1900

Domination of the political scene by some individuals or groups of individuals is a part of American political history. The abuse of the democratic principle through individual crookedness in high places, influence-peddling, social interest pressure, and in general low ethical standards has all too often accompanied local, state, and Federal elections. In a recent letter BobJackson, who for many years was closely identified with New Hampshire politics, reports that during the early 1900s the Boston and Maine Railroad was a dominant factor in state elections. From the North Station in Boston the political word came forth and a governor was elected. The exposure of irregularities in New Hampshire politics by the American novelist, Winston Churchill, in his book, "Coniston" aroused the voters in the state and at the next election Robert Bass became governor. The stranglehold of the Boston and Maine was forever broken. It is to be hoped that in a similar way through publicity and aroused public opinion corrupt practices in Washington may be eliminated.

As usual the Bigelows are spending the winter months at the Vinoy-Park Hotel in St. Petersburg, Fla. They expect to return to their home in Worcester about , the first of April. Ned reports meeting Hod Cristy at a club in Worcester. Hod suffered two serious encounters with automobiles which hospitalized him for long periods. Ned says that Hod looked well in his face, but experienced great difficulty in locomotion, literally inching his way along. This must be a great deprivation to him as he has always been our most ambitious and persistent walker. Hod is now, as a popular song hit has it, 91 "going on" 92.

Our class baby, Ruth Bean, daughter of "Cap" Jenkins, writes me that her husband, Homer Bean, who suffered a shock with resulting paralysis, is recovering slowly from its effects. He expected to return to his bank for part-time work but finds he is not yet ready to undertake such responsibilities. Ruth herself is active in the United Church Women's Organization, serves her own church in various ways, and continues as a part-time teacher of art and music in the Nursery School of Newton Highlands. Her son, Richard, who lives in California, has bought a "dream house" in Englewood. In a telephone conversation grandson, Richard, excitedly explained to Ruth: "Grandma, it's pink stucco, and we have a lemon tree, an orange tree, and an avocado tree in our yard, and bougainvillea and hibiscus too." Some house and yard shall we say! Ruth's daughter, Carol, now residing in La Jolla, Calif., is participating in musical events in that city. She sings regularly in her church, and recently took part in a rendering of Handel's "Messiah."

Your secretary is full of apology to Olivia Allaway and Elizabeth GaSney for a mistake in parentage which appeared in the February issue of the MAGAZINE. Olivia Allaway is the daughter of Oliver Foster and Elizabeth Gaffney is the daughter of George Tong. Perhaps the two ladies will forgive me for this mixup since both Oliver and George were among the best of those who graduated from Dartmouth with the class of 1900.

Secretary and Class Agent Box 714, Hanover, N. H. 03755