1878

Congressmen are agitated over the question whether industrial concerns organized as such, should be continued exempt from taxation as industrials, if they actually make profit. And that same ogre of taxation is bothering N. Y. City fathers. Looks as if there was going to be a question for the educated man as to whether taxation is to take its place in the civilized world, as part of the penal system.

Willkie's glimpse of one world and the forming of the United Nations unite to call upon every man to think of himself, as Washington wrote to Lafayette that he thought of himself, 'as a citizen of the world.' From students and Alumni alike there will be a loud cry for that course on "Great Issues." Let us be looking for such issues.

Bouton has given up variable star-observing and has had his observatory, and some of his time, fitted for showing sunspots to visitors. He walks for daily exercise, but very slowly. He also reads, slowly, and falls asleep while doing so; -had his glasses renewed, like Parkhurst. He observed his ninety-first birthday, November 2.

Hayt tries to keep his garden in shape for business. He has trouble with his eyes for reading. Thinks his governor doesn't want to be a candidate for president. He thinks the statesmen at Washington don't appear to get very far in keeping up with the inflation, which we really have. When you have to pay a dollar for a pound of bacon, and ten cents for a nice, big, apple, it looks as if something was inflated.

Parkinson, offered a ride with his son's wife and daughter, chose Winchester as his destination, and made a call on Parkhurst, at his home in Oak Knoll. He was having a bad day, and spending most of it in bed, but expecting his secretary for work at his desk, the following day. He has recently defeated a suit brought against him on a contract, which he disclaims, for a large number of subscription books entitled Who's Who in State Politics. He ventured, at considerable risk, to testify in court and succeeded in convincing the jurythat he had made no such contract. He relates, in very interesting manner, how after five years as principal of the Winchester High School, he was persuaded by Mr. Edward Ginn to enter his business. He gives great credit, both to Mr. Ginn's generous sagacity, as a business man, and to his own success in taking advantage of the opportunity offered him. Beginning as an agent for high school books, he soon became a partner, in charge of manufacturing, under the name of the Atheneum Press. After four years he became treasurer of the concern and remained there until he retired in 1933.

Parkinson, like Bouton, falls asleep, not while reading for he cannot read with any device he has yet discovered, but while pursuing any pastime. Standing and waiting for buses is one of his chief occupations; and even at that he will fall over, if he doesn't lean against a post to keep his balance.

Tarbell observed his ninety-fifth birthday, November 16, still seems to hold his own as the best-conditioned of the five of us. He reads, writes, and walks moderately; eats well and breathes well. Has some difficulty in hearing general conversation, but hears without difficulty those who speak distinctly to him.

This is likely to be the last issue o£ the Class Notes for the Class of 1878, as the secretary is losing his capacity as a correspondent; but the class is likely to be heard from, from time to time. Before the secretary lets go, he wishes to commend to his fellow secretaries that they take advantage for their fellow members, of the historical help of the Alumni Recorder, and the College Archivist of the Library. Both of these offices have been of great usefulness to some of our classmates.

Secretary, 103 Otis St., Newtonville, Mass.