1932

A week ago Sally and I were cruising the South China Sea en route from a stop in Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo, to Singapore temperature 90 degrees, sea calm, water in the ship's pool 82 degrees. There was time to reflect on the many islands we had visited: from Java to Bali, the Spice Islands, the fabulously oil-rich Sultanate of Brunei, and many in between. We had learned much about the ancient art, the nearly 800 years of colonial wars and domination, from the Portuguese to the Spanish, the Dutch, the English, the Japanese, and the ultimate struggles for independence. As we cruised within sight of volcanic cones, either past, present, or emerging, the geology of this vast region symbolized the dynamics of great distances, enormous resources, conflicts between the old and the new, and a burgeoning population which threatens to overwhelm it all. Our voyage, sponsored by the Museum of Natural History in New York, was enriched by four gifted lecturers dealing with the art history, the geology, the biology, and the astronomy as we stood beneath the Southern Cross on the afterdeck. The Dartmouth Club of Borneo was formed, with Dick Nelson '38 of California and Eugene Katz '28 of New York.

Bo and Ginna Wentworth sent a postcard from Fiji showing a lovely necklace of frangipani blossoms decorating a native maiden. Bo's comments showed an interest in the anthropology of Fiji, as well.

Howdie Pierpont has passed along a letter and a feature story about another of our notable '32 sailors, Jim Whitton. Jim's letter speaks of his interest in what he describes as a "self-appointed guardian of the public weal." As such, he used his literary experience and talents to convey his concerns to public officials who he feels may have an impact on matters in which Jim is keenly interested. It is apparent, however, that his consuming interest and love is sailing his twin-keeled Westerly Centaur with his wife, Mitzi; and thereby hung the exciting tale of their being "Sole Survivors of the Tortugas!" as members of the Punta Gorda Boat Club cruise. Without locating others, the Whittons skippered their boat through strong seas for 28 straight hours to Loggerhead Key in the Tortugas. Since none of the other boats were either willing or able to take this rough cruise, they alone, in Oh My, proved their competence and, I believe, their love for a contest with the sea.

"Old lawyers don't retire." This applies to Judge Carroll Boynton as he continues to serve as municipal court judge in two municipalities, while continuing his "country practice" in New Jersey. In a note to Howdie, he did say that he was looking forward to having a home in Stonington, Conn., where he would be joining our J.O.Z. in that charming community.

Former congressman Tom Curtis is featured in an article in the Webster-KirkwoodTimes (Missouri). According to this story, Tom is much respected for his opinions to this day. He was noted during his long tenure as congressman from his district for forthrightness and common sense. He served as a member of the Ways and Means Committee. Tom's great interest is in promoting more openness in government, with fewer cloakroom deals and less influence from the Presidential "Palace Guard." He feels that the constitutional procedures for open hearings are often bypassed, resulting in a less informed public. Tom, as a past member of the National News Council and former chairman of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, has always been concerned with the role of journalists in a free society. All of the foregoing notwithstanding, Tom still remains a staunch Republican.

It is with sadness that we have learned of the death of John Amos Wright on January 26 in Glenview, III. John, in his quiet and competent way, was certainly one of the most liked and respected members of our class. He was a member of Alpha Delta Phi and Sphinx and played varsity lacrosse.

A graduate of Harvard Law, John led a busy life as a lawyer, businessman, law school lecturer, author, and member of the Interstate Commerce Commission Practitioners Association. His military service included serving as a captain in the Judge Advocate General Department.

John was married in 1953 to Evelyn Wood, and they were the parents of a son and a daughter.

To his wife, Evelyn, and their children our class extends its deepest sympathy.

Word has just been received of the death of Philip Burleigh of our class, in North Edgecomb, Maine, where he had retired in 1972, following a career as purchasing agent for the Raytheon Company. His wife, Enace, died in 1976.

While at Dartmouth, Phil played freshman and varsity hockey and varsity lacrosse. He was a member of Chi Phi and Dragon. To his son, Philip Jr., and daughter Gretchen, our class extends its deepest sympathy.

A more complete obituary will appear in the obituary section of this or a subsequent issue.

Ben Ezra.

Snowfield Farm South Vershire, VT 05079