1918

In the preceeding class note column I promised to give you some of Ben Mugridge's thoughts as expressed in a letter to SteveMahoney. Here goes:

"Retirement at 65 is a myth. There are just too many people now retired who ought to be still producing. This hypothetical retirement age makes drones out of many humans ...

"I watched most of the impeachment hearings and I was much impressed by the analysis and argumentation. This ought to help the American people to appreciate their Congress more than they do. I hope that this event and impeachment events in the House and the Senate will lead to the opening by television of the different committee meetings in the Congress.

"There is much too much secrecy about government. A democracy cannot live if its government is enshrouded with secrecy. A lot of these old timers ought to wake up to this fact and to the cries of young people for open government . . .

"I was impressed by the number of young Congressmen and with their ability to articulate and with the large number of young people in the audience.

"I have no pity for Nixon. To think that a President could surround himself with so many men willing to commit felonies. I cannot subscribe to the argument that their illegal acts were inspired out of a sense of loyalty. They knew their boss and that he would countenance illegality to gain a goal. It could not be otherwise.

"I still predict that Nixon will resign before the case gets to the Senate ...

"With the country facing almost unprecedented problems there are, unfortunately, no outstanding presidential candidates on the horizon. We can only hope that the Presidency will pull up a mediocre man to a great one. This certainly happened with Truman.

"The future appears to be interesting and filled with dangers. I would like to be younger and able to partake in these dangers. I have a lot of faith in the young generation. Certainly they are shattering traditions, perhaps some that should be saved. But it is axiomatic that worthwhile traditions never die. They may be stilled momentarily - but they never perish. Take for instance the Indian situation at Dartmouth. If the student body desired that the sign be renewed there would be no problem of renewal. The College is operated for the benefitof undergraduates - not for the alumni. The Indian tradition is dead forever, no doubt. And how could anyone insist that it was an essential tradition without which the college would suffer. Traditions such as the Old Pine, Dartmouth Night, Paleopitus, (Lord, how is this spelled?) and others have value and are recognized by the undergraduates."

I may not agree 100% with all facets of the above but it is a viewpoint that should be publicized for its youthful viewpoint and spirit. I have taken the liberty of italicizing one sentence of Ben's message. I feel it should not be overlooked.

Spud ("By the River") Proctor write; "Please include a few words about the Pow Wow to be held at the Holiday Inn here next March 13 (Thursday). The Inn is beside the "Sunshine Parkway" at the Fort Pierce exit, We hope any 18ers near here at the time will attend." I say "Amen" to this thought.

Tom Bryant expects to attend the Princeton game as his sons' guest. He also writes about an August trip to Mass., N.H., Maine, and Ver-Mont visiting relatives and the sites of his forebears' abodes. His daughter and grand-daughter acted as chauffeurs. This appears to have been a very nostalgic journey. I wish I had the space to do it justice.

Secretary DR. 1820 Lewis Lane Joliet, Ill. 60413

Treasurer, Old Coach Road Norwich, Vt. 05055