MELVIN OHIO ADAMS

Born November 7, 1850—Died August 9, 1920

"When real sorrow is shared by many it seeks the relief of formal expression. So the Dartmouth Club of Boston spreads upon its records through the cold medium of inadequate words a little, a very little, of what each individual member keenly feels since learning that the charm and sympathy, the grace and helpfulness of Melvin O. Adams will be felt no more.

"Grief is a personal thing and in the first shock of the blow which has come we can think only of its personal effect. Mel Adams was one of the founders of the Club. He participated in its every activity. A meeting which was not attended by him, and such were very few could not be wholly a success. He was never too busy in his busy life to give his time and his counsel to our common affairs-and enterprises. Quite distinct from a realization of the loss we share in common with the community or with one or the other of the associations where his life and ours may have intertwined, our present individual sorrow comes from the appreciation that the radiant personality which was his has ceased to shine upon us.

"Passive virtues are non-negotiable and of avail only to the bearer. There was nothing of inactivity in the loyalty and the love and the sympathy of Mr. Adams. The fine feelings for humanity which he had, he uttered that they might pass current among their objects. Few among us there were in private sorrow who did not get prompt words of comfort from him; none, to his knowledge, who stumbled a bit on the road that he was not the first to hold out a firm and helping hand, and to send along with the encouragement of his smile. And if a little of success in achievement came to one of us it was crowned by his ready expression of praise and his joy thereat was fully equal tc ours. Not alone in the genial spoken word did he express his kindly feelings. He invariably acted upon them where others would have remained passive, and this was his great distinction. He had a passion for helping

"When the Angel of Death, unseen, was hovering over him, he was characteristically occupied in mailing to his classmates and to others whom he thought might be especially interested, a youthful poem entitled 'Help', written by his classmate and beloved friend Prof. Richardson, which he had caused to be printed in facsimile of the author's handwriting. Its simple verses are expressive of the life creed of both men:

"The world is full of labor, It toils in weariness; You cannot bear its burden But you can make it less.

"Though little be each action, Its heart the Lord shall see, And His shall be the witness: 'Ye did it unto me'.

"Older in calendar years than most of the members of the club, the passage of time brought no hardening of the channels through which flowed from his great heart to us the generous streams of sentiment and kindliness If there was something paternal in the interest he constantly showed in our individual welfare and advancement, he was at the same time the big brother, the faithful friend, the boylike chum to every one of us. By his passing we have lost at once all these, and, it seems to us now, a great deal of sweetness and the savor of life."