Swarthmore College - Halcyon Yearbook (Swarthmore, PA)

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THE HALCYON. 19

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18 THE HALCYON. nearly two weeks, the halls re-echoed not to merry voice of gallant youth or blithesome maid. With the glad New Year they all returned and bravely went to work, each sighing to himself, if only it might have been longer. The next noteworthy occasion, that is, in the opinion of the Juniors, was the ]3ublic day of ' 84 ; but let us gently touch upon this tender point, lest we dispel the sweet-consoling thought of laurels therein won. Think on, poor, foolish Juniors, that you have achieved wonders. If imagination play you false, no matter ; you will be wiser when you are older. One of the most interesting features of the year is the frequency and excellence of the public days, and the readings and lectures pertaining to the subject of elocution. The inauguration of the restored College building, upon the evening of January 18th, was a momentous occasion ; indeed, it was one second to no other in the year ' s history. A large number of guests were present ; lunch was served in the dining hall, after which the guests collected in the as- sembly room to witness the transfer of the restored building from the Ee- building Committee to the Board of Managers, and from the latter body to the Faculty. The evening was a pleasant one, and the interest shown by the visitors was gratifying to both Faculty and students. We have been favored with several very interesting lectures. One on the Indians, delivered by Mr. Herbert Welsh, and one, by Mr. Edward L. Wilson, upon Egypt, illustrated with very fine stereoptic views, are promi- nent among these. The various societies have quietly and prosperously journeyed on their way, afibrding their members pleasure and profit. The Phcenix, too, we must not forget. Behold it, another year nearly ended, homeward flying, richly laden with treasure and not a little valuable ex- perience ! Calmly it speeds along with unrufiied f)lumage ; and, as we welcome it home, we cry with joy : Well done, brave bird ! be ever good and true, and, in the years to come, O sully not thy fame by deed of wrong ! We trust, nay, believe, thy future will be more glorious than thy past ! On the blurred and blotted pages of time, thoughts sad and joyous are often mingled. Thus we find it in the case of individuals, institutions and nations. This year, in many ways so fortunate and happy, has brought as well its sorrows. The beloved President of the Board of Managers, one who, from the beginning, had been the warm friend and generous patron of Swarthmore, was taken from us but a few short weeks ago. The shadow of this great sorrow will long hover over Swarthmore. Yet the memory of one whose example and counsel were ever ready will aid her in a still nobler and more illustrious future.

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20 THE HALCYON. (SlASS op ' 83. WE cannot look upon the Class of ' 83 as models in many respects ; but, in one department, they excel all former classes and deserve credit on this account, since it is better to be perfect in one branch than partially so in many. We refer to the good-will, kindly feeling and affection that they cherish for one another. Indeed, it seems as if they might have laid all intellectual improvement aside, in order to devote themselves to the enjoy- ment of one another ' s society. This class has a few members of great literary ability, and is honored by possessing the poet of the college. Many Seniors take an active part in our world-renowned Glee Club ; therefore, the fame of the class is already es- tablished by the exceptional voices of its rejoresentatives in this organ- ization. Two or three broad-minded, magnanimous men and women are detected upon the closest scrutiny ; but, as a class, they are very critical, neglectful of the feelings of others. Perhaps, this art of criticizing ought to be granted, by common accord, to our superiors in rank of classes ; yet, we cannot but feel that sarcasm is a dangerous weapon to hurl. The scheme of introducing a succession of receptions for the purpose of promoting sociability among the members of the college classes, is well worthy of a class devoted to society.