1909

Your executive committee (what we could get of them together) had a meeting recently on the question of a class agent. Norm Catharines term expires in 1947, and in spite of our urging we have been unsuccessful in getting him to change his mind about continuing for another five-year period. Norm has done an exceptionally fine job and it is going to be very difficult to replace him. We finally decided upon Jim Greenbaum and he has agreed to act as Norm's agent this coming year, and take on the task at the end of that period if he finds he can handle it. We know very well Jim will do a swell job and certainly wish him well on it, and we will all give him every bit of help we can.

We also took up the question of a Class Letter Writer and have asked Jack Childs if he would take the job,., and again Jack came through with his promise to handle it. This is a new job which the college originated some little time ago to supplement the MAGAZINE notes. We are necessarily limited to what we can put in our notes for the MAGAZINE and, by acting as letter writer, Jack can help out on the various campaigns, especially the Alumni Fund, which we cannot do in the MAGAZINE. More power to Jack!

I recently saw a copy of an article from the magazine entitled Sewage Works Journal which quoted a speech by Morris M. Cohn, who is secretary and treasurer of the New York State Sewage Works Association, on "I Knew Arthur Bedell." I wish it were possible to quote the entire speech but it isn't, so I will just give you a few of his remarks:

These are the facts about Arthur Bedell—engineer, unselfish worker in his professional sphere. But what of Arthur Bedell the man ? What can we learn of his character which we took as a matterof- fact when he was with us? I would like to stress a few of his characteristics and plead that we emulate them for the good of the profession which he served until death.

He walked in dignity. He seemed ever conscious of a respect for his calling, for himself as a member of his profession, and for his co-professionals. I seldom heard him speak above a low conversa- tional tone; never heard a blasphemous word from his lips; never heard a derogatory remark voiced. He abhorred latency and any action which would label the profession as cheap or uncultured. Above all, he looked and acted the man of dignity.

He walked in humility. He was ever willing to learn, to see the right of others' arguments and to recognize their points of view. He had no exalted opinion of himself, which is always the stamp of those who have the right to have an exalted opinion of themselves. He viewed himself merely as a link in the long chain of public health-—and he was a strong link.

He was scientifically honest. He never compromised with the truth even though a compromise would have meant less work and shorter hours of labor. In fact, he had brought work home with him for his last weekend. He maintained rigid standards of perfection and technical practice. He left his impression on sewage treatment design in New York State by turning thumbs down on inadequate design, half-truths, half-assumptions. He searched for truth in basic engineering design and decisions.

He was helpful to others. Few knew how helpful he was to his fellow engineers. He gave unstintingly of his time and his ebbing energies to those who needed the ability which he hid behind his humble mien. His helpful spirit built the Association and made of every member a friend.

There are many lessons to be learned from the life of Arthur Bedell, in an age of superficialities and ostentation—lessons which will improve this profession and gain the public respect for which we seek.

We must learn to walk in dignity. We should learn the "bedside manner" achieved by the medical profession, for there is as much reason for a reassuring mien, a gracious approach and a kindly tonal inflection in the field of preventive hygiene as there is at the bedside of the ill. The major ingredient of this so-called bedside manner is pride in, and respect for the profession which the engineer represents, and the major ingredient of professional pride is the full knowledge and appreciation of the history of the calling and of the men who made that history, and are continuing to write the public service which the profession performs. If we remember the "greats," including Arthur Bedell, who came before us and attempt to walk as they walked, we will attain dignity and public esteem for the sewage works field.

We must learn to walk in humility. We must be anxious to learn because we are merely on the threshold of knowledge of the intricate forces which can be utilized for the treatment, utilization and disposal of the wastes of life and living. We must recognize our own deficiencies and strive to correct them, and we must apply this to our treatment plants, in design, construction, equipping and operation. We must learn to strengthen our deficiencies rather than to cover them up. If I may put it another way, we must learn to "rate" our plants in our minds as well as on a rating schedule.

We must be scientifically honest. The true measure of a man's inherent honesty is laboratory control. Laboratory results and operation records must reflect what the plant does rather than what we hope it is doing.

We must be helpful to others. This is a new profession. It has gained maturity only because there has been a free interflow of ideas and knowledge from those who know to those who must learn. Every one of us has the responsibility to offer information which we have to others. The short school, the technical press, the technical meeting and the man-to-man visit at a treatment plant are all opportunities for helpfulness which we must not overlook.

Every passing of a pioneer in sewage treatment places added responsibilities on those who pick up the torch and carry on. If we translate into practical service the things for which Arthur Bedell stood and worked, we truly honor the man who breathed his character and spirit into this Association, the Federation of Sewage Works Associations, and everything for which all sewage works associations stand.

I would like to propose that a new Award be established—the Arthur S. Bedell Award—to be presented yearly to that person who has done the most in New York State to dignify sewage treatment and stream sanitation and to gain acceptance of its public health functions. By so doing, we would stimulate others to live as he lived and to raise the status of the work for which he strove.

'lf you will observe, it doesn't take A man of great mould to make A giant shadow on the wall; And he who in our daily sight Seems but a figure slight and small, Outlined in fame's illusive light May stalk, a silhouette sublime Across the canvas of his time."

If I have succeeded in outlining the silhouette of Arthur Bedell, across the canvas of his time, I have fulfilled my mission.

Secretary, Wm. Filene's Sons Co. 426 Washington St., Boston, Mass

Treasurer, 16 Wall St., New York 15, N. V.

ANNUAL BOSTON DINNER, FEB. 26 COPLEY PLAZA HOTEL, 6:15 P. M.