Plainfield High School - Milestone Yearbook (Plainfield, NJ)

Text from Pages 1 - 196 of the 1903 volume:

SESS eres tri i iH Wl DECEMBER be BOG 2 THE ORACLE i The only way to insure your future prosperity is to trim for it. “Ail your business pro-= jects should be shaped toward a definite end; you should be- gin early and begin right, and the right way is to open and run a savings account at this bank. At your convenience call and see us. ES STIS |} Che Plaintwla ‘Company O. T. Wartnec, President. Henry A. McGrr, 2d Vice-President. A. V. Heery, Vice-President. J. HmerBertr CAsE, Sec’y-Treasurer. | DESIGNED AND PRINTED THE Y. M.C. A. PROSPECTUS FOR 1902-03 AM ALSO THE PRINTER OF “‘THE ORACLE,’’ AND MUCH OTHER GOOD WORK TH Os22b Sh AGk hi Ore s A Good Printer, Engraving, 125 EAST FRONT Stationery, Typewriter Papers, rel ENG eb els effective kind. se [ey unanimously say 1am the Best Printer. The €ngrating | do is much superior to the ordinary kind. ling same to the best advantage. admiration my productions receive from those who purchase printing, and the rapidity with which my designs and ideas are copied. My customers Shall | do some for you ? N my office are the facilities for doing Gund Printing - the distinctive, | believe that I possess the requisite knowledge for hand- Have been forced into this belief by the Come and see samples of Visiting Cards, Wedding Invitations, Announcements, Embossed Work. Se Exceptional Holiday Offerings Holiday Offering of Em- bossed Stationery and Engraved Visiting Cards. They make an exquisite Christmas present, equally appropriate for father, mother, sister, brother, wife, husband, or friend. The Em- bossed Stationery of Two-letter Monograms is beautiful and artistic, and these popular papers —Grecian Bond, French Crepon, English Vel- lum—can be had in two sizes and shapes, and embossed in vermillion, carmine, light blue, dark blue, light green, dark green and pink, al- uminum and gold bronze. A Five-quire box of paper embossed in any color, with plain envelopes to match, $2.50. Same as above, in bronze, $3.00. A Two-quire box of paper embossed in any color, with plain envelopes to match, $ . 0. Same as above, in bronze, $1.55. Calland see them. Order early. Visiting Gards—The tendency of late is to use a smaller card than wisecl, Za thin, snow-white card of high finish. Ladies’ size is nearly square—2'%x3. Married ladies should use their husband’s full name. The ad- dress should be in the lower right-hand corner, and receiving day in the lower left-hand corner. For gentlemen the size of card is 14 x 3%. has been You can have a plate engraved and tI00 cards printed for $1.55. 100 Cards printed from old plate for 9Oc. The above prices are for the Best Work in every respec. THE ORACLE 5 6 The ORACLE ae I am Sir Oracle, and when I ope my lips, let no dog bark. BOARD OF EDITORS. Leditor-in-Chief, ARTHUR F. CONANT, 03. Literary Editor, Dorotuy WALDO.’ 03. Business Manager, ALDEN E. Moore, ’03. School Editor, Jessie Macray, ’o4. Editor, Corresponding Editor. Epiru L. JARVIS, 705. Art Editor and Asst Bus. Manager 5 = x Van Wyck Brooks, ’o4. Asscciate Editcrs, Mr. Linvsey BEsrt. Miss Grace E, BurrouGHs. STAFF OF REPORTERS ’o3. Harriet C. HANDALL. G. ARCHIBALD BRAKELEY. oc. Louise KLEIN. Harry G. THompson, ’o4. H. Maz BaTcHeLor, Jose L. TwEepy. ’06. Heren Boice. SruaxT FREEMAN. Published on the first Wednesday of every month during the school year, by the students of the Plainfield (N. J.) High School. © Tuos. H. Starrorp, The Printer, 123 East Front Street q 10 CENTS PER COPY FIRST VOLUME 70 CENTS Bol. 1 December, 1902 ‘ No. 1 E D I A O R I A L S OUR NEW SCHOOL PAPER. THE ORACLE is here in all the mystery of newness. We place it confidently in the hands of its many subscribers, and hope that it will serve its purpose well. THE ORACLE is here with a four- fold purpose: to publish accounts of all the important events and interesting incidents of school life, to serve as a medium for keeping ever fresh in the minds of our alumni their love for their Alma Mater and their school friendships, to circulate the best compositions written by students, and to bring honor tothe Plainfield High School. These purposes can be attained only by the active support of every individual, alumnus and student. We cannot publish stories, unless the students contribute them. We cannot publish alumni notes, un- less every alumnus contributes all he or she knows of interest to our subscribers. We cannot publish 6 TOES ORACI the very best accounts of school affairs, unless each student sees that anything of note which may not be known to the reporters is called to their attention. The gist of the whole matter lies in the two words, ac ive support. We emphasize these words now, because we wish to avoid the great difficulty frequently encountered by nearly every school paper—lack of material. We hope that we shall never find it necessary to speak in any subsequent issue of the ‘‘inac- tivity of the students.”” We donot think it will be necessary. ‘ Fore- warned is forearmed.”’ ATHLETICS. Among the various phases of our school life as seen in THE ORACLE, we should not forget that of ath- letics, playing, as it does, so im- portant a part in that life. Of course, school is intended pri- marily for the development of the mind, but in these days we are coming to realize more and more that the growth of the body should keep pace with that of the mind. And for such a purpose our Ath- letic Association exists. True it is, that in athletics only afew students can represent the school on the regular team. But, nevertheless, the first team excites younger or less skillful players to take up the game more seriously and to play it harder and more intelligently. In the past onr teams have cer- tainly brought honor to the name of the Plainfield High School. Last year our basket-ball team carried everything before it, losing but one game, and that one of a series of three. During the same school year an entirely green base-ball team completed a highly successful season, winning nine out of four- teen games. Even defeat has taught some lessons by which wemay well profit in the future. In all branches of athletics our prospects are extremely brigh t this year. In basket-ball three mem- bers of last year’s fine team are back at school, while a goodly- sized squad, containing several promising candidates, practices regularlyin the Hope Y.M.A. gym- nasium. The hockey management hopes to obtain an enclosed pond near the city for practice. Should its hopes be realized there is every reason to expect that Plainfield High School will be represented this year by a fast and capable team. To form the nucleus of an- other strong base-ball team, six of last year’s players remain, while there is an abundance of good ma- terial to fill the remaining places. Thus, as far as a careful observer san predict, our athletic year. bids fair to be most successful; and, doubtless, these pages will be illu- minated by the records of many important victories won by our teams. Judging the future by the past, the issue rests not with the candidates alone, nor with the teams, but also with the entire student body. On their self-sacri- THE ORACLE fice, on their patriotism, on their loyalty and school-spirit depends the result. The classes of 1904 and 1905, by two highly successful entertain- ments, contributed largely to the Athletic Asociation treasury last year. In the same manner the Board of Directors wishes to fill the treasury this year. Are 1903 and 1906, for the honor and glory of the Plainfield High School, will- ing to undertake the task? The money is needed; the demand is urgent. Meanwhile the manage- ment of the Athletic Association is planning an entertainment on a different basis. Remembering last year’s failure, will the students show their loyalty, manifest an interest, and makeit, as it deserves, a great success? Long, hard, per- sistent work shows the patriotism of the school’s athletes, while the student body is left to attest its school spirit by faithful attend- ance and strenuous, well-organized cheering at all games. Especially among the girls such a spirit has been conspicuous in the past. But among the boys the spirit ought to, and must be improved. In order that our teams play their best, that every member play as if inspired, as if his whole life depend- ed on it, every student in the school should be at each and every game. If, this winter, our basket-ball team is to have a successful season; if, next sp ing, our base-ball team is to win every game, each and every pupil must attend every game. In the various sociables, entertain- ments and dances, a pupil shows his loyalty to his class, but in ath- letics alone may he show his loy- alty to the school! FREDERIC T. VAN AUKEN. THE G. A. A. The Girls’ Athletic Association is yet in its infancy. Afew years ago there was such an association among the girls of the High School. They then used for basket-ball the upper floor of the Whittier School building, but when that was changed into class-rooms, no other place could be secured for playing in, and so the Association died out. Nearly all the girls who belonged then have left the school, but sever- al times efforts have been made by the younger girls to re-establish the Association. At last in the spring of 1901, interest in basket- ball became so great that once more active endeavors were made to secure a field, and this time suc- cessfully. The old tennis ground of the Casino was secured through the kindness of its owners. The number of candidates who respond- ed to the call for players was very encouraging. We were also fortu- nate in having some ex-collegian players among the teachers. En- couraged by these facts, the girls organized with the following of- wcers: President, Dorothy Waldo; Secre- tary, Elizabeth Phillips; Treasurer, Elsie Goddard. THE The Executive Committee was composed of these officers and Miss Ball and Miss Burroughs of the Faculty. This Board appointed Miss Prescott as manager of the team. With the opening of school this year and the return of cooler weather, the work has continued with greater enthusiasm than ever before. At the fall meeting of the Association, Miss Florence Martin was elected President and Miss Helen Munro Treasurer, to fill vacancies. Miss Burroughs was appointed Manager to take the place of Miss Prescott. The Manager has received chal- lenges from outside teams, which it has been necessary to decline, much to the disappointment of the players. Since, however, there was no place to play during the cold weather, it was thought unadvis- able to send out a team which had not practiced for several weeks against a team in strong playing trim. Then, too, since courtesy demanded a like challenge to meet these teams on the home field, the challenges had to be declined. To take the place of out-of-town games a series was arranged between three teams, Junior, Sophcmore and Scrub, and a banner was offer- ed to the winning team by three of the teachers, Miss Ball, Miss Bur- roughs and Miss Lovell. A great improvement has been made in the playing during this fall. The girls are throwing more carefully and are becoming confident and skillfal. ORACLE In the spring we hope to makeeven greater improvement. The object of the Girls’ Athletic Association is ‘“‘to promote physi- cal exercise and interest in athletic sports among the girls of the High School.”’ The game is entirely dif- ferent from that of the boys. For this reason, and because the prim- ary purpose of the sport is the wel- fare of the girls, there have been no spectators at the games except the members of the Girls’ Athletic As- sociation. FLORENCE MarvTIN. At this time of writing our School Editor, Miss Maclay, is very ill, and has been unable to edit her department. We hope that she will recovers soon and be with us again, even as we read of her ill- ness. The Board of Editors regretfully announces the resignation of Miss Dorothy Waldo as Literary Ed- itor. Miss Waldo’s withdrawal is caused by the overpressure of school work. Through the kindness of the Board of Directors of the Public Library, the Board of Editors of THE ORACLE holds its weekly meet- ings in the Directors’ Room at the Library. It is the unanimous opinion of the Board of Editors that the names of all contributors to the Literary Department should appear after their compositions. THEr ORACLE publishes only the best, and there THE ORACLE 9 is, therefore, no reason why any one could object to having his name printed. In selecting articles for publication, a signed manu- script shall have the preference over an unsigned one, when they are equally excellent. We recommend President Roose- velt’s advice ‘‘ to hit the line hard.”’ It is the very kernel of success. General Reports The Teachers’ Reception. On the evening of October 2, Sup- erintendent and Mrs. Maxson, with the teachers of the High School, tendered a reception to the students of our school. The affair was given in Mr. Maxson’s new home, and partook of the nature of a house- warming. During the evening a musical programme was rendered by artists well known in our midst. Among those who took part were the Misses Roxana Love, Mae Batchelor and Dorothy Waldo, Mr. Chas. L. Lewis, Miss Bass and Mr. W.H. VanEps. Later in the evening refreshments were served. The purpose of the reception was to increase, as far as possible, per- sonal acquaintanceship among the old as well as the new members of our school, and with this end in view an unusually large committee of students was chosen to assist the teachers in receiving. This com- mittee worked nobly, and the large number of ‘“ wall-flowers’’ usually present at such gatherings were conspicuous by their absence. The committees in charge were: Entertainment, Miss Bass, Miss Cumming and Miss Lovell; Decor- ations, Miss Ball and Mr. Macnab ; Refreshments, Miss Burroughs, Miss Benedict and Mr. Best. Field Meet of the P. H. S. A, A. The annual closed field meet of the P. H.S. A. A. was held this fall at the Gentlemen's Driving Park. The meet was held within a month after opening of school, before the athelets were able to get in condit- ion so no records were broken. There were many entries and much en- thusiasm was shown. The Daily Press Medal for the all-round championship was won by Harry G. Thompson, ’05, with a total of 13 points. Leon Walters, ’06, was second with 9 points, and Herbert Munro, °05, was third with 6 points. The events and winners are as follows: 100 yard dash, Walters ; 220 yard dash, Miner; 440 yard run, Walters; 880 yard run, Van Auken; 60 yard dash, (junior) Craig; broad jump, Thompson; high jump, Conant and Anderson; shot-put, Thompson; hammer throw, Thompson; pole vault, Thompson. The best performances were 1n the 220 yard dash won by Miner in 26 seconds, and in the shot-put 10 THE ORACLE won by Thompson with a put of 33 feet, 4 inches. T he last event of the day was the class relay race won by the Class of 1903, which entered the following team: Con- ant Moore, Van Auken and Miner. 1905 finished second and 1904, third. 1906 did not enter. A Day In Camp. On Monday evening, November 3, the Battalion gave a military entertainment in Franklin Hall, for the purpose of raising funds to enable the boys to take part in the military competitive drill for school cadet corps and military acade- mies, which is held each spring at Madison Square Garden. This pro- ject forms a partof the Battallion’s schedule for the year, as planned by Major Murphey. The members of the Battalion presented ‘“‘A Day in Camp,” the program consisting of various drills. Between the num- bers of the program buglers Thompson and Briggs gave the proper calls, which added much to the martial effect of the evening, A squad under Captain Lane gave the litter drill in a very com- mendable manner. Captain Van Auken’s wall-scaling squad went through their drill with a snap and precision which won much ap- plause. The Butt’s Manual squad under First Lieutenant Moynihan showed how the athletic training of the soldiers in the army is looked after. Captain Moore’s bayonet squad also won considerable ap. plause by their proficiency. In place of mess, speeches were made by the Rev. L. E. Livermore and Rev. Frank Fletcher, Civil War vet- erans, and by Edgar W. Williams, Secretary of the Cuban Evacuation Committee. Charles L. Lewis sang several excellent solos. The pro- gram ended with a vivid night at- tack on the camp by an unseen foe, who were quickly repulsed. After the entertainment, the remainder of the evening was spent in danc- ing. Those in charge of the affair were Major E. Douglas Murphey, Adju- tant George L. Babcock, Quarter- master L. T. Koons, First Lieuten- ant A. F. Conant and Second Lieu- tenant F. K. Anderson. About two weeks ago Mr. Mac- nab, our commercial teacher and military commandant, was oper- ated on for appendicitis at Muhlen- burg Hospital. The news came to us as unexpectedly as rain from out ashallow cloud ; but even as quick- ly came the happy words that he is rapidly recovering and will soon TECH. THE TENNIS TOURNAMENT. The first important athletic event of the school year was the Tennis Tournament. The list of entries was fully as large as last year’s, and thecontests were as interesting. Chester Briggs, ’05, won the Singles Championship, defeating in the finals Fred Van Auken, ’03, last year’s runner-up. Fred VanAuken and Vincent Miner, ’03, won the title in Doubles for the second time. THE ORACLE in! The summary is: SINGLES. Van Eps ) SS j Van Eps ; Rocap ) Rocap Rocap | Platt i 6-0 6-0 7-5 6-0 | | Best l Van Auken t } Van Auken | 6-3 7-5 | Van Auken | + VanAuken | 7=5 6-3 | Long ) Long 6-3 7-5 J | Lapsley i 6-0 6-0 J | | Beers ) Beers | ‘Travell i 6-3 6-0 ‘ Briggs 6-0 8-6 3-6 8-6 r Briggs | | Briggs ) Briggs 3-6 6-3 6-3 | | Brakeley j 6-1 6-4 | | | Miner ) Miner | [ Briggs | = j | ; ache Or 3 75 | r Miner | J Smith Smith | 5D ED | SS J DOUBLES. Miner Van Auken } Slawson Meeker j 6-0 6-1 Rocap Briggs Van Auken Miner Van Auken Miner ) | 8-6 6-3 | Rocap Briggs ) Bye j Van Auken Miner Brakeley Beers } 6-o 6-1 6-2 Brakeley Beers ) 3-6 6-3 6-2 j Brakeley Beers ) Best Travell j L 1 (nC (ommend oT Childrens’ Superstitions. ‘Prince thou art—the grown-up man tributes it to his ‘‘bad luck,” and, Only is republican.” in his philosophical way, tries to Yes, the ‘barefoot boy” is a forget it. The charmed four-leafed prince whose domain is the open field. Heis a careless, happy, super- stitious little monarch, having no written law, but deciding all weighty questions by lottery and signs. The magic rhyme, ‘“‘ Eena, meena, mina mo,’’ chooses irrevocably the leader ina game. Should any mis- fortune befall him, he merely at- clover is a treasure that he spares no trouble to secure, and a horse- shoe hung over a door prevents the entrance of the most powerful genii of evil intentions. He never forgets to close his eyes and wish while eating the first strawberry of the season. The white marks that appear on hisfinger-nails disclose to him that he has 12 A friend, a foe, A journey to go, A present, a beau, and a spider ambling over his blouse bears to him the message that a new shirt will soon replace the old one. Among the other treasures that make the prince’s pockts bulge is a lucky stone. His buttons are to him what the Sibyl- line Books were to the ancient Romans, for by telling on them the charmed words, Doctor, lawyer, beggar, thief, Richman, poorman, Indian chief, he discovers his future vocation. And by the same power he can tell whether his bride shall wear “silk, satin, calico or rags.” Our Prince believes implicitly in fairies. Indeed, the Principality would be robbed of half its splendor if its mas er could not enrich it by frequently “ building castles in the air,’ and peopling them with fairies, giants, or other fantasies. He dearly loves to lieinsomeshady nook on a summer day, and enjoy the luxury of a day-dream. He wishes a good fairy would change him into a butterfly and send him in this disguise on a mission to all the fairy courts in the garden, for there are numberless fairy palaces inthat charmed place. In the garden there is the Palace Purity, a great, white palace, with only one entraice and one inhab- itant, the Queen. Her Majesty is tall and stately. She is always robed in cloth of gold and closely shrouded in a veil of dainty filigree THE ORACLE lace. Ordinary mortals call her residence the Calla Lily. If he finds Her Majesty of the Palace Purity too exclusive, he flitters away to a more sociable atmosphere, where crowds of yellow-haired maidens gossip and play together in . the democratic hall of the Rose Peony. The flaunting color of the Poppy might lure him, as Comus did the lady, but he will not be tempted to join the revelers in their spacious banquet hall, lest, under the influ- ence of a subtle potion, he might be detained against his will. Creep- ing over the velvet carpets of the Pansy, he knocks at the door of his cell and begs the tiny hermit king within to teach him his soothing art. Forget-Me-Not, shy little im- itator of your god, the firmament, you change from rosy dawn to blue day. How could a charmed butterfly forget you? He has the whole summer day before him, and he will gladly tarry a while to frolic with the five little sisters within your azure circle. . There is a Tulip hard by that looks invit- ing. Our butterfly approaches, but when he has gained the doorsill he hesitates, and instead of giving the usual fairy salute, he expresses his opinion in round terms to the despotic ruler of that castle. The Tulip king is a great stout fellow, wearing a three-cornered crown; and, despite the fact that he is upon free soil, he has negro slaves in attendance. If hard-pressed by some greedy fledgling, he will never be at a loss THE ORACLE for shelter, for the portals of the Iris are always open, and surely one of those beruffled ladies reclin- ing under her silken canopy will gladly offer him a refuge. Then leaving the three damsels to enjoy their siesta in peace, perhaps he will meet with a jolly bumble-bee. He will find the bee an entertaining, sociable body, who keeps up a con- tinuous hum of conversation. He is a harmless gossip who knows everybody’s business as well as he knows his own, and that is very well. They both will drop into a sip from the fragrant larder of a hospitable Honeysuckle, and ram- ble away to thenearest Lily-of-the- Valley, where they will be accom- modated with dainty finger-bowls, filled with perfumed dew. Night would have no terror for our little man if he were a butter- fly. And being a charmed but- terfly, and not an ordinary moth, he would not stick on the back ofa maple leaf all night, but snuggling down in the heart of a rose, he would sleep a charmed sleep among its velvet pillows, till daybreak. These long, joyous days pass only too soon from the prince, and Time, by his cute arguments, con- verts him toa republican. Time’s arguments are hard, and the repub- lican chafes under them, and looks back for consolation to the time ‘‘when birds, and flowers and I were happy peers.”’ Mercy HILLMANN, ’06. 13 NOVEMBER. Death haunts the earth And whispering to the breeze, Shakes from the stately trees The vigor and the strength of youth; And from the bush The emerald leaves, Green from their birth ; And dark as one who dares not speak the truth, Throws all the land in weirdest mystery. With bony hands he shrivels up the corn, He cuts the fiery sheaves, And, o’er the jewelled leaves, By his pale charger borne, Looses his poison’d breath. Moaning in wind and storm, He wails the last song of the dying year, Soon his forever, And, on some midnight drear Bids us remember. VAN WYCK BROOKS, ’04. THANKSGIVING. It was in one cold November Near three hundred years ago, When the Indians were masters With the quiver and the bow ; In the little town of Plymouth, On that wild New England shore, Came the settlers for thanksgiving, Just thanksgiving,—nothing more. They had passed long days of hardship, Under Bradford’s guiding hand, When they gathered in the court-house At the governor’s command. High above all earthly sorrows Did the pilgrims’ stout hearts soar: They were gathered for thanksgiving, Just thanksgiving,—nothing more. Since that meeting of the Pilgrims, Many years have passed away ; But in each, by their descendants, Has been kept thanksgiving day. Year by year our country’s prospered, ' Till at last we seem to be Standing first among the nations, Conquerors on both land and sea. Let us on this next Thanksgiving Count our blessings o’er and o’er, Set aside the day for thanking, Just for thanking,—nothing more. R. S. LANE, 703. 14 Alumni Notes Dr. F. J. Miller, Professor of Latin at the University of Chicago, and former Principal of the Plain- field High School, is spending the year abroad. °86.—Captain Tieman Horn, U.S. A., has been appointed one of ten captains to takea specialcourse in the torpedo school at Fort Tot- ten, ’90.—Edward Petrieisin business in Chicago. ’91.—Miss Edith Gilbert is teach- ing in the Randolph-Cooley colleg- iate school. ’94.—Champlain Riley, who was graduated from Cornell in 1898, has lately taken up his residence in Plainfield. °97.—Miss Edith Burt is teaching in the Seminary, Plainfield, New Jersey. °97.—William B. Van Alstyne has completed a course at Columbia, and will enter upon hospital work in January. 97.—Earnest Suffern who was graduated from Williams’ in 1901 has announced his engagement to Miss Georgia Greene, of Elizabeth. 97.—Louis Squires, Williams’, 1901, is studying law in New York City. ‘98.—Miss Constance S. Patton, Smith, 1902, is teaching at Saint Timothy’s School, Baltimore. °98.—Miss Carolyn Kampman, TAPES ORAC ITE Wellesley, 1902, is teaching in Can- ton, Ohio. °98.—Miss Lillian B. Hunt is the principal of a kindergarten in New York City: 98.—Miss Sarah Richards was graduated from Smith in June, and is now living in New York City. °98.—Miss Adele H. Kirby, after three years as assistant librarian in the Plainfield Public Library, has resigned her position. ’98.—Elwood L. Davis, Rutgers, 1902, is studying medicine in Phila- delphia. He was awarded third scientific honor at his graduation from Rutgers in June. °99.—Miss Angie Kuhl has been appointed the leader of the Glee Club at Wellesley. While on the Inter-Collegiate Geological Tour, she has recently been visiting her friends at Mt. Holyoke and Smith College. ’99.—Miss Helen Hall, who will be graduated in June from Welles- ley, is now specializing in German. ’99.— William C. Morgan is a Senior at Amherst. °00. —Miss Mary Lock is aJunior at Barnard. ‘00.—Miss Flora Campbell after two years spent at the Woman’s College, Baltimore, is now at Bar- nard. ] ’00.—Miss Emily Runyon is tak- ing a course in kindergarten work at the Ethical Culture School in New York. °00.—Miss Ruth Maxson is a Junior at Smith College. THE ORACLE ’00.—Miss Alice Morgan is a Junior at Mt. Holyoke College. ’00.—Miss Edna Burr is a Junior at Mt. Holyoke College. ’00.—Miss Mary A. Ross, who is now a Junior at Alfred University, has been chosen Editor-in-Chief of ‘The Alfredian.”’ 700.— Miss Emma Miller is a Sophomore at Wellesley College. 00 —Miss Fanny Fish has changed her residence from Chicago to Brooklyn. ’00.—Charles Fountain, formerly of Columbia, is now taking his Junior year in the Baptist Theologi. cal Seminary, Louisville, Ky. ’00.—Walter Squires is at Wil- liams’ College. ’01.—Miss Ethel Titsworth, who is a Sophomore at Smith, has been made a member of the Washburn House Hockey Team, the champion hockey team of the College. ’01.—Miss Beulah Cline has se- cured a position as private secretary to Mr. Walter McGee, of the Stand- ard Oil Company. ’01.—Miss Lillian Maclay, after a post-graduate course at the High School, entered Mt. Holyoke in the fall. ’01.—Holly Titus, the class presi- dent, and Cyrus Kinsman are at Cornell University. ’02.—Miss Margaret Abbot and Miss Lulu Fuller are freshmen at Mt. Holyoke. Herbert Dyer, ex-’03, iscaptain of of his base-ball team in the Cincin- Bio hd e Boek 15 H. K. Doane, president, ex-’03, has been enjoying (?) immensely his first few months at Rutger’s. “Dave’? Pond, ’00, Princeton, 05, has been playing a snappy game at tackle on the varsity scrub this fall. He was full back on our 1900 team. Kenneth Bulkley, ’01, Columbia, 06, is playing half back on the Freshmen team. He played half back on our 1900 team. ALUMNUS LETTER. PRINCETON, N. J. Nov. 24, ‘02. The Editor of the ORACLE: May I congratuiate you and the students of the High School in general upon your decision to com- mence the issue of a school paper. Now-a-days a school, likea college, seems hardly complete without at least one publication, and this de- cision of yours seems to me to mark one more stepin thesteady advance our old institution has been mak- ing within the last few years. I suppose at present the most in- teresting subject down here at Princeton is football. While our season ended with the Yale game two weeks ago, we are now await- ing the decision in regard to the championship. Ofcourse Yale will have first place this year and by the result of last Saturday’s game we should have second, Yale having defeated Princeton 12-5 and beaten Harvard 23-0. In view of the fact that we lost through injuries Burke and Kaper, 16 THE ORACLE our star quarter and full backs. it is surprising that Yale did not runup a larger score in her game with us. If it had not been for De Witt’s wonderful kicking she probably would have done so. But it wasa good clean game and the best team won. Few people realize, however, the difficulty with which we have to contend, as compared with either Yale or Harvard, in regard to the limited number of men we have to draw from. We turn out teams from a body of but fifteen hundred undergraduates against Yale’s three thousand and Harvard's double that number. That we are able to do so is due to the purely democratic spirit which pervades our athletics and to the fact that the best man gets the contested place without fear or favor. At the opening of this year’s sea- son, Our prospects were not very bright. Ourends and backs were all that could be desired, but the line was woefully weak. The out- look for next year is the best that could be desired. Only five men, three of them substitutes, will have graduated, and their positions will be filled by promising candi- dates. Davis, Henry, De Witt, Bu'ke and Kaper will play in the team again. After all, the most satisfactory thing is that nocharges of professionalism or of any other kind have been brought against any of our players. ‘ Which fact,”’ as Professor Henry Van Dayke re- cently remarked in an address to some of the undergraduates, “is a pleasant thing to realize even in defeat, and it leads to victories in the end.” The most important thing in the near future is the debate with Har- vard. Last year this resulted in a victory for Princeton, and we are looking for a repetition of such an outcome this year. Our previous recordin debating with Harvard has been one long succession of de- feats, last year being the first time we have won in several years. The inter-collegiate gun shoot was held here not long ago and re- sulted ina victory for Yale, with Harvard second, Princeton third and Pennsylvania fourth. The scores were remarkably close, Yale getting 206 out of a possible 250 clay birds, Harvard 205 and Prince- ton 204. Archer, the captain of the Princeton team, made a new inter-collegiate record by getting forty-seven birds out of a possible fifty. Candidates for the winter sports, hockey, basketballand gymnastics, have been called out and _ practice has begun inallofthem. The work of the two latter teams is some- what handicapped by the ineffici- ency of the old gymnasium, but work on the new oneis progressing rapidly, and it will be ready for use by spring. When completed, this will be one of the finest in the country. The main floor space measures 170 x 100 feet. and the Trophy Hall adjoining, 100 x 50. There will be the usual boxing, THE ORACLE fencing and wrestling rooms, run- ning track, baths, bowling alleys, etc., besides a tank 100 by 25 foot. The cross-country teamis getting into shape for the inter-collegiate meet on the 26th of this month, and the Triangle Club, the Univers. ity dramatic organization, has_be- gun to prepare for the presentation of the comic opera, which every year is written and given by its members. This year the plan is to present it as far west as Chicago. I hope the Plainfield High School will be represented in the entering class here next fall and for many years to come, and wish you every success in the publication of the ORACLE. CoA. BROOKS, ’O1. The New Elocution Class. The morning of September 23 is long to be remembered, for on that day the new Elocution class was formed. Mr. Travell, afteralengthy address on the value of singing, announced that all boys unable or unwilling to sing could goto Room No. 3, and the girls to Room No. 5. Immediately some forty boys and a dozen girls responded, but it is only with the former that we are here concerned. Mr. Best broke the news as gently as possible, and yet the very thought of elocution brought forth a wail of protest. But tono avail. Hec- tograph copies of Lincoln’s Gettys- burg Address were distributed, with ag instructions to memorize it, and thus ended the first lesson. The following Tuesday Mr. Best delivered a learned address on the meaning and scope of elocution, discussing the definitions in Web- ster and the Century, and finally giving us one of his own to mem- orize. In the succeeding lessons we were told how to breathe properly, and were given some practice sentences for clear enunciation, of which the following are samples: She sells sea-shells; Coop up the Cook; She says she shall sew a sheet, etc., etc. Much merriment resulted, but the fun continues, for now we have selected readings by members of the class, taken in alphabetical order. And since the success of a class is directly proportional to the amount of fun to be gotten out of it, the new Elocutionclass bids fair to con- tinue on forever! Cyrit Brown, ’03. School Notes Miss Prescott, who left us last June. has returned to us and is fill- ing the place of Mr. Macnab during his illness. Could we not have a few more English or Caesar classes and keep here to teach them ? Cyril Brown attended the Yale- Harvard game. The school received a visit at Thanksgiving from Russel Bailey, ’02, and Wesleyan, ’06. 18 A number of the people who at- tended the social g iven by the Jun- ior Class did not get any farther than the door during the course of the evening. Max Perkins, of Leal’s School, is taking a supplementary course in chemistry in the High School. “Character Books” are passing among the girls with this inscrip- tion: “ Dear friend, in this book, I invite vou to write, But to tear out the pages I deem impolite.”’ The preparatory class is raising money for framing the Great Char- ter of England. Tke meetings of the lower classes so far this year have been concerned chiefly with general school elec- tions, SENIOR. THE SENIOR CLASS OFFICERS ARE: President, Miss Dorothy Waldo; Vice President, Norman C. Hill: Secretary and Treasurer, Albert D. Beers. The Senior Class recently adopt- ed a class pin. It is a triangu- lar gold pin, composed of a small triangle in green enamel containing the class numerals superimposed upon a large triangle in white enamel containing the school let- ers: Shakespeare's Midsummer Night’s Dream will be presented by the Senior Class shortly before the Christmas Holidays. ‘Mike’ . Moynihan with his THEs ORACKIE “trumpet,” uniform and_ bright yellow announcer’s badge was a conspicuous figure at the field meet. Keep your eye open for ‘ puns- ter’’ Brakeley. He has quite de- moralized his classmates by his skill. Since the janitor puts the gas out the class in Senior Hysterics no longer meets. The Senior Class held its fortieth class-meeting on November 21, JUNIOR. THE CLASS OFFICERS ARE: President, Van Wyck Brooks; Vice-President, Francis K. Ander- sou; Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Frances K. Van Deventer. The class of 1904 entertained its friends at a sociable held in Frank- lin Hall Noy. 22. The Committee which had the affair in charge was composed of Miss Elizabeth Phillips, Chairman; Mae Batch- elor, Harold Fenno, VanWyck Brooks. The entertainment netted the class a neat little sum of ‘““Xmas money.” Charles Neagle, ’04, won thecom- petition among the students of the drawing class for the design on the cover of THE ORACLE. He secures as hisreward, a free subscription to THD ORACLE for thé year. Ata recent meeting of the class, the following important resolution was passed:—‘That no one shall hold any class office who has not been a regular member of the class since its organization.”’ THE ORACLE The untiring generosity of the Class of 704 has again shown itself in the basket of fruit presented to the Faculty on the morning before Thanksgiving, by the girls of that class. In the English class; Babcock, rising in his seat and addressing the fallen angels of 1904, ‘‘ Princes of Hell!’’ He has not yet finished. John H. Kyte spends his spare time in the laboratory, pursuing his special hobby—mixing up ex- plosives. ‘“Charley’’ Eliot has the making of a great chemist in him—he has already caused two explosions and burned three holes in his trousers. SOPHOMORE. THE CLASS OFFICERS ARE: President, Harry C. Thompson; Vice-President, Miss Edith Jarvis; Secretary, Miss Florence Derby; Treasurer, Chester Briggs. Chester Briggs, while accident- ally breaking a pane of glass in the tvpe-writing room, cut his hand very severely. Bugler Thompson’s reduction is a severe blow to Frau Musica. FRESHMEN. THE CLASS OFFICERS ARE: President, Harold E. Lavcll; Vice- President, Miss Carrie L. Mulford; Secretary and Treasurer, Miss An- toinette Aalholm. Mr. Macnab’s class sent him a large bouquet of flowers as a token of their esteem. £9 The beginning bookkeeping class has been handling a great deal of money lately. The Freshmen colors, orange and white, were chosen before the class entered the High School. STUDENT GOVERNMENT NOTES. OFFICERS OF THE SCHOOL SENATE. President of the Senate, Miss Dorothy Waldo; Senior Senators, Miss Helen C. Moody, Arthur F. Conant; Junior Senators, Miss Jessie Maclay, Francis K. Ander- son; Sophomore Senators, Miss Edith Jarvis, Harry G. Thompson; Freshman Senators, Miss Ethel Murray, Samuel Bogart; Faculty Senators, Miss Cuming, Miss Bur- roughs. The student self-government plan, which has been so successful for the past few years, was put in operation again last September. A President of the Senate from the Senior Class and a girl and boy Senator were elected from each of the classes. The Senate has during its session this year amended slightly the statutes in operation last year, punished offenders and appointed a body of Tribunes, whose duty it is to supervise the conduct of the school, and who are assigned to special study periods in the study- hall. The School Senate has appointed the following corps of Tribunes: 1st Period, Miss Mae Bachelor, Van 20 Wyck Brooks; 2d Period, Miss Mary Griggs, N. C. Hill; 83d Period, Miss Lillian Snodgrass, Harold Loovell; 4th Period, Miss Antionette Moody, George Babcock; 5th Period, Miss Florence Derby, Frank Lock; 6th Period, Miss Harriet Randall, Howard Craig. TRIBUNE MEETING. “The King of France with forty thousand men marched up a hill, and so marched down again.” A meeting of the august Tribunal was called at 1.15, on Nov. 15, and was dismissed at 1.16, having con- sidered many weighty questions and weighed many considerable matters in this great stretch of time. ATHLETIC NOTES. 1S © Bak ae BOARD OF DIRECTORS. President, Frederick T. Van Auken ; Vice-Pre-ident, Herbert Munro; Secretary-Treas., Robert W. Meeker. G. A. Brakeley, C. W. Ulrich. MANAGERS OF P.H.S. A. A. TEAMS. Basket-ball manager, Arthur F. Conant; Hockey manager, Jose Tweedy. The basket-ball schedule as thus fararrangedis: Dec. 20, Hasbrouck Institute, Jersey City; Jan. 16, Leal’s School, City; Feb. 6, Leal’s School, City; Feb. 12, E. Orange High School, E. Orange; Mar. 6, Leal’s School, City. The handsome silver cups won by the tennis champions were pre- THE ORACIEE sented to them at the morning ex- ercises on November 13. The ribbons given by the Athletic Association to those winning places in the closed field meet were distrib- uted at the morning exercises on November 6. Red ribons were given for first, white for second and orange for third. Practice has been started by the basket-ball team under Captain R. W. Meeker. At the first practice a large number of candidates appear- ed, and it is probable that there will be a strong team in the field. The Captain desires that enough candidates turn out tof rm several scrub teams. Let everybody come out to the practices. If you can play at all hand your name to the Captain. All candidates for the baseball team are urged to make their in- tentions known to Capt. VanAuken as soon as possible. The example set by some of our untrained athletes in the class re- lay race is a good object lesson for those whose training beforehand left them with weak knees or ‘‘ heart desease”’ on the day of the field meet. Manager Tweedy has been mak- ing arrangements to secure an en- closed pond for the Hockey team this winter. BASKET-BALL. The first of the champion basket- ball games took place Friday, Oct. 31, when a team composed of Sophomore girls lined up against the Scrub team. It proved to bea very excitizg game, the score at THE ORACLE 21 the end of the second halt standing 12 to 11, in favor of the Sopho- mores. The positions of the players were as follows: For the first few minutes the Sophomores were in the lead, but at the end of the first half the score stood 7 to 4 in favor of the Scrubs. _ Two pretty throws made by Capt. Martin raised the Scrub’s score to 11. Inthe second half the Sopho- mores played much faster and better ball, and succeeded in mak- ing four goals. The Girls’ Athletic Association has been making every attempt to secure a suitable place in which to play basket-ball during the winter. As yet no such placehas been found and probably all practice will have to be given up until milder weather. ANOTHER INTERESTING BASKET- BALL GAME. (Juniors beat picked team by a score of 15 to 13.) On Friday, Nov. 21, agoodgame of basket-ball was played between the Juniors and a picked team. The Junior team was composed of much heavier players, and from the be- ginning they were more confident ofthe result. The teams werecom- posed of the following players: When time was called at the end of the first half, the score stood 10 to 2in favor of the Juniors. The picked team did more creditable work in the second half, and raised the score to 13, leaving the Juniors 2 points ahead. The winners owed their success largely to the excellent playing of Lillian Walsh and their Captain, Helen Munro. Miss Mary Griggs, a substitute on the Junior Basket-ball Team, broke her finger while playing in a practice game against the Sopho- mores. A sprained ankle was the result of Miss Cornelia Sampson’s basket- ball playing. BATTALION NOTES. At a special meeting of the non- commissioned officers, called by the temporary ehairman, Serg. Thomp- son on Nov. 19th, it was resolved to form a uniformed company to represent the High School Battal- lion at the competitive tournament of military schools, held each spring at Madison Square Garden. The new company drills on Mon- day afternoons under the immedi- ate command of Major Murphey, who appoints a new corps of offic- ers for eaeh drill. The permanent officers will not be selected for a month to come. Major Murphey will, however, command the com- pany at the tournament. Sunrise and sunset effects at the Military Entertainment were pro- duced by an intricate electrical ma- chine, patented and manufactured by Adj. George L. Babcock. Major E. D. Murphey is ably car- rying on the Commandant’s duties during his absence. Chief Musician Thompson was,by his own request, reduced to Ser- geant, in order to gain experience in drilling, and stand a better show for promotion. 22 THE ORACLE Ralston Health Shoe | M. C. VAN ARSDALE, FOR MEN. WARM, WATERPROOF. JOHN H. DOANE. Remember FOWLER, the 131 East Front Street Con- fectioner is Up-to-date for Houipay Goops. MULFORD ESTIL, Bookseller and Stationer, T1r1 PARK AVENUE, PLAINFIELD, N. J. Toys, Games, Holiday Presents and Fancy Articles. . IN GOLD AND Xmas Jewelry SILVER art DOARES: 115 PARK AVENUE, PVAIN FIED: ‘The Old Corner Book Store, 311 PARK AVENUE, Established for the sale of fine, old books, rare engravings, oil paint- ings, etc. Orders taken for out-of- the-way books. Artistic bookbind- ing in all its branches; estimates furnished. Libraries arranged, clas- sified and catalogued. Valuations made for estates; books purchased in large or small quan- tities. Vibe, Jels, SEM CON BIR Sboe and Rubber Distributor, 127 EAST FRONT ST. PLAINFIELD —— Holiday Gifts. —— SWAIN’S, 217 W. Front Street. High Class Etchings, Gravures, Paintings, Mirrors, etc. Artists’ Materials. W. W. WARNOCK, Baker and Confectioner, 144 WEST FRONT STREET. Catering. TELEPHONE 1134. Ice Cream. JOHN J. PRAED, Menrehank Wanlorm LOANS SHOU RIE LESTER Te kale Fine Custom Tailoring. Repairing at short notice. Cleaning, Pressing and Satisfaction guaranteed. De Wirt C. Ivins. TELEPHONE 44 De WITT C. IVINS CO., Lumber, Coal and Masons’ Supplies, 301 TO 311 WATCHUNG AVE. Demestic Finish. H. W. MGA€RSHALL, Proprietor Almerican Steam Laundry, ® ® 122 East FRONT STREET. THEA ORACLE 23 Plainfield Art Gallery, Manufacturer of and Dealer in ARTISTIC PICTURE FRAMES, We IME Ce AN, TSUINEIDIUSKG: Frames Regilded. Paintings Renewed. Pictures Artistically Arranged. WOOLSTON @ BUCKLE, Painters and Decorators, 145 North Avenue, Plainfield. Recommend Longman Martinez Paints. Finest line of Men’s Furnishings in town. SEBRING’S, park Ave. The most complete line of Stylish Collars and Neck- wear. Latest Hats. Best fit of Clothes guaranteed. Give us a call. E. B. MAYNARD, Tonsorial Artist, The best service intown. Fine Cigars. 141 NORTH AVENUE, PLAINFIELD There is a Night Bell at Hall’s Pharrhacy, TELEPHONE 14 WATCHUNG AVENUE, NEAR FIFTH STREET, PLAINFIELD, N. J. Established 1886. Telephone 157. FRANK LINKE, Dealer in Wholesale Wines AND LIQUORJ, 297 West Front Street. PP J. Calvet Co. and Barton Guerster’s Clarets and Sauternes. Feist Brothers Rhine Wine. BCTTLED BEER FOR FAMILY TRADE A SPECIALTY Season of 1902 - 1993 CASINO. sy RENOVATED AND IMPROVED in every way. Unsurpassed facilities for Social Events, Meet. ings, Receptions, Entertainments and Bowling. Book- ings and Engagements secured on application at Busi- ness Office, Arlington Avenue and West Seventh St- MAZE EDWARDS, Manacer. 24. THE ORACLE Gowe HARRY DRIER fr Sh ating Goods. Prices Right. Peck Snyder Skates and Hockey Clubs. Full Line of Musical Instruments. 261-263 WEST FRONT STREET, aD PLAINFIELD, N. J. ae Ol ememon ees jl ers onalile eesons Cigar Stores and Lunch Rooms ip eenemernade ae 135 North Ave. and 216 Watchung Ave. poehy eee eet by, L. W. RANDOLPH, at Watchung Avenue Store. Prescription: Druggist, WEST FRONT S@REET Fine Confectionery 143 Fine Stationery and SSS Health estimated above wealth. Purity the high standard. Christmas Novelties. Pre Goods fo goad cele Business Established 1895. HARPER’S, JOS. W. GAVETT, ¥ WAS (lana. No. 411 PARK AVENUE, Cut Glass and Lamps PLONE IOEIE ID), IN), I GASTAND) ELECT RIGS EEX RURDS: PROF. AUSTIN’S B Bl i Pp ADAMS CHAPMAN, oot Diack Fdrlorma- ase re 2 : ‘ ee pte Millinery, 230 PARK AVENUE. Lie AS di RON Tee SibRae Ealhe BOOTS CALLED FOR, SHINED anpb DELIVERED An Amateur Performance of ‘‘ A Midsummer Night’ iS Dream” Cu be given by the Class of Lona, AND ARLINGTON AVENUE. FRANKLIN HALL, Corner FOURTH STREET SATURDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 13. ADMISSION, 25c 8 O’CLOCK The ORACLE Plo Aud NG By Tis ED) New [Ve Ro Sie x JANUARY 1903 Me i NAY THE ORACLE a. At NEUMAN BROS., 501-503 Watchung Ave. The Leading Grocers, You can always find every possible delicacy. RRUAESs== Foreign and Domestic W. W. WARNOCK, Baker and Confectioner, 144 WSL PROND SPREE A, Catering. TELEPHONE 1134. Ice Cream. JOS. W. GAVETT, re og nee (Ci aulerel, Cut Glass andLamps GAS AND ELECTRIC FIXTURES. Schwed Brothers, 107 AND 109 WEST FRONT STREET. MEN’S FURNISH INGS, Fine Shirts, Collars, Cuffs, Ties. Ralston Health Shoe % FOR MEN, WARM, WATERPROOF. JOHN H. DOANE. Demestic Finish. H. W. MARSHALL, Proprietor 4Aimerican Steam Laundry, ® ® 122 East FRONT STREET. 115 PARK AVENUE. JERE RV ES Ye Dy @:25 Ni Be Jeweler and Optician, Eyes Examined Free, REPAIRING of Watches and French Clocks a Specialty. WOOLSTON @ BUCKLE, Painters and Decorators, 145 North Avenue, Plainfield. Recommend Longman Martinez Paints. THOMAS TIMBO CoO., Lunch Roos, 135 North Ave.’and 216 Watchung Ave. Fine Cenfectionery at Watchung Avenue Store ALBERT HEDDEN, Livery and Boarding Stables, 118 EAST :FOURTH STREET. Near Park Avenue. Telephone Call 114 Plainfield Art Gallery, Manufacturer of and Dealer in ARTISTIC PICTURE FRAMES, Vee Vie G.oAl BUT DUNG? Frames Regilded. Paintings Renewed. Pictures Artistically Arranged. Wahine HAS THE LARGEST STOCK OF RINGS. PRICES RIGHT. 103 PARK AVENUE. 2 THE. ORACLE Goto HARRY DREIER for your Peck Snyder Skates and Hockey Clubs. Skating Goods. Prices Right. Full Line of Musical Instruments. 261-263 WEST FRONT STREET, a a) PLAINFIELD, N. J. Young Men’s Furnishing Department. Wide-awake ideas for young men in Neckwear, Negligee and Laun- dered Shirts, Fancy Hosiery, etc. G@ Young, Ladies” Store as Well. With plenty of new ideas for coming Spring. Silk-finish White Waist- ings, now attracting much attention FRONT STREET—WEST. HILL SHUPP PROF. AUSTIN’S Boot Black Parlor, 230 PARK AVENUE. BOOTS CALLED FOR, SHINED and DELIVERED ADAMS CHAPMAN, Millinery, TASH SRO NG nod RE Ei: Stylish and Reasonable De Wirt C. Ivins. TELEPHONE 44 De WITT C. IVINS CO., Lumber, Goal and Masons’ Supplies, 301 TO 311 WATCHUNG AVE. —— Holiday Gifts. —— SWAIN’S, 317 W. Front Street. High Class Etchings, Gravures, Paintings, Mirrors, etc. Artists’ Materials. E. B. MAYNARD, Tonsorial Artist, The best service in town. 141 NORTH AVENUE, PLAINFIELD M. C. VAN ARSDALE, Sboe and Rubber Distributor, 127,.EAST FRONT ST. PLAINFIELD Inquire at the Building of the Young Mews dent Department. Ohristian Agsuriatinn about the Stu- THIS IS ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH SOHOOL STUDENTS. Waren DOES ALL KINDS OF WATCH, CLOCK AND JEWELRY REPAIRING. se The OR ACE E oe “Lam Sir Oracle, and when I ope my lips, let no dog bark.” BOARD OF EDITORS. Lditor-in-Chief, ARTHUR F. CONANT, ’03. Literary Editor, HELEN C. Moopry, 03. Business Manager, ALDEN E, Moors, ’o03. School Editor, Jessie Mac ay, ’o4. Corresponding Editor. Epiru L, Jarvis, ’o3 Art Editor and Ass’t Bus. Manager, Van Wyck Brooks, ’o4. Assoctate Editors, Mr. Linpsey Bgsr. STAFF OF REPORTERS 703. Harriet C. RANDALL. G. ARCHIBALD BRAKELEY. ‘os. Louise KLEIN. Harry G. THompson. Miss Grace E. Burroucus. ’o4. H. Maz BaTCHELor. Jose L. Tweepy. ’c6. Erne Boice. Sruart FREEMAN, Published on the first Wednesday of every month during the school year, by the students of the Plainfield (N. J.) High School. Tuos. H. Srarrorp, The Printer, 123 East Front Street 10 CENTS PER COPY FIRST VOLUME 70 CENTS ol. 1 Sanuary, 1903 Nao. 2 NEW RESOLUTIONS. New Years is considered gener- ally to be the time to make good resolutions, which in most cases are never kept. Hence much fun is made over the so-called ‘New Year’s resolutions,’ for many made on the first of January are broken before the second.- It takes but a moment to make a resolution, but it takes many days of constant re- sisting or persisting to keep one. Each time we break a resolution is astep in making it easy to break another. The converse of this holds true also. Each resistance of a temptation to violate our good in- tention makes the next temptation easier to resist. But this is too general, and we are meandering, as Betsy Trotwood used to do. In all probability a large number of the members of the High School have resolved to turn over a new leaf and put forth their best efforts toward obtaining an 4 THE ORACLE “A” on every report in each sub- ject taken. We hope that such res- olutions shall not be broken as many times as the authors make a mistake in dating their letters this first week of the new year. For truly this is a noble resolve anda worthy object, especially in the eyes of the faculty. Other popular ‘‘new leaves”’ are as follows: ‘I resolve to keep a diary;”’ ‘‘I shall rise every morning at 6.30.”’ Few are they that keep them. Still one must not be so easily discouraged. A new leaf can be turned over any time, and, although New Years seems naturally a convenient time for turning, one does not have to wait until then. We should suggest that an appropriate and proper resolution to be made by each member of the High School should be: “I shall endeavor to bring honor upon the name of the Plainfield High School in every way in my ability, especially by supporting its athletic institutions and THE ORACLE.” A CHEERING SONG. It seems opportune at this sea- son of the year, when, as scholars and philosophers tell us, brain and muscle are most active, to call to the attention of the students one respect in which our school life is lacking, and to suggest ameans for remedying it. In our school we have an abund- ance of school yells with which we have cheered on our athletic teams during the past seasons; but in all the years our school has been in existence we have not had a cheer- ing song, a song with a swing and a “go,” something that is bound to inspire confidence and courage. When one first thinks of it, one does not realize what may be the value of such a song, and if we were to declare that its value exceeds that of the school yells, we would be scoffed at. But, consider that, whereas our yell is useful only on the athletic field or now and then on a trolley-car, a cheering-song would be acceptable almost any- where: on the athletic field, where- ever our teams are traveling, in our chapel and in our homes. One can find scarcely a single place where a cheering-song would not call forth full appreciation and ap- plause. It seems hardly necessary after what has been said to suggest that the students compose such a song. Let everyonetry. Find some stir- ring, Swinging melody—there are thousands of them from ‘‘ America”’ and ‘‘Maryland, My Maryland,”’ down to the commonest drinking- song. Take preferably a melody of easy range and pitch, and set verses toit. If voucompose tosuch a song verses whose sentiments are endur- ing, you will build up a song which will last as long as our school and its ideals remain. May we not parody that famous quotation, and say: ‘‘ Let me write the song of the schonl, and I care not who gets COA ) THE ORACLE 5 The editors of Te ORACLE are ready to receive all literary contri- butions and hope to have them in time for the next issue. The vacancy in the Editorial Board, caused by Miss Waldo’s resignation, has been filled by the election of Miss Helen C. Moodey, 03. There will be a new department in the next issue, the chief feature of which will be humorous remarks, translations, etc., provided a suffi- cient amount of good material is submitted to the editors. Patronize our advertisers. Busi- ness men advertising in THE ORACLE should receive the schools’ support. The DAVENPORT lay on a comfort- able divan onthe side veranda of the Hillcrest Country Club. The trees, splutched with red and yel. low, whispered invitingly to him, and the air had an intoxicating freshness. It was exactly the day for a gallop across country, or even a good forenoon’s play on thelinks. But the crisp blue of the October sky, the ravishing brilliancy ofa field of golden-rod, alike failed to charm, for Davenport was _ un- happy. Now and then he glanced testily down at his ankle, tightly bandaged, and uncomfortably stiff. It was then that he savagely clutched the pillows. Yes, he might have known it would end this way —things always did bungle for him. There had been a chance, very slight, he admitted, but neverthe- less not altogether hopeless, and he had waited. Day A fter. With a vicious shrug he slightly turned to avoid the sun, which had slipped around the corner of the porch. It was dazzingly bright, so he lay with his eyes closed, but with a set look about his mouth. At that very moment, he taunt- ingly told himself she was probably sitting high on a seat of the tally- ho, beside little Perkins. Little Perkins, eugh! How he would gloat, as he lovingly smoothed his sickly moustache. Davenport remember- ed now the triumphant sneer with which he hadcome to say good-bye, and wish him a very enjoyable day. Enjoyableday? Confound the day; had there ever been a blacker one? Well, if she was happy, what did it matter about him? No one cared for him, anyway; everyone gone off for a jolly, good time, and left him to groan over that beastly ankle by himself. 6 THE ORACLE The people had certainly been gone hours, he reasoned. Must be ’most time for them to return. He pulled out his watch eagerly, but closed it with a snap,—exactly twenty minutes after ten. Then he lay and thought, — thought a great deal, for one so dashed in spirits. Yes, it would be just six weeks to-morrow, he mused, since they had madetheagreement. He had gone all the way down from Boston to spend the last Sun- day before college opened with her, in New York. Sunday afternoon they had gone driving in the park. He saw her now, as she had looked then, sitting high beside him, on the trap. With a little gasp, he felt once more the delicious thrill of being near her, and realized, for the hundredth time, how distract- ingly beautiful she was. They had talked a very great deal, discussing all sorts of things. Finally shehad asked about the football season. Then he had been very dubious as to the outcome of the great Har- vard-Yale game. He couldn’t tell just how it had come about, but there had been a wager. He knew now, she had meant it merely to keep up his spirits for the coming encounter. Then he had hoped it might be for some other reason. “T tell you what,” she had said, ‘if Harvard wins, you must give me the finest box of candy Huylers can put up.v ‘““Agreed.”’ hehad answered, ‘but what if we lose? MHuylers can- not console me then.”’ ‘“‘Oh, in that case you can have anything you wish,” she hadlaugh- ed. ) “Tf ‘anything’ includes a certain little lady who delights in teasing me, it won’t take me long to de- cide on my consolation prize,’ he had replied, seriously. ‘As you like it,’’ she had said merrily, and changed the conversa- tion. They had never spoken of the wager again, but he had not for- gotten it. To be sure, he did not for an instant think she had meant it seriously, and yet he had hoped, in some vague way, that it might lead to something that he had wanted to tell her for a long time. In his own mind he had felt certain that thev had no chance of winning against Yale. And then he could scarcely think of that part of it, for the joy that possessed him. Well, yesterday had been the great day! It really seemed as if every one whom he had known, and thousands whom hecould never hope to see again, all wildly enthu- siastic, had come exp’essly to wit- ness the game. Alltheold “grads” were back, and the yard looked as though a five-days’ circus were in progress. The Yale boys had ar- rived with anuproarious following, and finally she had come. What with the last details to be attended to, and her late arrival, he had only caught a little glimpse of her. She had been very demure, and hadn’t so much as alluded to the Huylers, THE ORACLE 7 or the other part of the agree- ment. The fatal moment had arrived. The opposing teams had taken up their positions on the vast grid-iron, amid franctic yelling and waving of colors on the bleachers. He had felt strange and unnatural. Even the cheering had sounded faraway. Once he had looked for her. It was just before the umpire had blown the whistle for them to begin, and he, as full-back, had taken his place behind the line. She was sittingon the next lowest row of the Yale bleachers, talking so animatedly to a decent-looking Yale chap sitting back of her, that she hadn't seen him. He had gone so far as toadmit to himself that he would have been willing to change places with, the fellow, whoever he was. There had been an eager, nerve- straining moment, then a sharp whistle. Instantly both sides were into the combat. It was evident from the first that Yale was more than a match for them. Her men were far heavier, and were clearly playing a better game. At the end of the first half, the score had stood five to nothing in favor of Yale. The Harvard boys had been some- what down-hearted before they be- gan, but after the first thirty-five minutes’ play, during which Yale had made a glorious touch-down, their spirits sank even lower. Between the halves the discour- aged Harvard boys had slunk off the field, trying to assumea dogged air. Those impudent fellows from New Haven had vauntingly made themselves very much in evidence. A bit too much for one’s peace of. mind. What if they were confident of winning the game? Involuntar- ily he had glanced up to the next to lowest row. Yes, there she was, but heaven help us! that confound- ed rascal back of her had actually presumed to move down beside her, and the worst of it was she appear- ed to enjoy it all hugely. Then he had been angry. And even as he lay on that comfortable divan, on the veranda of the Hillcrest Coun- try Club, on this, the day after, his blood fairly boiled with rage, as he recalled the picture. Ithadn’t taken long for him to make up his mind, in fact, he had done it instantly. Going from group to group of de- jected Harvard boys, he had in some mysterious way inspired them with a desperate courage. “lordo;or die,’ must sbe. the watch-word of the second half; and when the whistle had brought the teams into play again, the specta- tors had noticed, with varying emotions, the change in affairs. This time he had forgotten the eager onlookers, the deafening cheers, and even her. In fact, he had almost forgotten that it was he—John Davenport—who was playing full- back on the Harvard football team that day. After a half hour more of good, solid playing, he—yes, he—had made a touch-down for his side tieing the score. Both now stood equal—five to five. The crucial moment had 8 THE ORACLE arrived. It was his place, after the touch-down just made, to kick the goal, which would insure victory. As he walked out to his place, con- fident of sending the ball straight between the goal-posts, for the first time the thought of what it would all mean struck him. What was the winning of a football game to the gaining of her? Tenyears hence how would the outcome of a mere college game affect his life? While she—she would be for ever and ever. Had any one a right to expect such a sacrifice? He knew if he swerved his foot the least bit in kicking, the game would be lost. But no one could blame him. It would have been only a disastrous slip. All these thoughts swept over him, in the few seconds that it took to walk out to his place. Not un- til he paused a moment, seemingly preparing for the kick, did he hear the roaring ot hisown Harvard yell, with his name at theend. A mighty revulsion had seized him. Betray his college? Never! Steady and sure he sent the pig-skin straight between the goal-posts. A deafen- ing cheer proclaimed the victory was Harvard’s. But just his luck; having gone all through the game, almost without a scratch, at the very moment of his triumph, his foot had slipped in the mud, and down he had fallen with a badly twisted ankle. After that his recollections were vague He knew that the fellows had carried him around on their shoulders, shouting and yelling, fairly going mad with delight over the victory. That they had ended up at the Club, where all but he had enjoyed a hilarious dinner. Finally they had bundled him offto Auburndale, with the doctor. That had all happened last night. This morning, as he lay on the veranda of the Country Club, he thought how differently things had turned out from what he had ex- pected. They—she and her aunt, and all favored enough to be in- cluded—had arranged to come out to Auburndale, after the excitement of yesterday, for a house party of several days. There were, besides the club-house, two or three cot- tages, in which a number of guests could be accommodated. He had decided it was best not to change his plans materially, only make the club his headquarters, instead of Mrs. Bradford’s cottage, as was first arranged. Accordingly, tothe club he had come, accompanied by the doctor, who had taken him in charge at once. That worthy old gentleman had shaken his head when he examined his poor, twisted ankle. ‘‘Sorry, my boy,” he had said, ‘but I’m afraid you’ll have to stay quietly here a few days; ifyoudon’t want a lasting reminder of yester- day’s game.”’ So that was the reason why Davenport lay on a sunny veranda, when the world was doing her best to entice him away. Yesterday he had been the most talked of man in Cambridge. People could not say THE ORACLE 9 enough nicethingsabouthim. And yet, he was unhappy. For on this, the day after, the reaction had set in. What did he care how people raved about him? He was lonely. There was a something lacking, without which he could never be truly happy. Oh, if only——. He stopped, for he thought he saw a vision that he knew quite well. Oh, if only things hadn't—why would that tormenting vision haunt him so? Instead of vanishing, it seemed to come nearer. It looked all white and shimmery, but its hair was wonderfully like her’s, for a vision. He watched it, fascinated, as nearer, nearer, nearer it came, slowly, oh, so slowly, and so daintily. But why did it keep its eyes on the ground, never once looking up? He wondered vaguely if its eyes could be as blue as her’s. Up, up the steps itcame, noiselessly gliding toward him. Of a sudden he felt the old, strange, delicious thrill. This was pleasant dreaming. He’d lie, oh, so still, not to drive away the illusion. But hush! It was speaking. ‘‘Pve come to congratulate you on the game,” she said. ‘You played in a way to make me proud to call you my friend. Ifyou think” —she went on. What could it mean? blinked at her stupidly. “Don’t you t hink you might be a little more hospitable, when I’ve come expressly to see you?’ she continued. Still he couldn't think of a thing Helay and to say. Then she appeared decided- ly alarmed. “Oh, John! what is the matter ? Can’t you speak to me?” she cried. At the name, Dayenport leaned suddenly toward her with a little gasp. ‘“‘I—I beg pardon,”’ hestammered hurriedly. ‘‘ Please don’t mind me, but you took me so by surprise. I thought everyone had gone to Her- mit Rock.”’ “Everyone has,” she replied, de- murely, ‘but I didn’t rest well last night, soI thought I’d better not try the journey.’’ “Everyone stayed, then,’’ he cor- rected her, happily. Hereached over, without a word, and drew a great willow chair near the couch. “I think you’d better stay,’ he said as she snuggled into it. He lay, and looked and looked, but for his life he couldn’t think of a thing tosay. Ifonly that beastly game had turned out the other way, how easily he might have opened theconversation. Shetalkedabout all sorts of things, he putting in a word now and then. ‘Do you realize what a hit you made yesterday?” she inquired, archly. ‘‘You just ought to hear the things everyone is saying about you. Why, the two Baker girls couldn’t talk of anything else last night. Indeed it was glorious,”’ she went on, as he did not reply. “Even Mr. Mason, who is a Yale man, you know—”’ she got no far- thee: b) 10 “Was he that impudent chap who sat next you?”’ he broke out, hotly. ‘“‘Ves,”’ she responded, ‘wasn’t he good-looking? He’s engaged to Cousin Maude, you know, so of eourse I’m interested in him. Well, he couldn’t say enough nice things about you,” she added wickedly. Davenport felt guilty. ‘Never mind the things he said, I guess he’ll do,” he muttered. “T_T wanted to come m to—to see you, last night,’ she began again ‘but the doctor said you seemed worn out by some nervous strain, so he couldn’t permit it. I—I hope you—you realize how very much—I mean how sorry am about, about your— ankle.’ Itwas her turn to blush, and she did it to perfection. Still Davenport couldn’t help her out. ‘“There is something I want to ask you, but—I don’t exactly know how,” she hesitated. ‘Do you re- call, John, a certain day,” she went on, bravely, ‘‘ when we madea sort of—of wager?’’ She was speaking very slowly and distinctly now, but appeared immensely interested in a field ofgolden-rod. Something inside of him was thumping so he could hardly gasp out an eager yes. ‘“‘ Well, perhaps—perhaps you may remember that a—a box of Huyler’s was part of it?” Davenport sat up, in direct dis- obedience to the doctor’s orders. “Do Irememberit ?” hecried, “‘ well I guessI do. But that wasn’t the THE ORACLE best part of the wager ; Ilost that,” he added bitterly. “Vou look as though you needed consoling. Would you like—” she was studying the golden-rod. Still no sound from Davenport. “Oh! John, why do you make it so hard for me?” shecried reproach- fully. -‘Can’t you say anything for yourself?’’ Then she leaned very, very near him, and whispered, oh, so softly, ‘‘John, would you like a consolation prize ?”’ LILLIAN SNopcGRass, 05. THE STORM KING. A wild song I sing, for Iam the King Of the blustering hurricane, The North wind drear is the steed I steer My lackeys are Blizzard and Rain. The little clouds scud in fear at the thud Of my horse, and the sunbeams die ; E’en each tree it’s headin homage dread Bends before me as I swoop by. O’er the mountains I rush, and tear up each bush ; That dares but to stand in my way, With a snap of my whip, the wings I flip From a butterfly, careless at play. In the valley a thatch from a cottage I snatch, And tear it intwo with a rip ; Then off in the gloom, to send souls to their doom, And founder a white-sailed ship. With might and main, and with death in my train, I fall on the little world. Oh, way for the King, every living thing, For he rides with his banners unfurled. D. W., 703. We honor the Pilgrim Fathers, Tis as much the Mothers’ due, For they had all the Fathers’ troubles And they had the Fathers, too. THE ORACLE Lh “Amelia” ; 66 MELIA” is a typical old Southern darkie. She has lived with us for years, and al- though she is especially peculiar, both in dress and ideas, we would not think for aninstant of allowing her to leave us. Sometimes, how- ever, she makes very squelching re- marks, and thoroughly outwits me. On one occasion, during a rainy day, I thought I would make her a short visit and inform her of the weather. As I entered the kitchen, I said: ‘‘Amelia, do you Grlel INE a nega 1b know it is raining ?’’ No answer. ‘““Amelia,’’ a little louder, ‘‘are you aware that it’s raining?’ but still that perverse old woman tended to nothing but her bowl of batter, which she stirred faster and faster as I spoke louder and londer. I re- peated this several times, till finally I grew desperate, and with one great effort shrieked, ‘‘ Amelia, it is Raining !’’ Lhad conquered. She stopped stirring, put her hands on her hips and declared, ‘‘Wal, ’taint- arainin’ on me is it?”’ FRANCES K. VAN DEVENTER, ’04. Keer Ooheeh S THE SENIOR PLAY. Following the custom set by pre- vious classes, the class of 1903 de- cided this Christmas to give aplay. Five scenes from Shakespeare’s Midsummer. Night’s Dream were chosen. Parts.were assigned, and, under the direction of. Miss Ball, assisted by Miss Bass and Mr. Best, rehearsals were started for the performances which were set for the evenings of December 13th and 19th. The caste was as fol- lows: THE DUKE AND HIS COURT. Theseus, Duke of Athens. Frederic Van Auken Lysander } { Archibald Brakeley Demetrius ) (| Michael Moynihan Philostrate, Master of Revels. . Albert Beers Hippolyta, betrothed to a . Lucy Coriell Hermisa ) : Harriet Randall Helena | SSE EES {( Grace Ten Kyck Courtiers MECHANICS, WHO PRESENT A PLAY BEFORE THE DUKE. . .Robert Meeker ee Rap haleane . Charles Doolittle . Alden Moore . Vincent Miner . Norman Hill Nick Bottom, the weaver . Quince, the carpenter . Snug, the joiner . Say Flute, the bellows mender. . Snout, the tinker . Straveling, the tailor. FAIRIES AND SPRITES. Oberon, King of Fairieland. . . Arthur Conant First Attendant on Oberon. . Gertrude Moodey Second Attendant on Oberon. . Harriet Moodey Puck, or Robin Good-fellow. . . Cyril Brown Titania, Queen of Fairieland. . Helen Moodey Peasblossom } { Edna Long Cobweb | attendants on | Alice Pugh Moth | Titania | Annis Kinsman Mustardseed | | Ethelyn Davis Even though the weather was horrible on the night of the first performance, a large audience as- sembled in Franklin Hall to see what the class could do. Even the most sanguine were surppised and delighted, for the players all took their parts with a freedom and lack 12 of self-consciousness that was re- markable. The scenes presented contained an element of comedy, and with the ludicrous costumes of the mechanics, provoked gales of laughter. Doubtless the greatest hit of the evening was made by Robert W. Meeker as Nick Bottom, the weaver. His natural ability, helped by careful coaching, enabled him to do fall justice to his part. His acting was particularly spon- taneous. Alden E. Moore as Flute, the bel- lows mender, also took his part cleverly. He was most successful in the scene hefore Duke Theseus, when he acted Thisbe to Meeker’s Pyramus. The kiss through the wall and the death were especially funny. Norman Hill as Straveling, the tailor, made a great deal out of a minor part. The rest of the me- chanics took their parts well. Those who played the roles of the Duke and his court added to the general effect by knowing their cues well and giving their lines effectively. As the King and Queen of the Fairies, Arthur Conant and Helen Moodey took difficult parts with ease and self-possession. Cyril Brown, as Puck,. made an elfish sprite, and his mischievous antics were verv amusing. The attendant fairies made a pretty sight in their waving costumes. On the whole the first night was an immense success, and the coaches were gratified with the results of their labors. THE ORACLE One of the largest audiences that ever crowded into Franklin Hall assembled to see the second night’s performance. If possible, the play was given in even better manner than the first time; whatever stiff- ness and restraint there was before had vanished. The same ones who made hits on the previous occasion received again the most applause. At the close the whole caste had to re- spond to an encore. The success of the play was due in a great measure to Miss Ball, who did most of the coaching, and to Miss Bass and Mr. Best, who assisted. Miss Margaret Goddard also made valuable suggestions and helped to make the costumes and nake-ups. Miss Elizabeth Long sang the fairy song very sweetly. The whole effect of the play was heightened by the Mendelssohn music played be- tween the acts and whenever the fairies appeared on the stage, by Miss Jessie Utter, Mrs. Lewis, Miss Waldo, Dr. Waldo and Mr. Fuller- ton Waldo. The play was followed eachnight by an hour of dancing. The pro- ceeds amounted to $120. Of this, part will go to the Boys’ Athletic Association and part to the class. G. A. BRAKELY, 03. CHRISTMAS EXERCISES. In accordance with custom, the chapel was decorated with all the colors of the rainbow for the Christ- mas exercises on Friday, Dec. 19. The committees from the various THE ORACLE 13 classes spent the previous afternoon in arranging their colors to the best advantage in their allotted spaces. The green and white of the Seniors were mostin evidence, with festoons of white bunting and Christmas greens. The Juniors arranged a huge sun-burst in their red and white, while the Sophomores con- centrated their material in a large triangle of dark blue and white, con- taining their numerals, aningenious device which showed previous thought. In the rear of the room ’06 displayed the orange and white. The school colors, red and blue, were festooned about theclock, and near this was the battalion flag. The light blue and white of ’02 and the purple and yellow of ’01 were also to be seen. The masterpiece, however, was the chimney place erected onthe platform. Herehung the ten stockings filled to the brim with presents from ’08 tothe Fac- ulty. At eleven o’clock the solemn fes- tivites began. The following pro- gram of recitations and music was rendered: Milton’s ‘“‘ Hymn ofthe Nativity,” Miss Margaret A. Pearce; James Whitcomb Riley’s ‘Das Kris Kin- del,”” Miss Mary A. Griggs; “A Christmas present for a Lady,” a story read by Miss Marguerite Pierson; James Whitcomb Riley’s “Little Johnt’s Christmas,’’ Miss Florence B. Martin. Music. Chorus, ‘‘O, Come All Ye Faithful”; chorus, Buck’s “ Christ- mas Hymn”’’; song by the Glee Club, “Hymn of the Nativity’; chorus, Schnecker’s Christmas An them, ‘“Christians, Awake.” At the close of the exercises, sleigh bells were heard in the distance and Santa Claus entered with his pack. He gave to the Faculty the stockings filled with good-natured “grinds” and good things toeat. After the contents of the stockings had been fully enjoyed, the teachers gave way to the Seniors who packed the plat- form whileSanta Claus distributed to the members of 1904 the presents prepared and inscribed for them. These presents were in some cases rare and costly, andin others sim ple but filled with meaning. The wonderful poems which accompan- ied the presents were read with much feeling by Miss Waldo, the class president. The last day at school closed with a luncheon given to the Seniors and Faculty by the Juniors. On the night of December 18th, the sons of ’03 had a right royal feastein thé “Lab” Pies? sand- wiches and olives disappeared like snow under a tropical sun. ’Tis said the Nether World was jealous of Olympus. 14 THE ORACLE eee NO DES 72 —Prof. Arthur F.. Kimball, of Amherst College, is spending his sabbatical year in Europe. ’74.—Andrew Parker has received the contract for the foundation of the New York end of the Brooklyn Bridge. new ’74,.—James Parker is with the Steel Trust at Pittsburg. ’75.—Ferdinand Ruttmann has been prospecting in the Klondike. '75,.—W.D. Murray has written a book entitled ‘‘The Life and Works of Jesus, According to St. Mark.” It is being largely used in Bible Study Classes in Southern Colleges, and is being translated into Chinese for use in the Chris- tian colleges of China. � 78.—Dr. B. Rush Rhees, Presi- dent of Rochester University, ad- dressed the New Jersey State Teach- ers’ Association at Trenton during the holidays. '79.—Franklin B. Wiley, Har- vard, ’83, is the author of the arti- cle, ‘‘What Christmas Really Means,”’ published in the Decem- ber Ladies’ Home Journal. 93 —Ralph Campbell is an in- structor in the Yonkers High School. ’94. Miss Phoebe Lovell, Vas- sar, 98, is a member of our faculty. ’95.—Charles B. Morse is at pres- ent the city editor of the Daily Press, and is acting as the gradu- ate director of the Board of Direct- ors of the Athletic Association. '97.—Sydney R. Titsworth is spending his second year at Colum- bia University, College of Physi- cians and Surgeons. ‘99.—W. A. Fisher, who is now a senior at Rutgers, has been chosen for the second time the captain of the ‘‘ Varsity’ baseball team. ’00.— Miss Mary Locke is Barnard. at ‘01.—Townsend Mason, captain of the 1901 baseball team of the Plainfield High School, played third base on the ‘Varsity’? team at Rutger’s last spring. ’01.—Miss Lillian Maclay, who is a freshman at Mt. Holyoke, has been elected proctor of her house. ’01.—Miss Martha R. Anthony has moved to Wiccopee, Dutchess Count Nae ; °01.—F. R. Mason has been playing a prominent part in the interclass athletics at Rutgers. ’02.—Harold Nomer, Williams, 06, is a member of the Delta Up- silon Fraternity. 192.— Miss Elizabeth VandeVeer is in the class of ’06 at Vassar. ’02.—LeRoy Hallockisin theclass of 06 at the Lehigh University. 102.—Russell Bailey has been elected into membership of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity at Wesleyan. '02.—Irwin Leland is acquitting THE ORACLE 15 himself very brilliantly in the class of 06 at Williams. °02.—Miss Alice Brick and Miss Daisy Brouard are attending the Trenton Normal School. ’02.—Miss Margaret Van De- venter 1s enjoying the charms of society in the City of Brotherly owe: °02.—Miss Alma F. Dyer, who is captain of the Freshman Basket- ball Team at the University of Cin- cinnati, led her team to victory in their first game of the season, on Thanksgiving Day. ; Harold W. Davis, ex-’05 has been playing fullback on the Alis A. A. during the past I all. Brockholst Miller, ex-’02, is a freshman at Williams this year, and is acting as the special correspond- ent of the New York Evening Post for his College. Herbert Wea Dyer ex=03, who is now attending the Hughes High School, of Cincinnati, was initiated on November 14th into the Delta Beta, one of the three fraternities at that school. ALUMNUS LETTER. Mount HOLyoke. To the Editor of THE ORACLE: Please accept the hearty congrat- ulations of the alumnz at Mount Holyoke on the successful appear- ance of the first number of THE ORACLE. It certainly gives a great promise for the future, and we shall watch with much interest the progress of the paper during the coming months. its glories and beauties. It is very pleasant to read what is being done at our Alma Mater, and it adds to the enjoyment of our college life to receive now and then from you such well-selected and in- teresting news. South Hadley, where our Col- lege is situated, is a tiny Massachu- setts village, consisting of four stores, a few old-fashioned farm- houses and the College buildings. The rolling campus, dotted with its beautiful buildings, and the lake glimmering at the foot of a long slope presents a picture beyond the power of one to describe. The college life here is ideal, our days being nicely divided in study and recreation. It is especially pleasant to us to have found upon our arrival here asystem of student government similar to that in the High School. We have a President of the Student League who is elected from the student body in the same way as Is the President of the High School Senate. The Pres- ident of the Student League acts in conjunction with the Advisory Board and the Proctors, who are similar respectively to the School Senate and the Tribunes. Not the least important of the President’s duties is concerned with the recep- tion of Freshmen. When the neophyte first steps out of the train at Holyoke, she is im- mediately surrounded by a group of upper class girls, who escort her to the College, endeavoring on the way to properly impress upon her When the 16 new arrivals have been settled and given homesickness az: opportunity to appear, then it is that the recep- tions and dances given by the up- per classes to the Freshmen come most opportunely to drive the ‘“‘blues” away. The Y. W.C.A. reception is the first and most formal affair. At this each Fresh- man is received by a committee con- sisting of President Wooley, the President of the Student League, the President or “the Yer Wy oCxaAe and other college officials. Then, under the escort of an upper class- man, she is introduced to scores of strangers, all of whom give hera most cordial welcome to the Col- lege. Each upper class, in order of seniority, holds a reception, and by the time the Sophomore reception arrives, one becomes quite well ac- quainted. S.C Or Ose THE ORACLE A few weeks ago we received a very brief but pleasant visit from Mr. Travell. Although he stayed but a very short time, all the High School Alumnez here gathered to- gether and had a delighful spread, at which Mr. Travell was every- body’s guest, and delighted us by telling of all that was taking place at the High School. We are afraid his enjoyment of the visit was somewhat marred by the extremely cold weather we had at that time, for on the morning he left it was eight degrees below zero, and the drifts of snow were two feet high on the sidewalks. Your friends here at Mount Holy- oke offer you their best wishes for a very successful and happy New Year. DI LIANeMAGcriAY O17 DECEMBER 21st, 1902. INO: oT Ewes We are glad to say that Mr. Macnab has recovered from his re- cent operation, and has returned to his duties in the school. Mr. Travell spent December eighth and ninth visiting Williams, Smith and Mount Holyoke. Wanted—An elevator to run from Miss Bass’s to Miss Ball's room. Is there a difference between “cough” and “‘calf’—in Boston? Mr. Best—Miss Rogers, what’s left when water is taken from H2 SO4 ? Perkins.—(from Leal’s, vocifer- ously) SO3! Mr. Best.—Have you changed you name, Perkins? SENIOR. Carl Ulrich has but recently re- covered from a severe illness of pleuro-pneumonia. At one time his life was despaired of, but his strong constitution enabled him eventual- CHES ORACLE Ae ly to recover. He will be greatly missed on the hockey team as he is acrack player and was one of the stars of last year’s team. 1903 isstill holding class-meetings with a cheerful regularity that is surprising its most ardent ad- mirers. “Hi” Doolittle made a roaring good actor! Cyril Brown had an ‘‘exposition of sleep’’ come over him Wednesday morning, December 10, and did not reach school until 9.30. But for the play, the talent of the Seniors forcarpentry and upholster- ing would have remained unde- veloped. Even if you are not acquainted with the Seniors you can tell them by their class pins, which have late- ly arrived. A.D. Beers was unable to take his part thesecond night of the play owing to illness. His place was filled by M. T. Moynihan and Harold Brown. Our sympathy was with Santa Claus. JUNIOR. Mysteriously disappeared.—Two pounds of candy from the labora- tory on Thursday night, December 18. No reward is offered. Owing to the fact that ’04 won the girls’ basket-ball championship this fall, the ball, tied with blue and red, also’ in red and white, the class colors, had aconspicuous place in the decorations. Close inspection will reveal the fact that, after the spread on Fri- day, the laboratory is cleaner than it has been for years. After the Christmas exercises on Friday, Dec. 19, the Juniors gave a bountiful spread to the Seniors and the Faculty. The guests were served by some of the fair maidens of ’04 with hot chocolate, sandwiches, crackers, olives, cake, candy and fruit. The committee in charge of the affair was Miss Patton, chair- man; Miss Douglass and Mr. Bab- cock. Although there was some hard feeling between 1903 and 1904 concerning the flag, it was all ami- cably settled and the two upper classes are again the best of friends. SOPHOMORE. At a meeting of ’05 the following committee was chosen to select ap- propriate gifts for the Freshmen and to attend to the Christmas decorating: Miss Edith Jarvis, Miss Carrie Fuller, Miss Louise Klein, Harry Thompson, Howard Craig, and Adam Scott. The Christmas gifts to the Fresh- men were tiney cradles bearing the inscription : ‘Early to bed, and early to rise Makes a young Freshman good- natured and wise.”’ Miss Frieda Gray, who has been absent from school about two months on account of illhealth has returned. ; The members of the beginning French class take great pleasure in hearing Miss Bass read French 18 THE ORACLE Perhaps two in the class ANG the Test up their good jokes. understand them laughed to keep reputation. On the day before the Christmas vacation, the Sophomore colors floated from a conspicuous position on the flag-pole, from early morning until late at night. The Sophomores owe to Jack Platt, 1906, a vote of thanks for keeping the secret of the Christmas surprise to the Freshmen. FRESHMAN. A class-meeting was held on Dec. 8, and the committee was chosen for the purpose of selecting presents for the Sophomores, and choosing the Christmas decorations. The committee included Miss Hillman, Miss Slocum, Stuart Freeman, Sam Bogart and Jesse Lounsberry. The boys gave the money and the girls made the flag that formed part of the decorations. The presents to the Sophomores were pieces of fudge with the fol- lowing poem, written by Miss Hill- man attached: Dear Sophomores, ascompetent to judge Of tender Freshmen, starting in to drudge Four weary years of books and study through, This signifies ouranswersweet to you, To your puff-pated patronage we ans- wer fudge! STUDENT GOVERNMENT NOTES. The Senate has elected the follow- ing body of Tribunes to hold office during January and February: 1st period, Miss Ruth Bullock, Jose Tweedy; 2d period, Miss Laura Bent, Harold Fenno; 3d period, Miss Anna Randall, William Van Eps; 4th period, Miss Louise Klein, Albert Beers; Sth period, Miss Inez Tolles, Charles Neagle; 6th period, Miss Edna Long, Robert Meeker. At the last meeting of the Tri- bunes, held on Monday, December 15, Mr. Travell gave a short talk, most of which he repeated before the entire school the following morning. As the term of office of the Tribunes expired so near the Christmas vacation, it was decided that the present members should remain in office until after the holi- days and until the Senate should elect a new board. BATTALION NOTES. The new company meets for drill every Monday afternoon and Thursday evening. The members are improving very much, and if they continue will be able to cope with any of the military schools of the same size in this vicinity. BATTALION OFFICERS. Commandant: Mr. James B. Macnab. Major: E. Douglass Murphey. Adjutant: George L. Babcock. Quartermaster : Lucius T. Koons. Captains. Frederic T. Van Auken, Co. A. Alden E. Moore, Co. B. Ralph S. Lane, Co. C. THE ORACLE 19 P. H. S. A. A. NOTES. The Board of Directors of the Athletic Association has recently taken action toward revising the constitution. Such an action has been contemplated for some timeas several weaknesses have been found which necessitate a change. Manager Tweedy has _ secured Hyde’s Pond for the Hockey Team to play on this winter. The following games of hockey have been scheduled for the Hockey Team: January 3, Leal’s, Hyde’s pond; January 17, North Plain- field, Hyde's pond. Herbert Munro has been elected Provisional Captain of the Hockey Team. BASKET-BALL. The Basket-ball team played its first game of the season on Satur- day afternoon, December 20th, at Hasbrouck Institute, Jersey City. The team was decisively defeated, Hasbrouck rolling up a score of 4.9 to the High School’s 4. Munro, for the High School, threw a goal early in the first half, the othertwo points were made on fouls during the second half. The score at the end of the first half was 29-2. The line up was: HASBROUCK. P. H. S. Kydd 1S Fe Anderson Scheutz fae Munro Steurer Cs Meeker McIntire Lea Thompson Elkins Ib Goze Conant A return game has been arranged with Hasbrouck on February 17th. G. A. A. NOTES. The last basket-ball game of the season was played November 24-th, when the Juniors and Sophomores contended for the championship. The ’04 team had a great advan- tage in heavy players, but in spite of this fact defeated their oppo- nents by a very narrow margin. During the first half the Juniors suc- ceeded in making five baskets, while the Sophomores made but one. However, in the second half the ’05 team played a cooler game and raised the score to 12. When time was called the score stood 16 to 12 in favor of the Juniors. The teams were lined up as follows: SOPHOMORES. JUNIORS. Mena Bock center Lillian Walsh Theodora Miller “ Abbey Lewis Aimee Conant ‘“ A. Moodey Ethel Boice guard Laura Bent Hazel Grant ‘Grace Wilcox Ada Westphal home May Murray Louise Klein ‘Helen Munro Through the kindness of Mr. Martine the G. A. A. has secured the use of the building formerly oc- cupied by Harned Academy. Bas- ket-ball will be resumed and games with outside teams will probably be arranged. The first few days of skating in- spired among some of the girls ade- sire to organize a hockey team. As yet nothing of importance has been done in that direction. 20 THE HARPER, The Stationer, 411 PARK AVE. JOHN J. PRAED, Merchant: shattor 104) EAST VFOURTH SPREBA: Fine Custom Tailoring. Repairing at short notice. Nae Sa Livery and Boarding Stables, 114 WEST SIXTH STREET Telephone Call 152 Season of GAS LINC) eee ness RENOVATED AND IMPROVED in every way. Unsurpassed facilities for Social Events, Meet- ings, Receptions, Entertainments and Bowling. Book- ings and Engagements secured on application at Busi- ness Office, Arlington Avenue and West Seventh St. MAZE EDWARDS, Manacer. BOIGE, wURUNY ON A GO7 Lehigh Coal, Lumber and Masons’ Material. Cleaning, Pressing and Satisfaction guaranteed 242-260 PARK AVE. Tel. Call 149. ORACLE Come to Peck’s. J. A. SMITH BRO., Wholesale G r O G e r S and Retail 119-125 W. FRONT ST. Telephone Connections. SPECIALTIES: Fruits and Vegetables. JAMES C . HANSEN, Painter and Paper Hanger, Dealer in Paints, Oils, Varnishes, Brushes, Picture Mouldings. I use and recommend Heath Milligan M’f’g Co’s Paints and Colors. Telephone Call 702 NO. 141 EAST FRONT STREET H. E. Gayle Hardware Co., General Hardware, Stoves, House Furnishing Goods, Tel. 682. FRONT ST. ann PARK AVE. Winslow Skates Acree Gre ae Ie Nos. 119-123 EAST FRONT STREET. 225 Madison Ave. 747 West Front St. VAIL EYES EXAMINED FREE ALL WORK GUARANTEED. y nt nt ie A ‘ yah Fe PT AER De Wirt C. Ivins. THE ORACLE at At NEUMAN BROS., 501-503 Watchung Ave., The Leading Grocers, You can always find every possible delicacy. H. E. Gayle Hardware Co., General Hardware, Stoves, House Furnishing Goods, Tel. 682. FRONT ST. anp PARK AVE. Demestic Finish. H. W. MGARSHAELL, Proprietor American Steam Laundry, Hy Fh 122 Easr FRONT STREET. TELEPHONE 44 De WITT C. IVINS CO., Lumber, Goal and Masons’ Supplies, 301 TO 311 WATCHUNG AVE. M. C. VAN ARSDALE, Sboe and Rubber Distributor, 127 EAST FRONT ST. PLAINFIELD A. C. BLGIR, Livery and Boarding Stables, 114 WEST SIXTH STREET TELEPHONE 152 ITS --- Foreign and Domestic THOMAS TIMBO a7CO., EUDChRoorms, 135 North Ave. and 216 Watchung Ave. Fine Confectionery at Watchung Avenue Store Plainfield Art Gallery, Manufacturer of and Dealer in ARTISTIC: PICTURE FRAMES, Youve CAS Bie DENG: Frames Regilded.Paintings Renewed. Pictures Artistically Arranged. and Picture Framing Choice Pictures at SWAIN’S, ee WEST FRONT. Artists’ Materials. Paintings Cleaned and Restored WOOLSTON @® BUCKLE, Painters and Decorators, 145 North Avenue, Plainfield. Recommend Longman Martinez Paints. ADAMS CHAPMAN, Millinery, Ti ABPANSIE IM ROUNIE = SR ae ar Stylish and Reasonable Whew MOG. A. Prospectus contains information of interest to you. Get a Copy 2 THE ORACLE Goto HARRY DREIER fryer Ske qting Goods. Peck Snyder Skates and Hockey Clubs. Prices Right. Full Line of Musical Instruments. 261-263 WEST FRONT STREET, ine) PLAINFIELD, N. J. MRS. LJ DEN TON, MULFORD ESTIL, y . Houseand Church Decorations | Bookseller and Stationer Cut Flowers fresh every day. Floral Design mm PARK AVENUE, Work a specialty. Southern Smilax at ten days’ notice. TEL. 731 306 W. FRONT Valentine Novelties, also Lace and Card Valentines HE PLAINFIELD TRUST COMPANY gives careful attention to all business committed to its charge | JAMES C. HANSEN, Painter and Paper Hanger, Photo raps i ee 3 Dealer in Paints, Oils, Varnishes, Brushes, LAN G KH O R N E Ss Picture Mouldings. I use and recommend Heath Milligan M’f’g Co’s Paints and Colors. Telephone Call 702 No. 141 EAST FRONT STREET Class Groups a Specialty ‘“ The Dry Goods Shopping Centre of New Jersey.” The Springtime Store. c@S2s Everything in the way of Spring and Summer wear is ready | for you. This is the birth-place of new fashions. | Ls S. PLAUT CO., 3 707 to 721 Broad Street, Newark ae Ralston Health Shoe 4s Baseball and Tennis Supplies. FOR MEN, ; WARM, WATERPROOF. HARPER'S, | JOHN H. DOANE. 411 Park Avenue, Plainfield, N. J. lait Pot Atentig,| Ripinticl@ NS Jiiseh | Ges, aie 0S ae ee 1903 OPENING DISPLAY 1903 Spring Wash Goods, Laces, Embroideries ond White Goods. We have this year the most complete line of Ginghams, Madras, Mer- eerized Goods, Basket Weave, etc., in the city. HILL SHUPP, 124-26-28 W. FRONT ST. Syndicate Stores: Wilmington, Morristown, Plainfield 6 TIDE ORACLE ae ““T am Sir Oracle, and when I ope my lips, let no dog bark.” BOARD OF EDITORS. Editor-in-Chief, ARTHUR F. CONANT, ’03. Literary Editor, HELEN C. Moopry, 03. Business Manager, ALDEN E. Moors, ’03. School Editor, Mary A. Gricés, ’o4. Ass’t Bus. Manager, GeorGe L. Bascock, ’o4. Corresponding Editor. EnvituH L. Jarvis, ’o3 Artand Exchange Editor Van Wyck Brooks, ’o4. Associate Editors, Mr. Linpsey Best. Miss Grace E. Buxroucus. STAFF OF REPORTERS ’o3. Harrizt C. RANDALL. G. ARCHIBALD BRAKELEY. or. Louise KLEIN. Harry G, THompson. ’o4. H. Mae Barcue or. Jose L. Tweepy. ’c6. Erne Bolce. SruarT FREEMAN. Published on the first Wednesday of every month during the school year, by the students of the Plainfield (N. J.) High School. Tuos. H. Srarrorp, Phe Printer, 125 East Front Street 10 CENTS PER COPY FIRST VOLUME 70 CENTS Vol. 1 February, 1903 No. 3 THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL. About three years ago the new High School was a topic of intense interest among us, and was dis- cussed with great vim and excite- ment. Gradually, however, the serious side of the subject was dropped, and the whole matter be- came a standing joke; the senti- ment of the whole school was ex- actly expressed when one of our number remarked that the new building would perhaps be finished in the year 2000! But, fellow- students, if we had looked into this matter more carefully, we would have soon discovered that our judgment was too hasty. In the first place the Board of Education has continually been doing every- thing within its power to have our new building started, and has, without doubt, been as much dis- appointed at the delay as have we ourselves. In the year 1900, at a meeting of + THE ORACLE the Board of Education, it was de- cided that a new High School build- ing was anecessity. It was furth- ermore decided that for the erection of a building which should accomo- date 500 pupils, make it possible to add a manual training depart- ment to the school, and keep all the departments up to the right standard, $100,000 would be re- quired. The Board gained the con- sent of the City Council to borrow the necessary sum; but, in the meantime, the state education law — was changed, and the action which the Board and Council had taken was deprived of all legal force. Again the Board of Education took up the matter, and was about to put it before the Council accord- ing to the new law, when, by legal proceedings which were being carried on in Jersey City, that new law was proved unconstitutional. In 1902 the defects therein were remedied by another law passed by the Legislature. And so, last fall, for a third time, the Board of Education attempted to secure the much-needed sum. But during the three years the cost of building material and labor had increased to such an extent that it was found that the sum of $125,- 000 was required. This amount was approved of by the Board of Estimate. At the present time the matter is in the hands of the Fi- nance Committee of the City Coun- cil, which is to arrange for the issu- ing of the necessary bonds, and hich is expected to report to the Council. And it has been learned from an authentic source that, if there are no further hindrances, we may hope to see, in the spring, the laying of the corner-stone, of the new Plainfield High School! THE HIGH SCHOOL BATTA- LION. The High School Battalion has been in existence since 1893. In that year the entir e school, both girls and boys, were instructed in the marchings and facings, by Mr. Travell and Mr. Hoick, the science teacher. Attheend of the vear a competitive drill was held between the girls and the boys, the result being declared a tie. Thefollowing year the same program was carried out, and in 1895-96, Captain Geo. i. Bdwards, N. G. N-3jjibecanic assistant instructor and organized a volunteer company, which was uniformed and held drills outside of the school hours. In the third year of military drill the girls ceased to drill. In the fall of 1899, by a vote of the school, and the approval of the Board of Education, the military drill became a part of the regular work, and Mr. A. B. Meredith was appointed Commandant. D. Town- send Mason was appointed Major. An exhibition drill was held in the spring, at which a fine standard was presented to the Battalion by Captain T. M. Horn, of the Engi- neer Corps, and a bugle was pre- sented by Mr. J. H. Harman. The next year there was small THE ORACLE 5 change in the officers positions, as most of the fellows remained in school. The same course was pursued as in the previous year. At the exhibition drill, Edson Davis, private Co. A, won the individual prize. Mr. C. E. Brooks presented us a pennant for the prize Company. When school opened in 1901, Whittier School, eighth grade, was permitted to drill, and was orga- nized into a separate company. Later in the year the men were placed into companies according to their height. With a much larger number of men, Mr. J. D. Macnab, the Commandant, was enabled to undertake many battalion move- ments which were formerly not possible and to prepare the Bat- talion for a very successful field day. This year Mr. Macnaband Major Murphey have planned to bring the Battalion to a higher standard of perfection and to further affiliate it with the school. Among the plans laid out for this year are the participating. in the competitive drill in Madison Square Garden in the spring, work in extended order and the sham battle. The fellows have turned out well to support the special company, but have been handicapped in having no drill-hall. We have yet before us the competition, the practice in extended order and the sham bat- tle. Let the fellows continue to support the organization with the best of their ability, and we shall have this year, the most successful in the history of the school. Miss Jessie Maclay, ’04, who was chosen School Editor of THE ORa- CLE, was compelled to resign be cause of long and _ severe illness. The Board of Editors immediately filled her position by the theelection of Miss Mary A. Griggs ’04. For the better and easier man- agement of THE ORACLE, it was decided at a recent meeting of the Board of Editors to have an Ex- change Editor. Van Wyck Brooks was chosen to become Exchange Editor, and it was decided to elect an assistant business manager to assume Mr. Brooks’ former duties as manager. George L. Babcock, 04, was elected to fill the position. THE ORACLE is indebted to Vin- cent B. Miner, ’03, for the photo- graph of the Basket-ball Team. Miss Vander Veer’s story which we print in this issue, took second prize last June. It surprises us that the readers of THE ORACLE, who pay a dollar for their annual subscription and refuse to accept the change, don’t feel like thirty cents. (See subscription price). It is interesting to note that all cheers for Dr. Lorenz began with ip, klipy Hips =x, 6 THE ORACLE G EIN E.R AL REE PC ORRasicS MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DI- RECTORS OF THE P.H.S A.A. The Board of Directors of the Athletic Association has been hold- ing a series of meetings lately, at which a great deal of business has been transacted. All the money matters of the year up to January have been cleared up and the re- ports of various committees re- ceived. Steps have been taken towards securing a permanent athletic field for the school. For several years there has been need of such a place, and the various teams have been somewhat handicapped by thelack oLit. Mr Traveland Mr. Best of the faculty, have been. appointed a committee to look into the mat- ter, and everything possible will be done well and quickly by them. Another action, which, it 1s hoped, will benefit the financialcon- dition of the Association, has been taken. The Secretary has been in- structed to write to the Glee Clubs of various colleges, asking their terms for a trip to Plainfield. The amount of money in the treasury is not large enough to carry through the season’s business, and the pro- jected entertainment must do much toward relieving that condition. A gift from the Class of 1903 of thirty-five dollars from the pro- ceeds of their recent play greatly gratified the Board. This money will be used mostly for base-ball purposes In looking over the constitution, the Board decided that a number of amendments and changes were necessary to strengthen it. The amendments decided upon were passed and placed before the Ath- letic Association at a special meet- ing. At an informal discussion held after one of the meetings, it was the general opinion that all those who had the right to wear the insignia of the school should be presented with the letters P. H.5S. from the Chapel platform on some special occasion. The Board isnow taking further action for improv- ing the athletic condition of the school, and all may be assured that the spring season will see still fur- ther changes tor the better. GAS Bi03: ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION MEETING. On Monday morning, January 12th, a meeting of the Athletic Association was called to order after the morning exercises. The object of the meeting was to make several changes in the headings of the constitution and in the rules concerning the winning of school and class numerals. There were four motions voted on. The two altering the headings of the consti- tution were passed almost unani- THE ORACLE i mously, that requiring all candi- dates for the school numerals to playinatleast half a schedule of not less than six games was defeated by a small majority. A fourth motion, requiring all applicants for num- erals to submit their claim to the Board of Directors in writing, was passed by a similarmajority. After the ballots had been taken the meeting adjourned indefinitely. AN IMPERSONATION OF LINCOLN. The school was delightfully sur- prised on Tuesday morning, Janu- ere eee ch, ary 20th, After a short singing period, Mr. Lewis introduced his friend Mr. Chapin, the eminent im- personator of Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Chapin spoke at some length on the lifeand character of the great Civil War statesman, and rendered a scene in the White House in which he portrayed at once the simplicity and the nobility of the man. Asan encore, he spoke the Gettysburg Oration. Mr. Chapin’s interpreta- tion was fully appreciated by the school, and when he depart- ed he left behind him a better knowl- edge of the great hero and his devo- tion to a noble cause. [eee Ace Y An Afternoon in an Attic. HE rain is falling with a slow, monotonous patter upon the roof. Outside everything is still,— there is no singing of birds or low- ing of cattle. All nature is drink- ing in the warm, refreshing rain of spring-time. Truly an idealday for rumaging in an attic. ITamat my grandmother’s home in the country,—a large, rambling farm-house, with such an attic; long and low, its dim recesses are full of suggestions of a past gener- ation. Its mysterious corners are festooned with dusty cobwebs, and the heavy rafters hold rich stores of fragrant fennel, boneset and yar- row. Surely no place could be more attractive to a lover of the old and romantic. Strings of pep- pers lend a touch of color to the dusty surroundings. In one dark corner the brass nails thickly stud- ding an old hair trunk gleam brightly. A little walnut cradle filled with books looks interesting. No doubt my Colonial ancestors were rocked to sleep in that very bed. The books within it are old, too; 1754 is printed on the cover of the top one. Overhead hangs a battered flint-lock. Ifit could only speak, how many stirring tales it might relate. My great-great- 8 THE ORACLE grandmother’s spinning - wheel stands under the eaves. Beside it rests a pair of dingy andirons. - Now if I were less truthful, I would go on and give descriptions and stories of these old things. But Iam a girl of principle, and cannot bring myself to describe as if pres- ent those things which are no more or which never did exist. For not a word of all I have said is true. In the first place it is a boiling-hot dayin May. The sun is pouring down upon the roof, and the tem- perature up here is surely 100°. I am, indeed, at my grandmoth- er’s, but her home is in town, not in the country. Not for a love of ancient relics have I come up here to roast. Iam not in the least sen- timental. No—my prize composi- tion is due on Monday, and but a few more days are left. I do not think this place could even be called an attic. Rather, it is a prosaic third story, cheerfully plastered, hopelessly commonplace. But one small room is given over to old furniture and rubbish. Cob- webs? Perish the thought! My grandmother would be_ horror- struck at the idea. Instead, traces of spring house-cleaning are seen everywhere. The tops of the chairs and tables are free from dust, and the sun shines clear through the one spotless window. It is too bad that my plans are so upset. I dearly love to be con- ventional. But, search as I may, I can find no cradle sacred to the baby-days of my ancestors. My own, even, was given away to the last rummage sale by my unsenti- mental mother. That Revolution- ary flint-lock is also lacking. Ican add nothing in the way of a re- cital of a skirmish or exciting ad- venture to swell the pages of my composition. Perhaps it is just as well though, for (tell it not in Gath), my Revolutionary ancestor was a Tory! Then my great-great- grandmother’s spinning-wheel, — oh, if that were only here. What stories I could tell of yards and yards of flax spun by untiring hands; of numerous wedding out- fits made for my great-aunts. But that, too, has been confiscated. The dingy andirons, which should rightly be found near the wheel, are, indeed, in the house, — but, alas, not in the attic. Instead, all bright and shining, they stand con- spicuously in the parlor grate. But my case may not be hopeless. In the corner I see a pile of books which look ragged and degenerate enough to be fifty years old, at least. Perhaps upon investigation I may be able to find one thing sug- gestive of the traditional garret. What dismay strikes me as I ex- amine the title of the first book. ‘‘She’’ stares at me from the torn paper cover. Atthesecond, ‘‘ Peck’s Bad Boy,” I give up in despair. But I am not discouraged long. The sight of a trunk causes me re- newed hope. To be sure, it bears no resemblance to the ideal hair chest to which my great-grandpar- ents entrusted their possessions on THE ORACLE 2) their stage coach journeys. This one is of the new-fashioned steamer variety, well pas'ed over with for- eign labels. But who knows? per- haps something old lies hidden there, and I can ill afford to let any chance slip by. An odor of iaven- der is given off as I open the trunk. This is encouraging. In all I have read on the subject, the old dresses and bonnets have always ‘“‘shed a delicious perfume of thyme and lav- ender.’”’ And yes, on the very top, wrapped in a sheet yellow with age, lies a bundle labeled ‘‘Old Suits,” which brings joy to my downcast heart. At last, here is the very thing I have been looking for. In describing and inventing stories about these ancient gowns I can write, at least, three hundred words, and fill up the required space. Why, how queer they are! they seem,—yes, they are made of blue flannel. Can it be that my ancestors wore these things! Oh, horrers! they are bathing-suits. Angrily I throw them aside. Then with both hands hurl out reck- lessly package after package of last sum mer's dresses, last winter’s coats, old party gloves and fans. At the very bottom, gleaming up at me maliciously, their dented sides seemingly forming leering mouths, lie—two ping pong balls! This is the most unkindest cut of all. I have given up in despair. I wipe the perspiration from my brow and descend the stairs in deep dejection. Where, oh where, can I find the old-fashioned garret? I fear that it has disappeared, to- gether with the tallow candle and spinning-wheel. Surely no greater gulf exists between stage-coach days and the twentieth century than that which separates my grandmother’s third-story from the traditional attic. ELIZABETH VANDER VEER, ’02. TWILIGHT. Stately and tall, above the snowy ground Rise the bare branches toward the wintry sky, Cold is the air and still, while in the west Slowly the crimson fires of sunset die. Through leafless boughs glows pale the even- ing star; Earth in its spotless robes of virgin white Lying all-hushed beneath the bending skies, Breathless awaits the coming of the night. Soon shall she softly come on dusky wings, Wrapped in her misty draperies safe from harms; Eerth, like a tired child, shall sink to rest, Lying within her soft-encircling arms. JO, Nh Beh, OBE THE DEATH OF THE GRIND. Lines occasioned by reading an editorial in the January ORACLE. ‘“Tet me write the school song and I care not who gets “A.”’ The grind he read these stirring words and put his books away. ‘The person who can write that song I know is surely m72e. Oh, I will write that school song; my A’s Ill let them B.”’ He chose a long black pencil, which he chewed most earnestly, His studies were forsaken, and he said, “Ill haventouCa.” All his pride he lost in lessons, and he cried pathetic’lly : “Tf I could write that school song, I’d lay me down to D.” Vain he called on all the them most eagerly. ¥ ; Thin he grew until he faded far into eternit-H. muses, called on And they heard him palely murmur as they bore his shade away — -O let me write that school song, and I care not who gets A.” D. W., 03. 10 THE ORACLE eWeek) Ear IN | N= Os ills Among those who have recently visited the High School are the fol- lowing alumni: Miss Margaret Abbot, Holyoke ’06; Miss Edna Burr, Holyoke ’05; Miss Evelyn Locke, Miss Emily Runyon, Miss Cora Harris; Miss Angie Kuhl, Wellesley 03; Walter Squires, Will- iams ’04; Lawrence Tweedy, Prin- ceton 05; Harold Nomer, Williams °06; Lindon Bridgeman; and Irwin Leland, Williams ’06. °78. — Mrs. Ulrich (Miss Bessie Kenyon) has written a popular holiday book called ‘The Boy and the Tree,’’ published by Crowel Company. ’86.—Fred T. Cuthbert is Man- ager of the Manhattan Oil Com- pany, at Lima, Ohio. °89.—Alfred E. Holmes, Princeton ’94. has been admitted to the bar, and is practicing law in New York City, ‘91.—Miss Marion B. Nevi us has a Government position at Wash- ington, D: CG. 793. — Miss Ariadne Gilbert is teachingat the Bryn Mawr Prepar- atory School, Baltimore, and is taking a course in Freshman Eng- lish, under Professor French, at Johns Hopkins University. In a recent examination in that subject she received highest rank in the class. ’94, — Albert E. Woltman has gone to Africa in the interest of the Standard Oil Company. ’94.—W.E. C. Leonard is study- ing ancient and modern languages in Germany. ’94.—Norman Probasco is prac- tising medicine in Plainfield. °95.—H. B. Drake has recently been promoted to the position of cloth expert for the American Wool- en Company, New York. ’96. — Charles Squires, Williams ’00,is studying medicine at Cornell. ’96.—Fred Squires, Williams, ’00, is studying architecture at Colum- bia. ’'97.— H. Oscar Nightingale, ex ’97, has returned, after spending three years abroad on business. ’98.— Rhey Snodgrass has re- turned to Plainfield from Boston, where he has been spending a few weeks. ’98.—Miss Clara Long is teach- ing kindergarten in New York City. ’99,—Will Fisher, Rutgers ’03, is captain of the baseball team and a member of the Glee Club. ’00.—Miss Ruth P. Maxson, who has been detained at home by ill- ness, has returned to Smith College. OL. — CC. As Brooks, Princeton 05, whois, on the Board. of the Princeton Tiger and the Bric-a- Brac, is also a member of the Banjo Club of Princeton University. THE ORACLE al: ‘Ode “Parsone) janes ghas. re turned from East Aurora, New York, where he has been ‘helping Fra Albertus run the Roycroft Shop.” 7O1.—A. M. Tweedy, Princeton 05, is on the Board of the Prince- ton Bric-a-Brac. ’02.—Miss Mabel Jenkins, Pratt Institute ’04, is captain of the Jun- ior Domestic Science Class Basket Ball Team. ’02.—Miss Alice Brick, Trenton Normal ’04, is captain of her class Basket Ball Team and Military Company. 702- Arthur i, Denton, captam of last year’s Basket Ball Team, has been elected captain of the Y. M.C. A. Basket Ball Team. ALUMNUS LETTER. WILLIAMS COLLEGE. To the Editor of THE ORACLE: Nothing pleases the loyal alum- nus more than signs of progress in his Alma Mater; and I think no alumni are more loyal than those who have recently been undergrad- uates, inasmuch as they are per- sonally acquainted with a large part of the student body. Of the many advancements which the vears 1902-3 have witnessed at the High School I am especially glad to see this most important one of all. Icall it the most importacxt, because it has the widest influence. College must have been rather lonesome at first to the fellow who had to pass a whole term without ® hearing anything about his pre- paratory school. However, if he had the good fortune to come to Williams, he could not have felt this lonesome feeling very long. Scenery, the air of congeniality and rare mountain breezes, all would have combined to dispel his un- pleasant thoughts and to fill him with overwhelming joy for the very privilege of spending four years of his unfolding life in this most picturesque spot of all Massa- chusetts. Williamstown is a characteristic New England village, with a Post- Office and four or five stores, but its situation is admirable. Nestled at the feet of high mountains which surround it on every side, it pre- sents a view, which, for its charm and grandeur, can never be forgot- ten by those who have once seen it. The highest peak in Massachusetts, old Greylock, raises its gigantic head to the south. We have here a special holiday called Mountain Day, set apart for climbing this hoary monarch. The view from its summit is beyond the power of description. Let it suffice to say that five states, the Hudson River, the White Mountains and the Catskills are clearly visible. If you are a mountain climber, imagi- nation will do the rest. But, perhaps, the Freshman of whom we were speaking was not susceptible to the beauties of nat- ure. In that case he would have enjoyed the engagements which he had with the several Fraternities, 12 for, during the first few days, they ‘rush the Freshmen.’’ The process of rushing is like this: there are about ten Fraternities here and each one has its house. These houses are large and well-furnished, and each has its dining-room, libra- ry, parlor, studies and bedrooms. Here they entertain almost all the members of the Freshman Class, and it is then they choose whom they think will be congenial com- panions and prove an honor to their Chapter. About half the students at Will- iams never make a Fraternity, and for them are reserved the pleasures of dormitory life. This for a Fresh- man is a very exciting existence— at least, the Sophomores try to make it so, and they generally suc- ceed. The dormitory in which I live was built in 1790; its walls are two feet thick; its stairs are iron-plated; the college carpenter replaces all glass broken free of charge; it is stove-heated and lan- tern-lighted; and it is quite an easy matter and makes quite a sensa- tion when a ‘‘Soph”’ accidentally (?) lets a coal-hod, or even a stove, fall down the iron-plated stairs about midnight when the Fresh- man is asleep. From the standpoint of learning, Williams has a fine reputation. Her alumni are living proofs, and I will THE ORACLE mention two examples: President James A. Garfield, Class of ’56, and Mr. I. W. Travell, Class of ’90. The Freshman soon realizes that this reputation has to be upheld, either by the amount of work he has to do or by another much more severe way. The Deantold a’06 mana day or so ago, that he expected forty of our Class to ‘‘flunk out’’ at the semi-annual examinations. So you see we live as strenuous a life here as President Roosevelt Goes Jat ties White Houses. but there is this consolation, that the Williams graduate has a world- wide reputation for his vast fund of useful knowledge. Not long before Christmas, Mr. Travell visited again the scenes of his college days, and incidentally us who profited by his able instruc- tion at the High School. Right here let me say, that we are much indebted to Mr. Travell and the other members of the faculty; for we who have left their class-rooms find ourselves better prepared for college work than, perhaps, two- thirds of our classmates. Your alumni at Williams con- gratulate you on the first two issues of your paper, and wish you the very highest success possible in the fu- ture. Haroutp A. NoMER, ’02. JANUARY 24, 1903. THE ORACLE S3C. EROe Ol: 13 NOG fk. Ss SENIOR. ’03.—After paying allthe expenses ofthe play the Senior Class had about $100 in the treasury. It was voted to set aside $15 for Class Day, to give $35 to the Athletic Association and to use the remain- ing $50 for pictures and casts to be presented to the school. Excellent pictures of the clowns and the entire caste of the Senior play can be can purchased of Vin- cent Miner. JUNIOR. The Class of ’04 is following in the steps of the Seniors in taking a sufficiently long time to decide the weighty question of an entertain- ment. ‘SOPHOMORE. | Chester Briggs dislocated his jaw while playing in a wild game of hockey on Tier’s Pond. ’05.—Harold Robert is recover- ing from an operation for appendi- citis. FRESH M AN a ’06.—Charles Titsworth, who has been in northern New York since last June in pursuit of health, is back again at school. STUDENT GOVERNMENT NOTES. The School Senate passed regu- lations to prevent unnecessary loitering about the building. Here- after teachers and senators are em- powered to place offenders under a ban, requiring them to gain per- mission to leave the study period and to register before leaving. The first meeting of the newly appointed body of Tribunes was held on Wednesday, January 14th, with Mr. Harold Fenno as tem- porary chairman. The only busi- ness was the election of officers. Mr. Albert Beers was elected Chief of Tribunes, and Mr. Charles F. Neagle, secretary. After the Presi- dent of the Senate had spoken a few words to the Tribunes the meeting was adjourned. P.H.S. A.A. NOTES. BASKET-BALL. HiGH SCHOOL WINS AN EXCITING GAME From BusInEss MEN, 12—11. On January 7, the Basket-ballteam played its second game of the sea- son, defeating the Business Men’s Class of-the Y. M. C. A: by the margin of one point. The game was a see-saw from beginning to end, Sheppard throwing the win- ning goalin the last half-minute of play. The team work of the fel- lows was a great improvement over that shown at Jersey City; and Sheppard’s accurate goal- shooting decided the result. The line-up was: 14 HIGH SCHOOL. BUSINESS MEN. Munro genet Peterson Thompson Hey Browning (Sheppard) (Doane) Collier oe Travell (Browning) Meeker, Capt. ta. Whitford (Thompson) Miner lee. Spicer LEAL’S DEFEATS THE HIGH SCHOOL, 9-7. The Basket-ball team met the Leal’s School team at the Y.M. C. A. gymnasium in the first of the series of games to be played this season, on Friday, January 16. A large gallery of people who are in- terested in the schools’ rivalry watched the game; anda bigcrowd of ‘‘rooters’’ from ‘each school velled vigorously for their teams. When the men lined up for the first half, it was seen that our oppon- ents had the advantage in both weight and height; that was not, however, an important factor in the first part of the game. Both teams went into the game with a dash and a spirit that reminded one of the grinding contests of last year.. The High School’s excellent team work more than offset Leal’s advantages, and the first half ended 3-1 in our favor, Captain Meeker throwing a goal from the field and another froma foul. In the second half Leal’s took an immense brace, and for the first five minutes played all around our THE ORACLE team. Their superior team play, however, did not net them much; for most of their points were made from fouls, of which all our players were more or less guilty, Munro in particular being responsible for the first three points scored against us. At theend of the half our team work improved somewhat, but the lead was too great to over- come,- and the game ended with Leal’s two points ahead. Meeker played an excellent game, scoring all the points for the High School. Thompson also deserves credit for the able way in which he played. Doane and R. Abbott were the stars on Leal’s team, a nd their brace in thesecond half contributed largely to our defeat. The line-up was: HIGH SCHOOL. LEAL’S. Munro ey ae Doane Sheppard les R. Abbott Meekers(Capt=) ec: G. Abbott (Capt) Thompson fos Bigelow Miner 1. g. Schoonmaker HOCKEY. The Hockey team holds daily practices when the condition of the ice permits. Hyde’s Pond is open to the young ladies of the school. ’04 has a Hockey team and ex- pects to challenge all the teams in this part of the country, college teams especially. Francis Ander- son has been elected Captain, and Frank Lock, Manager. THE ORACLE 06 is organizing a Hockey team. There is good material in the Class, and the boys are confident of de- feating ’04. SCHOOL vs. ’O4. The School Hockey team played the ‘OL team at Hyde’s Pond on January 19. In two fifteen-minute halves, the School made three goals. Two of these were made by Van Auken and one by W. Douglass. Two of the School’s best forwards, Craig and Rocap, were absent, and that is one reason why the regular team did not make more goals. Most of the playing was in ’O4 territory, and Neagle and Long did some very good work, break- ing up the School team’s plays. One great fault of both teams was the forward passing. VARSITY O04 W. Douglass forward Slauson R. Meeker forward Long VanAuken forward Anderson Daniel forward Lock Ulrich overpoint Neagle Tweedy point Bingaman and Yaeger Bock goal Koons HIGH SCHOOL, 2... N. P. H, S$, 0: On Tuesday afternoon, the 20th, our Hockey team defeat- ed the North Plainfield High School on Hyde’s Pond by the score of 2-0. The game was extremely rough from start to finish, Captain VanAuken being ruled out for un- necessary roughness. Play in the first half was very even, neither side scoring. In the second half, 15 by some skillful playing, Ulrich scored for the High School, andjust before the close of the game Craig scored, making the final score 2-0 in our favor. Most of the time the puck was in the Borough School’s territory. Ulrich was the High School’s star, and wasinstrumental in allthe tallying. The line-up was: HIGH SCHOOL. INE, 1h Isle 6 Craig forward McLaughlin Daniel torward Baldwin VanAuken forward Adams (Douglass) Meeker forward Quaker Ulrich cover-point Humble Tweedy point Armstrong Bock goal George Umpire: Mr. Lindsey Best. BASE BALL. Interest in base-ball has already been aroused, and indoor practice will be started early in February. This is a new departure; but if the building which the manager has in view can be secured the team will be greatly benefited. Manager Munro has commenced his sched- ule, which is already a strong and hard one. Games with Montclair, Newark High, and Brooklyn Boys High are now for us, and will ex- cite great interest. The schedule is as follows: April 4, Pingrey, Elizabeth; April 8, Westerleigh Coll., Plainfield ; April 11, Boys’ High School, Brooklyn. April 15, 9N. Paras ; Plainfield; May 2 Newark High, Newark; May 20, Montclair High, Plainfield; May 30, Rutgers Prep., Plainfield; June 6, Morristown School, Morristown. 16 115 PARK AVENUE. J. HERVEY DOANE, Jeweler and Optician, Eyes Examined Free. REPAIRING of Watches and French Clocks a Specialty. THE ORACLE Come to Peck’s. GOO VAIS: 103 PARK AVENUE E. B. MAYNARD, Thcunvstevetedl Slicenei, The best service in town. 141 NORTH AVENUE, PLAINFIELD GEORGE VOERIe ws ( pA S | N O Season of 1902 1903 “39 RENOVATED AND IMPROVED in every way. Unsurpassed facilities for Social Events, Meet- ings, Receptions, Entertainments and Bowling. Book- ings and Engagements secured on application at Busi- ness Office, Arlington Avenue and West Seventh St. MAZE EDWARDS, Manacer. 127 West Front Street Baker and Confectioner WELEEIAMSP VANGEPRS. Mandolinist, Overtaken? Yes! Soloist and Teacher. Dealer in Mandolins. 58 WESTERVELT AVE., PAPE ME TOTS. PLAINFIELD, N. J. Pains and Aches have caught me. Remember at ie W. RANDOLPH’S GLEN PHARMACY Relief awaits thee Exchange. We beg to acknoweldge the reeeipt of the following exchanges: Will iams’ Weekly, Searchlight, Blue and White, Triangle, Berkeley Folio, Exonian, Spectator (Trenton), Sig- nal, University School Record, Quiver, Distaff, Lealonian, Old Hughes. We thank our exchanges very heartily for their kind reception of our paper. Such a magazine as the University School Record delights our heart. In Geometry Class : Miss Patton will you please criticise Mr. Mur- phey’s figure ? Wanted, by the Senior Greek Class, a good-natured “‘nurse”’ for the poetry ”’ days. N. B.—We wrote it “muse!” In Cesar class: Miss Lovell (translating) Czeesar pitched his camp in the valley. Mr. Best (from Physical Geogra- phy, across the hall), Of the Dela- ware River. Wt Nt ih ae ey ials Asa gh ah HINER RUAN Pa anh i Res ya a 4A f ha tay ve vat aah os The ORACLE PE AUN bob ETD “New JERSEY MARCH 1903 TMiE- ORACLE 1 At NEUMAN BROS., 501-503 Watchung Ave., The Leading Grocers, You can always find every possible delicacy. FRU ITS --- Foreign and Domestic Heke Gayle MatdwarceCoe pee ere General Hardware, Stoves, House Furnishing Goods, Tel. 682. FRONT ST. ann PARK AVE. Demestic minis hb: H. W. MARSHALL, Proprietor American Steam Laundry, vy hy 122 East FRONT STREET. De Wirt C. Ivins. TELEPHONE 44 De WITT C. IVINS CO., Lumber, Goal and Masons’ Supplies, 20m TO, 31 WEA GEIUING, SANV Ee: M. C.; VAN ARSDALE, Sboe and Rubber Distributor; 127 EAST FRONT ST. PLAINFIELD A. C. BLAIR, Livery and Boarding Stables, 1144 WEST SIXTH STREET TELEPHONE 152 EUDEeEhFAROGrHsS, 135 North Ave. and 216 Watchung Ave. Fine Confectionery at Watchung Avenue Store Plainfield Art Gallery, Manufacturer of and Dealer in ARTISTIC PICTJURE FRAMES, Wa IMI. Tee Jas, TEUOLIBMON Ge Frames Regilded. Paintings Renewed. Pictures Artistically Arranged. Choice Pictures at SWAIN’S, ore and Picture Framing WEST FRONT. Artists’ Materials. Paintings Cleaned and Restored WOOLSTON @ BUCKLE, Painters and Decorators, 145 North Avenue, Plainfield. IN STOCK 1903 WALL PAPERS ADAMS CHA€@PMAN, ee willimery. Reasonable ima EAST FRONT STREET. Tre Second Entertainment in the Supplemental Course of pe dele Ce A= willabe eiviens byseGlElaIL is oF. UNDERHILL, who will give Sheridan’s great comedy, “The Rivals.” Miss Branca Ho.tey will sing. Admission, 35 cents 2 THE ORACLE Goto HARRY DREIER _ _ |MPERIAL BICYCLES and Sundries. Plainfield Agent A. G. Spalding Bros’ Baseball and Tennis Goods and Supplies. All kinds of Sporting Goods, Musical Instruments, etc. 261-263 WEST FRONT STREET, PLAINFIELD, N. J. PROF. AUSTIN, Boot Black Parlor, 230 PARK AVENUE. MULEORD ho] LE, Bookseller and Stationer mr PARK AVENUE. Boots called for, shined and delivered Valentine Novelties, also Lace and Card Valentines | Pays 3 per cent. interest OAL Ce THE PLAINFIELD TRUST COMPANY | O. T. WARING, PRESIDENT +e JAMES C. HANSEN, Photogr apbs CI siyues at WALL PAPER, LANGHORNE’S Painter and Paper Hanger, Telephone Call 702 Class Groups a Specialty : NO. 141 EAST FRONT STREET The Springtime Store. oer ieee icay ae: cest collection of strictly de- pendable Spring and Summer merchandise in all New Jersey. Every novelty is added as fast as fashion nods approval. The garment, dress fabric, wash goods, lace and millinery sections are all attired in their Springtime attire. L. S. PLAUT C0., 3 707 to 721 Broad Street, Newark EEN Ralston Health Shoe %§ Baseball and Tennis Supplies. FOR MEN. WARM, WATERPROOF, HARPER'S, 411 Park Avenue, Plainfield, N. J. | JOHN H. DOANE. Plainfield’s Largest Department Store WI) HILL SHUPP For the Boys. A complete line of Negligee Shirts, latest and finest pat- terns. Spring line of Neckwear. For the Girls. The finest showing of the season of White Goods, Wash Goods, Laces, Embroideries, etc. 6 The ORACLE ““T am Sir Oracle, and when I ope my lips, let no dog bark.” ae BOARD OF EDITORS. Editor-in-Chief, ARTHUR F. CONANT, ’03. Literary Editor, HELEN C. Moopey, 03. Business Manager, ALDEN E. Moors, ’03. School Editor, Mary A. GrRiG6s, ’o4. Asst Bus. Manager, GeorGeE L. Bascock, ’o4. Corresponding Editor. Epitu L. Jarvis, ’os Artand Exchange Editor Van Wyck Brooks, ’o4. Associate Editors, Mr. Linpsey BEsrt. Miss Grace E, BurrouGus. STAFF OF REPORTERS 03. Harriet C. RANDALL. G. ARCHIBALD BRAKELEY. o5. Louise KLEIN. Harry G. THompson, og. H. Mare BartcHELor. Jose L. Tweepy. ’06. Erne Bolick. SruarT FREEMAN. Published on the first Wednesday of every month during the school year, by the students of the Plainfield (N. J.) High School. Tuos. H. STAFFORD, The Printer, 125 East Front Street 10 CENTS PER COPY FIRST VOLUME 70 CENTS Wool. 1 March, 1903 Nu. 4 1) D I ‘ly O R I A L S MARCH. March is here! March, the most dreaded and most abused month of all the vear. But little good and much evil has ever been ascribed to this month. It is proverbially fickle and changeable, not seeming to know its own mind. Even in olden times March had such a rep- utation for stormy and inclement weather, that if the first three days of April were stormy, March was said to borrow them from April, that he might extend his power so much longer. ‘‘March horrows three days from April and they are ill,’”’ runs the old English and Scot- tish proverb. ‘The first it shall be wind and weet, The next it shall be snow and sleet, The third it shall be sic a freeze Sall gar the birds stick to the trees.” The primary cause for the no- toriety which March has gained seems to be the fierce, bitter blasts. What is more exasperating than to be compelled to chase one’s hat a block or two before an unexpect- +: THE ORACLE ed puff of wind? The hat seems to be possessed by an evil spirit. Dancing this way and that, elud- ing each vain attempt to recover it on the part of the pursuer, it mer- rily makes it way down the street, until its motive power, the wind, is exhausted. Surely it is captured now, for the pursuer is about to pick it up at his leisure. But a gust snatches it up and the per- formance is repeated. This is but one unpleasant phase of the detestable weather occurring in this ill-omened month. Whata pleasure it is to go out into the fields and meadows and country roads and observe the workings of “Mother Nature”’ just after one of the freakish thaws of March! The ground is a veritable quagmire ; the whole earth is a slippery, treacherous mass of mud. One is sure to take home a goodly quan- tity of “terra firma” upon his boots. These are the things we take par- ticular notice of if we are pessi- mistically inclined, but we can find a bright side to March as well asa dark side. Where can this bright side be better seen than in a Maine sugar camp, especially at the time of “‘sugaring off?” There we may see a grand invasion of the camp by a score or more of young folks coming to the feast. Then the hot syrup is cooled into dabs of waxy sugarin sap-tubs filled with clean snow, and each tub is the center of merry-making, and the woods ring awth an unwonted clamor of jest and laugh and song. What a con- trast to the scenes described above! This is but one incident to show that while some may hold this month in greatest dread, there are some who look forward to the same period as a time of pleasure. Let us hope that the present March may not live up to its proverbial reputation, and thatthe transition between winter and spring may be more pleasant than usual. Ne Cees. THE COMING ELECTIONS. The elections for the Editorial Board occur on next Friday. There are five editors to be elected by the school-at-large, two from the Jun- ior class, two from the Sophomore class and one from the Freshman class. The candidates are to be chosen from a list prepared by the principal. These candidates are selected for the following reasons. First, be- cause of their excellence in English, especially that of composition. And second, because of the support they have given the paper in the past. It is obvious that no person can be acandidate for election un- less he is up to grade in all his studies. These are the reasons that influ- ence the selection of students for election, and these very same rea- sons should be used in deciding up- on your choice. Make your choices for editors those whose literary, critical, and executive ability are undeniable. By literary ability we THE ORACLE 5 mean as we have just said, general excellence in English composition. By critical ability we mean the power to read through a compo- sition and see both the good points and the bad. We a'so consider it essential that the ability to choose that which will please the largest number of people, be also combined with the power to analyze. By ex- ecutive ability we mean the ability to manage and carry out. It is the essential characteristic of all per- sons who are to manage anything for the benefit of a large number of people. If your choice is made on the ba- sis just explained you are bound to have a new Board of Editors whose success can well be predicted at once. This last requisite, that of execu- tive ability, is the basis upon which candidates for business and as- sistant business manager are select- GENERAL ed. There is no restriction as to classes in this-election; the clause which governs this election, says: ‘The business manager and _ assist- ant business manager shall also be elected by the majority vote of the school, but from a separate list of nominees made by the Principal. Of the candidates receiving majori- tes, the one receiving the greatest shall become business manager; the one receiving the next highest, shall become assistant business manager.” In your choice for managers you should choose persons who com- bine with executive ability a pleas- ing address. It is absolutely neces- sary for the financial success of a publication such as ours, that the managers be able to present their requests ina pleasant and accept- able manner. A courteous demeanor and a ready wit combined with ex- ecutive ability are the prime re- quisites of such offices. REPORTS FROM DAY TO DAY. On January 29, the Anniversary of the late President McKinley’s death, Mr. Travell read us a por- tion of the toast given by Presi- dent Roosevelt at a dinner in Can- ton. We afterwardssang America. February 4, we listened to the well-known words, ‘Stand in your places until you have an oppor- tunity to march.” February 11, we should have cel- ebrated Lincoln’s Birthday, but as it was examination day, nothing could be allowed to interfere with such an important subject. -How- ever, fifteen minutes were giventoa talk on Lincoln’s character and to the singing of patriotic songs. Mr. Travell, speaking of Lin- coln’s Birthday: ‘‘On this day we think of the events that are link- (linc) ed with the life of this man.” From the 9th to the 18th of Feb- 6 THE ORACLE ruary, we heard nothing but groans and sighs and questions: ‘‘ What answer did you have?” ‘What did that word mean?” ‘‘ That terrible fourth question!” ‘‘I didn’t half finish!’’ ‘‘Mine was all wrong!” Wash taiceawiul:. oe Dide you pass?’ The reason — examina- tions. DIRECTORS’ MEETING. At a recent meeting of the Board of Directors of the Athletic Associa- tion the resignation of H.S. Munro as manager of the baseball team was received, and was accepted with regret by the Board. The resignation was caused by an over- pressure of school work. Mr. Mun- ro is greatly to be commended for the fine schedule of games he has already filled out. A. D. Beers,’03, was selected to fill the vacancy. WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY. On the Friday before Washing- ton’s Birthday, exercises were held to celebrate the birthdays of both Lincoln and Washington. Alden E. Moore, ’03, and Francis K. Anderson, ’04, delivered the decla- mations, the former on the Immor- tality of Washington, the latter on the Lives and Works of Washing- ton and Lincoln. Mr. Anderson’s declamation, although long, was given with an ease and emphasis that made it very impressive. Mr. Travell gave a short talk, telling what lessons we could and should draw from the lives of the two men who did most to form and to save the nation.A number of appropri- ate songs were sung by the school. Mr. Best explained the meaning of ‘“‘The Colombo Breakwater,”’ one of the pictures recently pur- chased for the school. As Mr. Best spent two years in Ceylon, he could assure us of the accuracy of the photograph and its value. STUDIES COME F!RST. Students who neglect their les- sons for glory on the athletic fields, behind the footlights or elsewhere, have been suddenly halted by the following resolution passed at the February meeting of the Board of Education. ‘Resolved, That the Board of Education does not approve of par- ticipation in the athletic and allied interests (literary and social) of the High School. by students whose work is unsatisfactory, and that the principal be directed to require satisfactory school work ofstudents as acondition for participation in such interests.” This is an epoch making act and its effect is already noticeable. It is wonderful how some of our fel- lows who are athletic or nothing, have suddenly taken to their books. It is very certain that ifthey study as hard as they play, those who do not know what football is like but can decline ‘‘ Tros”’ backward, will soon be hustling for the extra vale- dictories. The cigarette cough is the hack which precedes the hearse.—Ex. THE The Lotos Glee Club, of which Mr. Lewis is a member, gave a most successful entertainment be- fore an audience of students at William’s College, on Thursday evening, Feb. 12. (See Wiulliam’s Weekly. SENATE ELECTION. In the election for Senators held on February 13th, no one received a majority. But on February 24th, the following Senators were elected. SENIOR. JUNIOR. Ethel Rogers Anna Randall Norman Hill Francis Anderson SOPHOMORE. FRESHMAN. Anna Runyon Nellie Giles Chest-r Briggs Jack Douglass L I ORACLE fi As yet no one has been chosen president of the Senate. MEETING OF THE P.H.S.A.A. At a recent important meeting of theme stliae Se Acar As ether constitu- tional amendment, providing that no person should receive the in- signia of the P. H. S. A. A. who has not played in at least one-half of the regularly scheduled games of the team of which he is a member, was again proposed, and this time accepted. The vote to fill the va- cancy in the Board of Directors caused by the resignation of R. W. Meeker failed to result in an elec- tion, as no candidate received a majority. Translation From Homer. (Lines 455 to 466, Book II., of the Iliad. ) S when a vast conflagration consumes an infinite forest, Just as the gleam of the burning is seen on the top of the mountain, So through the air flashes the light, reflected off from the armor, Off from the brazen mail of the host of the long-haired Achaeans. Like to the numerous flocks, flying hither and yon with a clamor, Geese, Swans, and long-necked Cranes, by the spring of the Kaystros, Loud resounds all the plain, as they sweep to the earth in confusion; So, from the ships and the huts,came the Grecian host and their numbers Were as the leaves of the trees, and the flowers that bloom in the spring- isihaavors Mightily shook all the ground ’neath the feet of the men and the horses. A. E. Moore, ’08. 8 THE Athletic Versus Intellectual. O a mental observer, the pre- dominance of athletic over in- tellectual diversion in our schools and colleges must seem very extraordinary. So vast is that pre- dominance and apparently so ap- proved, that we have come to take for granted the existence of a thor- oughly organized system of ath- letics in every school. Now we would not for a moment depreciate the efficacy of athletics as an aid to physical training and good health and as a means of enjoyment. In both its purposes, its object is ex- cellent. As a necessity, some form of athletics must enter to a certain extent into the lives of every man, woman and child of what age so- ever. But after it has been em- ployed sufficiently to support health, its indispensability is done away with. Considered asa branch of training, athletics is a means for an end, and that end, the forma- tion of a vigorous and healthy physical frame. But when we make athletics its own end, we sink to the indulgence of brute force. We do not here refer to those whose profession it is to develop the phy- sique, and who fulfill a very neces- sary function, but to those whose whole lives are devoted to the mus- cular development of their bodies and who have no other purpose than making a livelihood by the mere display of their animal power. ORACLE What can be more degraded than this last type of man, an example of which is the prize-fighter. He is one whose only ambition is to at- tain that in which he will inevit- ably be excelled by the dumb brute. As the power ofimmense strength was given to the lower animals, so the power of thought was given to man. It would seem therefore, that for every human being, no matter what his constitution, there should be found some phase of intellectual activity which, by calli ng his divine powers into requisition, would be more thoroughly and more lasting- ly enjoyable. The value of intel- lectual training cannot be overesti- mated. As ameans of enjoyment it opens to the scholar the beauties of literature, art and a full appreci- ation of music—pleasures which, in- asmuch more as they are refined, are so much more delightful. As an essential to success,mental train- ing is absolutely indisputable— whether success in business, in a learned profession, or in the arts is desired. But the very name, training, betrays the fact that it aims to accomplish some end. The aim of physical training is to pro- duce a sound body; the aim of men- tal training a vigorous mind,which in its turn produces happiness. But we will lay aside the relative values of these two branches of cul- ture. Itistheascendency in the pop- ular mind of the enjoyment of ath- letics, over that of more thoughtful recreations that we deplore. With- out doubt the cultivation of ath- THE ORACLE 9 letics has become very wide-spread in the last few years—we speak here of athletics purely as a means of diversion. It has become so uni- versal that men even enter college to o btain a full enjoyment of it. Thousands and tens of thousands of teams for playing every conceiv- able game under the sunare formed every year, often among men who, apart from the charm of the game, would care little for physical train- ing. The advocates of continual athletics—and thev are the over- whelming majority of the young people of this country—will bring forward a hunired arguments to support their hobby—what is more important than keeping the body vigorous? What is more conducive to active school spirit? What other recreation can we have after the disagreeable duties of school ? To this last argument we would suggest the formation of drama- tic, debating and literary societies, literary publications, and reading clubs. Inall this list there should be found someinstitution which might help to supply the demand. No doubt recreation is indispensable; and we should be hypocritical in- deed to give the impressionthat we advocate continual labor. But they are mistaken who think that because theirschvol books are disa- greeable, they cannot obtain pleas- ure from any other thoughtful or literary sources. Of these persons I would ask whether there are no dis- agreeable moments in a purely phy- sical life. For instance, would it not be extremely uncomfortable to rolla two hundred pound boulder up a hill with a taskmaster behind to goad one on? In somewhat similar light may stand the uncon- genialties of school work compared with infinite delight of browsing in- discriminately among the treasures of a library. VAN Wyck Brooks, ’04. Ed. note.—The editor would like to hear from those of the opposite opinion. PiremVialikinat =o story: 66 F NEVER gotfooled before like | I did this mornin’. It was ltke this: Yer .see Iwas a’comin’ down the road an’ I seen a big fat possum a-sneakin’ along in the gutter. I says to myself,.‘I guess you are the feller that’s been stealing my chickens, aint you? Wal, Ill put an end to ye, ve mean, sneakin’ thief,’ and I jumped out o’ the wagon in double-quick time, and walloped the blame thing over the head a couple o’ times with the hoss-whip. He jest slunk down in a heap, playin’ dead, but hecouldn’t fool me. No, sir. I grabbed him by the hind legs and whacked his brains out with a club, andchucked him in a box in the back o’ the wagon. “ Wal, when I’d gone ’long about amiie or so,I heard a kind of a scratchin’ noise in the back o’ the wagon. Ofcourse, I peered around to see what it was, and there was the possum a-tryin’ to climb out o’ 10 the box. after I had killed him, mind ye. I was kind o’ riled, and I grabbed that possum by the hind legs, and grabbin’ a rock I killed him dead, deader than a door-nail. “Wal, we traveled along as fur as the Postofhice, and I thought I’d take another look at Mr. Pos- sum. I craned my neck aroun’ and peered down in the box, and I'll be hanged if the sneaky thing hadn’t up and gone. I seen him go kitin’ across the medder, but I knowed it wasn’t no use chasing him, so I jest sent a few words of blessin’ after him and druv on.” Taek Os Gold sorebiou T was noon of a very hot day in | mid-summer, when a man who, from his dress and general ap- pearance seemed to be from the country, entered a Mexican hotel with his wife. They sat down ata table under the only electric fan in the place. ‘‘What do you want to eat, Liza?” asked Mr. Skinnem of his wife. ‘‘We’ve had ice-cream, and ice-cold water, and ice-cold lemon- ade, and lots of other things that’s been mighty chilly, but their chil- liness didn’t last long. On this here bill 0’ fare it says, ‘Chili soup, 40c.2 I don’t know what it ts, but may be it’s the Spanish lingo for cold soup. It costs a lot, but the weather’s so warm I’m goin’ to have it, ifit costs a dollara dish. Shall I order two?” THE ORACLE His wife meekly consented, as she always did, although she would have preferred some plain dish. The order was given toa waiter, and when he returned with the soup, Mr. Skinnem prepared to en- joy himself. At the first mouthful, however, he jumped up and grab- bed the napkin from the arm of the waiter near by. Cramming this into his mouth, he jumped around the floor, shouting that “his roof was on fire.’ The waiter and Mrs. Skinnem looked on with anxious surprise. As his mouth ceased to burn, Mr. Skinnem pulled the nap- kin out, and rushing towards his table, took hold of the astonished waiter hy the shoulders: “Vou young Spanisher! is that what you call chilly soup? You're a whole pack of swindlers, and I'll notify the other customers, too, that you cheat an honest man out of his dinner when he pays youa fine price for it!’’ and Mr. Skinnem went jumping around the floor again. ‘Pardon, Senor! It is Chilio Soup� , Mexicano disho, and have Mexicano and peppero in Senor saw billo of faro?”’ “Yeso, you scoundrelo, I saw your bill of faro! Is that what you callo chillyo soupo? It was hot enough to scaldo a pigo in! No, sir! I ain’t a-goin’ to stayo here and geto cheated. ’Liza, get your things together, and we'll go to some American restaurant that can treat us decent, if we have to walk miles!” Rurs I. THompson, ’06. THE ORACLE ALUMNI NeOr ba Be S Christmas evening there passed from this earth one who had long been associated with the Plainfield schools, first as pupil, then as teacher. Miss Mabel Mitchell was grad- uated from the High School in 1894. After special prepara- tion at Teachers’ College, Col- umbia, she became a teacher, first in the Franklin School, then in the Whittier. Here she remained until about a year before her death, when failing health compelled her to give up the work over which she had always been so enthu- siastic. During this year our schools have sustained two very heavy losses in the deaths of Miss Shattuck and of Miss Mitchell. Unlike in age and temperament, they were the same in their intense love for their pupils and in their high ideals for those pupils. The seeds of truth, devotion to duty and love which each sowed so carefully must bear fruit in the lives of their pu- pils. We feel that they still live here upon the earth, “In minds made better by their presence; live : In pulses stirred to generosity, In deeds of daring rectitude, in scorn For miserable aims that end with self.” The High School lost several of its former students in the terrible railroad disaster at Westfield, N. J. Thomas A. Cuming, ’93, private secretary ito Gs Bo Hall manufac: turer of railroad appliances, was sitting in the third car when the collision occurred. He was thrown | beneath the burning debrisand was § rescued with great difficulty. He § was taken home but died in the } night from the nervous shock and { loss of blood. Heleaves a widow | and one child. Everett Reighton, ex-’01, whose awful injuries were the cause of his death at Muhlenburg Hospital three days after the accident, wasa clerk in New York citv. He was a member of Company K, N.G.N. J. His body was interred with mili- tary honors. Roland Chandor, ex—'06, was al- so aclerk in New York city. His death was caused by internal in- juries. Mr. Grace H. Petrie, ’92, was another Edgar Williams, husband of § victim of the collision. He was a lawyer in New York city and was well-known to the students of the school as the speaker on the Span- ish War, at the recent military en- tertainment. EE LT. IT ee Se PT RD EE TN OEE Ea aE TSS 12 The Plainfield High School is rep- resentated at the several colleges this year by fifty-two of its gradu- ates. Columbia and Rutgers each have six, Wellesley and Mount Hol- yoke five, Princeton four, Williams, Cornell and Barnard three each. On account of the fever epidemic at Ithaca, many of the students at Cornell have returned home. Among these is W. H. Titus, ’01, who is now in town. '79,—Miss Imogene B. Bass has returned to this city from a trip to the South. ’86.—Miss, Flora Petrie is the as- sistant librarian in the Y. M.C. A. Library, New York. ’86.—Miss Louise Karner is a teacher in the Elizabeth Public Schools. ’90.—F. B. Newman is a minister at Trenton, N. J. ’93.—Lewis G.Newman is a prac- ticing physician at Brewster, N. Y. 'O4.—- Mary H. -Miller “ (Mirs: Wright) and her husband are sta- tioned as missionaries at Ningpo, China. '95.—Miss Clara A. Force is a stenographer in New York city. '96.—Of the class of ’96 still in college, Miss Mary S. Hull is at Wellesley and Henry Eggerding is at Rutgers. '96,.—First-lieutenant Lewis H. Rand, U.S. A., ex-’96, ‘is relieved from duty in the Philippine Islands and will proceed with Companies G and H of the Second Battalion of Engineers to Washington barracks for duty at that pcst and at the THE ORACLE Engineers School of Application.” (Army and Navy Journal, Jan. 21.) °98.—It is reported from trust- worthy sources. that Henry A. Pierce will be the valedictorian of his class at Union College this year. He received the same honor at his High School graduation. ’(2.— Miss Grace Burke is taking a course in Englsh at the Ran- dolph-Cooley Collegiate School, Plainfield. ’02.—Keuneth Bulkley has lately visited the High school. ALUMNUS LETTER. POUGHKEEPSIE, N. Y. To the Editor of THE ORACLE. Iam sure no onecan enjoy your paper more than the alumni. Not even the undergraduates can take as much pleasure from it as we do, for, at least to those of us who are away at college, the ORACLE is the one thing that keeps us in touch with our Alma-Mater. At Vassar we are just settling down after our semester examina- tions to another term’s work. Semester week was the most excit- ing time of the whole year. All of us freshmen were pretty well scared. Our instructorsand the upperclass- men had told us not to be afraid, and to be sure to exercise and not study the morning of the examina- tion. The most of us followed their advice as far as the exercising went. Every morning before the examina- tion hour the campus was filled with frightened looking freshmen carrying neatly sharpened pencils THE ORACLE and great piles of paper. It was surprising how few upper-classmen we met,evidently they had found it easier to give advice than to follow their own instruction. After the first few days things be- gan to assume a more different as- pect. Fortunately the hardest sub- jects had come first, and the most of the strain seemed to be over. We began to takea reckless view of life, and to join heartly in the somewhat mournful song of ‘‘T flunked an ex-am on Tuesday And one on the day before, And if I should flunk tomorrow Vassar will see me no more.” Saturday the flunk notes came out. It was most exciting when the mail girl started down the cor- ridor. The girls waited breathless- ly inside their doors until they a Gaal Ov Gee 13 heard her pass. Then if they were lucky enough to escape without notes they rushed out into the cor- ridor, dancing, singing and con- gratulating one another. Until two weeks ago we have had skating steadily since before Christ- mas. The Athletic Association though, has not considered the ice good enough to warrant the hold- ing of the annual carnival. We are all afraid now that it is too late and we will be unable to have one this year. Coasting is another of the favorite winter sports. Behind the college is a steep hill down which the girls coast on boards or on sleds if they are lucky enough to possess any. I wish the ORrAcLE the greatest success in every way in this year and those to come. ELIZABETH K. VANDER VEER, ’02. NOs oki 5S SENIOR. Robert W. Meeker has left school and has taken a position with Street Commissioner Gavette. He will, however, graduate with the Class in June. He has been here to finish some work that was not completed last year and which de- layed his graduation. It is rumored that ‘ Mike”? Moy- niham has dropped German. Such astep will lower the standard of the Class. A member of the Vergil Class had her mind so full of Aeneas’s journey that she dreamed that she was walking with one of the cities. In the Greek Class, reviewing the Anabasis: Miss Cumming—‘ Why}. you boys ought to remember some of these words better. What would you do if I should give you some sight work on this part?” Cho- rus—‘‘Flunk!”’ The prize for the best composi- tion on ‘‘ The Probation Officer in New Jersey’ has again been offered this year, and several from the Class will try for it. The competi- tion is open to the pupils of Senior Classes in the New Jersey High 14 Schools. Last year the prize was won by Miss Lulu Fuller, ’02, while L. W. Bridgeman, ’02, won a special prize. JUNIOR, Harry M. Slawson has accepted a position in the executive offices of the Singer Manufacturing Com- pany of New York. Francis K. Anderson has been forced to get glasses to aid him in distinguishing between the gerund and the gerundive. All the boys in the Cicero Class nearly fainted the other day when they learned that, in a recent test, they had,asa whole, received better marks than the girls. Wanted.—By the Junior Class, some form of entertainment which is classical, requires no rehearsing, and takes no more than one hour for performance. It is hoped that Miss Randall, our new Senator, will do her duty as faithfully and as well as her predecessors. We wish to inform the other Classes of the School that red and white, our Class Colors, are used for the ‘‘Ribbon”’ in Chapel as a well deserved reward for the excel- lent use which we make of it. SOPHOMORE. We are much afraid that our Greek Class willsoon dwindle down to a few limp, lifeless, raglike crea- tures, unless Percy Brown ceases to cause such explosions of laughter by his profoundly intelligent re- marks. THE ORACLE Something amusing: The assi- duity with which H. G. Thompson supplies the girls with singing- books every morning at the Chapel services ! FRESHMAN. By the kindness of Miss Helen Whitney, the class in Physical Ge- ography was enabled to enjoy a number of beautifully-colored Al- pine views, in the early part of Feb- ruary. Physical Geography Shortened : Physical Torture. We would be very thanktul if some one would give the little boys who at recess congregate in the cloak-room on the first floor, some- thing to play with. A small ball would be useful, for at present they can find nothing but overshoes. P.H. S.A. A. The Olympia building on Syca-. amore Street has been secured by the baseball manager for the early spring practice of the baseball can- . didates. Work has already been started under the direction of Captain VanAuken. An especially large number of fellows have come out to the batting practice. The members of the hockey team are also using the building for training. F. K. Anderson, ’04, and N. C. Hill, 03, have been elected assist- ant managers ofthe baseball teams. The resignation of R. W. Meeker, 03, as secretary and treasurer of the Athletic Association, has been received and accepted with regret THE ORACLE by the Board of Directors. Ata re- cent meeting G. A. Brakeley was elected to fill these positions. H. G. Thompson, ’05, has been elected captain of the basket-ball team to take the place of R. W. Meeker. BASKET BALL. GAME AT EAST ORANGE CANCELLED. The basket ball team went to East Orange, Lincoln’s birthday, expecting to play the High School team there. When they arrived they found that a telegram had been sent cancelling the game. Our manager had not received it, hence the misunderstanding. The East Orange fellows acted very cour- teously and paid half expenses, just as if the game bad been played. LEAL’S DEFEATS THE HIGH SCHOOL. 16-8. The Basket-ball team met the Leal's School] team, on February 4, for the second game of the season. Much interest centered in the out- comc, as losing meant the loss of the series for this year. Several changes were noticeable when the teams lined up, Collier being at for- ward in place of Sheppard, and Miner changing with Munro from guard to forward; Rogers was found in Schoonmaker’s place at guard on Leal’s. The first half was very even, ending 5-4 in favor of Leal’s. Collier threw a goal from the field and Meeker got two on 15 fouls. Leal’s scoring was done by Doane, G. Abbot and R. Abbot. The second half witnessed a sad reversal of form by our fellows, while the Leal’s team played a still better game. Leal’s started scor- ing as soon as the whistle blew, running up a total of 11 for the half, mostly secured by field goals. Collier made two field goals for the High School. The trouble with our men seemed to be that they were in poor physical condition. The goal shooting was inaccurate and the playing far too slow. For Leal’s R. Abbot, Bigelow and G. Abbot played an excellent game, doing some splendid goal _ shooting. Collier played the best game for.the High School. The lineup was: HIGH SCHOOL. LEAL’S. Miner re 1 Dane Collier die is R. Abbot Meeker (Capt.) c. G. Abbot (Capt.) Munro Eg: Rogers Thompson 1. g. Bigelow Referee, C. B. Morse Umpires K. Robbie and C. E. A. Heywood. BASKET-BALL. On February 18th the followers of basket-ballin the School received another disappointment when the management was notified that the team from Hasbrooke Institute, of Jersey City, would be unable to play the scheduled game. The basket-ball season has been made less interesting by the canceling of several games. The Hasbrooke 16 game had been much looked for- ward to, as that team plays an es- pecially clever game. HOCKEY. TIE GAME AT MONTECLAIR. On February 23 our team jour- neyed to Verona Lake and played the Montclair High School team. A very interesting and exciting con- test took place, the score at the end of fifty minutes of play being 1-1. Two twenty-minute halves were first played, resulting in the tie score, 1-1. An extra period of ten minutes failed to change the result. Both teams were very evenly matched, the defense of each being especially strong. Our substitute cover-point, Munroe Long, played a strong game for one of his weight. Bock also stopped some hard shots. The forwards played a fast and de- termined game. The line-up: HIGH SCHOOL. MONTCLAIR. Bock goal Waldron Tweedy point Webster Long cover-point McDonough Ulrich forward Youn g VanAuken = Ryan (Capt.) (Capt.) Craig . Solomon Rocap = Jenkins There was no score in the first half. Young tallied early in the second half. Rocap’s goal was scored near the end of the second half. THE ORACLE STUDENT GOVERNMENT NOTES. SENATE MEETINGS. A meeting of the School Senate was held on February 2nd. The resignation of Chester Briggs,as Tri- bune, was read and accepted, and E. Douglass Murphey waselected to fillthe vacancy. A resolution also passed which required the secretary of the Senate to inform the Chief Tribune of all important resolu- tions which effected the duties of the Tribunes. Another required members, put under the han for loi- tering about the building, to sign and date a book, left in the study hall for that purpose, before leav- ing the room, also to gain permis- sion from the teacher in charge or from a Senator. The meeting of the School Senate held on February 8th, was the last meeting of that body. It passed numerous sentences upon offenders and effectually cleared the way for the new body of Senators. John Platt and Samuel Reid were elected Tribunes for the first and sixth per- iods, respectively. TRIBU NE MEETING. At a Tribune meeting on Febru- ary 2nd, a list of students who had violated the rules of the Study Hall was made out and given to the Senate. Dr. Wetzel (cross-questioning) — “Do you smoke?” New Boy—‘ Thank you; I just had one.” —Ex. THE ORACLE BATTALION NOTES. On account of ill-health, E. Doug- lass Murphy has been compelled to leave school and go to the South to recuperate. His departure was rather unexpected and hes caused more or less of a change in bat- talion affairs. As Major of the HighSchool Bat- talion, his ability has been unques- tioned and his enthusiasm and ac- tivity in its success have been evi- isxchanoe, La dent from the very beginning. We owe a great deal of our efficiency as a Battalion to his efforts. The Major and Commandant have been unable to obtain repre- sentation for the Battalion at the Military Tournament in New York, so that the special company will probably disband. The commissioned officers have had their pictures taken recently. The photograph is anexcellent one. In the Glazebrook-Rumtord Bul- Ietin, the parallel arguments for Shakespeare and Bacon are excel- lent in the main, but we wonder if the author of the latter is really a Baconian. We are inclined to think with the author of the defence of Shakespeare that a master genius, such as was unquestionably the author of Shakespeare’s plays, could surmount such disadvant- ages of birth andeducationas those to which William Shakespeare was subjected. The remarks in the lat- ter’s argument on the death of Shakespeare are quite irrelevant. Ingan article entitled “ The-Value of Burke’s Speech as a Classic,” in the University School Record, we find these words: ‘‘ Where lives the being who has read this wonderful example of the English language who did not feel twenty years younger when he finished it?” How young must the writer have felt ! We are much obliged to the Ora- acle, from Des Moines, for saving us the trouble of acknowledging with thanks the kindly remarks of the Searchlight, from Yonkers! A certain one of the Tribunes had much power. Tribunum alii gladiis adoriuntur, alii fustibus. Fecerunt idem reliqui. Quo plures erant, eo major caedes fuit. We remember few things. QUESTIONS. Why isthe school filled with boys every afternoon? Why do the girls usually come to recitation later than the boys? Why is Mr. Macnab so stingy of his typewriting paper? . Why are the boys of the Senior Class so glad that there are fewer girls? Why was not Mr. Travell’s Eng- lish examination longer? Why must young cadets eat buns all the time ? 18 We acknowledge with thanks the following new exchanges received: Impressions, Hill School Record, Index, Amherst Student, Glazebrok- Rumford Bulletin, Tuskegee Stud- ent, Students’ Review, Vail-Deane Budget, Orgis, Horae Scholasticae, Oracle (Des Moines), Spectator (Paterson). panpov eSEQvyeé un natamet pobn- va1,, etc., Anabasis, Book I. Much as we despise puns, this passage cannot fail to bring to mind, ‘‘ The mick that threw the brick-”’ Quotation from careless pupil’s theme: ‘She was a kind and gen- erous wife to him, ashe was to her.”’ Mr. Bset—‘‘ Madeira is an island surrounded by water.’ Really, Mr. Bset ? Seen on the blackboard: This man was not inclined to take his hat off; but in the end he was obliged to. Dieser mann hat seinen kopf nicht abnehmen wollen; aber am ende hat er gemusst. Two young men once settled on the Western plains, with the avowed intention of making their fortunes out of cattle. Their pro- ject was successful, and after several months they wrote their mother in the East, asking her to name the ranch. She named it ‘‘Focus.” Why? See April ORACLE. Ho! Falstaff of the months ! Tis true thou now hast come, And with thy burly buffeting Hast driven us closer home! Chemistry Teacher.— What do you think of atoms?”’ ‘Oh, they’re out of sight!’’—Ex. THE ORACLE He.—‘' Dearest, do you love me?”’ She.—‘‘ Yes.”’ He.—‘‘Then why do you smile on Jones?”’ She.—“‘ Because I love him, too.”’ —Ex. If we might be permitted to offer a suggestion to oneso much our sen- ior, we would say that the Triangle could be improved by placing the date in a conspicuous place on the front cover. Widow (tearfully). — “Yes, my daughters are now my only re- sources.” Friend.—‘‘ Take my advice, and husband your resou'ces well.—Ex. Visitor (at school).— What a rapt look that dear little fellow wears!’ Dear Little Fellow (over-hear- ing)—‘‘ Teacher, just hit me over the knuckles with a rule, ma’am. —Ex. ‘CA five-year-old maiden named Clytie Saw a statue of nude Aphrodite. “Do you like it? Said I, “Ves ;’? the Miss made reply, ‘But I dess she’s forgotten her nightie.” xe I never saw a millionaire, — I dont expect to be one ; But I can tell you anyhow, I’d rather be than see one. A beautiful lady named Psyche Is loved by a fellow named Yche. One thing about Yck The lady can’t lyck Is his beard, which is dreadfully spyche. —EXx. She meditated, with growing anger. Suddenly she grasped a bot- tle of Hairine, and hurling it}across the room, shrieked, ‘‘Ha! the dye is cast! ’’—Ex. THE ORACLE 19 BASE-BALL SCHEDULE, 1903. March 28 Oranges) C; Home. April 1 Westfield H. S. s hae A Pingry School. Elizabeth. ve 8 Westleigh C. T. Home. a ual Brooklyn Boy’s H. S. Brooklyn. i is) North Plainfield H. S. Home. oh 18 Newark Academy. Newark. i 22 KiuaniCtub torte .us Home. oO Princeton Prep. School. Home. May 2 Underclassmen,(Stevens Institute.) “ =e abs: Rutgers Freshmen. Home. : 16 Rutger Prep School. New Brunswick. 20 Montclair H. S. Home. i 20 East Orange H. S. ¥ _ 30 TOOT SOuom ae rear . ane. ko De Witt Clinton H. S. cs os 6 Morristown School. Morristown. HEADQUARTERS H. S. CADETS, Piainield’N: je Marche2, 19038- Series 1902-1908. General Orders No. 4. The following changes are announced: Resigned: Major Murphy, Sergeants C. Brown and Slauson. Advanced: Corporals P. Brown, Lavelles and Freeman to be Ser- geants; Cadets J. Gavett and Rittenhouse to be Corporals. Returned to duty: Corporal Titsworth, Co. A. By order of Geo. L. Babcock, 1st Lieut. and Adjutant. J. D. Macnab, Commandant. 20 THE ORACLE 115 PARK AVENUE. JUHERWEY DOAN Es, Jeweler and Optician, Eyes Examined Free. REPAIRING of Watches and French Clocks a Specialty. GO TO VALLGS i mics PaRK aveENve JOHN J. PRAED, Merchant Calor, Come to Peck’s. E. B. MAYNARD, Tonsorial Artist, The best service in town. NOW Ash No. 314 PARK AVENUE. 141 NORTH AVENUE, PLAINFIELD 1903 Spring Styles now ready GEORGE SV @ er i= WI 127 West Front Street Baker and Confectioner A Hair Tontc of Mertt. Preduces Growth. L. W. RANDOLPH’S Dispels Dandruff. QUININE AND GLYCERINE, with and without perfume, 50Oc. per bottle JOS. W. GAVETT, ¥ ¥ BRED ENDRESS: Enc... b Herer: Plainfield’s Leading Meat CUT GLASS AND LAMPS, Store, GAS AND ELECTRIC FIXTURES 131 to 13 WEST FRONT STREET USE Reynold’s Petroleum Hair Tonic, MADE ONLY BY FOR THE SC@€LP AND DANDRUFF. T. SJ. ARMSTRONG, Che Aputhercary Granuford Hanes, ASM ee eu AG! fF Ole 16m, Franklin Hall, cor. Fourth St. and Arlington Ave., Saturday Ev’g, March 14 TiA5 CO GLOCK. WI ADMISSION, 25 CTS. Soca NN) NUNN CAV UMRER CRYO) ny ta LN ie aN a WHAS Van i i i ta) i )) i Py ial ve ® % WM iss) nite mya iM SIAN (i i ay Pani Wate ed iri Oe i The ORACLE PILALTN DEED New JERSEY APRIL 1903 At NEUMAN BROS. 501-503 Watchung Ave., The Leading Grocers, You can always find every possible delicacy. BUS = Foreign and Domestic MmMViBO we GO), H. E. Gayle Hardware Co.,| ' OM S TM General Hardware, Stoves, House Furnishing Goods, Tel. 682. FRONT ST. ann PARK AVE. [IDemestic Finish. H. W. MGARSHA4LL, Proprietor American Steam Laundry, ® ® 122 East FRONT STREET. De Wirt C. Ivins. TELEPHONE 44 De WITT C. IVINS CO., Lumber, Coal and Masons’ Supplies, 301 TO 311 WATCHUNG AVE. M. C. VAN ARSDALE, Sboe and Rubber Distributor, 127 EAST FRONT ST. PLAINFIELD ALY C.- BLAIR, Livery and Boarding Stables, tr4 WEST SIXTH STREET TELEPHONE 152 Toshiuki Hirose, of New York for Japanese Boys, has been secur MEETING, atethe Y. M. GC A: April 5, at 4.00 p. . MCT a elal n elelan ise 135 North Ave. and 216 Watchung Ave. Fine Confectionery at Watchung Avenue Store Plainfield Art Gallery, Manufacturer of and Dealer in ARTISTIC PICTURE FRAMES, Y. M: C. A. BUILDING. Frames Regilded. Paintings Renewed. ictures Artistically Arranged. Easter (Giese Many Beautiful Pictures very suitable for the season at SWAIN’S, WReROMaisa WOOLSTON @ BUCKLE, Painters and Decorators. 145 North Avenue, Plainfield. IN STOCK 1903 WALL PAPERS ADAMS CH@€@PMAN, Millinery, Like Se HN ONT: =S bbe Stylish and Reasonable Su perintendent 9 of the Home ed as the speaker at the MEN’S Hall, on Sunday Afternoon, Good music. Goto HARRY DREIER _f __ |MPERIAL BICYCLES and Sundries. Plainfield Agent A. G. Spalding Bros’ Baseball and Tennis Goods and Supplies. All kinds of Sporting Goods, Musical Instruments, etc. 261-263 WEST FRONT STREET, e) PLAINFIELD, N. J. oe SS ee eee [= t= Stafford’s Printing has Quality, and seils on its Merits Peete ess Lb ee ee eee ee PROF. AUSTIN, Boot Black Parlor, 230 PARK AVENUE. MULFORD ESTIL, Bookseller and Stationer. BASE BALL GOODS. ‘ Fine Assortment. Boots called for, shined and delivered | INTEREST PAID ON DEPOSITS. ‘he strong hold which the | PLAINFIELD TRUST COMPANY | has upon public confidence is evidenced by its large and increasing business Dunlap, Youman, Knox and Wilson Styles ie hotogr apbs 3 Tega in $F OO Derby LANGHORNE’S MARCLEY HOYT, [lanagers, Class Groups a Specialty 2.2 West Front Street, Plainfield, N. J. ° ’ ° ° S Brimful of | Listen! Here’s a Springtime Story. timev in ppg terest. This satisfactory store is ready with the most complete ) L.S. showing of springtime merchandise in its history. Never were PLAUT the styles prettier or the prices more modest. Every department by Co is now ready and awaiting your coming. | a ey, NGF, Le S. PLAUT « CO., wa 707 to 721 Broad Street, Newark | i SEAN Ralston Health Shoe Baseball and Tennis Supplies. FOR MEN. WARM, WATERPROOF. HARPER’S, | JOAN H. DOANE. iin Park sAwenwe; Plainfield, N. J. HILL SHUPP. All over the store Spring is taking the place of Winter, and in every department can be found the latest styles and fashions. Our newest addition is a Furniture Department, on the second floor, where the usual ‘‘ popular prices’ found at the store will be continued. Syndi S S: HILL SHUPP. Wilmington, Plainfield, Morristown. l | The ORACLE a “Lam Sir Oracle, and when I ope my lips, let no dog bark,” BOARD OF EDITORS. Lditor-in-Chief, VAN Wyck BRooKs, 04. Literary Editor, LIviian Snoperass, ’os. Business Manager, Harovp C, Fenno, ’oq. School Editor, Mae BaTcHELor, ’o4. Asst Bus. Manager, Harry S. Tuompson, ’os. Corresponding Editor. RutH TuHompson, ’06. Art and Exchange Editor Epiry L. Jarvis, ’os. Associate Editors, Mr. Linpsey Best. Miss Grace E. Burroucus. STAFF OF REPORTERS 03. Harriet C, Ranpatt, G. ARCHIBALD BRAKELEY, os. Loursz Ktuein. GeorGE BENTLEY o4. WiILHELMINA Parron, Jose L. Twerpy, 06. Erne. Boice. SruarT FrEEMAN. Published on the first Wednesday of every month during the school year, by the students of the Plainfield (N. J.) High School. Tuos. H. Starrorp, The Printer, 125 East Front Street 10 CENTS PER Copy FIRST VOLUME 70 CENTS Wal. 1 April, 1903 No. 5 13) D I al O SS mmsememeeneneeemeneeneeee R I iN L S SCHOOL DRAMTICS. THE benefits to be derived from school dramatics are numerous, material and lasting. The public, which does not see the actual work of the classrooms, judges a school by its outward appearances. A school paper and itssupport, a mili- tary battalion and its equipment, a clean and well organized athletic association, a well-conducted liter- ary society; these are the things by which the public sizes up a school. In none of these, however, has the public a better opportunity for judging than indramaticentertain- ments. They area form of school support which cannot in any case fail to attract public attention and interest outsiders. Buying tickets for an entertainment of promising excellence, is the least disagreeable way of donating money. Thus the chief end, namely, pecuniary success, is obtained. Not only are such entertainments serviceable in this way, and in bringing outsiders into touch with the school, but they are 4 THE ORACLE serviceable in reuniting the alumni and in binding the undergraduate classes closer together. But there is another side to the question which is of equal impor- tance—the literary side. In schools, especially, an effort should be made to present dramatics of some liter- ary standing. Even in the farces and three-act comedies of the pres- sent day, excellent training in act- ing is obtained. How much more then must be the good resulting from the presentation of some clas- sic. Inthe continual repetition of the lines the actors are bound to get a greater part of the deeper meaning than could be obtained by close reading many times. Forthe expression in speaking and acting demands a thorough knowledge of the text. How valuabletheinsight obtained in acting one of Shake- speare’s plays can readily be seen. Some such value may be placed on the presentation of one of Gold- smith’s or Sheridan’s comedies. Be- sides the knowledge of literature procured, there is the exercise in elocution to be considered. A clear enunciation is indispensable. But the crowning value of such a per- formance is the training in acting which it cannot fail to bring to the participants. As acting is one of the fine arts no apology forits culti- vation is necessary. To sum up, the benefits derived from dramatic entertainments are pecuniary suc- cess, attraction to outsiders, anda great intellectual profit to the par- ticipants. THE HIGH SCHOOL’S NEED OF AN ATHLETIC FIELD. Every school covets grounds of it’s own, adapted to baseball, bas- ket ball, foot-ball, or any sport. The students of the Plainfield High School unquestionably need such a field. Every year the managers of the various teams search from one end of town to the other in an al- most fruitless endeavor to discover a field suitable for the several sports. When one is found, it must generally be vacated before the season is over, as the owner ‘‘wish- es to plow’. sorudesires | to build.” Although the requisites for such a place are few, adesirable _ field is by no means easy to obtain. The most advantageous position for this field would be near the car- line. Those who have toiled along for acouple of miles, under a hot sun, or have attempted to sprint home from a match in the midst of a severe shower, will readily appre- ciate such a convenience as the trol- ley. In this matter we ought also to consider not only our own com- fort, but that of visiting teams. Certainly it would not be very cheering to the members of an out- of-town team, ju-t arrived, after a trying journey, to learn thiatese two-mile tramp lay between them and the field of action. Therefore, let our grounds be in as convenient and central a position as possible. The second requirement is, we be- lieve, more definite than the first; namely, that the athletic field THE ORACLE 5 must be large enough for all pur- poses. Not only should it meet the demands of every game, but it ought also to contain ample room for one large, or two small grand- stands. The entire field however, Should be of such a size that it can easily be surrounded by a high, board fence. We are certain that if this were done, it would decided- GENERAL ly better the condition of the Ath- letic Association treasury. In conclusion, we think that, as our High School owns no grounds of any kind, it would most assured- ly be worth while to make a vigor- ous effort to ob'ain for permanent use, such an athletic field as has here been described. Boe 04: Kee PoOeRs Ss FROM DAY TO DAY. At about 2:30 every afternoon for the past few weeks strange sounds have been issuing from the chapel. These are easily explained how- ever. The boys have been practic- ing for their entertainment. On March 3, G. A. Brakeley was elected President of the Senate. The school was surprised and grieved on Monday, March Oto learn that Mr. Best had been obliged, because of ill health, to give up his work for a few weeks. He entered the Presbyterian Hos- pitalin New York City, where he is recovering fiom a sever? opera- tion. The good news is reported that he will probably return to his home about the first of April, and will resume the charge of hisclasses after the Easter vacation. Meantime Miss Prescott is re- peating the kind service she did us when she returned to assist with the classes during Mr. MacNab’s illness. It is the good fortune of the school that it has been possible to secure as a substitute teacher one who is thoroughly acquainted with the school and whois persona magna gratia with the students. Under the best circumstances how- ever, the absence of a teacher so eficient and so popular as Mr. Best necessarily involves a large loss to the school. March 16, Miss Cumming gave us an interesting talk on one of the pictures lately added to our “art gallery.” It represents Automed- on leading the Steeds of Achilles. She told us a little of the story con- nected with the picture, also point- ed out its beauty, grace, coloring, and strength, so that we are now able to appreciate, as well as en- joy this pictare: ‘Booze will never go to heaven; he drinks too much. - “Yet he may be all right: 7 a I know; but i imagine him walk- ing inastr aight and narrow path!” ES 6 THE ORACLE THE JUNIOR PLAY. Following close upon the success of the Seniors, the class of 1904 has added another laurel to its already heavily-laden brow by presenting in a most creditable mabner a dramatization of Mrs. Gaskell’s popular book, “Craniord:’:. «Lhe play, entitled “Cranford Dames,” was presented in five acts. The cast, composed entirely of the young ladies of the class, was as follows: Miss Matilda Jenkyns, the Rector’s daughter. . Frances Van Deventer Mrs. Jamieson, sister-in- law toan Earl. Mrs. Forrester, the widow of a Major.. . eres Miss Pole, a f riend of Miss enkeyniS7See) new enue Miss Mary Smith, Miss Jenkyns’s young cousin. Miss Betty Barker, a re- tired muillinen) 2-905 Wilhelmina Patton Martha Robert Dorothy Fleming Eloise Haven Mae Batchelor Martha, Miss Jenkyns’s maid. AMS EON A 13 Jean Douglass Peggy, Miss Barker’s ALALC ea ce May Murray Time—183-. Place—Cranford, England. The first, third, fourth and fifth scenes occur in Miss Jenkyns’s parlor ; the second scene, at Miss Barker’s. It has been rumored that some member of the class consulted a weather prophet before the date of the entertainment was decided on, for Saturday, March 14, seemed al- most to have been made for the Juniors. From the very first every- thing pointed toward a success. The curtain was due to riseat TADS, but at that time ghostly forms could still be distinguished flitting hither and thither behind the scenes, and it was nearly eight o'clock be- fore the curtain was drawn for the first act. The stage wasingentous- ly arranged to present a room, and the effect was heightened by the use of several pieces of stage scenery from the Casino. This room was. the principal scene throughout the play, although details were changed from timetotime. Geo. L. Babcock acted as stage manager. The entire cast showed the care- ful training of Miss Bass, who was. untiring in her efforts to produce a perfect performance. Every person who appeared on the stage spoke her lines with an ease and natural- ness seldom witnessed in student theatricals. The gracefulcourtesies of Martha, and Mrs. Jamieson’s. sleeping scene were especially appre- ciated. Miss Batchelor, as the re- tired milliner, brought out the strong points in her part with ex- cellent effect, and especially notice- able was the different degree of cordiality with which she greeted her guests. I might continue to name over the entire cast, but itis unnecessary ; to praise one is to praise all, for all did equally well. After the play the Imperial Or- chestra furnished music for an hour’s dancing. During the evening candy was for sale by a committee com- posed of the Misses Grace Wilcox and Lillian Walsh. The play net- ted theclass about $45.00, of which $9.00 came from the candy table. The school has commenced the study of “Ruth,” a sacred cantata, by Alfred R. Gaul, to be sung for Basten: THE ORACTE e THE NEW EDITORIAL BOARD. On March 6th the entire school voted for the new board of Editors. Miss Batchelor and Mr. Brooks received a majority of votes from the Junior class; Miss Jarvis and Miss Snodgrass, from the Sopho- more class; and Miss Thompson from the Freshman class. In the elections held the following week, Francis K. Anderson, ’04, was elected Business Manager and Har- ry G. Thompson, ’05, Assistant Business Manager. On account of the press of his other duties, Mr. Anderson found it necessary to de- cline the election. The Editorial Board elected Harold C. Fenno, 04, to fill his place. Sir Roger de. Coverley in New York. 66 H!’’ said Spooks, ‘‘I had a A dream last night. I—.” “You re always dreaming ‘some trash or other. Better take a few ‘pink’ pills, good for indi- -gestion,’”’ broke in Snooks. ‘Hush! Better quit reading cheap novels, more like it,’ mut- tered their fat companion. ‘Why don’t you let one get in a word once in a while? Snooks seems to think that because he can’t eat pie without having a night-mare over it that—.”’ “The dickens with night-mares! To hear you talk one might imag- ‘ine you had the stomach of an os- trich:: ‘“Atit again, better let Spooks tell his dream for thesake of peace,” growled the fat one. “Well,” began Spooks, as you know, lam a direct descendant of Sir Roger de Coverley, made famous through Addison and a few others of his acquaintance. Last night I dreamed that old Sir Roger came and tapped me on the _ shoulder, saying, ‘‘Spooks, my man, I am permitted to leave the world of Spirits for a visit back to earth again. Show to me the most fre- quented eating-house in the city, that I may watch the people and enjoy my short visit among mor- tals.”’ Then for the first time I noticed the expressionless look of his face, and the shadowy appearance of his venerable, old-fashioned dressed figure. Doing as he bade me, I led him down Broadway to one of those new-fangled slot-machine places generally so well patronized. We seated ourselves in a far-off corner and began to take note of the peo- ple. Their dress and manners must have astonished him, for he in- formed me that this was his first 8 THE ORACLE visit to earth in fifty years. But I tried in vain to read his counte- nance as he sat watching the won- der s of a twentieth century quick- lunch establishment. He slowly shook his head at the long rows of men,women and children, each seat- ed before a machine from which he drew his food and then rushed it downwith a gulp and a grunt that would have done credit to the fat- test porker in Kansas. I told him that it was in keeping with our latest ideas of business and longev- ity combined. He moved juneasily as he noted a fat German drinking beer with great relish. No doubt he failed to recognize in the straw- colored liquid drawn from a slot- machine, his old favorite. But the climax was reached when he saw a well-dressed but worried-looking man bolting down hard _ boiled eges, seemingly shell and all, as fast as he could drop his money in- to the machine, and as usual with his kind, topping off each egg with a pill to aid his digestion. This proved too much for Sir Roger, for tapping the man on tte shoulder he began, ‘‘ My man,——’”’ but got no further. The man turned, grew suddenly white and groaned, ‘Oh, I got ’em, I got ’em,’ and then sprinted from the place as fast as his legs could carry him. Shaking his head, Sir Roger turned to meand said, ‘Spooks,farewell, [go to com- fort his Spirit.’ And then they de-. parted.”’ ‘““Trash,’’ snorted Snooks. ‘Hat “verunted the wiac ‘‘ Peace reigns.” ones oN Oo: In Defense N the March number of the ORACLE we read with pleasure and yet with some astonish- ment an editorial entitled, ‘‘Ath- letic versus Intellectual.’ We do not propose to answer the argu- ments therein presented. But we do intend to treat the subject from a different standpoint. Therefore we shall confine ourselves to school and collegiate athletics and not wander into the realm of profes- sionalism. In the above-named article there is absolutely no reference to the of A thletics. greatest benefit derived from ath- letics. The silence is suggestive. We refer to the development of character as brought about by athletics. Inno branch of school life is character building more evi- dent, and the more one sees of athletics, the more one is convinced’ of the truth ofthisstatement. Char- acter, we maintain, is developed only by hard battles and persis- tent struggles. Can athletics be called anything else but a constant struggle? By athletics, we are strengthened to meet all difficulties, THE ORACLE 9 and are trained in habits of hard work. By athletics, all that is best in a man or boy is developed. For in athletics the battles are not waged on the principle that “alli is fair in love and war.’’ The deep- est springs of generosity and man- liness are touched, awakened and strengthened. By athletics, all weak, shirking, and self-indulgent impulses are rooted out. By athletics, one’s enthusiasm is devel- oped to perform all tasks, however distasteful, with a whole soul and a tireless energy. On the rowing course of the river, on the foot-ball gridiron, on the base-ball diamond, and on the running track we see these qualities illustrated. Who is there who has seen a foot-ball game, who hasnot also seen a reckless courage an absence of all meanness, a generosity and a de- termination that is rarely equalled? Who is there who has seen a row- ing race, who cannot see, both in the marvelous rhythm of thestrong bodies and in their wonderful strength, the long months of rigor- ous training, the long months of subjection to another’s will? And so it is on the diamond and tracks —long, weary weeks of self-denial, of self-abnegation, and of unques- tioning loyalty to coach and cap- tain. Will not this hard school bring reward by producing men in the highest sense of the word? Can we derive such courage, such deter- mination, such manliness from our school books ? If wecan, the manner has not yet been pointed out to us. So much for this side of ath etics, now let us look at the more obvious benefits. Constant training hard- ens the muscles of the body till they become like steel. When we com- bine this muscular strength with our mental training, we have anin- comparable armament for the bat- tles of life. Then we possess the soun d mind in the sound body. Yet the games themselves, of which this bodily training is a part, de- mand that we be something besides a mere muscular machine. Self- government, obedience, quickness of action, fearlessness, silence, are absolutely imperative. Surely, when our citizens possess such a combi- nation of qualities, there need beno fear for the future. In such hands our country will rest in security. As for the danger of athletics in school or college life we can see none, provided the athletics be un- der strict supervision. With proper rules for maintaining a goodstand- ing in scholarship, with proper regulations guarding against pro- fessionalism, we repeat, that we see no harm in athletics. For they are thus kept in their properly sub- ordinate position. Undoubtedly, unrestricted athletics may become anevil. But donot let us cry out against them because they may be carried too far. For in everything the pendulum may swing too far to either side. If athletics can de- velop character,ifthey can strength- en the body, if they can _ even strengthen the mind, surely they 10 were designed by the Almighty to shape his ends. FREDERIC T. VANAUKEN, ’03. SPRING. The little spirits in the air And those who live in flowers fair Are now awak’ning from theirsleep, Spring’s flow’ry festival to keep. The air is thrilled with many a note From many a tiny crimson throat, And soon will fairies dance and sing On summer nights, in fairy ring. The crocus, jonquil—all are out, And in the woods there creeps about The sweet arbutus, small and white, That ’neath the brown leaves hides from sight. And each of these bright flowers of Spring Has one of God’s sweet thoughts to bring, And if we read them all aright, We'll never doubt his love and might. KATE HUNTINGDON, ’06. I’m glad I’m not the editor, If all infinity,— I never could get stuff enough To fill up space, you see. There is a small child of three years living in the city, who, even, at this early age, has developed a decided taste for verse. Sheis particularly partial to jingles, especially the ones advertising sapolio, and can repeat many of those about ‘“‘Spotless Town.”’ One morning her mother went away on a visit, and the poor child became very lonely, butshe kept up bravely until bed time, when she begged, ‘‘Faver, please send for mover right away.’ As this was out of the question he tried in every way to comfort her. The little girl had never said her prayers to any THE ORACLE one except her mother, and when her tather was about to say them with her, she felt strangely embar- rassed. After a little. coaxing, however, she began bravely, ‘ God, wash my dolly white as snow With water and sapolio.’’ Ga Tih Ma= Oo: TO SIR ARTHUR SULLIVAN. Oh, Great Departed! Hast thou heard the sound Of that Amen thy glorious voice once did speak ? The chord thou lost has not on earth been found, And now in Heaven alone thou may’st seek. Say, is’t not true? ‘The aisles of Paradise Resound Amens no grander than their own. Thy glorious strains to Heaven itself arise The chord which thou hastlost from Heaven was blown. Did Death’s Night angel speak the word ? Or didst thou wait till Heaven unrolled the charm ? Was’t writ upon the Angels gleaming sword ? Or is it in Heaven’s everlasting Psalm ? Too grand for ears to hear or tongues to sing, Worthy is it for Heaven’s Eternal King. solemn BASKET-BALL. The dainty girls in shirt-waists light, With stocks and collars neat and white, Ten minutes with the leather balJ— And what a change comes over all! Here, side-combs thickly strew the ground, There on her knees a girlis found, Collars are dropped, and cuffs turned back, Faces are red, but hands are black. Laughter bursts forth from both bold teams, And hairpins fall in steady streams, While from all sides is heard the prayer, ‘Just wait until I fix my hair.” 05. I’ve rung so hard I’ve cracked myself, The Liberty Bell moaned long ago. The bellman smiled a knowing smile, Quoth he, ‘‘ I tolled you so !W_ Fx, THE ORACLE pigs ee Nie Ne | Ne Oe hs SELECTIONS FROM A LETTER FROM LIEUT. LEWIS H. RAND, U.S. A., EX-’96 PHILIPPINE ISLANDS JANUARY 8, 1903. We are in the New Year, and Iam down in Min- danao. This placeis very muchlike Luzon. The natives, whose religionis Islam with all its vaunted maxims of cleanliness, are just about as dirty as the Tagalos, etc., of the other islands. The trip down here was the best part of the whole business so far; 1t took five days, and for the first time siace I have been making trips on the water, I was not sea- sick, and was in full enjoyment of the beauties all the way, and a trip through southern seas is really a thing of enjoyment, for the heavens are b'ue and the sea amethyst set with emeralds in the shape of wood- edislands. Just as the view from Washington Rock used to smooth out all of the inequalities and roughnesses in the grounds below, and make the fields look like the squares of achecker-board, so the distance between ship and shore hides all the dirt and nasty, reeking damp, luxurious undergrowth, and shows only hills covered with beau- tifully clean-cut trees in endless greenness, although not evergreens, with here and there what looks like the spotless whiteness of a church % tower or dome where there is a bit ofa settlement. Youcannotappre- ciate the glories of American clean simplicity as compared with Orient- al and Latin “filth and finery.”’ We see, over here, a few Austra- lians, and with theexception of their talk, which, to our ears is decidedly English, they seem to resemble us very much. I guess America and Australia could hit it up pretty well together, much better than England and America. One of ourcaptains diedin Manila afew days ago. I have not yet learned what of, but simply saw the announcement of his funeral. The people that stay in Manila are not halfas well as those that get away,even though they have all the comforts of life, comparatively speaking. We had abit ofacholera scare down here about ten days ago. It seems that although the cholera ran its course up in Luzon while I was there, it hadn’t started up down here till just a short time ago,so [had a-double run of it. There are very few natives around here, but what few of them there were began to disappear underneath the ground in one, two, three order. We had four cases with three deaths in the seven companies working on the road, but no cases now for over ten days, and the five day period is that fixed by medical people as the danger limit. It has been very in. 12 convenient, however, as all of the rivers in which we bathed were in- fected and left us to sponge baths in our tents. Our camp was down on the sandy beach by the waters of Sligan Bay, a large gulf denting the north-west shore of Mindanao, but we moved it up on a clay shelf about one hundred feet higher and five hundred yards further back, which gives us a good view and a nice cool breeze, but an awfullot of mud when it rains. The rainy sea- son down here is just about four months later than the Luzon one, and as I left just at the end of the one there | strike the incipiency of the one here, but, thank goodness, in both places this year has been exceptionally mild and really woul dn’t be known without a label. Oh, I meant to mention orchids. Unless the kinds they have here are very different from the general run, Icannot see why any one should gocrazy over them. It seems to be the general, rule that in the tropics for every oneself-supporting life there shall bea myraid parasites both animal and vegetable, and as they ran out of other kinds around here they introduced orchids which are all of them without exception particularly subject to the same kind of things, so that although I have seen any number of them I have yet to see one not very im. perfect. They are large leafy growths that attach themselves to the side of the tree trunks some orty or fifty feet up in the air, and THE ORACLE although generally green present to mea distinct grayish appearance. I have seen no small delicate ones but only large coarse affairs weigh- ing several pounds, but donot know whether this is because I have over- looked the little chaps or not. I am sure you would like to take a walk through the woods here, and see them, for on the tree while not close up they have a pleasing effect,. and are decidedly odd. Then, too, the trees themselves are in some cases very pretty. To get to the sun they generally leave all ot their branches near the top withstraight unbranched trunkssticking upclear for from forty to eighty feet. To get enough moisture, most of them have radiating roots which begin to spread out six, eight or terr feet above the ground insucha way that a cross section parallel to the ground would look like the spokes and hub of a big wheel, the hub be- ing very large in proportion. he parts that would make the spokes are not round branch-like roots, but are continuous vertically, and re- semble large boards set in the side of the trunk and the ground edge- ways and then bent and gnarled out of shape. In between theparts of the root there is good protection, and by cutting notches in the upper edges and laying sticks across, a roof can bemade aftera fashion. To: cut the tree down one has to make these no‘ches to put sticks across for the saw-men to standon. The woody fibres in all of the trees are very crooked and it is almost im- THE ORACLE possible to season the woods with- out their chipping and c racking all to pieces, so that good lumber sticks are scarce, particularly as the bugs have generally eaten the heart out of any of the trees that are bigger round than a minute. Some of the trees throw out tendrils that droop down from the branches and again take root, presenting a very pleas- ant arch effect. Then, too, some of them instead of one solid trunk have a mass of vine-like growths which, as each grows larger, even- tually overgrow one another and consolidate in thecenter but always have a network of the newer ones on the surface of the trunk. The parasite tendency, too, fills the woods with a number of climbing, clinging vines which festoon the trees down every avenue of the view. Some twine round and round the trees and as both grow in thickness compress a groove for themselves in the bark till they are in allstages that we can see of being buried, and I presume some we do not. see are so buried. I have had de- scribed to me, though I have not myself seen, a case in which a similarly entwining vine has, after gaining strength enough to stand alone, had its supporting tree die and rot away, but nevertheless it- self continue to grow and seem like a gigantic corkscrew-trunked tree. Some of these vines themselves grow to over a foot in diameter and it is often difficult to tell whether a certain object is a tree ora vine, particularly as some of the latter 13 seem to make clear leaps of sixty and seventy feet into the branches. (probably climbing up by since dead trees). Often these act as gigantic cables to moor down the upper end of the tree so that as growth con- tinues the tree itself has to bow out- ward away from the vine. Life, both plant and animal, is a queer thing over here a nd all of it seems to teem, supporting itself by de- stroying others. I can see now how a long-haired man riding through the woods might be hung up by Nisshaiiien, yes eee '78.—One of our distinguished alumnae is Mrs. Harriet T. Smith, author of ‘Tower and Throne,’” “A Thousand Years Ago,” “ Cedric the Saxon,” and other popular books. She has written abundant- ly in the St. Nicholas Magazine. °79.—A volume of poems entitled ‘Roadway Rhymes,” by Franklin Baldwin Wiley, Harvard ’83, is in our library. It was published in Cambridge in 1885, and contains. some poems of unusual excellence. '93.—Ralph Campbell is practic- ing law in New York City. °97.—Miss Sarah Schuyler, Bar- nard ’01, is a teacher in the Bryn Mawr School, Baltimore. ’98.—A Rutgers-Union debate was held at Schenectady, March 13, on the question, ‘Resolved, That. it is for the public interest that every man should be able to doany lawful work at any rate of wages which may be agreed upon between himselfand hisemployer.”’ Rutgers 14 took the afirmative, and Unionthe negative. Henry A. Pearce was one of the speakers for Union. Al- though the decision was rendered in favor of Rutgers, Union made a very good showing, and gave evi- dence of hard work in preparation. ’98.—Henry A. Pearce is captain of the track team at Union College. He is to take part in the dual track athletic contest between Unionand Rutgers at New Brunswick on the 9th of May. ’99. —The concert given this year at Wellesley under the supervision of Miss AngieS. Kuhl, was unusual- ly successful. Miss Kuhl ise the leader of the glee club and received high honors on account of the un- usual success of the performance. It is worthy of notice that such asentence as this appears in the majority of the alumni communica- tions which we receive from the various colleges, ‘‘ Weare very, very glad that we were prepared at the Plainfield High School, for we find ourselves better prepared for college studies than two-thirds of the men or women in our class.” ’90.—A story written by Miss Ruth Maxson, Smith ’04, appea’ ed 4n the March number of the Smith College Monthly. ’00.— Walter Squires, Williams 704, wears the Williams W_ which he has wonin pole-vaulting. He bids fair to distinguish himself in the approaching track season. 100.—Miss Ruth Potter Maxson, Smith ’04, has left college for the THE ORACLE remainder of the year on account of ill health. ’01.—Miss Ethel Titsworth,Smith 05, played onherclass hockey team during the winter. ’01.—Sheppard Randolph return- ed to Cornell on March 16, after four week’s absence caused by the epidemic of typhoid at Ithaca. ’01.—Cyrus W. Kinsman, Cornell ’05, has returned to Ithaca after the general vacation. '01.—W. Holloway Titus, Cornell 05, who left Ithaca because of the tvphoid epidemic, has en tered Columbia for the remainder of the school year. 02.—Harold Nomer and Erwin Leland of Williams College, passed very satisfactorily in their mid-year examinations. First Passenger: ‘‘W hy do you think the temperance lecturer just took a drink?” Second Passenger: ‘‘ Because we just went through a tunnels — Ex. Chemistry Teacher: ‘What do you think of atoms?” Pupil: ‘Oh! they’re out ofsight.” —Ex. The cigarette cough is the hack which precedes the hearse.—Ex. BEFORE There are meters of accent And meters of tone, But the best of all meters Is meet her alone. AFTER. There are letters of accent, And letters of tone, But the best of all letters Is let her alone. —Ex. THE ORACLE 15. oii Godalr iO) (Oye Dero ag hes Spring is Lere; the girls have their basket ball out at recess—a_ sure sign. SENIOR. The Senior English Class is al- most heart-broken over its separa- tion from its beloved ‘‘ Macbeth,”’ for even a few weeks. Of course Miss Prescott is a consolation, but still the longing for the classic re- mains. (?) It is to be hoped that the roman- tic spasms in the story which the German class is at present reading will not have a derogatory effect on any of the young ‘“‘ Dutchers.”’ N. Hill (translating, ‘Woman was always a fickle and changeable thing”? (We wonder if this is Mr. Hill’s personal opinion.) Carl Ulrich has applied for mem- bership to the girls’ sewing class. On first trial his services proved in- valuable. He will probably be in- itiated soon. JUNIOR. Ralph Bingaman has recovered from an attack of pneumonia and has returned to school. This approaches airships. H.R. (translating in Anabasis—e ezAz @s—) “He sailed away on the ground—”’ (‘‘ou the ground that”’) is correct although she did not finish. Miss Bass (in Cicero), ‘‘I do not want transliteration.’? Miss Bass (a few minutes later, translating quas in saltibus habent), ‘‘ Which they have in salt mines. Miss Martha Klein has the grip. Weare glad to have Miss Ma- clay with us again after her longill- ness. Miss Cumming (in Junior English, speaking of metre), ‘‘ Now Miss—— you know you have two feet.”’ We will have to ask Mr. Long to explain the form of a ‘previous. triangle.” � SOPHOMORE. The members of the first year French class are making great ef- forts to become excellent French readers, for at present none but the poor readers are called upon. THE PRIZE ESSAYS. The topics for the Prize Essays, due May 4, have been announced astollows: The Trees of Plainfield. A Few of My Favorite Pictures. A High School Song. An Old-fash- ioned Garden. A Dilemma. Cir- cumstantial Evidence (a story). “Seein’ Things at Night.” The Probation Officer in New Jersey, My Experience as a Photographer. My Experience in an Intelligence Office. Alice’s Adventures in High School Land. What Employers. are Doing for their Employees. The: Influence of the Norman Conquest on the Speech of England. Com- ments by the Vicar of Wakefield on 16 THE the Customs and Manners of Modern Girls. Election Day in Rome, B. C., 60. Traps and Guns. A Springtime Ramble. The Day we Moved. The Perversity of Things. My Luck as a Fisherman. The Place Where We Camped. (Lamit- ed to 1,200 words.) P.H.S.A. A. LEAL’S VS. HIGH SCHOOL. Although this year’s basket-ball series with Leal’s had been played and won by our rivals, a third game was arranged and was played at the Y. M. Cogan oats on Friday evening, March 6. The lineup was somewhat changed, Capt. Thompson being at forward and Anderson at guard. Capt. G. Abbott was unable to play for Leal’s on account of illness. The first half was one of the best ex- hibitions of basket-ball that had been played in the ‘“ovm’’ this year. Both teams appeared to be in good condition and played a hard, fast game. Leal’s scored first ona foul. R. Abbot throwing the basket, he followed this up with two more. High School be- gan to wake up and Munro got a foul, and Thompson one a minute later. R. Abbott threw the first goal from the field but Thompson evened things up by getting one for us. Leal’s got another field goal before the half ended with the score 7 to 6 in their favor. The second half was even better than the first, though but little scoring xvas done. Leal’s did not score at ORACLE all and High School got but two goals on fouls, which however changed the final result in our fay- or, making it -S to “% Munro played an especially good game for High School, as did Thompson and Collier. Munro’s throwing of goals on fouls really won _ the game. As usual Robert Abbott played a star game for Leal’s. The lineup was: Thompson vets Doane Munro jets R. Abbott Collier c Biglow Miner r.g. Schoonmaker Anderson ees Robert Umpires Neal and Smith, Referee Walter Long. G. A.A. We hope that a large number of girls will turn out to play basket- ball this spring. so that even if it is not possible to have a school team, strong teams may be selected to compete with each other. The future is bright with the prospect of a gift of several dollars from the Boys Athletic Associa- tion. STUDENT GOVERNMENT NOTES. The last meeting of the oldschool Senate was called by the President, Miss Waldo, on Wednesday, March 4th during the sixth period. The members of the new Senate were present and took their oaths of office. The old Board was. then dismissed, and Mr. Brakeley, Presi- dent of the newly elected Senate, THE ORACLE called the meeting to order. N. C. Hill was appointed secretary. A vote was carried to invite the body of Tribunes to continue in office for A by two weeks although their terms had expired. As there was no other important business the meet- ing was adjourned. eee Clee, NG bs Answer to conundrum in March ORACLE: Because it’s where the sons’ raise meet. If more space were devoted to the literary portion of the Signal and less to the advertisements, the improvement would be marked. The Index is one of the most at- tractive exchanges on our desk. The illustrations in the February number are especially good and add greatly to the general appear- ance of the paper. In spite of the long list of editors which heads the Student’s Review this paper fails to come up to the high standard attained by many of our exchanges. The Berkeley Folioreflects a great deal of credit upon its editors. The paper is neat in appearance, and usually contains very good ma- terial. The February Lealonian is notas good as the former numbers which we have received. The ‘‘Essay on Loafing” is the redeeming feature of the issue, and we wonder if the unsigned article on ‘‘Straw-Rides” in the December number is by the same author. We notice a similar- ity of style. The St. George’s School Dragon, and the University School Record form a striking contrast in size. If each attempted a happy medium the papers would be easier to han- dle. R. S. R., ’03, must be an enter- prising poet. Two of his produc- tions appear in the February num- ber of the Sagamore. It gives us great pleasure to have a paper of such long standing success as the Horae Scholasticae on our exchange list. A paper which we anticipate with a great deal of pleasure each month is the University School Re- cord. The cover designs are especi- ally commendable and we are glad to have a paper of such general ex- cellence among our exchanges, The following exchanges have been added to our list. Dickinson Union, Valkyrie, Univer- sity School News, Cutler Fort- nightly, 4igis, Central High School Mon thly, Index, Sagamore, Drag- on. It’s the litt'e things that tell, es- pecially the little brothers and sis- ters .—— Bx. How astonished St. Patrick must have felt to find that there were so many Irishmen in the P. H.S. 18 THE, ORACLE When we see tiuat some one gambles, DIDO. “He is wicked !’’ weall say ; But the lamb without our protest Gainbols all the livelong day ! There was a young queen they called Dido, She wept and she wailed and she sighed-o For Aeneas the fair— Of the bright, golden hair— (With apologies to H. W. Longfellow. : = ) Would not in her kingdom abide-o The shades of night were falling fast, When through a Jersey village passed ““Oh, loved one, stay here at my side, oh!”’ A man who bore— She urged and entreated and cried-o, 1 box shoes, 21bs coffee, a rake, Twas of no avail,— 1 package baby-food, 1 ham, 4 1bs nails, Aeneas set sail, 1 bag chicken feed, roo feet barbed wire And so poor Queen Dido—just died-o! and 12 yards of gingham.—Ex. eee My Printing is Artistic. STAFFORD eee ROBERT GARDN BR REMOVAL. Our new address is Merchant Tailor, 191 NORTH AVENUE. 325 WATCHUNG AVE. PLAINFIELD MILK AND CREAM COMPANY Cleaning, Pressing and Repairing a Specialty. THE LEADING MILLINERY STORE Hello 203 For a good glass of Soda from Ps FRANK STONE a fountain brand new, go to DUDLEY S.MILLER’S, It will surely suit you. Gernert Photo HtuUdio, ee MILLER’s PRESCRIPTION PHARMACY, Park Ave. and Fourth St. Successor to 123 EAST FRONT STREET. Artistic Portraits. D= arrivals of SHAD. Strictly Fresh Stock. © © @ @ ) ROGERS CO., 232 WEST SECOND ST. Sea Food of all varieties in their season. MRS. L. J. DENTON, House and Church Decorations. All kinds of Flowering Plants, such as Easter Lilies, Azaleas, etc. Floral Design work a Specialty. TEL. 731 Southern Smilax. 306 WEST FRONT STREET 115 PARK AVENUE. J. HERVEY DOANE, Jeweler and Optician, Come to Peck;s. Eyes Examined Free. REPAIRING of Watches and French Clocks a Specialty. Ge re Niece 103 PARK AVENUE E. B. MAYNARD, JORN t2), SPRAED, Tonsorial Artist,) Merchant Cailor, The best service in town. NOW AT No. 3414. PARK AVENUE. 141 NORTH AVENUE, PLAINFIELD 1903 Spring Styles now ready @ | DO COOD PRINTING! SHALL | DO SOME FOR YOU? STAFFORD 8 JOS. W. GAVETT, X |P. G. DU BOIS, © 326 w. Front St. ES a Formerly with A. A. Vantine Co. iF Oke: autigrey Oriental Tea Room CUT GLASS AND LAMPS, te 5 : ‘ : Vantine’s Table Condiments. Japanese Napkins. GAS AND ELECTRIC FIXTURES Japanese Favors. Teas and Coffees. N Laie N d d when the blood is sluggish. You are not as you CW | S CS CS would like to be. L. W. RANDOLPH’S Sarsapariila has great worth. Only 50c. per bot. Obtainable only at 143 W. Front. H uyler’s Agency. B eens fit CHARLES Ti. SUHR, argains in Rea! iistate. DIREC TORTOEIMGERIAL ORCHESTRA ae ae ar INSTRUCTOR OF Piano. RAC Le LA RUE, No. 144 East Fourth Street Music furnished for Concerts, Private Parties, Recep- tions, Weddings, Etc. Representing Wm. Knabe Co, Piano, New York Cor. Watchung and North Aves., Plainfield, N. J If you want Good Teas and Coffees go to The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, ISG@andW59 WEST FRONT STREET, PEGINFIELD, N. J: C. W. Leonard, D.D.S. B. F. Leonard, M.D., D.D.S. Law Offices of Office hours: 8%. M.to61r.™. CHARLES L. MOFFETT, DRS. LEONARD, i ; 2 North Ave ais Dentists, s9 North Avenue Front Street, cor. Park Avenus, Plainfield Money to Loan on Bond and Mortgage. D. KLEIN BRO., Merchant and Military Tailors Makers of Uniforms of all kinds. Cadet Uniforms a Specialty. 3K OO WALNUT Sie, PHICADEEPE IZ: 7K We supply Uniforms for the Cadets of the Plainfield High School. Write for Samples, Catalogues and Prices. PVA DN ed ED NE Weer Res) Bo ¥ MAYS 601): 9)'O) 3 Re NEOWNNU BROS ene ee ce The Leading Grocers, You can always find every possible delicacy. ER ESS= Poreign and Domestic H. E. Gayle Hardware Co.,| [lainield Art Gallery, Manufacturer of and Dealer in General Hardware, Stoves, ARTISTIC PICTURE FRAMES, House Furnishing Goods, Y.M.C. A. BUILDING Tele 6se BROND Sih. ANDO PARI AVE: Frames Regilded. et Paintings Renewed. Pictures Artistically Arranged. Demestic Finish. Faster Gifts. fi. W. MARSHALL, Proprietor the season at American Steam Laundry, ® ® eae A SWAIN OS , W. FRONT ST. Many Beautiful Pictures very suitable for 122 EAst FRONY STREET. De Wir C. Ivins. TELEPHONE 44 De WITT C. IVINS CO., Pee eco scdeemnmer Win emCoalkend Painters and Decorators, Masons’ Supplies, 145 North Avenue, Plainfield. 301 ro 311 WATCHUNG AVE. IN STOCK 1903 WALL PAPERS Doe ne Ciixs ADAMS CH@PMAN, Livery and Boarding Stables, | suri ona Millinery. Wied, WINS TIRONGE SaMRaa ae 114 WEST SIXTH STREET TELEPHONE 152 eee TNA NON A BANK HE 3 pays interest on satisfactory daily balances, subjeét to 3 ic x check, and has a Savings Department in addition to se se its regular business. K SE CAPITAL, $150,000 SURPLUS and PROFITS, $125,000 Se 3K Miss Gay Zenola McClaran, Monologist and Dramatic Reciter, and WI. Paulding De Mike, ’Cellist, OTS alee oi) Aral Rony Chae � oe Supplemental Course, MONDAY, May 11, at8 p.m. Miss McClaran was greatly enjoyed when she appeared in the Y. M. C. A. Star Course two years ago. Mr. De Nike is well and favorably known here Go HARRY DREIER _f __ IMPERIAL BICYCLES and Sundries. Plainfield Agent A. G. Spalding Bros’ Baseball and Tennis Goods and Supplies. All kinds of Sporting Goods, Musical Instruments, etc. 261-263 WEST FRONT STREET, PLAINFIELD, N. J. G@ TO WANES oS). 103 PARK AVENUE PROF. AUSTIN, MULFORD ESTIL, Boot Black arlor Bookseller and Stationer. 230 PARK AVENUE. BASE BALL GOODS. Fine Assortment. Boots called for, shined and delivered im} . . - c . . . ce Aj HE history of many a failure could be written in four words— neglect of little things. Save the dimes, the dollars will save themselves. THE PLAINFIRLD TRusr COMPANY GREAT SALE of the Latest Photographs a eee ie Style Spring Clothing at so cents on the doilar, for the next 30 days at the LANGHORNE’S NEW YORK CLOTHING CO. M. WEINBURGER, MANAGER Class Groups a Specialty No. 214 WEST FRONT STREET ee £Stafford’s Printing has Quality, and sells on its Merits ze SEER NG. Meals slealipe sOsemers Baseball and Tennis Supplies. | FOR MEN. HARPER’S WARM, WATERPROOF. Sevan ee JOHN H. DOANE. 41r1 Park Avenue, Plainfield, N. J. Ge h Ve , 22 FOR HOME RUNS during the summer of 1003 will be The ASC THE GREAT WHITE SODA FOUNTAIN at Famous for excellence. L. W. RANDOLPH’S, No. 143 West Front Street Figiple Se Sete ee Have you seen our new Stationery Department? Center aisle, near Glove Department. Full line of Writing Paper, Pencils, Rulers, Note Books, ete. GIRLS—A pair of $1.25 Mocha School Gloves, all shades, 75c. BOYS—Negligee Shirts, all colors, sizes and varieties, 50C. to $1.25. Greatest assortment shown in Plainfield 6 The Ore Cara ae oe ‘“T am Sir Oracle, and when TI ope my lips, let no dog bark.” BOARD OF EDITORS. Editor-in-Chief, VAN Wyck Brooks, ’04. Literary Editor, LILLiAN SNODGRASS, ’05. Business Manager, Haro tp C. FEenno, ’o4. School Editor, Maer BATcHELOR, ’04. Ass’t Bus. Manager, Harry G. THompson, ’o5. Corresponding Editor. Rutu TuHompson, ’06. Artand Exchange Editor Epirx L. JARvis, ’o5. Assoctate Editors, Mr. Linpsty BEst. Miss Grace E. BurrouGus. STAFF OF REPORTERS ’o3. Harriet C. RANDALL. G. ARCHIBALD BRAKELEY. os. Louise KLEIN. GeEorGE BENTLEY 04. WILHELMINA PaTTon. Jose L. Tweepy. ’o6. Erner Borce. Benjy. E. HERMAN. Published on the first Wednesday of every month during the school year, by the students of the Plainfield (N. J.) High School. Tuos. H. SrarrorpD, The Printer, 125 East Front Street 10 CENTS PER COPY FIRST VOLUME 70 CENTS Wol. 1 May, 1903 No. E D I ap O R I sa L S SCHOOL SPIRIT. Is there not in school spirit the element which ripens into the best citizenship? School spirit, properly directed, makes pupils proud of their school and incites them to ac- tion honorable to it. It makes bril- liant scholars of those who are careless and lax in their studies. It brings self-control to those who are inclined to be forgetful, and unselfish thought for the comfort of others. It makes the work of teacher and pupil pleasanter and easier. Nor does school spirit take but a temporary hold on the character of itssubject. Whenschool life is over, it has become one of the most per- manent and ennobling of all his characteristics. There is that re- spect for those who are older and wiser than himself which is im- planted in his life by the respect whichas a pupil he has been taught to teel toward his teachers. There 4 THE ORACLE is that pride for his country which was once pride for hisschool. There is that co-operation of man with man which succeeds the co-opera- tion of student with student. And so it is, I think, the man who at some time felt the influence of school spirit that makes the most noble and useful citizen. In a word, the school spirit of the boy becomes the world spirit of the man, tbe love of the community becomes the love of mankind. THE BENEFITS OF A SCHOOL PAPER. Since our school paper is now in excellent working order, and has become an important factor in our school life, we can readily see what great advantages accompany such a publication. The editors deserve ‘and receive very great benefits. Their tasks are by no means easy. Through constant practice in correcting and preparing material for the paper they become accurate and careful. Then aneditor must learn to cul- tivate tact, forit requires an end- less amount of persuasion to se- cure a sufficiently large choice of articles. Again, the non-acceptance of work is too often followed by an astonishing lack of material, unless the editor can satisfactorily explain his peculiar action. The manage- ment of the paper also teaches nu- merous lessons in financial and busi- ness transactions, which can only be learned by experience. There are several ways in which the school at large is benefited by a publication such as ours. The op- portunity, given to each one to offer his material, whether it be a stury, an editorial, a poem, an in- teresting school note, or a bright joke, spurs every one on to do his best, to try his hardest—to work unceasingly to secure the honor of having something of his own in the paper. Then there is a chance to see our schoolmates’ work, and where our own can be bettered. Perhaps the greatest of all bene- fits which we receive, is the view which we gain of other schools. We see how they are managed, what their interests are, how our work compares with theirs, how we can improve by their sugges- tions. The exchanges which come to us are all different. So ourideas of school life are broadened by close contact with far away school- fellows. If a school paper is to be a suc- cess and a worthy representation of the school, it must express the best literary work, the most ab- sorbing interests, and above all, boundless school spirit. Let each one of us strive, by our hearty sup- port and our good will, to make our school paper a very great suc- CESS: Mary A. Grices, ’04. The basket-ball cut in the Signal for April is one of the best we have seen in any of our exchanges. THE ORACLE 5 CNG eA le oleh de (0) kee dE FR OM DAY TO DAY. Marchv3t. Mere Uravell led? the singing and favored us withseveral solos. The only criticism to be made was their lack of variety. April 2. Miss Bass was called away from school by the death of her brother-in-law. Her place was filled by different members of the school. perl 3. Go to°Mr., Traveli for all articles lost since September, sil- ver bracelets a specialty. April 20. As an incentive to hard work in the following months of school, Mr. Travell, on the first day after vacation told us of the experience of live frogs in a milk pan, and set before us as an inspi- ration, the perseverance of Frog Number Two. We all hope that we will be able to churn our ‘‘little balls of butter’ sufficiently large to keep us from floundering in our many lessons, and from finally drowning hopelessly in our finalex- aminations. A MUSICAL ENTERTAIN- MENT. On the evening of March 28th, the Glee and Mandolin Clubs of the school gave a highly successful con- cert in Franklin Hall. The old re- liable school ‘‘Hail’’ opened the program. After this Ralph S. Lane sang “Our Crew,”’ the club joining in the chorus. Asan encore to this Mr? Lanéisang “Blue Eyes.” “Ihe mandolin quartet rendered ‘‘ Blaze Away ’in a spirited manner, and as an encore, ‘‘ Bill Bailey.’’ Will- iam P. Van Eps gave a mandolin sole, + Valse Bleue” Asidefrom the musical part of the program, there were two recita- tions from Mark Twain. One, en- titled ‘ The Invalid’s Story,” was given by Norman C. Hill, the other a dialogue from ‘‘ The Innocents Abroad,” by Norman C. Hill and Francis kK. Anderson, assisted silent- ly by Harold Fenno and Alden Moore. Both of these selections were well delivered and won much merited applause. Decidedly the hit oftheevening was the parody “‘ The: Facult-e-e,” writ- ten by G.A. Brakeley. Thisincluded a verse, containing some clever hit for each member of the school faculty andcaused much merriment. The verses were sung by Charles P. Titsworth, while the whole club sang the chorus. The last number on the program was the new school sougw. elhe. Red “and the Blic? written by Vincent B. Miner, and sung to the music of ‘‘ The Prince- ton Tiger.’’ All the selections were well rendered and repeatedly en- cored by the audience. The vocal chorus consisted of R. S. Lane, leader Ey Ke Andersoa, Gs | Bab: 6 THE ORACLE cock, G. A. Brakeley, V. W. Brooks, H. C. Fenno, N.C. Hill, V. B. Miner, A.E. Moore, M. T. Moynihan, C. C, Rocap, ;Cl Ps Witsworthe byGs Weseman and A.F. Yaeger. The mandolin quartet consisted of W. P. Van Eps, L. T. Koons, T. Gavett and C. H. Briggs. The piano ac- companiments were played by Miss Mary Collier. The arrival of Suhr’s Imperial Orchestra, about half-past nine, caused considerable disturbance among the benches, as wellas among the many happy dancers. Thirty-five dollars towards the support of the baseball team was cleared by the entertainment. The school at large, as well as the menibers of the ‘‘clubs,’’ on realiz- ing the success of the affair, and on seeing the chorus and quartet treated as clubsin the papers, began to ask, ‘‘Why don’t we get up a school Glee Club and a school Man- dolin Club?” Why, indeed, do we not? If the chorus and mandolin quartet could work up so successful an entertain- ment in so short a time, must not the men selected have possessed some talent for music? These are by no means the only ones among us who are of a musical turn of mind. Surely there is abundant material in the student body; only let those interested become or- ganized in a glee club, and highly satisfactory school talent would soon be brought to light. A concert would be a form of en- tertainment which would doubtless be well received by those who patronize our various histrionic at- tempts on the stage of Franklin Hall. A masterfully prepared con- cert would take no more time to rehearse for than do our plays and other forms of entertainment. The school Athletic Association has been in the habit of having college gleeclubscome to town each spring and give concerts for the benefit of the baseball team. A glee club con- cert where music was supplied by local talent would give far more satisfaction than would an enter- tainment by strangers—members of a college glee club. The musical work connected with the glee club would be of great value to our course of musical in- struction in school. Inasmuch as the number of members on the club must necessarily be limited, it would be considered an honor to ‘‘make”’ the Glee Club. To attain this honor, the fellows would take more pains with their work on “singing morn- ings,” and would strive to gain pro- ficiency in reading music. Then, too, the Glee Club could be used in connection with the school in sing- ing, and could take quartet and chorus work at special exercises. On such occasions the Mandolin Club could assist the piano in the musical part of the program, and add greatly to the effect of the ac- companiment. Now is the time to get a Glee Club organized. Now is the time THE ORACLE to form a Mandolin Club. It is positively necessary to get these ¢clubs formed and the work well under way before the close of school in June. If they are not well started this term, it may be a hard matter to resume work on the op ning of school in September. Wherefore, get together, ye singers. Get to- gether ve among us who play the mandolin—get together and make the Plainfield High School Glee and Mandolin Clubs more than mere empty names, make them perma- nent school organizations. The June issue of the ORACLE will be a special Commencement num- ber, and will appear June 18th. ] THE EASTER EXERCISES. On April 10th at 11.30 o'clock, the school assembled for the cus- tomary Easter exercises, and the following musical program was exceptionally well rendered. ‘‘Awake, Thou That Sleepest.’’ .. F. C. Maker SS eerNow bnew ltatcvnrs oo 1 bo es baure SERCH eee ee oe as . . Alfred R. Gaul The choruses of the cantata were sung by the school under the direc- ion of Mr. Lewis. The solo parts being rendered by the following ; INaOii iene enc ene Liss, MaryarColllier Orpaltaeaes = . . Miss Cornelia Miller IRATE eyew een Oe . . Mrs. Thomas Mac Donald Boaz ee Lian hialess lane ewa The large number of friends and visitors present were well satisfied with the success of the program. CSA SEQREEAOS eee [Rises 7 alae Re 1) An Entanglement OU have treated me very badly,”’ I saidsternly. It waslate afternoon, I had stopped rowing and had brought the boat in close to the bank, so that the overhanging boughs of the trees brushed softly against Penelope’s brown head. Around us lay a country landscape, sweet with the peace of a summer afternoon. But there was no peace a ine in my heart—far from it. I was an- gry, and I meant to let Penelope know it! ‘You have treated me very bad- ly,’ I repeated, more emphatically. Penelope smiled. Now, I usually like to see Penelope smile, for her eyes crinkle up and her chin tilts bewitchingly, but this time her mirth only aggravated my griev- ance. For some moments we sat in silence, she struggling to remain 8 THEY ORACLE grave, Licily dignified. At last she spoke. ‘How silly you are, Bob,” she said, ‘‘to get so angry about such a little thing: “It was nota little thing,’ I said. ‘‘The seventh dance was mine, and you knewit, yet you deliberately sat out on the piazza through the whole thing, while I hunted high and low for you. If it had been with any one else,”’ I went on, growing more righteously indig- nant every moment, “it wouldn’t have been so bad; but with Car- ter—of all people onearth, Carter!” I paused, ove come with scorn. The truth is I was jealous of Carter. Penelope glanced at me sidewise. “IT wasn’t on the piazza,’’ she said, demurely, ‘‘I was out on the lawn, and besides, I think Mr. Carter is very nice.”’ ‘On the lawn, Penelope!” I ejac. ulated. ‘So much the worse, I’m surprised that you should have done such a thing.” “Youvdidn't look atat im that way, when I went out with you earlier in the evening,’ observed Penelope. ‘“That—that’s different,’ I ex- plained hastily. “Not at all,” said Penelope, calmly. She was trailing one hand in the water, and a wisp of hair had blown across her eyes. Flick- ering light aud shade danced upon her white dress. Indeed, it was hard to be angry with her, but I steeled my heart. ‘““The fact remains,” I said, “that you deliberately cut a dance with me, to walk on the lawn with Car- ter!’? Icompressed all the scorn of my wounded heart into the last word, and my withering tonestung Penelope to resentment. VEt’s not so nat all’ shemex- claimed, ‘I did not deliberately cut that dance with you Icouldn’t hear the music where I was, and I came in a little late. I think after the way you have acted, I should be angry with you.” She paused for her words to take effect. “You've been very disagreeable, ’ she said, ‘‘and ’'m not going rid- ing tomorrow morning.” Not going riding! That wastoo much. Penelope and I had been taking long rides on horseback for the last two weeks, and now they were to be stopped. Foramoment I looked at her speechless, then started to remonstrate. But be- fore I could speak, something hap- pened. A branch, swaying gently back and forth, became entangled in the fluffy mass of hair that crowns Penelope’s pretty head. She put up her hand with a little exclamation, but her hair was firm- ly caught, and she could not free herself. “Help me undo this dreadful tangle, Bob,” she said, ‘““My hair feels as if it were coming out by the LOOtS:” Isat and looked at her calmly. My time had come, and revenge is sweet. ‘‘ Hurry,” she said, impatiently. PHB ORACLE 9 ‘“‘Penelope,” I answered, ‘‘I shall not help you until you promise to go riding with me tomorrow.”’ Then I waited for further devel- opments. I had imagined Pene- lope would be angry, and I wasnot disappointed. “You are taking a mean advan- tage of me,’’ she said, indignantly. ‘“You know I can’t get loose by my- self.”’ She gave a vicious tug at her hair. I put my head on one side and surveyed the result critic- ally. ‘‘Tt’s much worse,’’ I announced cheerfully. ““Tt’s very uncomfortable,’’ she said. ‘““Why don’t you promise to go riding, slL-askeds “li you™.do,. Vil fly to your assistance. Will you goriding? Say yes, Penelope.” ‘“No,” said Penelope. “That must hurt you a good deal,’ I remarked sympathetically. Crikidoce sen Lhe. coriers of, Pene- lope’s mouth took on a pathetic drop. “Such a fuss over such a little thing,”’ she added plaintively. “Tf the affair seems trivial to you,’ I suggested, ‘‘I ll change the question to one more important.” I grew grave as I spoke, and looked over at Penelope. “It’s a question I’ve wanted to ask you for some time,’ I added, ‘“Perhaps you can guess what it rie Did the setting sun cast its glow over Penelope’s face, or did she Penelope’s eyes flashed.. blush? She sat very still, looking out over the water. A little bird perched on a bush and _ chirped inquisitively. My heart beat wildly. noe yeeves mee cuelope!’) Wy whis- pered. ‘‘Yes,’’ said Penelope, very soft- ly. The little bird discreetly flew away. The sun gave one last glance, then, hastily pulling a cloud over his face, sank behind tie sebinensilisae «As little spreeze stirred the water, and from far off in the distance came the faint, sweet tinkle of cow bells. A prominent lawyer, tall, portly and pompous in appearance, was told that his opponent in a case to be tried, would be introduced to him. The opposing lawyer was short, thin and in every way weak looking. The pompous lawyer re- garded him from head to foot and then exclaimed in thunder tones, “Are you going to oppose me? Why Icould chew you up in one mouthful.”’ “Ves,” replied the opponent in a high, wiry voice, ‘“You could, and when you were done you would have more brains in you than you have now.” Tommy (after he has been to church for the first time)—‘‘ What did you get out of the funny silver plate, mamma? I only got a dime.” —Lampoon. THE ORACLE Translation From Vergil SUN, who on the deeds of men doth shine, And Juno, knowing well these cares of mine, And Hecate, invoked by shrieks and cries, Throughout the cities where thy shrines arise, Ye Furies, taking vengeance upon man, And gods of Dido dying for his hand, O, turn your power—’tis true I have deserved it— And hear my prayers—if prayer has ever swerved it. If to the lands that cruel man must come, And thus the orders of the Father run, Pray, then, let this be done, but nothing more. But let him then be tossed from shore to shore. Harassed in war and vexed by nations’ arms, Exiled from home, bereft of all its charms, Let death and mourning cause him many a pain, And let him seek some aid, but allin vain, And if his wanderings any time shall cease, When he gives up to unjust laws of peace, Pray, let him not enjoy the hoped-tor light, But die and lie exposed to mortal sight. This is my prayer, and with my fleeting breath I pour these words, unmoved by thought of death. Then, do ye Tyrians hate the future race When I have gone to my last resting place; Let no love in the people have its course, Nor give them bond or contract with full force. O, some avenger of my bones, come forth, Pursue with fire and sword the Trojan host, Now, then, at any time when strength thou hast, For on that nation’s death my hopes are fast. RICHETTA G. RANDOLPH. THE ORACLE ii Comparison of “The Deserted Village” and Grayvee“ Elegys HESE two poems, although different in some respects, —— can be easily compared. In the first place, they both Ic belong to about the same period of literature, and they both introduce a new style in writing. Up to that time the literature had consisted principally of political papers, es- says, or formal and unnatural writings. The simple, graceful, and beautiful style that Goldsmith and Gray introduced was a great surprise to the public. Then, too, most of the former writings had treated of the rich or those in high stations of life. Accordingly, an entirely new element was intro- duced when the life of the poor was mentioned. Perhaps the first similarity to be notived between these two poems is in setting. Both scenes are in the country, and in the evening. The opening descriptions are very beautiful in both, but to my mind, Gray’s surpasses Goldsmith’s, be- cause of the realistic sounds that break the quiet. One can almost hear the “droning beetle,” ‘‘the whooping owl,” or ‘‘the cock’s shrill clarion.’’ The same general reflec- tive character with its note of sadness is found in these two poems. The themes, although treated in a somewhat different ic manner, are alike in that they both treat of the ‘annals of the poor.” It is the country poor that are mentioned, and country life that they think is free from temptations. There is just one other similarity to be spoken of, that is the similarity of style. It has already been touched upon, but perhaps it might be well to mention again. The simple and graceful style is much the same in both, and the suggestive adjectives that abound in each poem, ring long in our memory. There are, however, distinct dif- ferences in these works, particular- ly in the discussion of the attitude of the rich toward the poor. There is no doubt that Goldsmithis much in earnest in his subject but in al- owing himself to be carried away, he becomes both little and partial. One might think from his explana- tion that all the rich were hypo- crites, grinding out the lives of the poor. This, however, we know to be untrue. In contrast to that thought, we have the views of Gray upon the subject. He is log- icaland just. He gives good rea- sons why the rich should not look down upon the poor, but never al- lows himself to become partial. There is another point upon which these writers do not agree. It isin regard to country life. Goldsmith thinks a quiet, peaceful, rustic life 12 ideal, while Gray argues that there are disadvantages, for in a small rural town, “Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweetness on the desert air.”’ Both these poems are very beau- tiful, and are admired for many Aveilo as NENG it THE ORACLE similar reasons. But after a close comparison, to my mind, Gray’s Elegy surpasses Goldsmith’s work, not only in beauty of thought and language, but in the justice of its arguments. NOC CE Es ALETTERFROM HENRY A. PEARCE Pees), .93,,U NIOIN; os: The Union College track team has two dual meets scheduled for this season, one with Rutgers, at New Brunswick on May 9th, and one with Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, at Albany on May 30th. The meet with Rutgers is a return meet. Last year, in a spirited contest, Rutgers won from us at Albany bya score of 50 to 46. But our prospects for material are good this year, and by hard work we hope to make a better showing. The events to be run off in each meet are as follows: 100-yd. dash, 220-yd. dash, 440-yd. run, 880-yd. run, 1-mile run, 120-yd. hurdles, 220-yd. hurdles, running broad jump, running high jump, putting the 16-lb. shot, pole vault, throw- ing the 16-lb. hammer. Two men only from each college may be entered in any one event. Places count: First,.5 points; sec- ond, 3 points. We expect ourcoach to begin with us next week, and from then on through May hard, conscientious work will be the rule. The graduation exercises begin with the Baccalaureate Sermon by President Andrew V. V. Raymond, DD. Lia D.-on- Sunday, june wth: On the evening of June 8th occur the prizecontestsinextemporaneous speaking and prize oratory of Juniors and Sophomores. That af- ternoon (June 8th), occur the Ivy Day exercises in the grove. These, I suppose, are in general very like the ivy exercises of other colleges. We hold ours in the midst of a nice grove under a great, spreading elm tree, called the Nott Elm, after our greatest president, Dr. Eliphalet Nott, who held rank as one of the greatest educators of his day. The grove and the beautiful garden ad- joining it go by the name of Doctor Jackson’s garden, from one of the former presidents of the college. If the weather is fine the grove pre- sents a gala appearance. Girls are numerous, music is inspiring, and the whole setting is all that the gowned seniors could desire, as they come marching in and group them- selves about the great elm. The president of the senior class then introduces in turn the ivy poet, the THE ORACLE class poet and the pipe orator; and they, to the best. of their ability, fulfil the duties of their office. This done, the procession marches to one of the college buildings, and there the ivyis planted with great pomp, and the ivy orator holds forth to the assembled multitude. On June 9th the Alumni reunions have a prominent place, and men who, in many cases have been out of college for forty or fifty years, come back to renew their vouthand toenjoy the feast prepared for them by the ladies of the city. That af- ternoon the class-day exercises are held. On the morning of June 10th is the graduation proper, withallthat it signifies. The Honorary Chan- cellor this year is to be Governor Odell, of New York. If I might make a suggestion to the editors, I wonder if the ORACLE might not be a factor in promoting class reunions at the time of the High School commencement. Our own Concordiensis takes a promi- nent part in thiswork. The class of ’98 will have been out of the school five years by June, and doubtless many of them would like to get together at that time. And now. my dear editors, 1f you use any of this hurriedly-written material, I pray you, by all you hold dear, to rearrange, punctuate and paragraph before it comes under the eagleeyes of Miss Niles or Mr. Travell. All success to you in your noble venture. Most sincerely, HstA; PEARCE, 98: 13 ’01.—Townsend Mason is play- ing on the varsity baseball team at Rutgers College. ’02.—Miss Edna Moore took a prominent partin the hurdle-rac- ing at Wellesley last fall. ’99.—Miss Helen Hall, of Welles- ley, has been elected senior member of the executive board of the Con- sumers’ League. ’01.—Miss Louise Whitney, of the Central University of Iowa, is the editor-in-chief of the college paper. ’02. — Miss Edna Moore, of Wellesley, taught Miss Cumming’s Junior class in Greek just before the Easter vacation. ’02.—Miss Elsie Goddard, has re- cently been chosen a member of the Freshman crew of Wellesley Col- lege. The woodman who carries the sharp ax cam raze the tree ati stroke, but he who carries the dull ax strengthens his muscles. ‘“Mattie.—“‘I want you to know I don’t stand on trifles.”’ Helen (glancing at her feet)— “No, dear, I see you don’t:’—Ex. The state of matrimony is one of the United States, even if it isn’t on thie map. x. Heard on the base-b ill field. ‘“‘ That’s the idea.” ‘‘Only takes one to hit it.” That's apiece ott.” 14 SC at JO Ome THE ORACLE NCO Ve rs The translation from Vergil by a a member of the Senior Class given on page 10, is from the A‘neid, Book IV, lines 607-628. During a recent fire drill, Miss Niles remarked that the well- known motto ‘‘ Presence of mind is greatly promoted by absence of body” might appropriately be changed by substituting the word “fire: tor body. MR. KYTE ? A jolly young chemistry tough While mixing a compound stuff, Dropped a match in the vial, And after a while— They found his front teeth and one cuff. —Quoted. SENIOR NOTES. The Trigonometry class has sad- ly degerenated since the departure of Mr. Brown. ” Brakeley, our faithful ‘‘sub,” is with the team for his fifth year. 1903 is arranging to make Class Day this year somewhat different from usual, and something unusu- ally good may be looked tor. A number from the class have entered the competition for the prize to be given to members of the Senior class of New Jersey High Schools for the best compo- sition on ‘‘The Probation Officer in New Jersey.”’ The class has chosen a picture at last, and on Arbor Day the ‘‘Can- terbury Pilgrims”’ will be presented to the school. A. D. Beers, class secretary, en- joyed a pleasant trip to Virginia during the Easter vacation. April 21st. The Seniors have be- gun their last series of class meet- ings. From now totheend ofschool they are to be of daily occurrence. On this occasion many weighty matters were discussed, thanks to the length of recess. At present it is better that what transpired in this secret conclave should not be divulged. The following resolution was passed on April 21st. WHEREAS: God in His infinite wisdom has called unto Himself the father of our class- mate Frederic Van Auken. RESOLVED: That we, the class of nineteen hun- dred and three extend to him our deepest sympathy in his sorrow, and RESOLVED : That a copy of these resolutions be published in the ORACLE, JUNIOR NOTES. The recent absence of Miss Bass has given Van Wyck Brooks an ex- cellent opportunity to show his knowledge of Latin, and also his great ability as a teacher. At a recent class meeting, the class of 1904 decided to give $15 of the money raised by the play, to the school paper. Poor Mr. Anderson is still in trouble. He purchased his glasses, and now Miss Bass suggests that THE ORACLE they seem to have had no effect whatever. SOPHOMORE NOTES. When Mr. Babcock made that blunder in French class about the word ‘six,’ he thought it was about time to ‘‘six,’’ (cease.) Mr. Briggs has hit on a new plan for drawing a crowd. This time it’s a fruit-stand. S. S.—‘‘Wasn’t the English lan- guage originally spoken in that way?” Miss Bass.—‘‘Perhaps it was, but IT can’t seem to remember.”’ In Greek Class.—‘‘ How do you decline Zeus?”’ Brilliant Student— Put him on top of an inclined plane and let him slide.”’ Miss Niles, to pupils taking Sup- plementary Algebra test. ‘‘ Does that noise upstairs disturb vou? I suppose I should say, singing. In French class.—‘‘Can you say in French, ‘I have studied my les- son ge Honest pupil.—‘‘ No, I cannot tell aie) Second year translating—‘'Ceasar commanded the army to follow him Ande mareh, info the. sea, It is doubtful whether they obeyed. STUDENT GOVERNMENT NOTES. A meeting of the School Senate was held during the fourth period, March 24, 1903. Sentences were passed upon the various offenders 1S who were reported by teachers, senators or tribunes. On March 30: a meeting «f the Senate was held during the third period and a new Board of Tribunes was elected. The new tribunes appointed are as fol- lows: Ist period—Mae Batchelor, Van Wyck Brooks. 2d me Jean Douglas, Lucius Koons. 3d ms Maud Van Auken, Chas. Elliott. Atha Dorothy Waldo, Harry Thompson. doy 9 Mary Griggs, F. Van Auken. 6th Mary St. John, George Babcock. Our former President of the Sen- ate has accepted the office of Tribune which we know she will fill as well as her former duties. Regular basket-ball practice is held three times a week under the direction of Miss Burroughs and Miss Ball. The Junior and Sopho- more classes each hope to work up a strong team, and arrangements are being made to form one from the Freshman class. After the girls are in better training a series of inter-class games will be played. This is an example of the kind of conversation they carry onin Cesar class: Miss Tolles (addressing Mr. Tra- vell) —You ought to be loved. Mr. Travell (more enthusiastical- ly)—You must be loved. During the Easter vacation Mar- tin Bowman met with a serious accident. He fell froma trestle ten feet high on to a barbed-wire fence. A set of the International Ency- clopedia has been purchased for the school. 16 THE 3 BASEBALL. High School’s victory over New- ark Acade ny was saddened by the absence of Major VanAuken, who was detained at his father’s bedside. Mr. VanAuken was then rapidly sinking under an attack of blood poisoning caused by an ul- cerated tooth, and in spite of the best medical assistance he died that afternoon. The base-ball games scheduled for the next week were immediately cancelled, and the fol- lowing Monday the Battalion voted a floral tribute asa mark of sympathy for Major Van Auken. The first baseball game of the season was played March 28th, with a local organization, the Orange Field Club. A large num- ber of enthusiasts were on hand and many were somewhat disap- pointed. While the fielding was fairly good, the batting was deplor- ably weak, and High School went down to defeat bya score of 4 to 3. Van Auken wasin good form and ‘‘fanned”’ fifteen of the opposing batsmen. Whitley was very effec- tive, High School getting only three hits. Only four were made off Van Auken. Orange Field Club fielded in good torm. In spite of defeat there is no need to be dis- couraged, as the batting will be- come more effective and there is every likelihood of a crack team. The second game of the season was played with the Westfield High ‘School on April 1st. The same weakness in batting was again in ORACLE evidence, and although we won out 8-5, the victory was not much of a credit. Munro and Van Auken al- ternated in the box and three hits were secured off each. The fielding by our team was good, but that did not keep the score down. Since then the team has had two disappointments. On the 4th of April, going to Elizabeth, they found that the Pingry manager had telegraphed them not to come, be- cause no team could be gotten together on account of wet grounds. Westerleigh Collegiate Institute manager also sent word that his team would be unable to come here on the 8th. GIRLS’ BASKET BALL. Every clear day finds some of the more enthusiastic basket-ball play- ers out in the girls’ vard practising for the coming season. Miss Ball’s regular attendance at the different athletic games has at last been rewarded; for the Ath- letic Association has honored her with the P. H. S. insignia. We are very glad to say that Mr. Best has recovered from his illness and has returned to school. The services of Miss Iola Moore, a graduate of the High School, have been secured as school librari- an. Sheis at school on three days of the week from 11.30 until 1 o’clock. This will give the students an easier access to our library which is known to contain many valuable works of fiction as wellas excellent reference books. THE ORACLE Fest A S Ue bs see eS LZ The Easter numbers of our ex- changes are, as a whole, very good. Some are exceedingly so; some keep up to the standard they have al- ready set for themselves, and some seem to have specially exerted them- selves to make this number a suc- cess. All have succeeded, for every paper on our desk this month is commendable in some way. wine VY. HS: Searchlight says: | Criticism that is apt and just, however severe, will do good; criti- cism inapt and unjust will generally come home to roost to the discom- fort of the author,’’ the wisdom of which remark is evident to every exchange editor. We are very glad to receive the first number of the High School Echo. Itisnot so very long ago that we were starting out our- selves, and so we shall watch the progress of this new paper with a great deal of interest. The school paper that can head its various departments with ap- propriate drawings is indeed for- tunate. The Irisseems to be par- ticularly successful in this line, and the University School Record and the Cutler Fortnightly both con- tain good pen-and-ink work. We were glad to receive the De- cember number of the Latin and High School Review and we would like to continue exchanging with this paper. The Oracle from Des Moines con- tains a very interesting letter from Honorable James Wilson, Secretary of Agriculture. The Oracle is for- tunate to have sucha distinguished correspondent. , The following clipping will be appreciated by our Ancient History students: Question—‘t What were the Sib- ylline books?”’ Answer—‘'O, they were some fairy-tales that Servius Tullius bought from an old woman hang- ing round the streets of Rome.— The Dragon (Newport). A mother seeing her little boy in the hen-house witha rope, asked him what he was doing, to which he replied, ‘I’m trying to fix this rooster so his alarm won’t go off until seven o’clock tomorrow morn- ing.”—Ex. Intelligent student picking up a Casar— Oh, say, Latin’s easy. I wish I had taken it. Look here (pointing to several passages), forty ducks in a row (forte dux in aro). Pass us some jam (Passus sum jam).—Ex. The Central High School Monthly came to us this month, bright in its Easter cover. We admire the spirit in which the Shaunee Arrow has started out, and we sincerely hope that it will prove as successful as it promises EOLDC. 18 THE ORACLE Miss Moore has made a list of the books in the school library and in the Public Library which bear on some of the Prize Essay sub- jects. “Be sure and start your prize es- says early, and have them off your minds,’ the teachers’ warning. How many of us have followed this timely advice ? SE My Printing is Artistic. STAFFORD PO W. W. WARNCCK, Baker and Confectioner, 144 West Front Street. Catering. Ice Cream. RS, REMOVAL. Our new address is 191 NORTH AVENUE. MARCHANT BROTHERS, | PLAINFIELD MILK AND CREAM TEL. 1134 COMPANY P40 W.EST FRONT Si At Miller’s New 4!! the lates! drinks served clean and cold. Soda Fountain, Crushed Fruits and Ice Cream. Milk Shakes. Glaces. Frappe. Sundays, etc MILLER’S PHARMACY, Park Ave., cor. Fourth St. Telephone 203 THE LEADING MILLINERY STORE P. FRANK STONE, Successor to Gernert Photo Studio, ee 12g EAST FRONT STREET. Artistic Portraits. Strictly Fresh Stock. ® © © © @ aily arrivals of SHAD. ROGERS CO., 232 WEST SECOND ST. Sea Food of all varieties in their season. eRe ENDRESS, Plainfield’ s Leading Meat Store, BGG 131-135 WEST FRONT STREET 115 PARK AVENUE. JEL Rave Ce DOrksN iE Jeweler and Optician, Eyes Examined Free. REPAIRING of Watches and French Clocks a Specialty. Come to Peck’s. ms i Iks. Departing radically from the detestable orrectly-fashisned Apparel for Young Folks. juvenile,” but possessing a youthful grace and elegance Brenly pleasing to the most fastidious person. Boys’ Plaid Outing Caps, soc. Boys’ Snappy Suits, 2.98 to 11.98. Girls’ ‘ Peter Thompson ”’ High School Dresses, 8.98. Girls’ Cuba Tuscan Flat Hats, 4gc. ‘We are specialists in the knack of fitting out young people—we know just exactly what you need {ol 7. ebroad: Street, INE WERK. ING. J; E. B. MAYNARD, THOMAS TIMBO CO., Mensoriclartist,, Lunch Rooms, The best service in town. 135 North Ave. and 216 Watchung Ave. 141 NORTH AVENUE, PLAINFIELD Fine Confectionery at Watchung Avenue Store @@@ | DO GOOD PRINTING! SHALL | DO SOME FOR YOU? STAFFORD 6€®@ M. G- VAN ARSDALE, PasGe DUS Bols- BO MINE, Acorns Sie: Formerly with A. A. Vantine Co. Shoe and Rubber ad ° Distributor, Oriental Tea Room Vantine’s Table Condiments. Japanese Napkins. 127 EAST FRONT ST. PLAINFIELD Japanese Favors. Teas and Coffees, CHARLES [1. SUHR, Bargains inl Real Estate. DIRECTOR OF IMPERIAL ORCHESTRA INSTRUCTOR OF PIANO. [RA eee. RUE, No. 144 East Fourth Street Sh SURAT eS tea gate vote Music furnished for Concerts, Private Parties, Recep- Cor. W anne and North Aves., oneaWicddinigs Ete: Plainfield, N. J. Representing Wm. Knabe Co. Piano, New York lf you want Good Teas and Coffees go to The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Conipany, [Si@apdnogme West BRON S TREE PLEINFIEED IN: J: Ca Wakeonard, DD: DiS; Baky Leonard) M eb. D:D.S: Office hours: 8a.M.to61r.™. DRS. LEONARD, Dentists, 209 North Avenue. Front Street, cor. Park Avenue, Plainfield Money to Loan on Bond and Mortgage. Law Offices of CHARLES L. MOFFETT, D. KLEIN BRO., Merchant and Military Tailors Makers of Uniforms of all kinds. Cadet Uniforms a Specialty. xe 921 WALNUT ST., PHILADELPHIA. 3K We supply Uniforms for the Cadets of the Plainfield High School. Write for Samples, Catalogues and Prices. .) ie Hyatt Hagsy Roan) rae Sy es ON iar RN ARN Nay The ORACLE PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY Commencement Number yg ee eee Plainfield Trust. Company JTRANSACTS a general trust com- pany and banking business. ALLOWS 3 per cent. interest, on checking accounts of $200 or more. PERATES a Special Department in which accounts of $5.00 or more are accepted, and 3 per cent. interest is paid. This interest. begins on the first. of every month, and is compounded semi - annually. CTS as Executor, Administrator, Guardian, Receiver, and in all other Fiduciary Capacities. OFFICER §S . T. Warine, Pres. Henry A. McGee, 2d Vice-Pres. . V. Heexy, Vice-Pres. J. Hersert Cass, Sec. and Treas. DIRECTOR S Ernest R. Ackerman Francis DeL. Hyde Walter M. McGee Charles J. Fisk James W. Jackson George P. Mellick Frederick Geller Edw. H. Ladd, Jr. J. Donald Morrow Augustus V. Heely Chas.W. McCutchen Henry G. Runkle Edwin S. Hooley Henry A. McGee Orville T. Waring THE ORACLE Higb-Class Dwellings af.d Building Sites ian te Jays: Best Residential Sections of Nadaeniome. Heights and Plainfield, N. J. K SK x KAD ial OuiesOINe 207 North Avenue, Plainfield) Ne d. THE ORACLE At NEUMAN BROS., © 501-503 watchung ave., The Leading Grocers, You can always find every possible delicacy. FRUITS --- Foreign and Domestic PD en oe Ralston Health Shoe y Baseball and Tennis Supplies. FOR MEN. HARPER'S, WARM, WATERPROOF. JOHN H. DOANE. 411 Park Avenue, Plainfield, N. J. Goto HARRY DREIER _ fe __ |MPERIAL BICYCLES and Sundries. Plainfield Agent A. G. Spalding Bros’ Baseball and Tennis Goods and Supplies. All kinds of Sporting Goods, Musical Instruments, etc. 261-263 WEST FRONT STREET, PLAINFIELD, N. J. ADAMS CHAPMAN, Hi. E. Gayle Hardware Co., Stylish 1 General Hardware, Stoves, a oee Millinery, House Furnishing Goods, fi BAST PROND SeREE Tel. 682. FRONT ST. ann PARK AVE. Y. Ti. C. A. Summer Privileges, $3.00 SHOWER BATHS. BOWLING ALLEYS. LOCKER AND TENNIS COURT. June Ist to September rst. SWIMMING POOL Write or call for prospectus. A . “ De Wirt C. Ivins. TELEPHONE 44 omestic inisb. De Einvel De WITT C. IVINS CO., H. W. MARSHALL, Lumber, Coal and Proprietor ‘ American Steam Laundry, ® ® Masons’ Supplies, 122 East FRonT STREET. gor To 311 WATCHUNG AVE. oe CITY NATIONAL BANK pays interest on satisfactory daily balances, subjeét to gs check, and has a Savings Department in addition to ME ué s regular business. He 3K CAPITAL, $150,000 SURPLUS and PROFITS, $125,000 os 3 THE ORACLE 3 Comparisons are QUT ee ee Ave ia HORECE, id i. Editor and Proprietor. ¢ al Y v ESS is Plainfield’s Leading New spapets because it publishes ‘‘ all the news that’s fit to print.” IS ALWAYS RELIABLE The Best in Milk and Cream. HODGE’S PHARMACY. PLAINFIELD MILK AND CREAM CO. Bees ota BETTER. Ice Cream Soda, BEST, MARCHANT BROTHERS, 191 North Avenue. ee M. Cc ve Building s 2 Said to b f the finest stores in the State. @ur New Building. Ceamy oncotuepesr. WOODHULL MARTIN, 163, 165, 167, 169, 171 E. FRONT -) Music furnished for Concerts, Weddings, Cy Receptions, Theatricals, Etc. CHARLES M. SUHR, Direétor of Imperial Orchestra. Home Address: 144 E. Fourth Street, Plainfield. New York Address: 34 E. 14th St. PIANO INSTRUCTION THE ORACLE D. KLEIN BRO., Merchant and AMpilitary Catlors Makers of Uniforms of all kinds. Cadet Uniforms a Specialty. 2K 02) WALNOAT (Si5 -PHIEADELPEIA: 3K We supply Uniforms for the Cadets of the Plainfield High School. .... Write for Samples, Catalogues and Prices. oon aie + x a a i i 7 4 4 The ORACLE na “Tam Sir Oracle, and when I ope my lips, let no dog bark.” BOARD OF EDITORS. Editor-in-Chief, VAN Wyck Brooks, ’04. Literary Editor, School Editor, Corresponding Editor. LILLian SNODGRASS, ’05. Mae BaTcHELoR, ’0}. Ruru TuHompson, ’06, Business Manager, Asst Bus. Manager, Artand Exchange Editor Harotp C, FEenno, ’04. Harry G. THomrson, ’os. Epitu L. Jarvis, ’o5. Associate Editors, Mr. Linpsey Best. Miss Grace E. BurrouGus. STAFF OF REPORTERS , = aoe 03. Harrtet C. RANDALL. 04. WILHELMINA PaTTon. G. ARCHIBALD BRAKELEY. Jose L. Tweepy. ’o5. Louise Kein. ’06. Erner Boice. GEORGE BENTLEY Beny. E. HERMAN. i Published on the first Wednesday of every month during the school year, by the students of the Plainfield (N. J.) High School. Tuos. H. SrarrorD, Vhe Printer, 123 East Front Street 10 CENTS PER COPY FIRST VOLUME 70 CENTS VOLe=1 COMMENCEMENT NUMBER NO. 7 FUNG 1003 What Employers Are Doing For Their Employees [This essay won the George H. Babcock Prize in English Composition. ] ‘’ Be noble ! and the nobleness that lies In other men, sleeping but never dead, Will rise in majesty to meet thine own.’’—Lowell. OW much better might be the condition of labor today if every em- ployer would but bear this thought in mind in dealing with hisem- ployees ! Not so much by the churches, not by the great education- al institutions, nor yet by the common schools, is the character of the plain people being shaped and molded along civic and social lines; but this duty more and more devolves upon the great captains of industry. That so many of these men are too self-centered to have any concern rel- ative to the moral and mental development of those under their care, is one of the unfortunate conditions in the world today. On the basis of this condition, employers the world over may be divided into two dis- tinct classes. In the first ot these I would place those men who regard 8 THE ORACLE their employees as so many ‘‘hands,” and who overwork and devitalize them merely for their profit. The second class, and the one with which we are chiefly concerned, is composed of those who recognize that every man possesses his modicum of human nature, and who strive to show that they have respect and sympathy for their employees, not only as skilled artisans, but as men. The members of this second class are ren- dering invaluable service to humanity by assisting the laboring man to better his social condition, and in tending to create a more harmonious relation between the employer and the employed. In this work two principal plans are followed. The first is called by some, ‘Actual profit-sharing,” or, as Mr. N. P. Gilman states it, “A direct dividend to labor.’”? The meaning of either phrase is, ‘‘ An agree- ment by virtue of which an employee receives a share, fixed beforehand,in the profits of an undertaking.’ The three countries in which ‘‘ Industrial Betterment” is being most strongly pushed are Germany, England and America. In Germany this first plan is very little used. In England, up to the year 1894, only 152 firms had adopted the plan, and of these 51 had discontinued its use. In the United States profit-sharing is a rather new proposition, not having been introduced until 1870. In the short period since that time a number of firms have tried the experiment and for various reasons abandoned it. In the year 1900 only about 25 con- cerns were operating under profit-sharing conditions. Of these the three most important are the Proctor and Gamble Company, of Cincinnati, Ohio, the N. O. Nelson Company, of St. Louis, Missouri, and the Bourne Mills, of Fall River, Massachusetts. Each of these firms has made a thorough trial and considers the plan a financial as well as a moral suc- cess. Such success as this, however, is not due alone to the cold contract existing between the firm and its employees; we must attribute it large- ly to the spirit with which the firm deals with those in its employ. Con- cerns such as those mentioned go further than the contract. They base their efforts on Socialism and Christianity, as wellas on ‘‘cash.’’ The employers who are today most successtul in their dealings with labor are men who take into account in all their reckonings the humanity and uni- versal brotherhood of man; they are men who recognize that although capital is not the direct fruit of the labor of their employees, yet those who work for them have an honest share in prosperity. The men, the employers, who are working along these lines are the ones who in the true sense are ‘doing things” for their employees. Employers of this class are scattered the world over. They are found in all branches of industry. Probably the best known exampie of this ‘‘ indirect profit-sharing,” THE ORACLE a] —the Krupp Iron and Steel foundries—is situated at Essen, Germany. The movement was startedt bere in1861, by the grandfather of the pres- entowner. At that time the company acquired a large tract of land,built a factory village, and assisted financially all who desired to become own, ers of their homes. Schools have been built, a large clubhouse erected- public baths, and a large boarding-house or workmen’s hotel, all at the expense of the company. The people have entered heartily into the spir- it of the work, with a result that a net profit of 2% per cent. has been re- alized on the investment. This profit has been turned back to the fund for improvements. For some time, a work differing from that of the Krupp people only in the details, has been carried on by D. Peters ae CO: weavers, of Neviges and Elberfield, Herr F. Brandts, weaver, of Mun- chen, Gladbach, and by many other German firms of somewhat less im- portance, In England, Port Sunlight is the example that stands out pre-emi- nent. This isa model settlement established and maintained by Lever Brothers, soap manufacturers, on a branch of the Mersey, three miles from Birkenhead. The village covers over one hundred acres of ground and con ains all the improvements of aa up-to-date town. The dwellings are of modest size, but built with an eye to the beautiful. Rents areata minimum. Supplies are furnished at cost by a large co operative store. The company supports schools for 500 children, a Girls’ Institute, anda Men’s Club. This the company does, and more, and claims that its ex- penditures are overbalanced by the increase in interest and industry on the part of the employees. Hazell, Watson Viney, Ltd., the London printing house; Cadbury Bros., of Bournville, manufacturers of cocoa and chocolate, besides many other firms of less reputation, are working along lines similar to those followed by Lever Bros. The foremost examples of industrialsettlements in the United States (excluding Pullman, Ill.), are the N. O. Nelson Co., at Le Claire, Illinois, and Cheney Brothers, at South Ma: chester, Connecticut. Both of these firms have had marked success in the promoting of private ownership of homes by employees. Such concerns as S. D. Warren Co., paper man- ufacturers, of Cumberland Mills, Maine; the Thread Company, at Willi- mantic, Connecticut, and the Howland Mills, at New Bedford, Massa- chusetts, while maintaining villages, retain ownership of houses and con- sider it to be the best method. Many railroads, such as the Baltimore and Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Chicago, Burlington and Quincy, maintain pension funds for their employees. The Illinois Steel Company, at Joliet, and the National Cash Register Company, of Dayton, Ohio, have forced themselves to the front by their signal efforts in the line of education and 10 THE ORACLE healthful recreation; the former through the I linois Steel Works Club, incorporated, and the latter directly from the head of the company to the employee. The firms here mentioned constitute only a very small percentage of the ‘“‘indirect profit-sharing’’ class. Yet this class includes only an in- considerable portion of the employers of labor. There is still a large field for improvement in the condition of the employee. A general improve- ment must eventually come. If you are an employer, and desire to do your part toward a “millennium” of labor, I would say to you, and to all men, ‘‘Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal.” Do this with a Christian spirit, and the result is assured. RaLPH S$. LANE, ’03. Baseball. The baseball victory of the year that put the most joy into the hearts of High School supporters was the one over our old rivals, Rut- gers Preparatory School, of New Brunswick, on May 16. The final score 8 to 4, and most of our runs were earned by hard batting. With two men on bases in the first inning, Thompson let a grounder through him and two Prep. school men went across the rubber. Rutgers got two more runs later by the hardest kind of work. In the sixth inning with two on bases Van Auken cracked out a hard single and came all the way home on a centre-field error. Thompson knocked a clean home run in the eighth. The cleverest play of the game was when with the bases full and no outs, two Prep school men were put out by clever infield plays and Van Auken fanned the third. Craig’s and Brokaw’s playing for the High School was especially commendable, and Bock made a pret- ty running catch in centerfield. On April 22 High School lost to the Khiani Club, of Princeton Uni- versity, by a score of 11-2. High School was outplayed by the college boys in batting and fielding. The team had an off-day and did not seem to show the usual spirit. Van Auken for High School was effective but very wild, while Khiani Club played with but one error. ‘ Dave’’ Pond, of the 1901 team played for Khiani and came in for a generous share of ‘“‘horsing.”’ ’ a. a | A. Sig ot at) i; « ws yy TEAR BOOK --- CLASS of 1903 CLASS BOOK COMMITTEE EDITORS — DOROTHY WALDO. ARTHUR F. CONANT. NORMAN C. HILL. BUSINESS MANAGERS — RALPH S. LANE. ALDEN E. MOORE. Cuommernucemenut Speaker of the Evening, Jupce WILLIAM N. ASHMAN, of Philadelphia. Salutatorian, ALICE ALLEGRA PUGH. Valediftorian, LOUISE MONTFORT TAYLOR. See PORY res SAay. CHILD LABOR. E have been enjoying for several years what many less fortu- nate boys and girls are deprived of, the advantages of a good education. It is for this reason that we are interested in the children who have to work, for, as we think of what our priv. ileges have meant to us, we realize how barren their lives must be. They have been deprived of what we possess—good education, good health and high moral incentives. Every one who goes to New York must notice the great number of boys of school age who are working as newsboys, bootblacks, or messenger boys. Hundreds of other children are working in stores and factories, doing up parcels, running errands and tending machinery. Some boys and girls work in their own homes, stripping tobacco or doing light sewing, while others, who do attend school, work several hours before school in the morning, and after school until late at night. The number of children at work increases year by year. Between 1870 an d 1880, the number in our own s'ate increased 100 percent., while the last twenty years has brought another startlingly large increase. Their education is necessarily neglected. If they work all day, they cannot go to school at all; if they work after school when they should be playing and sleeping, they become so tired that the edu- cation they do get is not beneficial. That the education of the working children is neglected is shown in the fact that New York, New Jersey and 14 THE ORACLE Pennsylvania, today have 13,000 illiterate children between the ages of ten and fourteen. In New Jersey alone there are almost 5,000. This statement will not seem so surprising when we consider that, according to the reports of inspectors, children often begin to work when they are only five years old. These children, according to the reports made afew years ago by the New York Labor Bureau, know very little aside from what they gain through their experiences at the factory. Some of them when questioned said that they thought that Europe was in New York; a few thought that the world might possibly be one hundred miles long. In our own State the inspector reported that 60 per cent. of the working children had not heard of the United States or of Europe, and could not tell anything about them; 95 percent. knew nothing of the Revolutionary War,and at least 30 percent.could not even name the city in which thev lived. But illiteracy is not the worst result of child-labor. The children’s health suffers from long hours and constant confinement. Even if the children work but part of the day and go to school as well, they become so exhausted that when the time for rest does come, they are not able to regain the lost strength. Mrs. Kelley of the Consumers’ League, tells a pathetic story about some little girls between ten and fourteen years of age, whom she met one night after eleven o’clock when she was return- ing from a concert. They had been working since seven-thirty in the morning, and were spending the night on the street because one of them had become so exhausted that she could not walk home. This sort of lifecannot but result in evil habits, especially to boys whose work keeps them on the streets much of the time. One newsboy about fourteen years old was arrested one night in New York for cheat- ing his customers. It was then found that he had sold papers as long as he could remember. He never finished his work until late at night, so, al- though he had a home, he seldom went there because he found the lodg- ing-house more convenient and attractive. Here he was surrounded by boys of low moral character, and thus he had grown up into their ways, and had become skillful as well as successful in gambling and in petty robbery. His is the story of many boys who, through the influence of evil companions in youth, become men of vicious habits and criminal tend- encies. It is not in our large cities alone that child-labor exists in its worst forms. In the mining districts thousands of miners put their little boys to work on the breakers, where they get at first only forty cents a day. The work is hard and very injurious to health, and the wages they get are not worth the sacrifice of their health, for even after they become experts they seldom receive more than ninety cents per day. The girls in THE ORACLE 15 these districts work in mills and factories. They, too, receive small wages aud often undergo cruel treatment, some of them standing at their work all daylong. The result is, that after a short time, the girls begin to break down, and their health is often ruived for the rest of their lives. Child-labor, then, brings about neglected education, ruined health, and low morals. Children with such drawbacks cannot become good citizens. Surely, something ought to be done to prevent the employment of boys and girls. The problem is a hard one to deal with for there is much light work in the stores and factories which children can do. Their labor is cheaper than that of men, so employers will probably continue to engage them as long as they are allowed to do so. Many parents are too ignorant and too indifferent to realize that they are injuring their children by al- lowing them to work. The wages they get are usually so small that the parents could almest do without their children’s earnings. Charitable organizations are beginning to realize the danger of allowing child-labor, and are doing all they can to prevent it. One of the most active organ- izations is the Consumers’ League, which has faced the problem square- ly. Among the stipulations they make, before a factory or store can be put on the ‘‘ White List,’ is that no children under sixteen shall be em- ployed. The time has come for publicsentiment to be thoroughly aroused. If every public-spirited citizen would stand for the right there is little doubt thatlaws would be made andenforced, abolishing child-labor. Then, and only then, will the working-children be restored to the rights which belong to American boys and girls. ISSA AINGDY WOAUE ORG IRON? THE ABUSE OF CONVENTIONALITY. 9 ONVENTIONALITY is undoubtedly one of the strongest influ- fences in our lives. Nowadays, the prayer is not, ‘I thank Thee that I am not as other men are,”’ but, ‘‘ Let me be exact- ly as other men are.” If we examine our inmost feelings and motives, we find that our actions are largely controlled by that ever present question,‘‘ What would people say?”’ From the most trivial matters of dress to questions gravely effect- ing our moral welfare, conventionality rules us,and none dare gainsay its power. It cannot be denied that conventionality issometimes a great factor 16 THE ORACLE for good. It is of immense advantage to those people who are so weak that they are kept from wrongdoing, not by moral consciousness of right, but by fear of calling forth adverse criticism. Furthermore, life is made p'easant by small conventionaiities, by the habits of courtesy and politeness which we are accustomed to observe. Some one has said, ‘Uniform politeness is a species of godliness. It may not make a saint of a man, but it makes a lovely sinner.” Tke sentiment is certainly true. Life, stripped of its small courtesies, is barren indeed. But no matter how advantageous conventionality in itself may be, it is when it is over- emphasized that it becomes harmful. Then we fail to see the benefits of conventionality, and realize only its drawbacks. To fully understand the evils arising from too strict adherence to laws of convention, it is only necessary to consider the woman of today, and the woman of fifty years ago. Then conventionality was far great- er than now, and allowed a woman only a meagre education and small opportunity to make her way in the world. Now times are changed,and society no longer places a ban upon the woman who elects to earn her own living, or to develop to the utmost her intellectual powers. But, in spite of this greater freedom which she has gained, woman still imposes upon herself rigid and unchangeable laws. Emerson says, ‘Things are in the saddle, and ride mankind.”’ It is equally true that fashions are in the saddle and ride womankind. Serenely woman sweeps along in trail- ing dresses, and remonstrance from the press and the public-at-large, is of no avail. Cheerfully she risks life and limb by wearing three-inch heels. She envies men their convenient pockets, but herself, pocketless, continues to lose purses and handkerchiefs without number. Dame Fashion ¢e- crees, and she must obey. If by chance a woman is found brave enough to defy the laws of fashion and dress according to individual preference, she is forthwith dubbed eccentric and strong minded. Not only in regard to dress does conventionality assert itself strongly, but all social intercourse is underits sway. The laws which govern social ‘‘sets”’ are nearly as firmly fixed as those of the Medes and Persians. We often hear the remark that a certain person is ‘“‘ very nice, you know, but not exactly in our ‘set.’”’ As for the idea of associating with any one below us in a social scale—pe ish the thought! Now this division of society into classes is, of necessity, unavoidable. There are in this world people of so many types and such varying degrees of culture and refinement, that it would be an impossibility to have perfect freedom of social intercourse between all classes. But divisions between classes should not be so firmly fixed that they may not be passed. Why is Shakespeare acclaimed the greatest writer who has ever lived? It is be- cause of the splendid breadth of human sympathy, the complete under- THE ORACLE Le standing of human nature, which he displays. He would not have had that sympathy, that understanding, if he had held himself aloof from those below him. He mingled with rich and poor alike, discovered their thoughts and feelings, and put them into his works. It was his willing- ness to enter into the lives of others that put him in touch with man and man’s nature. So itis with all of us. The more we keep to ourselves, the more self-satisfied, self-centered, and intolerant we become; the more we mingle with others, the more our views are broadened, our sympa- thies made larger, and our understanding of human nature increased. By refusing to take an interest in the poor and humble about us, we foster in ourselves that great curse of humanity, selfishness, and we miss that divine touch of pity which makes the whole world kin. This habit of confining our interests to our class in life, together with the tendency to follow too closely the customs of the past,results in a narrowness, which is one of the greatest evils produced by convention- ality. It is those who have no in'erest outside of their own lives, and those who are entirely dependent upon the traditions of the past, who hinder reform. A certain state of affairs may exist which is very bad for public welfare,yet people,having grown used to it,accept itas anecessary evil, and make no attempt to better matters. When some man appears, denouncing the evil and trying to rouse others to activity, what is the result? Do all flock to his aid to bring about a reform? No! The vast majority look calmly at his struggles with an air of scornful superiori- ty. ‘Why, these conditions have existed for years,” they say. “ We know that they are injurious, but they have gained such a firm hold that nothing can change them. He will soon give up his attempt at reform.” Then, if the man still persists, they go their ways, proclaiming him a fool and a fanatic. Why must we make ourselves such slaves to convention? Why must we always control our conduct by what the world thinks? The tru'y great men are those who, calmly ignoring the petty fault-finding of those about them, keep on steadfastly in what they believe is the right way. Abraham Lincoln, in a serious crisis of a nation’s affairs, boldly chose his course, and kept it withno deviation. His object was not to observe conventionality, and cater to public opinion, but to do his duty. He stands before us as the most striking example in our history of a man who, in small matters and in great, was freed from all trammels of con- ventionality. To be great one must rise above the little things of life, and this we cannot do if we are bound hand and foot by the chains of convention. By too strict adherence to conventional standards our in- dependence and self-reliance are weakened. We see thingsin the wrong perspective. Trivial matters take precedence in our minds over those of 18 THE ORACLE much greater moment, and we become narrow and selfish. He who, for the sake of avoiding censure, swerves from what he realizes is the path of duty, isacoward. Itis only by acting according to principle, and not according to pattern, that we can “rise on stepping stones of our dead selves to higher things.”’ Classmates: I have just been speaking of the disadvantages of con- ventionality. This custom of saying ‘‘ Farewell” to aclass has become such a habit, such a fixed convention, that we, to a certain extent, lose sight ofits meaning. Yet it has a meaning for each of us, if we but pause to consider. Weare standing now on the threshold of new experiences, Behind us the door is closing and shutting out what has been part of our lives in these last four years. Welook forward with eagerness to what is to come, but I think there is not one of us who does not feel some re- gret at what is past. It is the natural outcome of breaking old ties, and forming new associations. I trust that the future holds much happiness in store for each of us, and that, as we go through life, we may all attain that success which is measured, not by the world’s opinion of us, but by the growth of our own characters. And now, asIsay good-hye, I feel that I cannot do better than quote to you these splendid words of Emer- son, who was himself great enough to rise above the petty conventional- ities of the world: ‘“WhatI must do is all that concerns me, not what people say. This rule, equally arduous in actual and intellectual life, may serve for the whole distinction between greatness and meanness. It is the harder because you will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than you know it. Itis easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion. It is easy in solitude to live after our own, but the great man is he, who in the midst of the crowd, keeps with perfect sweet- ness the independence of solitude.” Louise M. TAYLor. On May 2, HighSchoollost to Stevens Institute Under-classmen by a score of 15 to 11. Munro was in the box for High School and was ef- fective except in the eighth, when Stevens got eight runs. Munro’s home run and Smith’s batting were the best features of High School’s work. On May 7, High School met and defeated St. Francis Xavier Prep. School team on Stillman field by a score of 9 to 4. Van Auken was in the box for High School and was in great form, causing nineteen of the Xav- ier batters to fan out. The outfield of St. Francis Xavier played a great game, pulling in all sorts of balls. High School’s playing was generally commendable. THE ORACLE aS Class Day Coats Sa DVALY CO NUM BE ARTHUR F. CONANT, Chairman. HARRIET C. RANDALL. LOUISE M. TAYLOR. ALDEN E. MOORE. RALPH S. LANE, Glass@ oem E have played, all the days of our childhood, In the shade by the side of Life’s Lane; And safe-sheltered, we’ve waved to the pilgrims Tramping by in the dust and the rain. And some bore their wearisome burdens With a groan and a sorrowful sigh, And others sang as they journeyed along, Or smiled as they passed us by. Now we've left all our childhood behind us, No longer we carelessly play ; We must bind on our backs our own burden And start on our own dusty way. As we tread the blind pathways we’!] stumble, But after each stumble we'll rise, We will ever be gen’rous and kindly, We will look the World square in the eyes. ’Tis often we'll fail or we'll falter, And oft turn aside from the road; But our purpose we never will alter,— We'll manfully shoulder our load. We will look for the joy, not the sorrow, Strive our best at the thing that is near, Till we throw down our packs, with our life at our backs, And say to the Master, ‘‘ We’re here.” DoroTHy WALDO. 20 THE ORACLE Class History FRESHMAN YEAR. ACK in the closing years of the last century, a great commo- tion arose in the grammar grades of the Plainfield Public Schools. The chaff was being sifted from the wheat. As a result of ‘‘skipping a class,’’ or doing three years’ work in two, the Class of ’99, High School ’03, was graduated from the Grammar Schoolin advance of the expected time. The Board of Education was good enough to inaugurate for us the custom of providing for graduating exercises of classes leaving the preparatory schools. These exercises were mod- eled after the Commencement ceremonies which celebrate the completing of the High School course. The President of the Board of Education was present and distributed the diplomas. These served as passports to our High School career. In the first year after the initiation into the new life we were intro- duced to a new set of instructors, and were principally associated with Professor Sanford, Professor Meredith, Miss Whitney and Miss Niles, only the last of whom has watched our course to the end. We are par- ticularly indebted to Prof. Sanford, who founded the class organization and started the present flourishing literary club, calledthe U. T. D. L.C., which purchases the best of the latest publications in fiction. At the first meeting of the class Mr. Sanford presided, and the class officers were elected as follows: Hervey K. Doane, President; Miss Frank Burr, Vice- President; and L. C. Whitall, Secretary and Treasurer. After this start class affairs ran smoothly. Green and white were selected as the class colors, and no analogy has been offered bringing this selection of color in contact with the character of the class. At Christmas time the usual rivalry in gift-giving took place. The Freshmen were remembered by rather unflattering gifts from the Sopho- mores. The Class of ‘03 followed its custom begun in the preparatory class, when it presented to the school a bust of Apollo Belvedere. This year additions to the art collection at school were made in the form of copies of two famous and pleasing creations of the artist’s brush, Turn- er’s ‘‘ Fighting Temeraire’’ and Van Ruysdal’s ‘‘Dutch Windmill.”” This st) le of decorating we considered superior to the transient sort of adorn- ment with bunting. In this year we were required to prove our competency to enter the S phomore class by passing s2 ni finu and fiaal examinations, which are THE ORACLE 21 now phantoms of the past. By dint of hard study in the deceiving wiles of algebraic logic, and the baffling paths of Latin, and the other studies of thecurriculum, we too managed to attain the end sought for, a passage into that envied position, the position of a Sophomore. Norman C. HILL. SOPHOMORE YEAR EPTEMBER, 1900, saw the class of 1903 onve more united in the good old Plainfield High School, fresh from a long vacation’s rest, and eager to work for the honor of the school and the glory of the class. This was the year that the student self-government plan first went into operation, and we entered enthusiastically into the new order of things. Our senators, Miss Taylor and Hervey Doane, took an impor- tant part in the de iberations of the Senate, the latter being the secre- tary. A few weeks before Christmas our one class meeting of the year was held, and committees on gifts and decorations were appointed. The latter committee tastefully decorated our Sophomore class 100m and the allotted space in the chapel with our class colors. The former perfected the plans for giving suitable gifts to the freshmen, and on the day of the Christmas exercises the members of 04 were rejoiced at receiving, each one, a tiny stocking of green and white filled with pop-corn. An informal committee of the boys of the class saw to it that the class flag was raised to aconspicuous position. After a night of hard work, they succeeded in raising it to the top of the flag pole, wivh the rope tied well out of reach, to the disgust of Freshmen, Juniors, and Mr. Travell alike. It was rumored that the Board of Education had to hire a lineman to get it down, but this is not authoritative. Spring came and brought with it a renewed interest in athletics, particularly in base ball. We put a class team in the field, and its first notable achievement was to defeat the team of the Juniors. The Fresh- men, as well as the North Plainfield Seconds and the Seotch Plains School team fell a prey to our prowess; as for the Seniors, they knew better than to play us. Thus fairly did we win the championship of the school. 03 was also represented on the various varsity teams by many of its members. Fred VanAuken, Hervey Doane, Mike and Harvey Moyni- han, “Doc”? Brakeley, Rocap, ‘“Vin” Miner, and “Curly” Ulrich all helped to win glory for the Plainfield High School and to uphold the prestige of the class of 1903. CyrIL Brown. 22 THE ORACLE JUNIOR YEAR 4p junior year of the Class of 1903 opened with great promise, for its reputation had already been established. The first event of great importance was the sociable held during the latter part of October. This social did a great deal toward increas- ing the class spirit for which ’03 has always been remarkable, (as the numerous class meetings will testify.) It was held in Franklin Chapel, and the members of ’03, after playing progressive games, whiled away the hours ‘‘ tripping it on the light fantastic toe.” During the next month came one of the most important events in the whole history of ’03—the presentation of ‘Mrs. Jarley’s Wax- Works.” There the members of the class, so perfectly natural in day- light, appeared as strange and unfamiliar persons. Mrs. Jarley, arrayed in hoop-skirts, presided, assisted by her factotem, John, who wound the two-headed girl, the ‘‘ velvet-candy’’ man, Napoleon Bonaparte, and the wild Indian in war-paint and feathers, and made them strut across the stage. The affair was an entire success, and besides making its mark as a clever entertainer, the class of 1903 netted a neat little sum of money. The next event, altho’ quite overshadowed by ‘‘ Mrs. Jarley’s Wax- Works,” was a very enjoyable social given by ’03 to the Seniors, who thoroughly appreciated the courtesy. At Xmas time the Class of '03 stood at the top again—at least its flag did, for the glorious banner of green and white, for the third time, waved in the air at the top of the cupola. According to custom, presents were given and received by the class. The best present which ’03 gave was the picture: ‘‘A Reading From Homer,” presented in the name of the class to the High School. In this way ’03 set the custom of a pre- sentation to the High School by the Junior Class, and it has been pleased to notice that the custom has been diligently followed. For the rest of its Junior year the Class 1903 sank into quiet—not the quiet of idleness, but the quiet which comes before a time of energy and action. Thus it was ready to enter its Senior year prepared fora year of labor and glory. HELEN CHAPIN MOODEY. SENIOR YEAR REAT as the record of the Class of 1903 has been in the past three G years, her last year eclipses all, and is a fitting climax to her previous achievements. We began the vear without our former able president, Hervey Doane, who had entered Rutgers. Therefore we consul ed the Fates as THE ORACLE 23 to who should take up the leadership where Hervey left off. The Fates decreed that the mantle of authority should fall to Miss Dorothy Waldo, and so it did; and Norman Hill became at the same time our vice-pres- ident. Nineteen hundred and three has been ‘doing”’ all the year, and of all her glorious achievements none shines more brilliantly than the most successtul reproduction of the Shakespearean play, ‘‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Twice shortly before the Christmas holidays it was played before crowded houses. We might well quote here the press comments on the play. The following extracts are from the Daily Press: ‘‘The caste displayed talent that was worthy of all the pleasant things said of them afterwards. The greatest hit of the evening was made by Robert Meeker. Norman Hill managed to get a wonderful lot out of a minor part. Arthur F. Conant and Miss Helen C. Moodey, as Oberon and Titania, were very skillful in the execution of their parts, and Cyril Brown, as Puck, ‘tripped’ about the stage in a manner highly pleasing.”’ That we charmed them in our acting of this immortal bit of min- gled reality and unreality adds another wreath to the garlands of 1903. What wonders of Fairyland the audience saw to them revealed,—revealed by the skill of accomplished performers. There were those inimitable country bumpkins. How comical they were! How ecstatically they acted their awful tragedy! Was there ever a more tender and beautiful lady than “‘ Thisbe”’ Moore, or a more courageous and fearless lover than ‘“‘Pyramus’’ Meeker, who, seeing his lady-love torn to death beneath his very eyes by that awful and admirable mountain lion, “Leo” Doolit- tleis, stabbed himself and perished by her side? Ah, me! The heart waxeth warm to recall such a stirring theme. Attend ye, ve classes that shall behind the glitter of the foot-lights, endeavor to display what little talent for acting you may have, altho’ perchance too high in art for you, learn from the great histrionic ability of “Joe Jefferson”? Meeker, ‘‘ Booth”’ Hill, “ Mrs. Siddons’’ Moodey, and “Buster” Brown. There is another equally brilliant star in the galaxy of our achieve- ment,—the star of athletics. Through the four years of our High School life it has been our unique opportunity to show the school how to study and play at the same time. Study hard and play hard. No better example, no worthier example can I bring before you than ‘‘ Deacon”’ VanAuken. (That’s for short, his full name is Freddie.) Led on by our redoubtable captain, 1903, with her lesser stars, has done wonders for old Alma Mater. 24 THE ORACLE Nineteen hundred and three has the fastest relay team in school. We usually wear magnifying glasses so we can see the other teams when we get too far ahead. Yes, we have the best relay team. No team will ever be able to beat 1908. If we were actors and athletes, so were we also Epicureans. No viand-laden slab on Mt. Olympus, no dark-shadowed grove of southern climes ever held a more delicious feast than that the boys of 1903 held in the “‘ Lab” one winter’s eve. ’Twas this same eve when marauding Jun- iors, treading in sacred paths unknown, found, stole and devoured their own treasured fudge! The food makes the man, and 1903 has always had the men tu attend to her interests, especially flag-raising. The glorious ‘‘green and white’? never has failed to wave from the vantage points on the days before Christmas and Commencement. It has been again triumphant this year. When the preparations for graduation were coming rapidly toa close, our class president. Dorothy Waldo, was compelled to resign. Her resignation was accepted with regret and Norman C. Hill was elected president. Late this spring, 1903 selected the fine picture of the Canterbury Pilgrims painted by Robert VanVoorst Sewell and presented it to the school. No class has ever given so costly and so valuable a gift to the Plainfield High School. It is the tribute of 1903 to the Plainfield High School. It represents travellers. We too shall soon be travellers, trav- ellers into that wonderful outside world. We have finished our history here. We are going forth to add a greater and more important chapter to the volume of achievements of the class of 1903. ARTHUR F. CONANT. Class Prophecy CoLomBo, Ceylon, Juue 3, 1928. My Dear ‘“‘ Rabbit” :— I cannot tell you how sorry Iam that I have not kept up the cor- respondence which we started, but you know how things crowd into our lives and keep us from doing all we should like. But now I’m going to set everything aside and write. First I must tell of a happy meeting which I have just had with some of our old friends, and of what I learned from them about the others. THE ORACLE 25 The other day as I stood on the wharf watching a launch coming from the U. S. Battleship Plainfield, I was startled by an undignified yell from a staid-looking officer in the stern. As the launch drew nearer | recognized the ne’er-to-be-forgotten face of Fred Van Auken, who has now become areal Admiral. You could hardly imagine my delight at seeing him,especially in this out-of-the-way hole, where one never expects to see an old acquaintance. After Fred and I had fallen into each others arms and had slapped each other on the back for about five minutes, we went up to my bunga- low, and immediately s‘arted to reminisce. Suddenly, I had a thought, (an unusual thing for me, don’t you know.) I remembered hearing that one or two ’03 fellows were in this vicinity—Bob Meeker at Calcutta, and “Curly” Ulrich at Batavia, in Java; so I suggested to the Admiral that we have a sort of class reunion. And this we did. Since all the officials here were on their knees to Fred, that mighty man of valor, it was an easy thing to have a revenue cutter sent for the two D. D’s.—_the Right Reverend Robert Meeker, Bishop of the Indian Diocese of the Protestant Episcopal church, and Rev. Dr. Carl Ulrich, missionary to the Paphlonian Malays. Don’t you laugh at Bob and “Curly” as ministers, for the Vicar of Wakefield isn’t in it with them. Well,they arrived the next day, and along with them Charles Noble ‘“‘Hiram”’ Doolittle, a dashing Captain of the 216th Cavalry, U.S. A., who had been shooting mountain lions in northern India, and had hap- pened to be visiting the Bishop when my message arrived. When we five were gathered together we resurrected old experi- ences, I can tell you. First of all we had the finest banquet the place could produce; all the fruits and vegetables came from my own garden. You didn’t think I had the making of a farmerin me whenI was in school, did you? Mike Moynihan first led me to it by some learned articles he brought out in the Atlantic Monthly on ‘‘ The Pleasure of a Life of quiet Re:irement in the Country.” I started ina small way in camphor, and now control the market. ‘“Hi’s” tongue was in it’s old-time limber condition, and he gave us lots of news. Luther Sheppard, he told us, is one of the leading reporters on the New York American. He runs the sporting column, which fact, the Cap- tain said, accounted for the inaccuracy of the baseball scores. ‘“‘Oxey’’ Moore has gained a reputation for himself as America’s greatest humorist, and, sad to relate, still spends his time writing puns of the worst sort. But he laughs less,perhaps because others laugh more. 26 THE ORACLE ‘“Berty’”’ Beers has distinguished himself as professor of Greek in the Brown University for Deaf Mutes, which was founded by Cyril Brown, with the millions which he has amassed from the invention of a sure cure for colic. Flossie Martin, according to rumor, might have been Mrs. Cyril with all the millions, but preferred to devote her life to the physical improvement of womankind. Sheis President of the New Wo- man’s Club of America, and is Captain of the champion All-American Women’s Basket-ball team. Dorothy Waldo is a virtuoso on the violin. She has played before the Emperor of Germany and George Fifth of England. ‘Hi’ says that when she is at home she resides in Plainfield, and performs her duties as honorary President of the W. C. T. U.,in which position she keeps up her old reputation for arguing. The ‘‘Parson”’ had just received a letter from his sister, in which she told him about some ’03 girls. Nellie Rafferty is a shining belle of new Chicago society. Our demure little Friend, Mabel Vail, after gradu- ating from college studied medicine, and is now matron of Muhlenburg hospital, the largest in the United States. At the same place Edna Long is consulting-physician. Annis Kinsman has gone on the stage, and has of late be en playing in several Shakespearean dramas, gaining special commendation in her part as Lady Macbeth. Grace Ten Eyck started life as secretary to J. Pierpont Morgan’s widow. She began to speculate, and soon made a fortune out of United Universe Air-ship Preferred. The Bishop recollected that a vear ago he had attended a perform- ance of the United Combined Unalloyed Circus and Hippodrome, run and owned by ‘“‘ Hank” Meeker and ‘‘ Vin’? Miner. The musk-rat trainer was Clarence Rocap, and the senseless clown, the brainy Hill. The managers, according to Bob, are also owners of the World’s Electricity Supply Co., which draws electricity from the clouds. Among the directors of this concern is Ralph Savoy Lane, the sole political light of ’03. He is Secre- tary of State under President Jones. And would you believeit ? Mrs. President, who is said to be the power behind the throne, is none other than Louise Montfort Taylor Jones. Since I have kept somewhat in touch with one or two members of the class still in the States, 1 myself knew about most of the others. Harriet Randall is renowned as a learned professoress of dancing in the co-educational University of Washington. Ethelyn Davis is instructor of music in the same institution. But sweet Martha Maier and sedate Ethel Rogers have surpassed them all. The first is president of Bound Brook University, the largest in the country. The last has won her fame as a great historian. Among her works are a “ History of Mars” and a “‘ History of Plainfield.”’ THE ORACLE 2 Lucie May Coriell, Alice Allegra Pugh, and Majorie La Tourette Burke no longer bear those names, but as mesdames lead the society at Dunellen, the Newport of today. As to Helen Moodey, we are not sure. The last I heard of her was as a reporter f yr the woman’s page of the Manila Telegraph. ‘‘Hi”’ says she married an army officer, and now lives somewhere in Borneo. The “Parson” is sure she is a missionary in Central Asia. Mayhap, dear “ Rabbit,” you have noticed that none of our num- ber have passed away. We five decided that the class owed its longevity to Dr. “Dick”? Conant’s “ Life-Prolonging Fluid,” which has at least tided us over many acritical point. Ours is the greatest class old P. H. S. ever graduated, and I’m glad I’m in it. Write soon, and tell me when they’re going to make you Governor of Alaska. Your old class-mate, ‘‘Doc”’? BRAKELY. Class Will (In order to avoid any blemishes on these pure pages, kindly shut and remove book from beneath the eyes for at least one minute before reading. ) N the Name of God, Amen. We, the Class of 1903, Being of Sound Mind, Memory and Understanding, do make and publish this our last Will and Testament in manner following, that is to say: We, the aforesaid Class of 1903,do hereby give,devise and bequeath to the Students of the High Schoolat large, and to their heirs and assign- ees forever— Firstly, Our share in the new Plainfield High School building. Secondly, The organizations of the said school (which up to the present time we alone have controlled), to wit— A. The Senate. B. The Athletic Associations (both male and female). C. The Battalion. D. The (coming) Glee Club. Thirdly, Do we give to all under-classmen the hitherto exclus- ively Senior privilege of getting all A’s on monthly reports. Fourthly, Do we give, devise and bequeath to all succeeding classes the most important privilege yet conveyed namely, that of emu- lating the deeds and “doings” of the now almost deceased (Ah, me! ) 28 THE ORACLE class; of aspiring to the high standard cf class spirit and enthusiasm set by the afore-mentioned class; and finally, like the Class of 1903, having won all possible honors, of graduating and entering worlds be- yond. Now do we further give and bequeath to each and every several class at present composing the High School, to wit, as follows:— Firstly, To the Juniors do we leave:— A. Our much-sought front seats in Chapel. B. The ‘‘u'surpassed”’ privilege of having Miss Niles as class officer. C. The honor of studying Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (Only sorry we can’t leave Miss Prescott to teach them.) D. The pleasure of trying to surpass our Senior Play. E. And last, but mostimportant, “the right of assuming the noteworthy and awe-inspiring name of Senior.” Secondly, To the present Sophomores do we leave:— A. The position of pitcher on the baseball team. B. The captaincy of the basket-ball team. C. The privilege of becoming commissioned officers in the Battalion. D. The privilege of taking Cicero of Miss Bass. Thirdly, To the Freshmen—yet why go on? We have been commanded. (Alass!) It has been written ‘‘To him that hath, shall be given, and from him that hath not shall be taken away, even that which he hath.’’ Then what can we give to poor 1906? Nay, worse, what can we take away? All we can do is permit them in after years to spend their time in building monuments of great magnitude to the glorious memory of 1903. Now remaineth but one thing to be granted, namely,a personal be- quest. To the hero of our Senior Play do we hereby make over that most famous relic of our Senior Play—the Ass’s head—which he so man- fully and so naturally bore through all adversity. (Step forward, Pyra- mus, and receive thy gift ) These provisions having been duly made and witnessed, we do ap- point Mr. Travell executor of this our last Will and Testament. We do request that he may be exempt from giving sureties on his bonds as ex- ecutor, and do we also give him power to sell at public or private sale, whenever in his discretion he may deem it advisable in fulfilling his duties as executor, any property, real or personal, belonging to our estate. In witness whereof we hereunto set our handand seal thissixteenth day of June, Anno Domini, 1908. THE Cass OF 1903. Attest, R.S. Lane, Lawyer. THE ORACLE 29 Henry M. Maxson, Superintendent of Schools Glasses koll ALBERT DANIEL BEERS, 734 Watchung Ave., Plainfield, N. J. GEORGE ARCHIBALD BRAKELY, Dunellen, N. J. CyriL BRowN, 300 Regent St., Port Chester, N. Y. HaROLD SEYMOUR BROWN, 946 Central Ave., Plainfield, N. J. Marjorie LA TOURETTE BURKE, Dunellen, N. J. ARTHUR FRANKLIN CONANT, 727 Watchung Ave., Plainfield, N. J. Lucie May CoRIELL, 211 West Fifth St., Plainfield, N. J. 30 ETHELYN ERVILLE Davis, HERVEY KINCH DOANE, CHARLES NOBLE DOOLITTLE, NORMAN CHESTER HIL1L, ANNIS LOUISE KINSMAN, RALPH Savoy LANE, Epna DUNNING LONG, MArTHA ELizABETH MAIER, FLORENCE BERTHA MarTIn, HENRY ACKEN MEEKER, ROBERT WILSON MEEKER, VINCENT BERNARD MINER, HELEN CHAPIN MOoopeEy, ALDEN ELLis Moore, MicHAEL THOMAS MOYNIHAN. ALICE ALLEGRA PUGH, HELEN GENEVIEVE RAFFERTY, HARRIET CUTLER RANDALL, ETHEL CLARE ROGERS, CHARLES CLARENCE ROCAP, LUTHER LAKE SHEPPARD, LouisE MONTFORT TAYLOR, GRACE ANNA TEN EYCK, CaRL ULRICH, MaBEL Howarp VAIL, FREDERIC TABOR VAN AUKEN, DorotTHY WALDO, THE ORACLE Bound Brook, N. J. West Fifth St., Plainfield, N. J. Dunellen, N. J. 35 Westervelt Ave., Plainfield, N. J. 69 Sandtord Ave., Plainfield, N. J. 116 Madison Ave., Plainfield, N. J. 415 Park Ave., Plainfield, N. J. Bound Brook, N. J. Westervelt Ave., Plainfield, N. J. South Plainfield, N. J. W2.671-Front St..:Plainfield;:N: J: 419 East Seventh St., Plainfield, N. J. 603 Watchung Ave., Plainfield, N. J. 829 Kensington Ave., Plainfield, N. J. Dunellen, N. J. 945 West Fourth Street, Plainfield, N. J Sandford Avenue, Plainfield, N. J 125 West Sixth Street, Plainfield, N. J. New Market, N. J 908 West Front Street, Plainfield, N. J. 144 Central Avenue, Plainfield, N. J. Roselle, N. J. 125 West Sixth Street, Plainfield, N. J. 813 Third Place, Plainfield, N. J. 30 Norwood Avenue, Plainfield, N. J. 310 East Sixth Street, Pia‘nfield, N. J. 640 West Eighth Street, Plainfield, N. J. Nee CAN OLE ©:GLY- Since the last issue of THE ORACLE the school has suffered in the loss of two of its associates. On Monday morning, May 11th, Mr. George Weeks Sanford B passed away at his home in Greenville, Greene County, New York. 1 Mr. Sanford was associated with us as head of the commercial f department of the school for four years, leaving Plainfield in 1901 4 to assume a position in the Free Academy of Utica, New York. It was through his efforts that our commercial department was t instituted, and he made it one of the most popular and thorough A courses in the curri culum. Mr. Sanford gained the love and re- f spect of all his pupils, and his sudden death, caused undoubtedly | by over-exertion, comes as a keen loss to all his associates. On Wednesday, May 6th, one of our most prominent and most beloved schoolmates passedaway. Egbert Douglass Murphey, Jr., left school in February to regain his health in North Carolina. When the hopes of his recovery were most sanguine, the news came that he had been taken with typhoid fever, and he was soon brought North again. He had not been at home a week when the crisis came, and in his weakened state he was unable to meet ile The death of Mr. Murphey came as a great shock to all who knew him. He had gained the affection and esteem of all with whom he came in contact, and his loss will be keenly felt in all the institutions of the school with which he wasconnected. The Bat- talion, of which he was Major, especially has suffered, for above all else, it profited by the keen interest which he took in its welfare and improvement. Major Murphey was in the twenty-first year of his age. His funeral, held on the Saturday succeeding his death, was a military one, and steps are being taken to institute a perma- nent memorial to him in the school building. 39 THE LORAC CE Arbor Day S Arbor Day passed during our spring vacation, we celebrated it at DX the morning exercises of Friday, May1. There were recitations by Jean Douglass, ’04, and Louise M. Taylor, 03. The Boys’ Man- dolin Club gave some well-rendered selections which were very much appreciated by the school. Another feature of the morning was the pre- sentation of gifts by the Senior and Junior Classes. In the name of the class of 1903, Miss Waldo presented to the school three pictures which represented the characters Chaucer has so well drawn for us in his ‘‘ Can- terbury Tales.”’ Miss Waldo very cleverly told us of a number of the people that made up that motley array. Mr. Brooks, president of the Junior Class, presented a reproduction of Michael Angelo’s famous statue of Moses. Mr. Travell gave interesting talks on both presentations. The morning exercises were concluded by a few words from Dr. Probasco, president of the Board of Education, in which he praised the classes for the selections they had made, and thanked them in the name of the Board of Education and the citizens of Plainfield. On April 15, High School defeated North Plainfield High School on Stillman field, in a seven-inning game, by a score of 4to 0. Van Auken was in good form and the North Plainfielders could not connect with his delivery safely. The playing of our team was poor and without the usu- alsnap and dash. The late hour at which the game was started, per- haps accounted for the listless playing. On May 20, High School met and defeated the strong team of Montclair High School in a seven-inning game, by a score of 8 to 2. Me- Donough pitched a good game for the visitors but was outclassed by Van Auken’s box-work for High School. The showing of the team was the most encouraging of the year, as they batted, fielded, and ran bases like veterans. Montclair scored in the first and seventh innings. High School got four runs in the fourth by bunching hits and clever base steal- ing. Thompson put up one of his good games at first for High School, and Van Auken’s twirling was fine. Captain Munro caught him in fine style and made two hair-raising catches of foul flies. The game was played at Crescent Oval. EDWARD A. LAING, M. R. GILES, Telephone 672 Stationer, Newsdealer, Park Avenue Meat Market. Bookseller. Meats, Fresh Veg les 7. Bece Balusupplesvere Meats, Fresh Vegetables and Poultry 149 West Front Street. Park Ave. and Second St. a CEE, REE IE TD SET Tuomas Henry STAFFORD, | 102 5 eee EAU S De bee OuN iS Me Reb ab al PRINTER OF LTE ORACLE Ordinary Prices for Extraordinary Good Work = Pure, Clean and Cold Soda at MILLER’S PHARMACY, Park Avenue and Fourth St. Prescriptions compounded at reasonable prices. elephone 203 J. A. Smith @ Brother, ana Rea GROCERS, Have removed to 151-153 W. Front St. Telephone Connections. Specialties: Fruits and Vegetables. pecialtie ruits an egetables XQ — MULFORD ESTIL, P. FRANK STONE, Bookseller and Stationer, Portrait Studio, Croquet and Tennis Goods. Fine Assortment. 125 East Front Street, Plainfield, N. J. THE LEADING MILLINERY STORE v4.0. W.EST FRONT STi JOSEPH W. GAVETT, For Pure Soda Water with Ice Cream and Fruit Crushes, go to SCHREINER’S PHARMACY, Cor. Park Avenue and Second Street Fine China, Cut Glass AND LAMPS. GAS ann ELECTRIC FIXTURES 34 THE ORACLE Special Rates will be given to Members of the Senior Class in PHOTOGRAPHS, at Langhorne’'s Studto sha P H| L| F SW AI N, Praétical Gilder and Frame Maker Artists’ and Draughtsmens’ Materials. Paintings, Carbons and Etchings Suitable for Wedding Gifts. Special and new designs in Picture Frames. Cleaning and Restoring of Paintings. If you want Good Teas, Coffees and Spices, go to The Great, Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co., 137 and 139 West Front Street FOWWER: ihe Calc Everything that is made of Pure Sugar, Fruits and Nuts. ICE CREAM SODA A SPECIALTY TE “GASHIN= GOUGH +6 0 Vine ives THE PARK AVENUE CLOTHIERS, are showing a complete line of up-to-date ready- to-wear Clothing, everything brand new and right, in every particular. We also sell Hats, Shirts, Hosiery, etc. Come in and look us over. The Cashin-Gough Co., 125 Park Ave. Honea L. W. Randolpb’s Active Liver Pills, ‘““ts Cents Per Bottle,” will regulate the system, relieving Headaches, Indigestion, Sour Stomach, etc. Small Pill, Small Price, Small Dose. 115 PARK AVENUE. eee EL ROWeEs a) OLA NES F Jeweler and Optician, Come to Peck’s Eyes Examined Free. REPAIRING of Watches and French Clocks a Specialty. E. B. MAYNARD, THOMAS TIMBO CoO., Wopsoricdliareist,| —Upenekoon)s; The best service in town. 135 North Ave. and 216 Watchung Ave. 141. NORTH AVENUE, PLAINFIELD Fine Confectionery at Watchung Avenue Store o one else sells them. The ‘‘ WALKOUER”’ for men, and the «JULIA MARLOWE” for women. Nothing their equal in the Plainfield market, price and quality considered. KENNEY, The Shoeman, of Kenney’s Korner Bargains in Real Estate. Pe Ge DU BOTS: 320 Wo. HronteSt: Formerly with A. A. Vantine Co. IRA LS LA RUE, Oriental Tea Room Cor. Watchung and North Aves., Vantine’s Table Condiments. Japanese Napkins. Plainfield, N. ie Japanese Favors. Teas and Coffees. M. C. VAN ARSDALE, | Plainfield Art Callery, Manufacturer of and Dealer in Shoe and Rubber ARTISTIC PICTURE FRAMES, Distributor VoM.-C A BUILDING. 127 EAST FRONT ST. PLAINFIELD Frames Regilded. Paintings Renewed. Pictures Artistically Arranged. PLAINFIELD’S OLDEST DEPARTMENT STORE. Commencement and Graduation.—Careful preparation for weeks in department of White Goods and Laces brings together a superb collection of materials for White Dresses. One entire side of centre section of the store has been given to this stock. All the new sheer weaves are here, some as fine as tissue; also the Silk-Finish Goods now so popular. White Goods were never more attractive than this season, and present prices make them very pop- ular. Tissue Cords and Canvas Weaves attract much attention. HILL SHUPP =e HILL SHUPP PROF. AUSTIN, WOOLSTON @ BUCKLE, Boot Black Parlor, Painters and Decorators, 145 North Avenue, Plainfield. 230 PARK AVENUE. Boots called for, shined and delivered IN STOCK 1903 WALL PAPERS 36 THE ORACLE GO Ae) Woy Ils sy 103 PARK AVENUE A. C. BLAIR, JOHN J. PRAED, Livery and Boarding Stables, TAILOR, 314 Park Avenue, Plainfield, N. J. 114 WEST SIXTH STREET Crash and Flannel Suitings for the Summer TELEPHONE 152 season. Pressing and Repairing. M. ARMSTRONG, Plumbing, Steam and Hot Water Heating, and Gas Fitting. Jobbing of all Kinds Promptly Attended To. 3K Personal Attention Given to All Work Entrusted to Me. Stoves and Stove Repairs 3K Tinning and Roof Work 330 Park Avenue, cor. Fourth Street. Residence: 128 Watchung Avenue, cor. E. Second St. Girls’ and Boys’ Cool Canvas Oxfords. Just right for the sweltering daysto come. Coolas | can be, yet sightly. Indeed they’re considered the thing this season. Girls’ White Canvas Oxfords, pretty lasts and stylish heels, $1.23, $1.35, $1.49. Girls’ Tan Canvas Oxfords, in up-to-date lasts, 98 cents and $1.23. Boys’ Canvas Oxfords, good style, $1.50, $1.25 and 98 cents. FSS au 707 to 721 Broad Street, Newark, N. J. Downtown Headquarters for Fine Gun Metal Goods 'G=O WO SHOTWELL. Formerly with Theodore B. Starr, Diamonds, Watches, JEWELRY AND SILVERWARE, 7 Maiden Lane, % Room 35 NEW YORK ala a eles ir