and discriminating observer of military operations on the Western front; an inspiration and a delight to millions of readers who have mingled their tears and their laughter with his; for the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters.
v*' President Hopkins:
IRVIN SHREWSBURY COBB, correspondent, journalist, author, — what you will; sure summoner of the unexpected phrase and master of the graphic idiom; novel definer of truth; who, by the utilization of a gift of quaint humor, invites the attention of a widespread constituency to a fundamental and healthy philosophy; I confer upon you the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters.
After the singing of the Doxology the benediction was pronounced by Dr. Davis.
Alumni Luncheon
The procession then left the hall in its original order and proceeded to the Gymnasium, where the Alumni Luncheon was served. The arrangement for a special train to Boston would have prevented the usual migration at the end of the dinner, even if the general interest in the speakers had not been such as to prevent it, but the ranks of the reunion classes were already decimated by the early departure of many of the alumni. The first speaker at the conclusion of the Luncheon was President Hopkins, whose remarks on the gifts to the College during the past year are found in another part of this issue. He concluded by introducing the President of the Alumni Association, Dr. Ozora Stearns Davis, as presiding officer of the after dinner speaking. Dr. Davis who was most happy in his introductions and occasional remarks, introduced Governor John Henry Bartlett '94, Nathan W. Littlefield '69, Matt B. Jones '94 who spoke for the Twenty Five Year Class and its gift of $25,000 to- the College, Joseph W. Worthen '09, Raymond R. Larmon '19 and Irvin S. Cobb who represented the recipients of honorary degrees. Announcement was also made during the dinner of the election by the alumni of Sanford H. Steele as trustee.
An innovation this year, was the competition for the Barge gold medal, among the Commencement speakers. Each speaker became automatically a competitor for this medal, offered annually by Benjamin F. Barge of Mauch Chunk, Pa., to a member of the senior class for excellence in delivering an original English oration. The judges were James M. Drake '69, Philip S. Mar den '94, and Joseph W. Worthen '09 who awarded the prize to Harwood Lawrence Childs. Announcement was also made of the winner of the Class Trophy Cup. This cup which is offered annually by the Class of 1894 to that class having the largest percentage of its living members present at Commencement was won this year by the class of 1864. The competition with 1894 was very close1, the latter class having a percentage of 73.4 and 1864 returning 14 strong out of 18 living, a percentage of 77.7.
Although the Luncheon terminated the official events, the senior program was not complete until the early hours of the following morning when the Commencement Ball was concluded. All in all the 1919 Commencement showed good attendance, enthusiasm for the normal life of the College, and was a memorable event as the first Peace Commencement after two years of doubt and uncertainty.
