VERMONT ASSOCIATION
One of the most successful meetings in the history of the Vermont Alumni Association was held at the National Life Building, Montpelier, on the evening of March 10. A large representation from all parts of the state sat down to a dinner of excellence.
Owing to ill health, William A. Lord '69, president of the Association, was unable to preside, and on his invitation Judge Sherman R. Moulton '98 contributed much to the pleasure of the evening in the capacity of toastmaster. During the course of his remarks he paid a fine tribute to President William Jewett Tucker, one of the greatest presidents of the College, whose recent death broke the connecting link of the old College with the new.
Dean D. W. Hill spoke for the University of Vermont, and brought a very pleasing greeting from the sons of Ira Allen to the sons of Eleazar Wheelock. Judge Frank L. Fish, a trustee of Middlebury College, brought a pleasing message from his college, following a very happy introduction. Judge Fish paid a fine tribute to the memory of Justice William H. Taylor, a graduate from Dartmouth in the class of '86. Captain C. Newell Barber represented Norwich, our military college, in a manner very pleasing to the men of Dartmouth. He mentioned the battles and contentions of Norwich and Dartmouth in the older days when only the Connecticut separated them and the pleasing relations which now obtain in all activities, and the hope that the Outing Club trails of the two colleges would soon meet and add another bond of friendship.
Governor Weeks expressed his pleasure that we send many Vermont boys to Dartmouth, and the hope that they might return to us with the spirit that is Dartmouth, but whether they return or not somewhere they will serve with honor to Dartmouth and to our state.
Robert Bruce McPhail, captain of next year's football team at Dartmouth, brought a message from the undergraduates of the College which was followed with keen interest and much appreciation. He gave a cross section of any day in College at the present time, bringing to mind the contrast with former times. The undergraduate is little different, but the change is for the better. The student of today may have lost his religion, but he makes up in living. He may have lost his interest in the curriculum, but he has increased his interest in the life of the College in general. He is better equipped and more tolerant. McPhail covered in detail the many activities of the college man, and in speaking of football, the greatest game in the world, asked that the Dartmouth alumni be good losers, as the teams try to be, and cited the fact that never did alumni need to be ashamed of Dartmouth's teams, winning or losing, for they were not trained to win at any cost but to uphold the true spirit of Dartmouth on the athletic field. He recognized the fact that the game was in danger, but that it would win its ultimate place.
Professor Charles Bolser of the chemistry department was followed with the closest interest as he reviewed the activities of the College in its many branches. He cited the isolation of the College as contributing to its real worth and furnishing a distinct atmosphere. He likened the Hanover winter to an ocean voyage, but there are ports along the route. The speaker cited the contention of California that if -the Pilgrims had landed in San Francisco New England would never have been settled, and smiled at his contemplation of Hollywood under the Pilgrim Fathers. He came to speak of family affairs to the family of Dartmouth, and he brought the greetings of President Hopkins. Professor Bolser mentioned the change in the constituency of Dartmouth and the problems this had brought to the College, the increased expense to the student and the increased opportunity afforded. He deplored the presence of the student who simply joined the "Diploma Club" in search of pleasure, prestige, and a degree of culture. Professor Bolser sees no threat in the increasing number of fraternity houses and the activities in which they engage. He spoke of the benefits of psychological study of the student and the expert study of his process and inclinations, on which is based advice to the student as to his vocation and career. He paid a fine tribute to the athletic coaches of the College, who at present are rated as faculty, and cited the importance of having these activities of the College dominated by men of character. Professor Bolser mentioned the value of the Dick Hall House as home and "mother" to the student who is sick, a place where efficiency and kindness rule, and also the Davis field house, where Dartmouth athletes and their opponents can associate on a fine friendly basis. This intimate and friendly recital of the affairs of Dartmouth was a source of much pleasure and information to the alumni.
Hon. Wm. B. C. Stickney, Hon. '96, of Bethel, was the last speaker of the evening, and paid a high tribute to the Dartmouth type of man, and to the memory of Dr. Tucker, whom he characterized as a man of supreme kindness and excellence in character, "a living 'force in the life of all the men with whom he came in contact."
During the business meeting the following resolutions were passed. It was moved by Senator Smith of Rutland, that the Association send to Mr. and Mrs. E. K. Hall greetings and appreciation of the Association for their fine gift, the Dick Hall House, to the College, and resolved that the Association extend greetings to William A. Lord '69, president of the Association, and regrets that he was unable to attend and hope for his speedy recovery.
The Chairman of the nominating committee, John T. Cushing 'OB, announced the recommendations for the officers for the ensuing year, and they were elected as follows: president, Senator Charles M. Smith '91 of Rutland; vice-president, Charles R. Taplin 'IS of Orleans; treasurer, Vernon A. Doty '92 of Montpelier; and secretary, A. B. Lane '01 of Barre.
Secretary.
