University of California Berkeley - Blue and Gold Yearbook (Berkeley, CA)

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upon as a model of what is best in manhood. The prosperity and growth of the dear old U. C., under his guidance, is an assured fact. In conclusion, the editors extend thanks to their classmates for the distinguished honor conferred upon them in entrusting to them the preparation of the official publication of the class of Eighty-nine —the class of classes—the “bonniest of them a ” Although that task has not been altogether dulce et decorum (as the late Mr. H. Flaccus said that it was pro patria mori), we have gladly put our shoulders to the wheel and have done our best for the honor of Eighty-nine. We pledge her deep, this maid of form divine, The sweetheart of us all—fair Eighty-nine!

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only to be reminded, sarcastically, that “ gentlemen are expected to devote two hours,—not ten minutes—to the preparation of each study.” But, In spite of “flunks” and tutor’s roar, In spite of study's beastly bore, we have persevered in our lofty purpose; and now we present to you, kind reader, Eighty-nine’s Blue and Gold, with all due apologies for its imperfections and with the hope that you will kindly consider any excellence which it may possess. Believing that the Junior annual should be emphatically a student's publication, we have devoted the major portion of our herculean energy to the Miscellany, Temple of Fame, and other departments which refer especially to college life. Regarding “hits” and jokes on the students, we have only to say that naught has been “set down in malice.” All has been done in a spirit of pure fun; and if, in our endeavors to give the proper spice and interest to our book, we have, in some cases, held the mirror up too closely to nature, or have painted the rose too vivid a vermilion and devoted too much attention to the adornment of the lily, we are sorry that our artistic efforts have been unappreciated. If, however, we have caused direful wrath to well within the bosom of any college mate, we respectfully refer him to our fighting editor, Mr. Somner, who is at present rusticating amid the fragrant sagebrush of the Southern Citrus Belt, or to the eminent exponent of Boston “culchaw ” and muscle, who is said to be closely related to the intellectual giant who lends the lustre of the family name to our editorial board. In the presence of either of these gentlemen, the wrath of the offended student may “well” ad libitum. To us falls the agreeable task of chronicling the advent, during the present college year, of our new president, the Hon. Horace Davis, the “counterfeit presentment” of whose manly countenance is given the place of honor in this book, as the man himself is given the chief place in the estimation of the students. In him we have an executive of undoubted ability ; an enthusiastic worker for the welfare of the University; and a gentleman whom the students may look [ 8 ]

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PRESIDENT HORACE DAVIS A BRIEF SKETCH OF HIS LIFE The well-known name of Horace Davis, our President, is closely connected with the growth, development and interests of California. His long experience in business affairs, his thorough integrity, his executive abilities and social qualities have won for him the highest respect, confidence and esteem among his fellow-citizens. His ancestors came to Massachusetts from England as early as 1630, and the name of Davis was one well-known and respected in the old commonwealth. John Davis, the father of Horace, was a distinguished lawyer. He occupied the position of Governor of Massachusetts for four years, and from his incorruptible integrity he was known throughout the State as “ Honest John.” He represented Massachusetts twenty-six years in the councils of the nation,—ten years in the House of Representatives, and sixteen years in the Senate. He married Miss Eliza Bancroft, the sister of George Ban- croft, the celebrated historian. Their son, Horace, was born in Wor- cester, Massachusetts, 1831; he obtained his early education at the public schools of that town. After preparing at the Worcester High School, he entered Harvard, from which institution he graduated in 1849; hm his ill-health prevented him from following profes- sional pursuits. He then went to sea, before the mast, and greatly recuperated his shattered health. In 1852, he started for California, arriving in 1853. He was for a time in the employ of the Pacific f 10 I