GENTLEMAN, SCHOLAR, ACTOR
"To the Editor of The Dartmouth: "It is not often that one finds combined in a single mass of protoplasm qualities which, if possessed singly or in pairs, entitle the possessor to merit in this serious business of American citizenry. Combining three or more attributes of genius, the result is phenomenal.
"James Parmelee Richardson, professor of political science at Dartmouth College, member of the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention, representative to the New Hampshire legislature, and St. Peter's head man, tonight goes on the boards of Webster Hall in that rollicking, tuneful musical comedy 'The Pirates of Penzance.' As a member of his party, I am proud of Big Jim. He is a gentleman, a scholar, a big man, a Republican, and an actor. (If you don't believe it, come and see the show.)
Professor Goodrich, in his official review of the opera, says: "Big Jim Richardson has a gorgeous time, and puts it right across to us. That is what we ask of a comedian."
The Hanover Gazette comments as follows: "Professor J. P. Richardson, who will again star in a Savoy opera, is this time the sergeant of police, and the maneuvering and comedy interpretation in both marching and singing required of him in 'The Pirates' finds him at his best in this role."
This is getting to be an old habit with Jim. In the previous operas that have been given by the society, he has always taken a stellar part. As the Mikado, in the play of that name two years ago, he made one of the big hits of his career; but his performance the other night surely equaled it.
As promised in our last issue, the members of the class of '99 who were in Hanover on May S staged a little dinner at the Inn for the sons of the class who were available. Herbert Adams and Robert Winchester unfortunately were out of town on week-end trips, but all the other sons in college were present, as was young George Beal, who is not to enter until September, '29. Around the table they sat in the following order: M. Beal, J. P. Richardson, A. M. Abbott, Jr., L. P. Benezet, W. R. Barney, C. H. Donahue, J. G. Huckins, G. Beal, A. D. Storrs, R. M. Dickey. It was the first time that some of the boys had ever met each other. Frank Musgrove was one of the hosts of the occasion, although at the last minute he was obliged to leave town. The old fellows reminisced, while the young men asked questions and told of life in college at present. With Jim Richardson and Dave Storrs to check them up, they had to stick pretty closely to the truth, while the romancing of the old boys was uncensored. "An enjoyable time was had by all."
The members of the class of '29 are entrusted with the task of keeping alive the association of the sons of '99 when the next installment arrives next September. At present Robert Huckins, Roger Benezet, Howland Sargeant, and William Kendall have been admitted, but undoubtedly other sons of '99 will join them by the time college opens.
The eagle eye of Everett Stevens '01 spotted the following item in a New York paper. We pass it on for what it is worth: "Dr. Hoskins, Detroit physician, passes a month each year on the road with a circus just for fun. To train an elephant to stand on its head, Dr. Hoskins says, at least forty men are needed to manage the network of ropes, pulleys, and tackles which are used to show the elephant what he is expected to do.
"The elephant trumpets and squeals, but finally learns to associate the command with the act enforced on him by the apparatus. Then he is taught another trick. Elephants are intelligent."
It is interesting to look back to the class prophecy of Judge Donahue and read the following: "Every summer you will find their offices vacant for a month, and at the same time Forepaugh's circus posters announce two new and wonderful artists, whom we may easily recognize under the transparent stage names of Nealo Hoskinso and Bobbesci Johnstonelli." After all, most of our class have held very constantly to the promise of their youth.
The Secretary recently received a good letter from Peddy Miller. It seems that Peddy had a lively time at the meeting of the Open Forum in Philadelphia, where he talked on "Al Smith and the Klan." The Klan may be dead, but a number of its members are still alive and kicking, or rather, throwing eggs; for Peddy needed police protection at the close of the day's debating. He confesses grievous disappointment that the D. A. R. missed him, a Son of the American Revolution, when they were making out their famous black list. A charming picture recently reached us from New York. It shows Helen and Frances Gannon "on the sidewalks of New York." The girls are as beautiful as ever, but as a foil to their good looks the countenance of Grandfather Gannon appears in the center of the picture. Joe writes that he is enjoying his new job with the New York Times very much indeed.
The Secretary learned in Hanover that Nelson Brown's daughter Charlotte is to be married the coming June in Hanover. The name of the fortunate groom has not yet reached us.
Maurice Dickey's daughter Eleanor, who has been taking junior college work in Springfield this past year, is to enter Smith as a sophomore next fall.
At last reports Owen H.oban, class agent, was still gnashing his teeth over the poor responses received to date from the class. We are doing better than last year, but that is not saying a great deal.
The Bold Lynch is to have a sabbatical year beginning next September. The Secretary is not sure of the itinerary of his trip, but it starts out with California and Alaska, and probably will go on to Kamchatka, Mongolia, 'and the Desert of Gobi.
Everett Stevens '01 reports running across Lute Oakes on a train journey from St. Paul to St. Louis. They had a glorious Dartmouth fanning bee together.
F. L. Childs, '06's secretary, says that of all the Dartmouth men he knows, Herbert Rice knows more about what is going on in the College than anybody else. He evidently reads every bulletin, every magazine, and every report, and remembers them all.
Ernest Silver, along with the Secretary and E. W. Butterfield '97, spoke before the Manchester Open Forum on Sunday, May 13. Their subject, as might be guessed, was "Education."
