Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Peddler Yearbook (Worcester, MA)

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6 The Log. us that there are quicksands in Tech life—pitfalls for the unwary. Some of these the “ Log ” is intended to indicate. Our instructors have aimed to make men of us and they have succeeded. We can now stand alone, and we thank them that we can. Nevertheless, we criticise the process at some points, and beg them to take the criticism kindly. Their methods have occasionally suggested those of the Indian pundit who keeps his esoteric wisdom to himself and feeds his acolyte on fables. But, beware ! ye who come after us. Milk is proper food for babes, and strong meat fit only for post¬ graduates. The magical garment, woven in fairy-land for the dames of King Arthur’s court, proved an inscrutable mystery to the women who tried it on. None of them could make it fit. They did not want it, therefore, and declared that the devil was in it. In reality it was woven from the threads of truth, and the truth nobody wanted. Is this to be the fate of “ The Log of ’88 ? ” While the devil may be indt, it nevertheless contains the truth. Let us hope that his evil magic will not cast doubt upon our motive or cause it to be mi.sconstrued. We feel confident that the few personalities in its pages will not injure any one. If they do offend, let him who is injured consider the saying of Diogenes : “ No man is hurt but by himself” Our work has been accomplished under difficulties, but fortunately we have found none too formidable to overcome. During trying moments, when seemingly every resource at command had been exhausted, we have sought communion with the Faculty, and having found them a never-failing source of inspi¬ ration, would herewith express our great indebtedness. In a very different way, other friends have done us invaluable service, and it is most fitting that we should here convey to them our sincere appreciation. To Mr. von Wrede especially, who with his pencil has so willingly supplemented the work of the Board of Editors, we are largely indebted for the successful completion of “The Log of ’88.” Its pages of wit, pathos, melancholy and humor are now open for your kind inspection.

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INTRODUCTORY. HE editors’ sanctum is at last a scene of tranquillity. The scissors and mucilage are laid aside and the bull pup has been honorably discharged. The editors see before them a completed volume of “ The Log of ’88.” What was a few months ago a vision of the imagination has developed into a reality, visible and tangible. The Cumsean Sibyl inscribed on leaves gathered from the trees a history of things to come. The “ Log,” less ambitious, contents itself with the record of things that are past. Its motto is : Nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice.” The sibylline leaves needed the greatest watchfulness. A gentle wind might blow them away, and this done, the Sibyl gave no aid to restoring them. Through three and one-half years of college life, seasoned with trials and disappointmen ts, the history now inscribed upon these “ Log ” leaves has been accumulating, and through fostering care it has withstood the breezes that have entered through the half-open door. But now that the door is thrown wide open and fastened back, and stronger winds seek entrance, it remains to be seen whether the “ Log ” leaves shall be irreparably lost or whether they are to remain a permanent and impartial record of past events. The Sibyl claimed no responsibility for the records she inscribed; we claim none for the record of the “ Log.” We have accepted what the oracle has given, and have asked no questions. For the discouragements along the way, consult these pages. They are a beacon to light the miles that have been traveled and to mark the points of danger to be avoided. Experience has taught

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The Log 7 BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Hon. P. EMORY ALDRICH. LL. D. Rev. DANIEL MERRIMAN, D. D. WALDO LINCOLN, Esq. President. Secretary. Treasurer. Hon. GEORGE F. HOAR, LL. D. CHARLES H. MORGAN, Esq. PHILIP L. MOEN, Esq. STEPHEN SALISBURY, M. A. G. HENRY WHITCOMB. M. A. Rev. AUSTIN S. GARVER. On the part of the Board of Education: Hon. WM. W. RICE. LL. D. Ex-Officio : His Honor, Mayor SAMUEL WINSLOW.