St Francis Xavier Academy - Xavier Yearbook (Providence, RI)

Text from Pages 1 - 62 of the 1908 volume:

I TIbe i'avHCt' JThc 'Hear |Bcioh Of jiaittt frauds Earner Academy ilolumc III gdited Ini the (Graduating Class gvouidence itUiode Jslaud Smntarrrfiribilrm (8lnri;r GJnrmtam. TO OITK BELOVED BISHOP With sincere respect and gratitude we dedicate this third volume of our lU'uv ifiOoH — £he 3taukv THE XAVIER OUR RIGHT REVEREND BISHOP 1IGHT Reverend and Honored Bishop, I am happy to be chosen by our class president to address you in the Xavier, before we say good bye to our loved “Alma Mater.” It is our right, long aspired to, to have this opportunity to tell you our hearts’ gratitude, and to thank you for the advantages we have derived from your generosity and munificence during our four years of High School. In return we present this third volume of our Year Book as a small tribute. It is our sincere regret, beloved Bishop, that you will not be able to preside at our graduating exercises, but we hope our deprivation will be your gain in renewed strength and long jears of health and happiness. Your respectfully obedient child, Eugenia Toohey. REVEREND FATHER DOWLING THE XAVIER TO THE REVEREND FATHER DOWLING EVEREND and dear Father Dowling, as the school term of nineteen hundred eight is nearing its close, we the ’08’s recognize that there must come with it, for us, an end to your valued and instructive talks, which as we look back, we find fraught with the pith and substance of all higher things; so in this, the third edition of our Year Book, The Xavier, we take advantage of this occasion to thank and assure you of our sincere appreciation. Very respectfully, Class ’08. Per Eugenia Toohey. 10 THE XAVIER CLASS OF 1908 Motto : liHtac Dia LHrtus Class Colors: Blue and White. Class Officers : President, Margaret Hayes Vice President, Margaret West Secretary, Mary Harrold Treasurer, Bertha O’Neil Class Day Committee : Annie Mahoney, Chairman Irene Oates Florence Good Margaret West Bertha O’Neil Arbor Day Committee: Anna McMahon Mary Harrold Sarah McKenna Marie Kelton Margaret Hayes Committee on Entertainment: Cora Sweet, Chairman Sadie Braney Eugenia Toohey Marguerite Gray Alice Gorman Frances Doran CLASS ROLL I eft to Rierht standing’ Miss C. Sweet, Miss B, JPoohey, Miss A. Mahoney ( Sitting —Miss B. O'Neil, Miss M. West, Miss M. Hayes, Mis Miss M. Harrold, Miss A. Gorman THE XAVIER 13 ROLL CALL M. WEST Brown eyes dazzle in the hall Bespeaking' a lively heart, A heart that lives and can recall, The years as they depart. F. Doran Her simple pleasures always please, Her heart can feel for neighbor’s woe. E. Toohey In hope or fear Or joy or grief, Who has not said, “Remember me?’’ M. Hayes She has such a merry laugh, it peals forth in her glee, And makes the rest of us wish, that we could as happy be. A. Gorman Her ready smile expresses What a delight life is to her. M. Gray Her spirit as blithe as a rivulet clear, That ripples on continually. S. Braney Grace and mirth are hers forever. t 4- w i f ( Standing Miss F. Doran, Miss A. McMahon, Miss S. Braney i e to ig it j sitting —Miss M. Kelton, Miss S. McKenna, Miss M. Gray, Miss F. Good, Miss I. Oates THE XAVIER 15 ROLL CALL—Continued F. Goon She is the maid with nut brown hair, Joyful, happy, merry and gay. B. O’Neil A dear little Miss, fair of face. With every step full of grace. A. Mahoney Her soul awakens with the sun, In wonder, love, and praise. C. Sweet When thy heart is mourning Go where comfort awaits thee. I. Oates There is a maiden in our midst, Whose speech shows noble thoughts. M. Kei.ton “On with the dance ! Let joy be unconfined !’’ A. McMahon She governs, Miss Anna, with absolute sway. And wiser and better grows every day. S. McKenna A joy thou art and a wealth to all A bearer of love and hope. Mary Harrold. 16 THE XAVIER CLASS HISTORY, '08 THK Class History of ’08, may not be of very deep interest ___ to the many future readers of The Xavitr, but to the members themselves it must recall more than one good time, one good laugh, and still more one good and kind correction. Four years ago the present seniors entered Saint Xavier’s full of youth and the expectations with which every girl is filled on beginning her high school course. In the first days of this happy period twenty-nine girls came in quest of knowledge, nineteen braving the Classical and English courses, the remaining number the Commercial. Everything was new, class-rooms, teachers and class-mates to be, but we did not feel strange or lost in the least for were we not given clearly to understand from the very outset by a constant repetition of kind acts on the part of girls and sweet thoughtfulnesses on that of teachers that the living motto of the school was, “Make it pleasant, make it sunshiny for everyone around you.’’ And reassured by this, did we not proceed to bask in both the pleasure and the sunshine that 7vas all around us? It was said some years ago b}' an outsider that one could always tell an S. X. A. girl, so laden down was she with books. Well, I don’t know about outside the Academy but this I do know if that person had visited us during the first week of 1904 she would have spoken truthfully, for everything was books, books, books; Latin, French. English, History, and last but above all Christian Doctrine. Clearly, it was a case of— Books to the right of us, Books to the left of us, While high-sounding terms, Volleyed and thundered. What a short time it was, that week of introduction, and then the hard and uphill work of first year High. Hard? Yes; uphill ? Yes; but so interesting withal that June actually came and took us by surprise. September 1905 found us still twenty nine in number, but not the same, for we were Sophomores, and the dread responsibility of giving good example to the incoming Freshmen had fallen upon our shoulders with its heavy weight duly impressing us with the stern fact that for the future we should have to “walk this way,’’ and look “just so.’’ Depressed for the THE XAVIER 17 moment by realizing this, we wavered, but rose quickly to the occasion, and went on with our old-time buoyancy not noticing the dark days and enjoying to the full the bright ones till June was with us once again: when after doing justice to the spread given by the out-going seniors, we made up a theatre party and spent a most enjoyable afternoon, not discussing the ethical points of the play or the dramatic ability of the actors, but in laying deep plans for our future as Juniors. The reforms we would make ! The new movements we would inaugurate ! With the opening of school in the fall came a shaking up in our large class of the past. The Commercial girls had finished the preceding term; then four of the English course failed to return; and another dear lady deserted us to join the famous class of ’07. But there was no discouragement as we were joined by two new members, Miss Frances Doran of Hope High and Miss Marie Kelton of Pascoag High, making us sixteen bright, merry girls, still ready for a good time, nothing daunting us. Junior year! Bringing in its train, class meetings at all hours of day and night, to reach some decision on the vital questions of the hour,—class pins, class officers, and to come to the more intellectual, the choice between Greek and German. Our truly innocent question, which was the easier of the two, caused such frowns and looks askance that we subsided. Finally thirteen brave souls remembering that the wives of consuls, attaches, and for the matter of that, ambassadors, sometimes go to Berlin, armed themselves cap-a-pie with German dictionaries, grammars and readers, and for the rest of the year a careful observer might have noticed that while they spared no pains in a thorough mastery of the language, they made still greater efforts to acquire the stolidity of countenance, the slowness of speech and the calm imperturbable manner which characterizes the true Teuton. The other three, each Margaret by name, found that White’s Greek Book had a wonderful attraction and Alpha, Beta, Gamma had no plebeian tones. Many pleasure trips fell to our lot this year; one in particular must be a bright spot in memory. The principal having kindly given permission to visit the State House while the General Assembly was in session, we set out one bright spring morning with the stern words, “Girls, be back at eleven forty-five,” ringing in our ears. A brisk walk brought 18 THE XAVIER us to the Capitol and we were most fortunate in being present at what they told us afterwards was an exciting discussion. It was extremely interesting and as we watched the proceedings, saw the attitudes struck, heard the vibrant tones of voice, noted the defiance in look or gesture, we said to ourselves that making the laws of this Rhode Island of ours is not child’s play, but requires an amount of energy on the part of State Solons that perhaps few people realize. The real pleasure of the occasion however lay in the delightful welcome accorded us by the Governor himself, upon introduction. Its warmth and sincerity readily recalled what we had so often heard that he wishes every one to consider himself and this time herself “at home’’ in the House on the Hill. September, 1907, brought us into possession of our own— the much coveted title and privileges of Seniors—. It has passed rapidly, this year, and here we are at the “parting of the ways.’’ We would, before going re-visit the happy spots where in those four years, we have joyed to live. The recreation and dining hall from 11.45 till 12.25, sufficient to recall; the French conversations with the beaming and witty Mdlle. Thomeson, we hear even now her “continuez,’’ “tr6s bien.” The delightful physical culture lessons on Fridays with the charming and refined Miss Dodge, a staunch believer in the development of the intercostal muscles and muscles and muscles and that youth should worship occasionally and with dignity at the shrine of Terpsichore; the little class room at the end of the second corridor where the firm rule was maintained, “Ici, on parle Francais;” the exciting ascent of four flights on set days when we did not sweep the cobwebs off the sky, exactly, not having brooms, but we did mount out and upward in spirit and became thoroughly acquainted with the beautiful facts of Astronomy, that queen of all Science; the Chemical laboratory with its wonders and mysteries and our great reverence and respect for the hood. No nook or corner of this dear home that is not sacred to us by unnumbered associations. Our girlish hearts, joyful at advancing fortune, are at the same time filled with the saddest regrets. May that unwritten motto of the school, so reproduce itself in our future that each and all who come within its influence will realize that the true life consists in this,—“Make it pleasant; make it sunshiny for every one around you.’’ Marguerite Gray. THE XAVIER 19 A LOYAL DAUGHTER. W ALL Street, that magnetic centre of power, known from j continent to continent, that whirlpool of finance which has done more toward the making and unmaking of men than anything else, had been unusually active. With copper the leading topic, Lawrence Dorsey and his colleagues had bid in at the opening of the Exchange and found themselves at the close richer by millions. It requires cleverness and foresight to operate on any stock quoted above market value, and all these qualities were strong in Dorsey. A millionaire capitalist, club mau and society favorite, his one aim in life was wealth and his only care and thought were for his beautiful daughter, Dorothy. The exact counterpart of a father whom she fairly idolized, Dorothy, chaperoned by a maternal aunt, Mrs. Oliver, was the centre of all social functions given in the stately mansion on Madison Avenue. Home only one short year from boarding school where she had been the pet and pride of teachers and pupils with her smiling, happy ways, her entrance into the glittering -whirl of society, had been heralded far and wide, and many looked with envy on the proud father and his charming daughter at her first reception. You may think that Dorothy’s mind was all aglow at the prospect of this gay butterfl)' life, but here you are mistaken. Only at the earnest request of the fond parent was she a willing partaker of its pleasures. Her one object in life was the happiness of her father, who as a shrewd speculator, starting with nothing, had gained the the top of the ladder and was now the copper king of America. Everything he had undertaken had been successful. There had been no such word as “fail” in his upward climb. It had been arranged that she and her father should attend the opera one evening. All week she had looked forward to this event with the eager delight of a music lover and the joyful impetuosity of a child. The longed-for hour came at last bringing Mr. Dorsey, pale, haggard, evidently laboring under strong emotion. Dorothy 20 THE XAVIER forgot everything in her anxiety. Following him to the library she found him lying on a couch, his face buried in his trembling hands. Throwing herself on her knees beside him, the poor girl exclaimed, “What is it, papa? Are you ill or in trouble? Tell me, my dearest papa.” ‘‘Dorothy, my little girl,” he said in a broken voice, ‘‘Have you strength to bear a great blow ?” ‘‘Yes, yes, father, anything that will not separate us may be borne.” “Then darling,” he whispered, “We are ruined—quite quite ruined.” “Dearest and best of fathers, tell me all. While we have each other, life can never be entire darkness.” Then he told her the old, old story that has so often re-echoed from Wall Street. That very morning without a thought of such a thing as reverse, he had tried his fortune in a new deal in copper. This was now in a prosperous condition, and receiving a hint from a friend that it would “go high” on the morrow, he bid. Brisk selling for a few minutes drove prices down sharply and afler a few hours of such work, blocks of the stock were transferred from winning to the losing, or from strong to weak hands and pools failed. Losing half his fortune by this, he became reckless, plunged in and attacked the pools again and again. In less than two hours his magnificent capital was swept away as by a torrent, and he had now come to her a beggar. They were both penniless. To her father, who already seemed aged by many years, she said with a brave heart, “Dear father, we will do the best we can. God is with us. He will help us under this great stress.” Dorothy’s mother had left money by will for her child and this now went towards paying the creditors. When everything had been sacrificed except a few remembrances of her childhood, they left the beautiful residence over which the auctioneer’s red flag was already flying, and sought apartments in the lower quarter of the city. Mr. Dorsey from this time forward sank into a gloomy apathy, and let Dorothy do all the planning. As the days went on, his mind, turned by the awful mishap, became a blank, and he a child, ready to do what those around him wished. THE XAVIER 21 A small cottage was secured, on the Bloomingdale road, near the edge of a wood, one that because of its being haunted, so the neighbors said, had been unoccupied for some time, and here they began life again. To earn sufficient for the support of an infirm father and herself, she applied for a position as school teacher, and after sometime was appointed to an ungraded school, three miles out in the country. This was an ideal little spot, and from the first day, Dorothy knew she would like it. She always had a great affection for children and here were her wish and desire gratified. She soon became a prime favorite with the pupils and their parents, and one could often catch the charming sight of the young teacher with her children romping through the woodland. It was the last Friday of the Spring term and there was to be an important event. The School Critic, a new one, was to make his tour of inspection. At 2.30 p. m. he arrived, ushered in by a line of boys who had been waiting to meet him. One look at the teacher, a blush, and a slight recognition on her part showed that they had met before. The children acquitted themselves with honor and after dismissal, the critic, Donald Maclvar, turned towards the teacher all the old friendliness leaping to life in voice and manner. “To think that I should have the luck to find you at last— here,’’ he said. “It was cruel of you,’’ he continued, “to drop out of the world, leaving no word, no sign behind for your friends. I was away at the time and have been looking for you ever since.” “I no longer belong to your world,” said Dorothy sadly. “My days belong entirely to my poor, dear father. Indeed, his life is a sad and lonely oneand with an effort she crushed back the rising tears. “Yet, once, I hoped, Dorothy, that you might find me worthy of sharing jour clouds and sunshine. Have you forgotten ?” “I have forgotten nothing, but I will never consent to burden another with the cloak of sorrow that shelters and hides my father and me from your bright world.” “But surely you will not object to my visiting your school?” he said. “Oh no,” she replied gratefully, “It will be a pleasure to remember that my critic is my friend.” 22 THE XAVIER “Remember, too,” he said, as he bowed and turned to go, “that your critic will never accept a final negation to the question that he has so vitally at heart.” He returned to the city with the picture of the rural school teacher strongly before him. He was an exemplary young man, wealthy and of good family, but for the sake of the art he dearly loved had, since his graduation from Columbia been a critic for the State. In the old days he had known Dorothy well, and would have openly declared his affection for her, but feared always to be repulsed. He knew her as a high-strung, impulsive, noble girl, and if he admired her formerly, his admiration was deeply increased by her fine attitude in this present trying condition of things. And what of Dorothy ? Her heart had always inclined toward Don, but now she put this one consolation aside, as being unloyal to her beloved father. Many were the visits from the critic, but whether they were for the benefit of the pupils or the teacher is not known. However, he seemed to make no further progress than at first. The insurmountable barrier as of ice remained the same and with a saddened heart he began to think that her life and his were to run in ever widening channels. In the meantime, what were the thoughts of the teacher? Her father had now become so ill that his end was not far distant, and her great care was for his eternal salvation. At his best, Mr. Dorsey had never been a fervent Catholic, and many years had passed since his feet had trodden the aisles of a Church. This had always been a great trial to his pious wife and to his daughter. She now prayed night and day that God might soften his heart, and finally her prayers availed, for he died a most holy death, after receiving the last Sacraments with fervor and contrition. She alone kept her lonely vigil with the beloved dead, for they had made few friends in their straightened circumstances. On the last night, a gentleman called at the house. One glance was sufficient to let her know who it was. He had read of her bereavement under the heading, “ Death of a well-known Financier,” and had come to offer sympathy and aid. THE XAVIER 23 “How much she needs a true friend and protector,’’ was his mental comment, and then and there he offered himself to be that friend and protector. Dorothy did not speak, but the light in her blue eyes told Donald that he was fully answered. At the end of June, she resigned her position and during the following August became the bride of this true-hearted, noble and unselfish young man, who knew his duty to his God and to his neighbor. They made an extended tour through Europe, visiting all the centres of interest in music, art and history. At their return a great surprise awaited Dorothy. By instructions to his lawyer, “Don” had bought his wife’s old residence, and thither they journeyed on that home-coming. Nothing had been changed, even the old servants, bowing and smiling, stood awaiting them in the hall and here taking up the golden threads of life, they spent their future, happier by far, Donald always maintained, because of the misfortune which had befallen Dorothy. Margaret Hayes. 24 THE XAVIER CLASS SONG I Thirteen girls and three are we, Joyous and frolicsome, full of glee: A happier class, there never could be Then our band of thirteen plus three. Alas ! Alas ! we oft did say,— Our pranks will out, we soon shall pay For all our breaks, for gala day,— We must reform,—’Tis S. X. A. Refrain Sweet Sixteen ! the links that tie Future days with days gone by. Dear St. Xavier’s, love untold Dwells within our chain of gold. II But as we sit, and laugh, and sigh. We see old Father Time go by: We try to hide from his stern eye But no, his sign means, part,—good-bye. St. Xavier’s, to us all so dear. Our refuge loving and sincere: We leave thee with a smile and tear, Yet hope to meet year after year. Marik Kei.ton. THE XAVIER ADDRESS TO UNDERGRADUATES lEINE armen Kinder—We, the renowned class of ’08, bid ____| you farewell, but before departing feel it our bounden duty to impart salutary and lasting advice, and so,—close attention, please, to the following words of wisdom. You poor inferior mortals, you who can never hope to reach the sublime standard set for you by the high and mighty “eights,” try to be all that you can and your efforts may be rewarded. We reflect with sadness, your best will never equal our worst. To those who will assay to take a higher place when we are gone, (gone only in the sense of being absent, our works must survive,) it is incumbent upon us to give lasting counsel. Hampered as you Sophomores are by an extraordinary lack of even ordinary ability, it will be difficult for you to reach even a low mark of mediocrity; but, courage, make daily efforts to overcome your childishness and do procure a remedy for that dreadful megalocephaly from which you, each and every one suffer so keenly. As to you little ones, the minor considerations, the Freshmen, we deign to include you in our parting words. Be less noisy, more like the beloved Seniors. Don’t keep the disagreeable fact before unwilling minds that in you, decorum and deportment are totally lacking. A sad condition of things in the school, which we have honored by our presence for four long years (long only for those who have been trying to circumvent us, and short, very short, for the ’o8’s who wished to accomplish so much.) Give your teachers less trouble. Don’t necessitate their having to tell you continually to follow the bright example of a certain magnificent and glorious class. Remember you are attending school not for the purpose of half holidays and amusement but for hard work and study; for my dear little children, those are the only things that will enable you to be at all like US, studious, dignified, refined and virtuous young Ladies. Juniors, your turn now. Sit up “paucis, adverte, docebo” directions about entertainments. Oh ye of little talent! Do not be disheartened in the future at the lack of enthusiam with 26 THE XAVIER which you may be greeted, but imitate the nineteen-eights, the most advanced class in histrionics that ever trod the boards of Academy Hall. We have been condescending to a fault in allowing you to witness our musicals and theatricals, but knowing the good you might derive from them, we uncomplainingly put our honorable and just pride one side and gave you the treat of your existence. Let us hope that you have made the best of such opportunities. We bequeath to you our exalted example----also our “Curtain.” One final word to all three under years. Modify the wild rush to the dining hall at 11.55 and the monopoly of every available seat when there. Ah, do we not remember them ? The sad, sad times! The bitter trials under which we have aged preceptibly. How often after wending our way in meditative calm down the stairs and towards the tables, have we been repelled by strange, cold glances and obliged, WE the Reverend Seniors, to stand, a sandwich in one hand, a glass of milk in the other, and in humility and meekness partake of our daily bread. Bat now in all seriousness, dear girls, as we stand here facing life and its stern duties, the starting tears tell us how deeply we regret this separation from you and the pleasant life together that all of us have enjoyed in the happy years now gone. May God bless your future, bless every effort in school and in after life and may He crown those noble efforts of yours with the priceless gift,-His eternal love. Class ok ’08 per Cora Thurston Sweet. THE XAVIER A TRIP TO BOSTON WE had again and again planned a sightseeing trip to the Hub, but it never seemed to materialize until Senior year, when we finally made up our minds, and on a bright May morning our class met at the Union Station, guide books in hand, and boarded the eight-seven train, arriving at the Back Bay about nine-twenty. The objective point at first was the Library. This building of pinkish white granite is a notable example of the classic in architecture. We commented on this, remembering that our Capitol was designed by the same firm, McKim, Mead, and White. To a visitor the wall paintings here are of absorbing interest. Chavannes’ “Muses Welcoming the Genius of Enlightenment” is grand, but you feel the truth of the criticism so often made, that this work is notin the best place for observation; no matter how hard you try, it is impossible to take in the large wall with the companion panels of the Sciences as one whole and so the effect is lost. Special notice was taken by us as to why the world calls Chavannes its greatest mural decorator,—he brings every detail to the surface. Abbey’s “Quest of the Holy Grail” is beautiful and inspiring. The story is clearly delineated from the first panel which shows the infant Galahad entrusted to the care of the nuns, until we see him at Sarras after the Quest has been accomplished. The Sargent pictures, in “Sargent Hall,” are sublime, and would require several days of close study. Only two are placed so far, the third and last, the artist is now engaged on. The whole is to represent, I believe, the triumph of Religion as an educating force. One is reminded here and there of St. Gaudens,—the seal over the door, the marble lions by his brother Louis, and the effective groups, “Poetry” and “Music” that are to be set up on each side of the entrance. The Museum of Art, just across the square, next claimed attention, and here, while discussing values of Copleys, Stuarts, Allstons, and others, and admiring the wonderful skill of those 30 THE XAVIER Ausserhalb auf beiden Seiten der Thure standen zwei Soldaten. Sie begrussten und als wir vorbeigingen und in das Zimmer traten. Dies war selir gross versehen mit glassernen Tischen die in langen Reihen standen. Auf den Tischen waren Kastchen inwendig gestickt mit Gold und in jedem war ein wundersckones Kleinod. ,,Dies ist IhrTisch, Anna,” sagte die Fee. ,,Mein Tisch,” erwiderte Anna. .,Wie kann ich ein Tiscli hier haben, da ich niemand kenne.” ,,Desungeachtet ist dies dein Tisch,” sagte ihre Pate. Auf den Tischen waren vier-und-zwanzig Kastchen aber das letzt liatte kein Kleinod. ,, Wo ist das schone Kleinod fur dieses Kastchen ?” fragte Anna. ,,Jenes Kleinod ist verloren und darum muss das Kastchen leer bleiben,” sagte die Fee. ,,Aber, waruin muss es leer bleiben?” entgegnete Anna. ,,Ich werde es dir erzahlen,” sagte ihre Pate. ,,Dies vicr-und zwanzig Kleinodien bedeuten vier-und-zwanzig Stunden im Tage.” ,,Aber ein Kastchen ist leer,” bemerkte Anna,—,,wo ist das Kleinod ?” ,, Vier-und-zwanzig Kleinodien waren dir im Anfange gegeben, aber seitdem du die Stunde in Traumereien verloren hast, war dein Kleinod auch verloren und gleich der Stunde kann es niemals gefunden werden.” Plotzlich richtete Anna sich auf erwachend, und die Fee. Kleinodien, Kastchen und alles war verschwunden. Anna sah ein dass ihre Traumerei ein wirkliches Traum war. Dieselbe Nacht, jedoch, ehe sie sich zur Ruhe begab, machte sie den Vorsatz niemals mehr eine Minute zu verlieren, Oder zu verschwenden, und dadurch ein Kleinod zu verlieren. Frances Doran. THE XAVIER 31 DANTE, THE ARTIST |ANTE, the master-genius of the 1300’s, shows himself to ____| us myriadsided. He is philosopher, epic, poet, “one of the supreme triad,” theologian, patriot, profound scholar, and founder of that soft, sweet southern tongue, the modern Italian. While in each of these he occupies a niche peculiarly his own, there is one place in the world’s gallery of fame where as we gaze at hitn, all others of the type are lost in the distance and Dante, the artist, stands out pre-eminent. We apply the term to one skilled in the practice of the fine arts. He who has the power of depicting nature or man in any mood on canvas or other surface, is the painter; he who can make the marble or bronze seem to live and breathe for us is the sculptor ; but he, who deals with the beautiful in language who shows us nature or man in any mood, not on canvas, not in the plastic clay, but in words, clear, glowing, so that the mind can conceive as readily as the eye can see, he is the true artist, and such a one was Dante by excellence. It is in the “Divine Comedy” that he shows this magical art of his, painting for us, pictures, virile, illuminating; limning portraits with all the “admirable force of a Velasquez and the coloring of a Tintoretto.” In these magnificent delineations, he appeals to the emotions, he charms the senses, he enlightens the intellect, and speaks to the soul of the true and the good, leading her on to the very footstool of the Author of the true and the good. He appeals to the emotions ;—Can we stand with him and Virgil before the awful entrance to the Inferno, read the dread inscription upon that arch,— “Through me you pass into the city of woe : Through me you pass into eternal pain : Through me among the people lost for aye. Justice, the founder of my fabric moved : To rear me was the task of power divine, Supremest wisdom, and primeval love. Before me things create were none, save things Eternal, and eternal I endure. All hope abandon ye, who enter here.” 32 THE XAVIER follow him, cross the threshold and perceive through the murky darkness ‘pierced by no star,” a vast multitude, who wailing with terror, cast themselves like the leaves in Autumn down on the shore of that great Acheron, where Charon, the ferryman, sliaggy-clieeked, with eyes of burning coal, beckons, collects, strikes the lingering, and thus, ‘‘They go over the umbered wave, and ever on the opposing bank are landed while on this side another throng still gathers,”—can we look at this, I say, and not be moved to the very centre of our being, not feel the anguish, the agony of each unfortunate spirit ? He charms the senses ;—No one can deny this after reading his description of dawn upon the waters in the first canto of the Purgatorio, the coming on of evening in the 8th and 15th cantos of the same book, and again, in the 20th of the Paradiso, the upward flight of the lark on a spring morning. We see those delightful things just as he saw them. We are aroused to keenest sympathy and experieEce the very feelings that stirred his great and noble nature. He illumines the intellect;— In canto ninth of the Purgatorio, our artist prepares a palette of rich, harmonious color and with quick strokes, paints in a series of the most vivid imagery, where each detail tells. ‘‘Thither we came : and the first mighty stair Was marble white—so polished and so smooth That I stood mirrored there as I appear. The second, darker than the darkest blue, Was formed of a rough stone, rugged and dry, Cracked lengthwise and across through all its mass. The third, whose bulk completes the topmost stair, Seemed to my gaze, of porphyry, that flamed Like blood forth bursting from a smitten vein. Thereon God’s angel planting both his feet. Sat firmly stationed on the threshold floor, Which, as I thought, was solid diamond.” But Dante is the Catholic teacher, and so in this grand conception he creates the picture and at the same time, points to the symbols, emphasizes the lessons to be learned. The first stair, ‘‘polished, smooth, marble white, ” is our soul when in the state of grace, pure and sincere ; the second, the dark slab, rugged, dry, cracked crosswise, our soul broken and contrite after sin ; the blood-red porphyry of the third stair, our soul THE XAVIER 33 restored to God’s friendship and burning with love ; the threshold itself of adamantine rock is the unchanging foundation upon which rests our Mother, Holy Church ; and the angel, her visible head, who cannot err. He speaks to the soul of the true and the beautiful and leads her on to know more fully the Author of all truth and beauty ;— Each part of the Paradiso does this. That sublime Paradiso, with its melody and movement, its ever-freshening joy, its superb portrait groups of “martyrs, confessors and combatants for Christ,’’ tells us over and over again that the true life must be lived here if we would enjoy the beautiful there. The Celestial Rose, in the thirtieth canto, holds us enthralled with the “wealth and perfume of its vision.’’ This marvellous flower, each petal an oder of the Blest, spreads gloriously outward towards its Sun. From within these petals, countless bees, angels, constantly fly up to the Throne and then down again to the Rose laden with light and love, “their faces all of living fire, their wings of gold : and the flower itself so white that never snow approaches the perfection.’’ This is the end. Dante can show us no more. He has brought us to the outer courts of the King, and we resolve with him,— “To make our every wish, our every will, Like to a wheel moved all ways in like wise, Obey that Love that moves the Sun and Stars.’’ Alice Gorman. 34 THE XAVIER WHAT IS IT? OR AS THEY COME In letters of gold we mark thee, “1908,”— Thou hast favored us with kindly fate. When we entered as Freshmen, four years seemed long to pass, Now, we are Seniors, oh, for four more years of class ! But the days that are gone, are gone for aye,— Only a memory,—We leave our school to-day; L,eave its peaceful nooks, its shady haunts, And meet perchance, cold frowns, cruel taunts. But we are strong, for time, wherein there’s gain, Spent at St. Xavier’s, has not been spent in vain. Expectant now, I stand, I look askance, And Anna M— with dignity, I see advance, And ’tis my faith, that, as these words I trace, One day she’ll hear, “Come thou beloved,’’ The-------is thy place. I, envious, sigh till, as by a spell, Sweetest strains, like to the songs of angels swell. ’Tis our Anna Me— with Cora S— who turns in joyful mind For she and Cora, an admiring multitude will find, Alice, Florence, and Marguerite their homage pay to letter G. A happy trio of girls, who ever bring sunshine and glee. Margaret West and Bertha O’Neil though always on mischief bent, To deeds that are not noble they never give assent, Eugenia Toohey, thy name means well born, With rarest gifts, did nature thee adorn. H. is for Harold and too, for Margaret Hayes Girls of pleasant nature and winning ways; B. initials Sadie Braney and D. for Doran stands The latter is a student who great respect commands, And Sadie’ll find her fortune in distant, foreign lands. THE XAVIER 35 The Misses Kelton and McKenna deserve the title fair, They end the class of 1908, but few with them compare. Now readers, you will grant I have written with grace, And in future, “belles lettres” please award me a place. Let wise acres talk, let them cavil away, But kindly take note, “Rome was not built in a day.’’ Irene Oates. SLIPS THAT WILL SLIP MHERE’S many a slip,” is a saying, the truth of which has ■ m been tested more times than we would like to admit. We plan and plan and feel quite sure that nothing can upset our schemes when “tout-a-coup,” we wake up to find that the Scotch poet was right when he said, “The best laid schemes o’ mice and men gang aft a-gley!” I’m not going to speak of the many kinds of slips which affect one seriously, simply the little breaks of that busy organ the tongue. They are the breaks that have contributed so much to the life of our short happy school-days, and have been so often the occasion of embarrassment at the moment, but of great fun afterwards. Now, how would you like to be “dressed in a paper band-box ?” Don’t you think you would find your quarters quite cramped ? Well, I have been requested to array myself after this fashion. “Has any one seen Mary’s head?” We often hear of people becoming excited and “losing their heads” but do they ever look for them again ? A grave senior was heard asking this with reference to the missing hat of one of our girls. Wouldn’t it be hard to “take your arms away from your elbows?” a command which one of our girls tried to execute with an effort, because given by a dear teacher. The use of all your legs and arms,” might elicit the question,—to which class of animals do the girls of S. X. A. belong, bipeds or quadrupeds ? Here is another command contrary to all physical laws,— 36 THE XAVIER “The next time you come through this yard, you go round.” “Put yourself on the black-board.” It is said that if we could see ourselves as others see us, we would try to change many of our ways. Would you like to see yourself on the black-board rather than your name ? Would it be a benefit ? Did you ever see “patent leather feet?” Neither did I, but our little friend did, didn’t you, Irene ? Countless slips and trips of the lingua might be rehearsed, slips that have spiced the humdrum life of study and recitation and yet we now sigh for the days that are gone. Sara McKenna. Extracts from School Chronicle Visitations. The annual solemn visitations to Our Lady took place on Mercy Day in September and May Day. At the former the Act of Consecration was read by Annie Mahoney, then followed singing of the Litanj- and prayers by Irene Oates, closing with the Hymn to Our Blessed Lady and the usual offering of flowers. On May Day, the order of exercises was as above, the Act was read by Marie Kelton and prayers said by Sadie Braney, after which all joined in their favorite hymn, “Loved Mother.” Condolences. The “Xavier” in the name of the faculty and students extends its heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Foley consequent upon the death of her daughter Mary ’06 ; to Miss Bessie Byrne ’06, in the death of her devoted mother ; to the Misses Douglas,— Katherine ’05 and Agnes ’07 in their recent loss of a loved mother ; and also to Mrs. Moore whose daughter Anna was one of our students. Requiescant in Pace. Professor J. C. Monaghan of Notre Dame University visited us during the past term, and responded most graciously THE XAVIER 37 to the invitation from our Principal to address the school. His subject, “The Ideal Education,” was entrancingly interesting. Many thanks are due Mrs. J. McManus, a member of St. Xavier’s Alumnae, through whose forethought, Professor Monaghan became our guest. We congratulate Prof. Monaghan on his recent honor, the conferring on him of the Laetare Medal. May many years attend the Professor. Periods. The faculty is as yet receiving the earnest thanks and appreciation of the students for shorteuing the periods, also for finding a method hitherto unforeseen of changing Father Time from 2.30 to 2.00. Arbor Day. On May 9, the Seniors celebrated Arbor Day. The weather was not all that it might be, though the rain did not dampen our spirits which were most jubilant. Honored by the presence of Rev. Fr. Dowling and our teachers, as well as the whole student body, the tree, a purple maple, was planted on the Academy Grounds. A most appropriate program was carried out as follows,— “Welcome to Arbor Day” Address to Tree Invocation Recitation Class Song Tribute to Our Lady After which a very pretty Reverend Father Dowling. School Margaret Hayes School Marie Kelton Class ’08 School address was made by the French. Our French play ! ! Please whisper it. “Quid dies ferat est incertum.” Suffice it to say, it is of the past. The class of ’08 attended the Solemn High Mass, celebrated in St. Teresa’s Church, Friday, May fifteenth. The occasion was the commemoration of the anniversary of the Canonization of the F'ounder of the Order of Christian Brothers, St. John Baptist de La Salle. Margaret Hayes. 38 THE XAVIER “I MUST SET IT DOWN IN MY TABLES” Oui est pr6te ? Not quite right, Sadie, but never mind, it is good, because it is yours. That is all about it, we'll turn over a new leaf, Monday. Do not waste your ammunition against an empty fort. Discussions on the meaning of radical and conservative ! ! Girls, please be.......serious sometime. Patience has ceased to be a virtue. O ! Just suppose the moon is made of green cheese. Brother Azarius, Dr. Shields, Alphonsus Liguori and Dr. Priestly, are well known persons of whom we hear much. Do you grasp it ? Y—e—s— For Sale—Blank Verse! Apply to any member of the Fourth Year Chemistry after an examination. Why do you not know your lesson, Mary ? Because my book was here, and I was home. Very intelligent, Miss. February seventeenth was a red-letter day for the Seniors. One..............Lesson ! ! Shakespeare Up To Date Freshman Year, “A Comedy of Errors.” Sophomore Year, “Much Ado About Nothing.” Junior Year, “As You Like It,” Senior Year, “All’s Well That Ends Well.” Indignation meetings are over. Ephemeral illusions of procrastinating girls. We are wondering who left her heart in Bayview. To pronounce contiguous and redintegration is heartrending. What do they mean ? How derived ? THE XAVIER 39 Wanted: A few more Holidays, More Experiments in Chemistry. An Elevator. More Consideration for the Seniors. An Arm Chair in English, by B. O’Neil. A New Triple Mirror by Seniors. Brass-pegged Costumers for each Pupil. Soda Fountain on the Grounds. A Shorter Latin Period by Irene Oates. Towels and Soap for the----------- A New Piano for the Recreation Hall. A Program, by S. Braney. Snatches and Patches January 7, 1908. Margaret Hayes heard shooting stars ! ? She evidently is gifted with a most extraordinary imagination. Question in Geology Examination. What is the centre of all that is great and beautiful ? Answer? Bayview! ! ! M. Gray was absent from Greek twice. Where was she ? What’s the lesson in English? Appendix F. Peg away ! (Greek Class) No, Peg’s not away. Three pegs make one live. Where is the trochee in this verse ? In the foot, Bertha answered. V— V— V— class motto alliteration. “Veni, Yidi, Vici,” Caesar’s still live. Venimus, Vidimus, Vicimus! ! ! Annie McMahon. 40 THE XAVIER OUR CLASS MOTTO KSOME one has touched Me, for virtue has gone out from M Me, said our great Master, the Immortal Teacher, as the crowd pressed eagerly around Him, For many years Saint Francis Xavier has kept us close to this dear Saviour's feet. We humbly hope that we too have touched Him. If so, virtue will go out from Him through us to beautify and cheer the world. An old proverb says that, “Vice is contagious’’, but a gentle poet advises us to,— “Love Virtue, she alone is free, She can teach us how to be;— Or, if virtue feebler were, Heaven itself would stoop to her. Vitae Via Virtus! Surely, dear classmates, only a life of virtue is a true life. To live for earth alone is merely to exist. Our Blessed Lady is the strongest, purest type of Virtue, and we have taken her for our model. The present age with its eager search for wealth, for honors, for wordly pleasure resembles somewhat, Pagan Rome. There we saw the delicate child martyrs promised all the joys that life could give if they would offer but one single grain of incense to the gods. With horror, they refused and shed their innocent blood rather than seem to deny Christ. The world may never ask us to renounce our Faith, but her sweet voice will whisper, “Compromise. A single grain of incense at my shrine and honor, fame and glory await you.” Then, let us turn to our motto like the patriot to his country’s flag and answer, “Vitae Via Virtus.” My dear classmates, let us persevere in the spirit of our class motto and by so doing we shall reach the goal and make our lives worth the living. Let us pray in the beautiful words of the Church, that He who began by His grace everything good that is in us, may by that same grace, help us to do our part through life and may He Himself complete all by that crowning grace that is beyond any merit of ours, the grace of a virtuous life, and verify in truth, that the only road is “via per vitam virtutis”; then life will be real, life will be earnest and the grave will not be its goal. Bertha O’Neil. THE XAVIER 41 GRINDS Grind, grind, grind— The way to Knowledge find; Work, work, work. No task we e’er did shirk. 'Tis thus our names have reached the skies,— To envious heights, the Juniors rise The world, at large, we will surprise,— Ah, yes, the ’08’s they are so wise. ???!!! “There’s a gude time coming.’’ H. Mahoney, ’09. “With solemn steps and slow.” B. Burke, ’ll. “Give me something to pass time.” M. Charles, ’ll. “As steadfast as an “allegory” on the banks of the Nile.” M. West, 08. “Stately and tall she moves in the hall. The chief of a thousand for grace.” D. Dodswokth, ’ll. “I leave my character behind me.” G. Luby, ’ll. “Sentimentally I am disposed to harmony But organically I am incapable of a tune.” A. Gorman, ’08 “Wisdom is oft times nearer when we stoop than when we soar.” F. Good, ’08. “The march of the human mind is slow, you are just beginning.” M. McEnanley, ’ll. “You flavor everything, you are the vanilla of society.” A. Mahoney, ’08. M. Sullivan, ’ll. E. Wright, ’ll. M. Gray, '08. H. Hunt, ’ll. “Rise from your silent sea of pines.” “Importance is one thing, knowledge is another.’ “Praises I.atin but sticks to French.” “Little, but oh my !” “A bright little miss of not yet fifteen She masters what is worth knowing, I ween.” “Full many a flower is born to blush unseen.” “Gratitude is a fruit of great cultivation.” “Many things difficult to design prove easy to performance.” O. McCarthy, TO. H. Kelley, ”11. S. McKenna, ’08. E. Downing, TO. “For he lives twice who can at once employ. The present well, and e’en the past enjoy.” “Report me and my cause aright.” A scorn for flattery' and a zeal for truth. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. “We cultivate literature on a little oatmeal.” F. Legris, ’ll. H. Murray, ’ll. M. Bray, ’ll. A. Drnnegan, ’ll. Fourth Year. 42 THE XAVIER “From better to best.” “A single pleasure cost.” A. Me A LUSTER, 11. E. Haddock, ’ll. “To be or not to be.” A. McGinty, ’ll. “I have called forth golden opinions from all sorts of people. ’ S. Braney, ’08. “You must wake, and call me early, call me earl}', mother dear. A. McMahon, ’08. “Let critics, the studious despise There’s nothing lost by being wise.” E. McHugh, ’ll. “She loves to be excused.’’ M. Cooper, ’ll. “Harmony in uproar.” Second Year. “Striving to do better, oft we mar what’s well.” G. Harrington, ’ll. “A progeny of learning.” C. Coleman, ’ll. “The ver3r pine-apple of politeness.” M. McGovern, ’ll. “Content to follow where we lead the way.” F. Doran, ’08. “Her voice is the rich music of a summer bird, We hear it, and we wish it to be heard,” C. Sweet, ’08. “I am not in the roll of common folks. M. Daubney, ’ll. “Our hearts our hopes are all with thee.” I .Oates, )8. “To be great is to be misunderstood.” M. Harbold, ’08. “The sad vicissitude of things.” M. Carter, ’10. “Noble of birth yet nobler by good deeds.” “Anything for a quiet life. D. Murray, ’ll. M. Shea, ’ll. “Be sure you are right and then go ahead.” H. Shea, ’ll. “Be swift to hear, slow to speak.” M. Daly, TO. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the tirst and the last.” A. O’Connell, TO. “She came adorned hither like Ma3T.” E. Morrally, TO. “Our whole life is like play, Make it sunshine while we may.” A. Dawson. ’09. “Nature abhors a vacumn.” Physics. “The virtue of her lively looks Excels the precious stones.” “She is gentle that doth gentle deeds.” “I make no man’s creed, but my own.” M. Leeman, TO. A. Luby, ’09. F. Cooper, ’09. And still we gaze and still we wonder, how one small head could hold all she knew.” B. Tuite, TO. “Here is her hand, the agent of her heart,” J. Hayes, TO. “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content.” M. McElroy, ’09. “Throw physics to the dogs, I’ll none of it.” Third Year. “I am sure care’s an enemy to life.” A. Colgan, TO. “Two lovely berries moulded on one stem.’’ H. Tobin, M. Lavin, ’ll THE XAVIER 43 “The stars are in their proper places.” R. Fagan, ’ll. “The laughter of girls is, and ever was, among the delightful sounds of earth.” “Silence wins where eloquence is vain.” B. Dai.Ey, ’09. E- Cost e i. i.o, ’09 “And to be noble we’ll be good.” M. Hennessey, TO. “When you do dance, I wish you A wave o’ the sea, that you might ever do Nothing but that.” “Speech is silver, silence is golden.” “The grass stoops not, she treads on it so light.” “You’d never know she could speak Greek, E. KlI.EY, ’ll. M. Feeney, TO. K. Gilbane, ’09. Her guttural tones were all so squeak.” C. McKitchen, ’09. “I am a part of all I have met.” E- Walsa, ’ll. “Better pointed bullets than pointed speeches.” M- O’Connor, TO. “I did but sing, because I must, and pipe but as the linnets sing.” “A pretty woman is a welcome guest.” F. Garvey, ’09. S. Hanley, ’ll. “In joys, in grief, in triumphs, in retreat Great always, without seeming to be great.” A. Hall, TO. “Alone, alone, all all alone, Alone on a wide, wide sea.” S. Gore, TO. “There’s a language in her eye, her cheek, her lip Nay, her foot speaks.” “She owns the fatal gift of eyes.” I. Macumber, TO. a. West, to. “Just praise is only a debt, flattery, a present.” B. O’Driscoi.i., ’ll. “Oh ! blest with temper of unclouded ray Can make to-morrow cheerful as to-day.” A. Cartier, TO. “Her modest looks, the cottage might adorn Sweet as the primrose peeps beneath the thorn.” M. Jackson, TO. “Pleased with a rattte Tickled with a straw.” B. McCarthy, ’09. “A little nonsense now and then Is relished by the best of men.” “To say you are welcome would be superfluous.” “A pleasant companion is as good as a coach.” “Knowledge is power.” H. Cassidy, TO. H. Dalton, TO. M. Higgins, ’ll. P. PAI.IZZA, ’09- “When shall we three meet again.” [B. O'N. E- T. M. W.] “When Dido found Eneas would not come, She mourned in silence and became Dido duni (b).’’ Seniors “A mind content both crown and kingdom is.” I. Deignan, TO. “Let silence close our folding doors of speech.” Friends, though absent, are still present.” M. SCANNELL, ’09. M. Fox. “I’d rather laugh, a bright haired girl, Than rule, a gray haired queen.” H. Bennett, TO. 44 THE XAVIER “ ’Tis true, composiug is the nobler part, But good translation is no easy art.” L. E. Kane, ’10. “Awa3r with him, away with him he speaks Latin.” R. McCarthy, ’10. “Let her be kept from paper, pen and ink So may she cease to write, and learn to think.” “It’s so long, and so wide, and it’s green.” “The Senoirs did it !” “Every hour has its end—even Latin.” “Let us not put pigmies on pedestals ” “I am never merr3T when I hear sweet music.” M. Hayes, ’08. M. Loughran, ’09. Junoirs. L. Maxweee, ’10. Freshman. J. Kei.ton, to. “Hunt half a day for a forgotten dream.” E. Toohky, ’08. “A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation.” M- Keeton, '08, “Jo3r rises in me like a summer’s morn.” B. O'Neie. '08. “Be strong in act, joy give and bless Thy dear ones in sweet loveliness; And ever true to duty’s call Strive to cherish, to cheer them all.” To The '08’s. THE XAVIER 45 ANNA MOORE, ’10. “The holy dead ! Oh blest we are. That we may name them so, And to their spirits look afar.” K. I. P. 46 THE XAVIER OUR GREEK CLASS ’Tis a large Greek class as you all will allow, Though we started with--------, we have only three now, But an ounce of your time I respectfully beg, And I’ll tell of these three, each known as peg. Two years since beginning expectant and new We’ve accomplished White's Greek Book and Zenophon, too; We read awing Homer, a true nursery rhyme,— With such scholars as we, it took us no time. Our one only trouble was accents and mutes To get at the verbs, one must first learn the roots. Between pratto and praxo and pepragmai, too, I’ll say no more, I’ll leave it to you. At times, we made blunders ; (all that’s in the past,) For once Cyrus’ wife was made a gymnast ; But as this was the worst, I need say no more,— Oh, alas for us three, it soon will be o’er. Margaret West. THE XAVIER 47 DRAMATIC EFFORTS |HE Seniors presented on Wednesday, November 27, 1907, their Thanksgiving play. The principal number was a drama tending to show the present day ambition of American Women to enter society. The programme followed :—Piano Duet, Mary Harrold and Annie Mahoney ; Piano Solo, Irene Oates ; Recitation, Sadie Braney; “Social Aspirations,’’ drama; Vocal Solo, Eugenia Toohey ; Duet, Bertha O’Neil and Eugenia Toohey ; Vocal Solo, Anna McMahon : Class Song. The Dramatis Personae was Mrs. Charles Chick, Cora Sweet; Countess De la Valette, Margaret Hayes ; Theodosia, Anna McMahon ; Angelina, Bertha O’Neil: Susanne, Marie Kelton. The committee of arrangements were Margaret West, Sara McKenna, Florence Good, Marguerite Gray, Alice Gorman and Frances Doran. A George Washington Afternoon. On February twenty first the Seniors gave a George Washington Afternoon. The numbers were,—Chorus by the Class, “The Life of Washington,” an essay, Annie Mahoney; Vocal Solo, Eugenia Toohey ; Duet, Irene Oates and Mary Harrold ; Solo, Anna McMahon ; Recitation, Sadie Braney ; Duet, Eugenia Toohey and Bertha O’Neil; “The Story of Our Flag,” an essay, Frances Doran ; Piano Solo, Marie Kelton ; Tableau ; Chorus, “America”, by School. The tableau at the close was very effective. The girls in white dresses with trimmings of red, white and blue stood 48 THE XAVIER grouped round the Goddess of Liberty in the centre of the stage, while from each aid were carried streamers of red, white and blue. Cora Sweet sang “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” The exercises were enjoyed by all. Thk Minstrel. The St. Patrick’s Day Exercises were gotten up by the Seniors and Juniors, a little on the plan of the minstrel, with both classes seated in a half circle on the stage. In the center was the interlocutor, Cora Sweet, ’08. The Tambos were Anna McMahon and Margaret Hayes, ’08 ; the Bones, Kathryn Gilbane and Florence Garvey, ’09. A pretty effect was produced by the green trimmings, etc. This is the program,—Piano Solo, Marie Dodsworth, ’ 11 ; Vocal Solo, EugeniaToohey, ’08 ; Recitation, Kathryn Gilbane, ’09 ; Vocal Solo, Anna McMahon ; ’08; Recitation, Sadie Braney ; Vocal Solo, Florence Garvey, ’09 ; jests, the classes of 1908 and 1909 ; Vocal Duet, Bessie McCarty and May Loughran ; Vocal Solo, Cora Sweet, ’08 ; Chorus, “The Wearing of the Green,” in unison. Sadie Braney. THE XAVIER 49 IN NEBULIS was an extremely warm day in the latter part of June, and the heavy atmosphere made it impossible for me to concentrate my thoughts on the book before me, which happened to be one of Dr. Shield’s. Just such a day, five years before, sixteen merry girls graduated from St. Xavier’s Academy. Was it possible that five years had passed? Unconsciously, my thoughts drifted away from the beautiful fields that lay all around me and the smilingly calm river, a charming rustic scene. The Grand Opera House, Paris was ablaze with light, showing the crowded, eager faces waiting breathlessly for the wonderful singer to appear, her whose fame had spread throughout Europe and America. The great Madame Tetram ! What would she be like? Would she be as most great singers are, tall and stately or would---1 was interrupted in the midst of my reveries by a low murmur of applause, and looking up saw the object of my thoughts. As she approached the footlights, holding the immense throng spellbound with her glorious liquid tones, behold, there stood before me, none other than my old classmate, Anna McMahon. The picture changed,—I was in one of the shops on La Rue du Pont. It was that part of the day when society ladies having rested from the fatigues of late vigils, find it pleasant to pass a few leisure hours visiting the various shops and, incidentally, gladdening the hearts of the shop-keepers. As I stepped into this particular emporium, the first person that my eyes rested on was a handsomely dressed lady conversing with the proprietor. Their voices were slightly raised and I caught these words: “Are you sure that this is the best Sevres China, I wish to paint a chocolate set for a friend and I want the service to be of the very best,’’ She was emphatically assured that it was direct from the French factory. Ah ! I could not be mistaken in Florence Good. Florence had always a great love for painting and I was not surprised that she had carried her taste for art into her social life. so THE XAVIER Nor were Anna and Florence the only ones whom I was destined to see in my mystic musings. I was at the steamer making final preparations to leave the city. Distracted by the sounds near me, I looked in the direction from whence they came, I saw a custom-house officer vainly trying to explain to a lady who would not be explained to, that it was necessary for him to examine her baggage, before allowing it to leave the house. “But, my dear Madame,” he was saying,—“Don't ‘dear Madame' mc“ broke in the lady with a haughty toss of her head, “I’m Mrs. Tobias Harrison, a free-born American citizen and I’ll not have you interfere with my luggage. The idea !” That voice ! how familar it sounded. If I could only get a glimpse of the speaker ! As if divining my thoughts the lady turned, and “true penny” there was, not tome, Mrs. Tobias Harrison, but, if you will, Mrs. Tobias (Cora Thurston Sweet) Harrison. My imagination swerved homeward to the beautiful city of Washington. It was night and numerous electric lights gave to the thoroughfares the appearance of open day. A great reception was being held at the White House in honor of the return home of the president. Crowds of handsome men and beautifully dressed women were flocking thither. As they entered the brilliantly lighted ball room and were received by the hostesses, the gorgeous picture, rich in color, must have dazzled all lookers-on. At one end of the “East Room,” two ladies stood idly chatting. “What a great success the reception has been, Gene? Really I never saw more beautiful gowns,” said the first. “Yes, indeed, Alice, they are exquisite.” There were Alice and Eugenia, both lovers of the esthetic and it was no surprise to find them in this whirl of social life. Mechanically, my thoughts left the crowded ball room and I was in the famed college of Elsbury. It was the hour for the I.atin class and I heard a voice which sounded strangely familiar. “Yes Miss King. I like your rendering of the lines: — Ter conatus ibi collo dare bracchia circum, Ter frustra comprensa manus effugit imago Par levibus ventis, volucrique simillima somno.’ Now please tell me what figure of rhetoric do we find in the last phrase.” THE XAVIER .SI “Metonomy” was the quick reply. I then recalled how Bertha ever ready to grasp the tropes and figures of the English, always brought them to bear on her Eatin. Often, in the old days, when the other members of the class were silent, she would gladden the heart of her teacher by a quick response. Undoubtedly, Bertha had distinguished herself in Latin. This phantom picture associated itself with Margaret Hayes, the leading star in our Greek class. Ah, that Greek class, that boasted of the magnificent number of three ! What happy memories it evoked ! How we used to long for the hour to come when we might meet that cherished (?) Homer or Xenophon on his many weary marches. Again I revert to Margaret H. what was she doing with her God-given talents? What ? Yes,-------it is the long-ago voice, little altered. “It is certainly most extraordinary, my dear professor, why people appreciate so little the advantages of a Greek education. When you compare the number of those who have selected German and other modern languages with those who have chosen Greek, it is perfectly astounding, and I am going to use every effort to reverse the order of things.’’ Margaret H. without a doubt, it was. Another Margaret looms up in the paraphernalia of a white-capped nurse, noiselessly passing from one ward to another in the well-known hospital of St. Marie; she was smoothing the pillow of some poor fever-stricken patient or giving a cheery word or smile to the more convalescent ones. What a noble calling to give consolation and renewed hope to poor weary sufferers who, without her tender care and assurance, would have been depressed and unfitted to endure the exhausting weakness consequent on protracted illness. As the vision of the white-capped nurse was slowly fading in the gathering mist, the sound of soft and melodious music fell upon my ear. Under the masterly hand of the artist, the great organ of St. Mary’s pealed forth, softly at first, then rolled out in solemn and vibrant tones the magnificent strains of Gounod’s “Ave Maria.’’ It carried me heavenward and wholly absorbed my wayward thoughts, until I was recalled by the entoning of the simple strains, “Loved Mother.” In an instant, the player is revealed; who other than Mary Harrold could execute those little trills and master touches? She played it now as Sister played it when we used to go to the chapel on May Day and other Feasts of our Blessed Mother when we were all together in the halcyon days at dear old St. Xavier’s. 52 THE XAVIER My musing was then broken in upon:—“Now Ladies, this society is formed for the purpose of making clothes for poor children. We will meet each week at different houses and bring our materials with us. In this way, we can accomplish a great deal and make many poor children happy.” How like Sara McK.— Ever forgetful of herself and always doing some kindness to others. She was looked upon by all who knew her as “consolatrix afflictorum.” The sight of Sara McKenna recalled Sarah Braney, elocutionist and directress in all our school plays. These thoughts were passing through my mind when Sadie herself appeared dressed in a beautiful costume of white satin and lace, looking the picture of Lady Macbeth whom she was to personate at the Dramatic Club of New York. The distance between New York and Rome is great, but to my swift-winged imagination the flight was easy. I was in the large art gallery of Cirstantio admiring the works of old and modern masters. As I went down the large room, I came to a painting, a true American picture, representing an old lady sitting patiently, sewing together numerous strips of red, white and blue which go to make up the American flag. Animated groups stood enthusiastically discussing the work. I asked the guide who the artist was and he responded, “A Mrs. Yister of America, formerly Miss Irene Oates of Providence. Perhaps you know her.” Indeed I do, for had she not been a sharer in all the joys and sorrows of my high school course ? To me, German never had the same significance as Greek, but on this beautiful June morning, as I wandered, from one place of note to another, in a German city, I could readily understand why so many love and appreciate the German tongue. Nor, was I, in the least, amazed that the first one I should meet in Munich was my old seat-mate Frances Doran. Many a dispute Frances and I had as to which was the more cultural, Greek or German. Now, I was ready to listen to reason and take an interest in all she explained to me, after our meeting. She had come to the Fatherland for the purpose of finishing her education and afterwards intended to publish a book in German, on her travels. I bade good-bye to Frances to follow the fortunes of petite Marie Kelton who considered herself, if not the tallest, certainly not the smallest girl in our class. She was prominent in THE XAVIER 53 Physical Culture every Friday, and in the absence of Miss Dodge Marie always led the exercises. She is teaching pretty figures and fancy dances to her many pupils who admire her graceful contour and lithe steps. It reminded me of the steps which we used to take in the march at the end of the exercises. And now comes Anna Mahoney, the good angel of the class, who settled all disputes and brought, whenever she appeared, sunshine. Although the most unobtrusive of girls, nothing we ever attempted was complete without Anna. At last, she had gained her heart’s desire and joined the Carmelites. Loved by all who came in contact with her, no one ever met her who did not feel better for the meeting. She brings peace and consolation to all as she did in the days when we were classmates at dear St. Xavier’s. Being of the earth, earthy, I find myself again in my rustic seat with the charming landscape around me and the blue waters smiling in the distance. These are aerial conceptions, possibly, with vestiges of what may be to some extent, but that is not in our ken and we are sure it is best so. Our future is before us, dear girls. Let us hope we have acquired what will make us worthy the vocation that God has in his keeping for each of us. Margaret West. THE XAVIER CLASS ODE Oh, happy girls, in junior years, Your hearts are gay ; Your eyes undimmed by bitter tears See far away. And rosy June that swiftly nears, A merry laughing nymph appears. She brings you naught but gladness, dears, On this sad day. Beloved teachers, you who guide, Your task is done ; Our barks from shore to ocean glide Ere setting sun. We know your prayers will bless the tide While we in you all trust confide Loyal still, on high wre’ll ’bide The vict’ry won. Oh dear St. Xavier’s ! shelt’ring wing,— Our elders knew That leaving thee would sorrow bring ; Now we know too. What of the wreath, diploma, ring ! They symbolize for us one thing, The “Farewell” that we sigh, not sing, Let us be true. Annie Mahoney. THE XAVIER 55 L'ENVOI Go, little book, oh, little book ! To where your fate may call; You hold within your pages thin, Our thoughts and efforts all. When fin’ exams and study-crams Take all the hours to give, ’Tis hard to think, to shed much ink, And bid our glory live. We see your flaws, we know their cause; But we shall trust our friends Will read you through, with pleasure new, And here our Year Book ends. Class ’08. !La Salle Hcabemy BROTHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 197-205 Fountain St. C £7 COURSES: CLASSICAL, COMMERCIAL, EIGHTH and NINTH GRADE GRAMMAR i St. flDaiYs Seminary Bayvif.w, on the Narkagansett, PROVIDENCE, R. I. CONDUCTED BY SISTERS OF MERCY This institution is delightfully situated in a picturesque part of Rhode Island, and commands a fine view of Narragansett Hay. It is within three and a half miles of the city, and is accessible by train, boat and electric car. The building is large and commodious, and supplied with all modern conveniences—electric light, steam, fire escape, and the latest sanitary improvements. The grounds are spacious and diversified, affording every advantage for the enjoyment of healthful out door exercise. THE COURSE OF INSTRUCTION embraces English, Classical, and Commercial courses, Elocution, Calisthenics, Delsarte, and other departments in Physical Culture, Vocal Culture, Organ, Piano, Harp, Guitar, Violin, Harmony, Crayon. Painting in Oil and Water Colors. SPECIAL COURSE For Pupils who do not wish to take the Complete Course, a special one, including Music, Painting, Literature, and the Languages may be arranged, at the completion of which a Diploma shall be awarded. There is a Private Class for those whose education has been neglected through illness and other causes. Separate Department for children under 12. For Prospectus apply to SISTER SUPERIOR. East Providence, R. I SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER'S ACADEMY FOR YOUNG LADIES AND CHILDREN BROAD, CLAVERICK AND FOSTER STREETS, PROVIDENCE, R. I. CONDUCTED BY THE SISTERS OF MERCY Saint Kkanvih Xavier’s Academy, the oldest Catholic school in the State, is pleasantly situated and easily accessible from all parts of the city and suburbs. The curriculum includes a thorough course from kindergarten to the completion of high school studies. The terms per quarter (ten weeks) are from $3.00 to $8.00, according to grade. Private lessons in stenography and typewriting are given for $7.00 per quarter. Lessons in harmony, instrumental music, vocal music, painting in oils and water-colors, pastel, crayon, and china painting, form extra charges. Instructions are given on the organ, piano, harp, violin, guitar, mandolin, and Needle-work receives special attention, there being a regular coarse in this department, from the most simple sewing to elaborate embroidery. For the greater part of the year weekly lessons are given in elocution and calisthenics. The manners of the pupils are of constant consideration; and aside from the regular religious instruction, the spirit of politeness is instilled and the forms of simple etiquette are taught. A well-selected library for the use of the pupils is connected with the Academy, laboratories with all the necessary equipments facilitate the study of physics and chemistry. The painting studio is supplied with a kiln, so that the tiring of china is done at the Academy. A large and pleasant lunch-room is at their service during the intermission at noon, and hot dinners are served at a moderate rate to those desiring them. A recreation room furnished with a piano, is a desirable resort on cold or rainy days. Hi-monthly reports are sent to parents informing them of the application, proficiency, and deportment of their children. Pupils of all denominations are received, and no undue influence is exerted over the religious opinions of non-Catholics. For the observance of order, however, all are required to be present at the devotional exercises and the religious instruction. Hoys under ten years of age are admitted as pupils. Pupils are received at any time, and charged only from date of entrance. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION APPLY AT THE ACADEMY. ba njo. JAMES R. DAY. PRINTER