University of Rhode Island - Renaissance / Grist Yearbook (Kingston, RI)

Page 29 text:

Senior Dignity I T was on the night of the 16th of December. The sweet strains of music were still lingering in the ears of the students, as they made their way from Lippitt Hall to their rooms. Oc- casionally an air from one of the selections just played would float upon their ears as it was whistled by some musical genius and the Juniors were congratulating themselves upon the unparalleled success of the evening’s performance. Except for the occasional boiler explosion, fire alarm, or the croak of a Freshman, there was naught to disturb the blissful reveries which all were enjoying. Even Tip Tyler was visiting Jim Allen instead of making his customary rounds of inspection. Suddenly the walls begin to shake and tremble. Book racks tumble, picture frames rattle, and the whole atmosphere is con- vulsed by a noise, such that the roar of cannon, the echos of Ladd’s voice when heard in the reading room, or even the chatter of Eldred’s teeth when the Dr. called him into the office, are not to be compared with it. Those who are brave enough, cautiously look out of their doors to ascertain, if possible, the cause. But the everwatchful Tip only knows that it is an unlawful racket, and that it is his duty to stop it at once. He therefore launches forth on a tour of investigation, and locating the scene of action in room 32, makes his way there P. D. Q. Thrusting open the door, his astonished gaze meets the cause of the great upheaval of forces. Two grave and reverend brethren of ’99, not satisfied with the entertainment of the evening, are adding a sequel- At the farther end of the room, the brother from Point Judith is acting the part of the Prima Donna of the evening, while the brother from Paw- tucket is pacing ceaselsssly back and forth, each step of his iron heel shaking the building anew, and presenting the singer with ♦That is, with great alacrity.

Page 28 text:

than now. We respectfully suggest that a little improvement in this matter would not be out of order. In the winter an epidemic of mumps and measles spread among us , and not a few of our number suffered from the dread diseases. With one more lesson to the Freshmen we ended our second year of college life. In our Junior year, we held two well-planned receptions, con- quered German — more or less — and Calculus. At one time our instructor in German found four modest students in the back row. Their general excellence in class work entitled them to front seats, where they served as examples the remainder of the term. ’99 was always said to be a remarkable class in mathematics ; no one was surprised at our excellent work in Calculus — a work which was not accomplished, however, without a few slight mistakes. We also published The Grist, which had such unparalleled success that we are thinking of printing a second edition. Now, we have nearly ended our work here. This last year has been a happy one and we have thoroughly enjoyed it. Wi th ’99 at the head of military affairs, all feel that peaceful security which springs from well-grounded confidence. Our mechanical men are prepared to solve any problem in hydraulics, run a blast furnace, or build bridges in the most approved manner. So we feel sure that all the mechanics about the place is well cared for, and that the head of our army has no fear of a loss of the depart- mental honor or of an embalmed beef scandal. At last, not without some regret, we bid adieu to The Grist. Our expectations now await Commencement. As we look forward into the future, We hear a voice you cannot hear, Which says we cannot slay ; We see a hand you cannot see That beckons us away.

Page 30 text:

bouquets innumerable. At first, a frown of disgust settles on the features of the proctor, then, as he takes in the humor of the situa- tion, it changes into a smile such as only he can give. He pushes into the room, grasps a frightened Senior in either hand, and gently leading them toward the door, remarks in his persuasive voice, “COME BOYS, YOU HAD BETTER GO TO YOUR ROOM.” “■Go • TO YOUR ROODS '