Excerpts from “Normal Magazine”, March 1907
Vol. XI, No. 6
Potsdam Normal School
Published monthly during the school year by the Alumni of the Potsdam Normal School
Alumni Editors-in-Chief – Katherine Kellas ’92; Frank L. Cubley, ’92
Associate Alumni Editors – Amos H. Gleason, Crary, N.D.; Frank W. Ballou, ’02, Univ. of Cin., Cincinnati, Ohio; A. E. MacDonald, ’75, 4035 Prairie Ave, Chicago, Ill.; Jerome E. Crane, ’82, 50 Washington Street, Boston, Mass; Charles B. Dullea, Richmond, NY; Mrs. Edith Barnum O’Brien, ’90, 1013 Green Street, San Francisco, Cal; Mrs. Lillian Chilton Noble, Rochester, NY
Prof. Warren Mann:
The Alumni and friends were deeply shocked Friday evening, February 22, by the sad intelligence that Prof. Warren Mann had passed away. Many knew that he had had an attack of the grippe, but nearly all, including those nearest him, failed to appreciate how ill he was until the last.
Although not feeling quite himself, Prof. Mann attended a few days before the lecture on the weather at the Tech. and going home laid down on the lounge. He felt that some lamb broth, of which he was very fond, would do him good and went down town in the evening to purchase the lamb. He awakened Sunday morning with a severe headache. True to his instinct he desired to go to church, but was prevailed upon to remain at home and the doctor was summoned. Unlike his usual calmness, Prof. Mann became exceedingly anxious and impatient for the arrival of the doctor. Even after this it was thought to be nothing more than a rather severe attack of the grippe. The doctor, in due course of time, brought his temperature down to normal, when the poison of the grippe seemed to enter the nervous system and his pulse became very rapid. He became nervously restless, so that two people could scarcely keep him covered. This, of course, could not last forever and on Friday in the afternoon he sank into an unconscious state, although his pulse continued to rush and his respiration to be rapid, and about half past seven, with no perceptible warning, the heart stopped suddenly and the end had come.
Perhaps there is no one man in this whole community and among all the alumni who was more generally loved, admired and respected than Prof. Mann. By rich and poor he was universally liked, and the reason is not far to seek. He was a true man.
He was blunt often. He did not mince his words. He said what he had to say whether it was pleasant or unpleasant. Yet there was that sincerity in it all that everyone forgave the bluntness, forgave the unpleasantness, because they knew every word was uttered for their best interest. No more sympathetic man ever lived than Warren Mann and many, not only students, but townspeople, will sorrow for that ready sympathy and kindly aid and advice which he was ever so ready to give, even though it took of his time and strength.
Probably no teacher in the Normal School has exerted a more widespread influence for good than Prof. Mann. His manhood was an inspiration, his honesty, his integrity, his fearless upholding of the right, his aggressive stand against everything of an evil nature, all these inspired his pupils to a higher and better life and as an alumnus writes, “He taught what is not found in books, but is a thousand times more valuable. By his tender sympathy, his sincerity, his real worth as a man, he made an impression upon the minds and hearts of the students, the value of which no man can estimate. He was a good fighter in a cause that he believed in but he fought fair. He was never on the fence nor was there malice in his heart toward any man.
Prof. Mann was always interested, intensely interested in the work of his church, and will there leave a vacancy impossible to fill. Always ready, he was never called on in vain for any labor in the work of his Master. In the recent revival meetings no worker did more efficient labor or more sympathetically appeared to more seeking light than did Prof Mann. Perhaps in no other place or phase in his life will the influence of Prof. Mann be more lasting that in the lives of the many young men who have felt that influence in his Sunday School class at the Methodist church. This influence no man can measure.
In the community he was always found outspoken for the highest and best. A fearless opponent of the liquor business, he yet had the honor and respect of the men engaged in it. A strong man physically and proud of his strength, he filled with enthusiasm the “boys” in their athletics and ever cheerful he was always ready for fun and gaiety in the social gatherings at the school or elsewhere.
It was very fitting that the funeral services be held from the Normal Chapel on Tuesday, Feby 26, and the profusion of beautiful flowers and designs attested the regard in which he was held and the sense of loss in his death. The body laid in state from ten to eleven, Professors Bond, Curtis, Hawthorne, Flagg, Allen and Rosegrant acting as body guard. Seated in bodies were the family, the Local Board, the Faculty, the Alumni, the D.K.E. delegation, the Board of the M. E. Church, the officers and Teachers of the M. E. Sunday School, the Faculty of the Clarkson Memorial School of Technology, the students and townspeople. The services were simple yet impressive. Mr. Tunnicliffe presided at the piano and a quartette composed of Misses Cummins and Russell and Messrs. F. T. E. Sisson and Fred Sisson beautifully rendered the three hymns or anthems. Rev. Jabez Stallwood gave the invocation and Rev. Masseck read the 23rd Psalm, while Rev. O. B. Coit, Rev. R. M. Sherman, Rev. F. B. Cowan, followed with passages of scripture and Rev. Cann offered a prayer. Rev. C. C. Townsend, class of ’73, and member of the Faculty from 1877 to 1883, then spoke largely in a personal vein as follows:
“The news came to me on Saturday, while absent from home, that my friend had gone. ‘Prof Mann is dead’ was the message. It was a shock; I went back to my work as best I could; but I was lonesome. For thirty-five years, he had been to me a true friend. IN the many points our lives had touched, his life had ever been a noble inspiration.
When, in 1872, he came fresh from college to teach in the Normal, I was a student. As a teacher his frankness and sympathy won the respect and love of us all. How quickly would he respond to the demands made upon his superb physical frame. When hard work was to be done, he lifted the heavy end of the load. With a heart bigger than his body, he took upon him the burdens of struggling and discouraged students. For home sickness and the blues, his helpfulness and heartiness were ever sufficient antidotes.
During six years, while I was a member of the Faculty, first impressions were deepened. There was never a doubt as to his position on any moral question. It was always expected that he would be on the right side and stand there, even if he stood alone. And his aim was to bring the student body to take for itself the same standard which he had chosen.
“In the church, where we were fellow members, his sturdiness was a tower of strength. His life kept pace with his profession. Duty and responsibility were his watchwords. As a teacher in the Sunday School, he impressed his class with the genuineness of the life he lived. How many can bear witness to the help they received both from his words and his efforts in their behalf. In quiet ways, he lifted the burdens of the poor, and cheered the despondent. No one could long harbor the blues in his cheerful atmosphere. His courage was contagious. Those who knew him best loved him most.
“Back in boyhood was the beginning of his sterling character. During his college days, he stood for the manly and Christ-like life. Rightly does his Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity of Syracuse University, whose colors I wear today, send delegates to this service to represent the Chapter of which he was a charter member. They have lost a life-time friend, and loyal supporter of their organization. The resident D.K.E. graduates from other colleges wear their colors in mourning today.
“The large number of Normal Alumni, who are here come as sincere mourners. Probably no member of the Normal Faculty has touched so many lives as Prof. Mann for his term of service has been longer than that of any other. Upon each student has been impressed the stamp of his manhood and sincerity. For this army of graduates, thus fashioned by him, who can say what are yet to be the fruits of his life? He aided many, both by silent influence and word of mouth, to make the right decision at the crisis of their lives. How often would he say, “Can’t we go apart and pray about this?” Prayer was as natural to him as breathing. How he looms up as he recedes from us. What a feeling of lonesomeness comes over us all in the alumni, without Prof. Mann.
“As a friend, I bring this token of my respect. I believed in him. I loved him. May his influence abide with our lives. May we realize that he has gone but a little while before us, and that we shall again look upon his face.”
Rev. O. B. Coit of Carthage, a former pastor, then spoke, in part, as follows:
”It is a sad privilege I have today to lay a chaplet on the grave of Warren Mann. All over the United States, if it was known that he was gone, there would be a sense of personal loss, greater perhaps than they could have had here. His soul was transparent. There was no concealment. His mind and heart in a moment were open to inspection. Loyalty to God and church, family, school, friends, and community was his highest aim. In his integrity he was never to be moved. Falseness was hateful to him. Every one through knowing him had a larger conception of life.”
Rev. Wm. D. Marsh, D.D., class of ’74, of Little Falls, a graduate of the Normal and a former member of the Faculty from 1879-1881, then spoke in part as follows:
“I cannot, I will not say he is dead. He is just away. Warren Mann’s translation makes me think of a character in Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Great Heart. His was indeed a great heart, for whom we cannot express our affection. Ian McClaren’s estimate of Henry Drummond as the noblest of men, is not misapplied to our friend who sleeps here today. Being a soldier, and what a soldier he was, we may apply the words of the great leader, ‘I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith.’ During long years how nobly has he fought the battles and now has he won the crown. The noblest thing written of death is the epilogue of Robert Browning. There are only a few men to whom it may apply, but here is one:
One who never turned his back but marched breast forward,
Never doubted clouds would break,
Never dreamed, though right were worsted, wrong would triumph,
Held we fall to rise, are baffled to fight batter.
Sleep to wake.
No, at noonday in the bustle of man’s work-time
Greet the unseen with a cheer!
Bid him forward, breast and back as either should be,
“Strive and thrive!” cry—
“Speed, -- fight on, fare ever, there as here!”
“Farewell, dear friend. Strive on, fight on. Fare ever, there as here.”
His Life
Warren Mann was born in Varick, Seneca County, N.Y., December 10, 1846, the youngest of a family of nine children. He was a graduate of Genesee College, now Syracuse University, in June, 1872, since which time he has been a member of the Faculty of the Normal, having the chair of Mathematics for two years, and in 1874 being elected to the chair of Natural Science, which he has ever since held. He has been President of the St. Lawrence Teacher’s Association, and has published an Outline of Work on Human Body Lessons, Plant Lessons, Common Rocks, Animal Lessons and Physics Lessons.
In public affairs he has served as a member of the Village Board of Health and was twice a member of the Board of Excise.
He is survived by his wife, one son, Paul B., who is teaching in New York, and one daughter, Mrs. Claire Mann Taylore, of Salibury, N.C.
Resolutions By the Local Alumni
Pursuant to a call by the President a large number of the local alumni met at the home of Mr. F. T. Swan on Sunday afternoon, Feby. 24, to take action upon the death of Prof. Mann. A committee was appointed to secure a fitting floral offering and another to draft suitable resolutions, as follows:
“God, in His infinite wisdom has taken to himself Prof. Warren Mann, whose name to every graduate of the Potsdam Normal School, has always been a synonym for rugged honesty, fearless aggressiveness and unimpeachable integrity, and we, the alumni, feel that we have each received from him that which is of more value than riches, the influence of a remarkable Christian life. His naturalness, uprightness and even poise combined to make him a character of great strength, and this character has been forcibly impressed upon us as students.
“His place in our hearts cannot be filled and his cheerfulness ever present, will always be a worthy example. To write a formal set of resolutions in regard to his life would be almost impossible. He was ours. He belonged to the Potsdam Normal School. Few, indeed, can remember the school apart from him. He came to it fresh from his commencement at Syracuse, when the Normal was two years old. He has given his life to it. Little children have known and loved him through all the grades until graduation. No other teacher has had so large a connection with the school and the great alumni will miss him as a dear loved friend and a most willing and strong helper.
“Therefore, be it resolved, that we, the local alumni of the Potsdam Normal School, express our sense of loss in the death of Prof. Mann, that we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family and that a copy of these resolutions be presented to the family, that they be spread upon the alumni records and published in the Normal Magazine.
F. T. Swan
Mrs. C. C. Townsend
Mrs. George C. Reynolds, Committee”
Tribute From the Faculty
Professor Warren Mann came to the Normal School as a member of the faculty in 1872, and from that time to the fifteenth of February of this year has been steadily at his post. No one, ever connected with the school, has been so closely identified with it, either for so long a time or in so many ways. The students of the early seventies remember him in charge of the Boy’s Academic room, a young man who used his vigorous strength so easily that unruly boys were surprised at the promptness of their exit. They remember him on the playground when they had made their longest jumps, and he with the confidence of athletic skill, jumped several feet beyond the best of them, leaving word, “When you go over that, boys, send for me, and I will try again.” In those early days the organization of the school was often changed and Prof. Mann has been heard to say that he had taught nearly everything in the curriculum.
His willingness, yes, his desire to help in every way in his power, made him the fiend and companion of students, as well as teachers. It mattered not what was the need – a piano to be moved, an athletic contest to be advertised, a sick student to be cared for – Prof. Mann was always ready, always original in his plans, always a power.
To those who have known him all these years, the announcement that he is dead is sure to be met with the answer, “That cannot be,” and in the highest and truest sense, Prof. Mann cannot die. Our poor mortal sight may not see him, our limited sense of hearing may not catch the cheery ring of h is voice, we may never feel the firm grasp of his loving hand, but the man, the noble character, the faithful friend lives on never to be forgotten, an influence for the uplifting of all who have been associated with him.
Only a few days before he left the school, in a discussion amongst some members of the Faculty as to the most important element in the teacher’s work, the thought was expressed by one, that uprightness of life could be inculcated in every department of the school. As the discussion went on, the fact was brought out that only through moral rectitude, and sincerity of purpose in the teacher, could the highest results of teaching be reached. Prof. Mann was cited as an illustration of the point at hand. No matter what subject he taught, regardless of the method he used, his work must always stand as a model of the highest excellence, because he taught righteousness. There was no humbug, no cant, no pretense about Prof. Mann, no one ever doubted his word, no one ever appealed to him for help who did not find ready succor and sympathy.
His life has been so active, his influence in the school so strong, no one who has known him there, can ever think of the school without him. And why should be try to do so? Paul says, “Know no man after the flesh.” We have known Prof. Mann “after the spirit,”, we have known his sincere character, his sterling rightness, his tender, loyal sympathy, -- these things can never die—why may we not continue to know him “after the spirit,?” In knowing him thus, may we not rejoice that we have been so blessed as to know such a life, may we not thank God that such a model of uprightness has been in our midst these thrity years?
TO miss his coming and going amongst us is but human, but to let our mourning hide from us the rich heritage his noble life has conferred upon the school, would be sacrilege. Every member of the school, every alumnus, every member of the various Faculties which have worked together in the Normal School must recognize himself debtor to Prof. Mann, not alone for the life we saw him live amongst us, but for the light that life has cast upon our path, a light which will glow ever brighter as we become more awake to the supremacy of righteousness.
Julia E. Crane, for the Faculty
Alumni Jottings
Miss Bertha Tuttle is teaching in the Cattaraugus High School.
Miss Lu Nette Garlock is at Spencer Place, Brooklyn
Miss Demis E. Bromley is teaching at Mechanicsville, N.Y.
Mr. Archie J. Scott is principal of the High School at Rugy, North Dakota.
Miss Helen M. Bullis is at 101 Castleton Ave., New Brighton, L.I.
Mr. W. L. Bretsch’s address is Brewerton, N.Y.
Mr. S. B. Strait, ’06, is at Ramsey, N.J.
Mr. Sherman Clute writes very enthusiastically of his work in Mento Park, California, where he has a very pleasant position, teaching eighth grade work and leading an orchestra and glee club. He is delighted with the country and the people.
Miss Jessie Joubin, Crane Institute ’01, Normal ’02, was among those killed in the awful wreck on the New York Central at Bronx Park, Feby. 16. Miss Joubin was Superintendent of Music at White Plains, N.Y., and her death was particularly sad, as several passengers who were on the train say that she tried to save several little children who were near her, before trying to save herself, and was then crushed to death. Her friends here remember her as a very interesting and attractive young lady, and grieve to learn of her tragic death.
Albert M. Shaw writes from Santa Ana, Cal., as follows: “I am getting out a publication along the line of my school work which will be very successful, I am sure. I have a fine position here this year as Director of Manual Training in Santa Ana, a city of about 10,000 population. The City Superintendent has assured me that he wishes me to remain for another year, so in all probability I will do so. Mr. Cranston is a Madrid, St. Law. Co., man. We are having some delightful weather here now. Every day is warm and sunny, the temperature running to 80 & 85 degrees. Plenty of moisture to keep things growing finely. Everything is as green and fresh as it would be in June in New York.”
Prof. Frank W. Ballou writes from the University of Cincinnati thus: “I am more than busy. I found upon my return that I had been made Director of School Affiliation for the University, the same to take effect Jan. 1. That gives me charge of the new students who may enter the second semester, Feby 1. This is part of the work which I expect to do for next year.
Miss Grace Goodale, Potsdam, N.Y., writes as follows: “I suppose if I do not register my change of location in the Normal Magazine, I cannot complain if I look in vain for similar information concerning more interesting persons. Therefore, be it known by these presents, that my address is at present Potsdam, N.Y., and to the best of my knowledge and belief will continue so to be as long as I have any terrestrial habitation. No, I have not come home to get ready to be married – the only explanation which some of my friends seem able to conceive of for leaving agreeable work and an employer anxious to keep my services. I can offer no better reason for my transfer from the New York to the Potsdam circuit than the fact that it seemed to me time to come home and stay home. So here I am, and always pleased to hear from any of the old Normalites, whether by phone, letter or in person. I notice that in your last number there appears a mistake in Miss Helen Bullis’s address, which should be given as 112 East 54th St.
Miss Mildred Simonds, who left here last week to Enter upon her work as first grade teacher in the Yonkers school, has accepted a fine position as kindergarten teacher, work much more to her taste and desire. Miss Simonds is a first class kindergartener and we bespeak much success for her in Yonkers.
Assistant Corporation Counsel Adelbert B. Salmon, of Schenectady, is to be the next president of the Schenectady County Republican Club, being the nominee on both tickets that are in the running.
Most teachers of geometry have found more or less difficulty in getting students to imagine and visualize the figures of solid geometry. To assist such pupils to comprehend the subject, Prof. Bond of the Normal School conceived the idea of having models made which should show the planes, lines and solids under discussion. After consulting with the heads of the mathematical departments of Columbia and Yale Universities in regard to the matter, and corresponding with manufacturers of scientific apparatus in Germany, Prof. Bond finally decided to have the models made in Potsdam where he could personally superintend their construction. For several weeks past visitors to the workshop of Maxfield & Needham have had curiosity aroused by the peculiar combinations of glass, tin and wire which were being constructed there. Walter Goodrich, the workman in charge, has uniformly assured all questioners that he was making traps for catching rats at the Normal. About forty of these models have been finished and are proving very satisfactory in Prof. Bond’s class. Yale University is the only place in America where there is a full set of these models and the cost of them was about $3000. The set at the Normal embraces a number sufficient to demonstrate nearly all the theories required in an ordinary course.
Crane Normal Institute of Music
Miss Grace Hendy, ’04, has been spending the year at home, but although resting has not been idle, having taught a large class in voice culture, and devoted two days a week to the music in the Arcade High School of East Aurora, N.Y. The music was introduced in the school by her and proves very enjoyable.
Mrs. Norma B. Allen, ’05, has again been offered to the summer school work in music in one of the Southern Normal Institutes, but although she enjoyed doing the work last summer, has decided to refuse the position this summer in order to have a complete change and rest. Her work in the Florence, Alabama, Normal School has grown more and more interesting, as she has been able to work out her ideas more fully. She says: “None of the pupils not even the grown ones, refuse to sing, individually. The seniors teach the model school grades. I love the work, and wish I had gone to Potsdam two years earlier.”
A newspaper report of a school entertainment at Naples, N.Y., in speaking of the singing, says: “The work was done with a will, and evidently with great enjoyment on their part, which is a feature peculiar to Miss Fosgate’s method of teaching.” Miss Fosgate writes that there is much interest in school music in the surrounding towns and we must expect calls for teachers from that vicinity.
St. Cloud, Minn., Normal School has had a rather unusual experience in its music teachers. Several years ago a call came from there for a teacher to take charge of the music, and Miss Marie Smith, ’96, who then had one year of experience, was sent in answer to the call. Miss Smith, was there two or three years, when she was called home on account of her mother’s health. Her work had been so satisfactory that the authorities sent to our school for one to fill her place. Miss Estella Wood, ’00, was sent to carry on the work. When Miss Wood resigned to continue her study in New York, the Principal of the school ws changed, and the music position went out of our hands. A year or two later, Miss Smith had an urgent call to take the work again, and as the call was accompanied by the offer of a large salary, she accepted the position, and had been in charge of the music for about three years, when again she was called home suddenly on account of her mother’s health. Now, Mrs. Estelle Wood Billington is again taking up Miss Smiths work, and she writes from St. Cloud with hearty interest in her work, which has always characterized her. Among other interesting matters she speaks of her brother’s reports of the splendid work Miss McIlwaine is doing in Williamsburg, Ky. Her brother is President of the College in which Miss McIlwaine has charge of the music.
An interesting letter from Beatrice MacGowan, ’03, tells a story of activity and success. In addition to her school work Miss MacGowan is one of a ladies’ trio, violin cello and piano, who practice regularly, and play at social events. She speaks of Pauline Donalda one of the stars at the Manhattan Opera House, as a Montreal girl, whose farewell recital she attended just before coming to Potsdam. Miss MacGowan took a trip across the continent last summer, to visit a brother who lives in the far west. She has been busy with composition work of various kinds, and is just now at work upon an operetta which will be presented by the children of the grades in the So. Orange schools. She speaks of a pleasant visit with Marion Morse Bose, ’04.
A letter from Mrs. Josie Ackerman Davis, ’01, reveals the fact that she is still teaching in Richmond, Virginia. She writes: “I am now finishing my fourth year at the Virginia Union University. My husband is also engaged in work at this school, and I prefer teaching to housekeeping.” The announcement of her marriage gives the date of that event as Sept 18, 1905.
The tragic death of one of our number, Miss Jessie Joubin, ’01, followed close upon the announcement of the death of Mrs. Mary Wells Lake, ’96. Both were superior singers while in school, and will be remembered lovingly by all who knew them. A more extended notice appears elsewhere in the Magazine.
Hawthorne Piano Forte School
Miss Livonia Giles, an undergraduate, recently made the school a pleasant visit. Miss Giles is very successful in her teaching.
Mr. Ernest Hawthorne was highly complemented for his artistic piano playing at a meeting of the Men’s League in the Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Florence Calkins Griffith, ’05, is playing a fine church organ in the Universalist church, Ludlow, Vt., and besides has a number of piano pupils. She is of great assistance to her husband in his church work.
Mr. Leon Marvin, ’07, has resumed his work after an absence of six weeks, a part of which time he was ill with the Grippe. He gave a successful piano recital in a neighboring town during this vacation.
Miss Edna Morgan is teaching at her home in Plattsburg, NY.
Miss Ethel Bedell, an undergraduate, is having splendid success in her teaching at her home in Mooers, N.Y.
Mr. Leon Marvin and Mr. Ernest Hawthorne played original compositions in the last class recital.
The following program was rendered at the last class recital:
In the Mountains – Fink – Laura Philput
Murmuring Brook – Bohn – Florence Smith
Song Without Words – Mendelssohn – Reba Balch
Polonaise – Krogmann – Gladys Russell
Tarantelle – Deume – Janet Burns
Violin Solo – Reverie – Cooper – Earl Pelton
Valse – Saratorio – Bessie Avery
Sonata – Mozart – Nina Jeffers
Song Without Words – Mendelssohn – Gladys Hawkins
Sonata – Mozart – Winnifred Cooke
Song without Words – Mendelssohn – Ethelyn Gates
Tarantell – Leon Marvine – Mr. Marvin
Scherzo in C Sharp Minor – Ernest Hawthorne – Ernest Hawthorne
Undergraduate Department
School Notes
Miss Ethel Keenan has been filling the position made vacant by the resignation of Miss Shafer until a teacher of voice culture can be secured.
The Senior A Class have elected as their officers the following: Pres., Miss Bessie O’Sullivan; Vice Pres., Mr. Wm Wood; Secretary, Miss Ruth Sheley; Treasurere, Mr. Howard Wood.
Miss Lazenby of Hammond spent a few days recently visiting her sister Miss Ethyl Lazenby.
Mr. Freese, a lecturer on Mormonism, gave us a short interesting talk a few months ago. His talk was brief but contained many valuable suggestions.
Mrs. R. North of Copenhagen has been visiting her sister, Miss Sage.
Commencement Day is June 25, 1907.
Y.W.C.A. Notes
We are glad to see Miss Stark in school again.
Miss Harris has resigned the Presidency and Miss Orvis has been elected to take her place.
Alpha
The Misses Huggard, White, Ober and Giles have been spending a few days visiting the Normal.
Miss Emily Rogers has been entertaining her sisters from Antwerp
The Open Meeting will be held March 16. The program is as follows: Piano solo, Miss Beulah Reynolds; Oration, Miss Dake; Recitation, Miss Cardinal; Vocal Solo, Miss Bennett; Debate, Misses Lewis, Buchanan, Sheley and Chapin. Farce in charge of Misses Hunter and Wright.
Calliopean
Saturday evening, March 2, we had the Washington program which was planned for Feby 23., as follows: Music, Battle Hymn of the Republic; Oration, Home Life of Washington, Clotilda Martin; Reading, Abstract from Washington’s farewell Speech, Bernice Sayers; Oration, Washington as General and Statesman, Marjorie Barbour; Music, Star Spangled Banner, Society; Debate, Resolved, that Washington’s moral influence during the Revolutionary period was of greater value to the American people than his military influence, affirmative, Edith Curtis, Marion Pert; negative, Teresa Sullivan, Ruth Morgan, scenes in charge of Marion Brown. The scenes were especially appropriate, being taken from the camp life. These included a drill given by seven girls. The room was prettily decorated with flags and bunting.
Francis Baconian
The work of the society began with fresh vigor and interest with the installation of new officers and the beginning of the new quarter. The following officers were elected: Frederick Woodruff, Pres.; Woolsey Weed, Vice Pres.; Chauncey Maltby, Cor. Sec.; Rufus Sisson, Rec. Sec.; Chas. Tyler, Critic; Alfred Santway, 1st Mem. Gen Com.; Howard Sanford, Theron Clark, 2nd and 3rd Mem. Gen. Com; George Bonney, Organist; Floyd Stickney, Treas.; Wilbur Severance, Chap.; Wm Matthews, Teller. Much interest is manifested in the work and already some exceptionally good meetings have been held.
Owing to the unwillingness of the Calliopean society to participate in the Grand Union Debate, it was not held this year. Instead, a debate, to be called a Semi Public, was arranged between the Francis and Roger Baconian societies to take place Feby 8, 1907. The question, Resolved, that the protective tariff is a better means of regulating international commercial intercourse between U. S. and other nations than reciprocity, was upheld by Earl Gale and Floyd Burrows for the Rogers, affirmative: E. L. Herrick and Alfred Santway, for the Francis, negative. The committee were the Rev. Cowan, Lawyer Martin of Madrid and Dr. Finnimore of Potsdam. The decision was 2 to 1 in favor of the affirmative.
At the last regular meeting Mr. Chas. Tyler and Mr. Howard Sanford were elected first and second speakers, respectively, for the spring union debate.
Delphic Roger Baconian
The society is carrying on its usual work and everything looks promising for the future. The new term opened with but few new students. Among those whom we welcomed into the Roger Baconian Chapter of the Delphic Fraternity with the bonds of brotherhood were Messrs. Charles Caruthers, Paul Bachelor and Milton Dunton.
The second in a series of debates between the Francis and Roger Baconian societies was held in Normal Hall, Friday evening Feby 8. Following is the program: Invocation: Rev. Cowan; Recitation, “Curing a Cold”, R. F. Sisson; Duet, Messrs. Joncas and Smith; Oration, “Results of the Exclusion of the Japanese for our Schools”; Regular Debate, question, Resolved, that a protective tariff is a better means of regulating the international intercourse between the U.S. and other nations than reciprocity, the affirmative was upheld by Earl Gale and F. W. Burroughs representing the Rogers, the negative by Messrs. Herrick and Santway for the Franks. Music, Roger Baconian Quintette. Each participant is to be congratulated on his skill and power in dealing with his subject. But as usual the interest of the evening was centered in the debate. The Franks, who won the pervious debate, were hopeful of making this a banner year, while the Rogers were just as determined to add another to their long list of former victories. The spirit which animated the debaters seemed to spread itself to their listeners, and the friends and sympathizers of each society were divided between hope and fear. The debates throughout were filled and keen convincing argument and indisputable proof. Rev. Cowan and Dr. Finnimore of Potsdam and Attorney Edward Martin of Madrid served as a committee and their decision was in favor of the affirmative thus a victory for the Rogers. The honors thus far this year are equally divided, each society having won one public debate.