Class of 1902
How do you like 1935, now that you have had the first sample? We hear all sorts of stories of improving conditions, but perhaps you haven't noticed it yet. Nonetheless it seems to be on the books that you are going to benefit before long, so keep up courage and keep on fighting.
We can find much to think about in the letter from the president of the Gulf Oil Corporation of Pennsylvania. Ducky is a keen observer, and always writes a good story.
"I have just returned from a trip to Europe, in the course of which I visited England, France, Germany, Belgium, Austria,and Italy.
"One of the most delightful incidents ofmy stay in France was a visit with Mr. Edward Tuck, who is now in his ninety-thirdyear. In the late spring and early fall, heresides at his Paris residence on theChamps Elysees; the summer months hespends at his beautiful chateau located inRueil, one of the suburbs of Paris; whileduring the balance of the year he lives atMonte Carlo. For a man of his years, he hasa marvelously keen mind, and physicallyhe is in good condition except, as he putsit, he cannot 'navigate' as rapidly as informer days. I doubt very much whetherany foreigner resident in France, is, or everhas been, as beloved by the French peopleas Edward Tuck. In spite of his long residence there, he is still a patriotic American,and, above all, is unfailing in his loyalty toDartmouth College.
"I happened to be in Paris when the assassination of King Alexander of Yugslavia occurred at Marseilles, and for a fewdays there was a very real fear of imminentwar. 1 happened to be in Marseilles a fewdays later and saw the spot where the kingwas shot. The street there is extremely narrow, and it is a wonder to me that theFrench police authorities ever allowed theroyal procession to proceed along it. Thepolice protection was most inadequate, andaltogether the affair has done serious injury to French prestige.
"In all of the countries which I visited,except England-, I heard much war talk,but my impression is that a European warwill not materialize in the immediate future. Even with all of the troubles whichwe are encountering here in this country,each time I visit Europe I return with thefeeling of gratitude that we do not have toworry constantly about being embroiled ina war. I can understand very readily whypeople residing in Europe feel it necessaryto spend large sums of money upon theirarmies and navies in view of the proximityof the various nations and the long-timehatreds born of many wars.
"England at the moment seems to be enjoying a better economic condition thanmost of the European countries, but evenshe is far from prosperous. The economicwelfare of the European countries is so intertwined with politics that one cannotevaluate it without taking into account thepolitical conditions. That is particularlytrue, I think, of France, Gertnany and Italy.
"In Austria I found no sentiment whatever for a union with Germany, due in partto the fact that the Austrians generally holdGermany responsible for the recent assassination of Dollfus and also for the bitterfeud existing between Hitler and theRoman Catholic church, Austria being apredominately Roman Catholic country. Ifound Vienna the same beautiful city thatit has been since its beautification at thehands of the late Emperor Francis Joseph.Although Vienna today is poverty-strickenlike the rest of Austria, nevertheless theopera is flourishing, and there is still somegayety at its theaters and famous restaurants.
"Italy, under the guidance of the ableMussolini, is forging slowly ahead. Visitorsto that country cannot help being tremendously impressed with the marvelous highways that have been constructed during thepast five years. The main roads, particularly in northern and central Italy, rival thebest which we have in this country, and, asa result, the number of tourists visitingItaly is increasing rapidly.
"I had a delightful voyage home on theItalian liner, Conte di Savoia, which makesthe trip from Genoa and Villefra?iche in alittle less than seven days. That ship andthe Rex have reduced the time betweenItaly and New York by a full two days, compared with the best that could be done byships existing theretofore. Upon arrivingin New York harbor, the Statue of Libertylooked as good to me as ever, even thoughthe freedom which it is supposed to symbolize seems largely to have disappeared."
The class has lost heavily in the death of Bob Elliott. With the handicap of poor eyesight, Bob never allowed himself to be dominated by it. He more than made up in other ways for what others might have taken as an excuse for more or less complete isolation. Bob was one of our most enthusiastic and loyal classmates. Quiet and unassuming, he had a mind of his own, and a courage which carried him along in a steady course. Few know the extent of his influence or the very considerable amount of good which he did in his community. Yet he always kept away from the spotlight, making light of any deed of his own.
No tribute is more fitting than an excerpt from the column in the Lowell paper from the correspondent in Westford, where Bob had a summer home.
"To the young people his loss is especially great. The passing of their beloved'Uncle Bob' means, the end of countlessgood times for a large number of them.For many years Mr. Elliott had been interested in children and found pleasure in thecompany. The beautiful home on the hilltop was always open to them for parties andgames or for a friendly call. When extrahelp was needed for their lessons they wereinvited to bring their books along, and'Uncle Bob' would work patiently withthem until they thoroughly widerstoodand were able to go on alone. The trips tothe mountains, beaches, and places of interest will never be forgotten by thosefortunate enough to have been of the'gang.' The big car would be filled withyoungsters, the luggage piled in, and offthey would go, Mr. Elliott and the driveron the front seat, with the 'smallest one'tucked in beside them, waving happy goodbyes to their mothers, who knew they weresafe in his care. Sometimes they would return at night dirty and tired, but havinganother wonderful day to remember. Oftenthe party would leave for a destinationknown only to their host, and would begone for several days, perhaps to a camp, abeach, on a boat trip, or to a city. Thesetrips were of educational value and alsotaught lessons of fair play and sportsmanship."
Secretary, 130 Woodridge Place, Leonia, N. J.
