1878*

Bouton, philosopher as well as astronomer, reflecting upon the days of our years spent as a tale that is told as allotted in the Goth Psalm, concludes that although the burden of four score is much alleviated in our day not only by progress in medicine and wonderful surgical skill but by the vast broadening of the field of interests and activities which old folks can enjoy, there is still weighing upon us a plenty of labor and sorrow which we cannot escape.

To which conclusion we shall all assent, without however specifying any earlier period of life which was quite free from attendant burdens

Doubtless all classmates were interested to note in the Financial Report that appeared in the November Magazine the fact that a very considerable sum had been received from Brown's estate, with the inference of more to come. The sum of 1469,000, looks to most of us large enough to afford sufficient credit and satisfaction to any donor, although it is less than half what Brown hoped to bequeath. We shall all be interested to know to what particular use Brown's bequest is to be devoted. May it be determined while classmates are still on the bleachers Harlow left Boston for his winter quarters October 12, halting on the way for a few days to visit friends in Philadelphia and Pittsburg Hayt forwards as curiosities an official copy of the five amendments to the constitution of California proposed to the electors of that seething state for adoption by referendum November 7, together with arguments pro and con respecting the same; aild a copy of "Ham and Eggs" advocating in terms that would do credit to Hitler's official propagandist the first and most extraordinary of the five, which is the famous $3O per week dream. If either the dream or its devil's advocate should cause you a headache you might find an antidote in the article entitled "Hot Money" in the November Readers' Digest Parkinson has at last achieved a badge of distinction. After having been seated securely on the shelf for a dozen years, with neither an honorary degree nor a place in Who's Who he has been awarded by the Federal Government a Social Security Number, and he challenges all classmates to match it. It brings him no benefits of any sort, but as Patsy Rowell said to the Innkeeper, "Think of the honor, Mr. Bairfanks!" Consider what it contributes to state and federal revenue. An institution upon whose payroll for the current year he stands charged with the sum of $2O. is to be taxed 1% on that sum. Consider, too, how he and others similarly distinguished are reducing unemployment by providing accounting jobs to keep track of his and their wanderings. Henceforth your Secretary is to be known as U. S. Citizen Number 018-16-8448 Smith's son-in-law reports him as not having quite regained his strength since his long illness, but as bright and well, going into Charleston at least once a week to the movies, sometimes alone by bus, sometimes driven in the family car, doing as always a lot of reading, and of talking when he finds listeners. We are hoping he will talk in writing for us who are too far off to listen with our failing years.

Secretary, 321 Highland Ave., Fitchburg, Mass.