1900

Quite sometime ago. Bill Edwards in a letter to Walter indulged in a bit of practical economics. Bill, you know, lives in the great state of Wyoming. Although at one time pioneer country the state has become a forward-looking agricultural area, and now is especially known for its extensive cattle and sheep ranches. Bill himself has had, over the years, considerable experience as a farmer. Now Bill in this letter, like any good Yankee, comes out with the forthright statement that government interference with the law of supply and demand is just no good. Here speaks up one former grass-roots farmer about current agricultural policy. To many citizens it is surprising that after more than 25 years, the expenditure of some billions of the taxpayer's money, and the storage of immense quantities of agricultural products the problem of the farmer is no nearer a solution than at the beginning. Some day people may wake up to the fact that unnatural interference with trade, inequitable tax measures, and "give away" schemes, however advantageous politically, just do not work. As one of our magazines, following comments on "pump priming," recently said: "An idea might catch on that it is time for a change."

News has just been received of the death of John Ash. He passed away at a nursing home in his home city of Corvallis, Ore., on January 23 at age 91. John entered Dartmouth College with the class of '99, but graduated with our class. Although more closely affiliated with '99, he has contributed quite regularly to our class fund, and has been generous in keeping us informed about himself and his family. John left a splendid record as business man, citizen, and friend. He was an ardent disciple of Isaac Walton, and at the proper time might be found wetting his line in streams and lakes hoping to land wily trout, , steelheads, and salmon. In this respect too" I believe he was eminently successful. A good man and great fisherman has gone from us.

I am sorry that Bill Howard's address was incorrectly reported by me in the February issue of the MAGAZINE. The correct address is 5526 South Holly (not hoey) St., Seattle 18, Wash.

Marian Miller, John Putnam's daughter, writes me that her elder son is now stationed in Viet Nam. After a year at Dartmouth he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point from which he graduated in 1950. Currently he is a member of the United States Advisory Commission to Viet Nam. From all the reports out of that beleaguered little country his experience must be highly exciting, interesting, and at times a really adventurous one. As an eye witness to events in that much distraught country, he may have a story to tell about efforts to save Viet Nam from Communist infiltrators. During his absence from this country his family is living in El Paso., Tex.

Ruth Hodgkins, "Lem." Hodgkins' daughter, writes that her husband had a commitment during January in Dallas, Tex., and that she went along for the ride. A part of the allure was to escape the penetrating cold and deep snow of a New England winter.

But did she? January weather west of the Appalachians has not been anything to brag about. In fact Texas and other southern states have felt the full rigor of "Old Boreas." Icy blasts and snow covered considerable parts of the deep South. A report has it that on one January day snowball fights by youngsters, tobogganing, and even skiing was fun for Dallas residents. Weather, I submit, like the much maligned woman, is freakish and unpredictable; a proof of which is that New Hampshire has enjoyed a very mild winter. Since this is written in late January, I do hope that February and March do not force me to eat my words.

Although a bit out of date here is a Christmas report from "Cut." Tirrell. He and his wife Bessie enjoyed a very happy time at their home in Montreal. Their children joined them in the celebration. There was a gaily decorated Christmas tree, gifts, a bountiful turkey dinner, and lots of fun. This must have been a very special treat for Bessie since she is an invalid, is not able to get around the house without help, and must have constant care. It is certainly a great mental stimulus to have the chatter and activity of young life break in on the usual routine of one's existence.

As of January 10 Bertha Hadley, "Gus."Hadley's widow, reports that she and her whole family are well and she hopes they may stay that way. So do we all! Bertha's grandson is a student at Boston University, and her son has recently become a resident of Mountaintop, Pa., where he and his wife have moved into their newly built house in that town.

Secretary, 3 Pleasant St., Hanover, N. H.

Treasurer, 20 Chapel St., Brookline 46, Mass.

Bequest Chairman,