Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Peddler Yearbook (Worcester, MA)

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TASK is finished and the editors hasten to present the results of their labors to an expectant public, trusting the supply of the results will be inadequate to the demand. We anxiously await the verdict of that public, their approbation, their—cash. Having some apprehension of our fate if this work is “persona non grata” to those whose ultimatum is final, the editors beg to deny that any malice, intentional or otherwise, has crept into these pages. We have grinds, it is true; but these grinds owe their existence only to the popularity and prominence of the “ground.” Even the editors have been forced to view themselves in the mirror of nature. Everything has been written in a friendly spirit. We have not tried to make enemies, and in fact have had no time to do so, did our inclinations point that way. For this reason let all esteem it a mark of signal favor if the honor of figuring in L’EXPOSE has been accorded them. There is much more that could have been written up and presented our readers than is contained between these covers. The book is really the result of great condensation. We have tried to dispense entirely with filling, and have stopped short when ideas seemed to lose interest. No attempt has been made to present a list of names and addresses—the catalogue (issued “just a trifle late this year”) ( 2 ) 9

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year at Obeiiin and a second at Andover in theological study. From the fall of 1868 he was for two years instructor in Latin at Williston Seminary. The next two years were spent abroad, chiefly in study at Halle and Paris. Meantime, early in 1872, he was appointed Professor of Modern Languages in the Institute, and entered upon his work in September following. Here for twenty years he had lived and labored—a single year, 1887-88, excepted, which he spent at Johns Hopkins University pursuing advanced studies. From Syracuse University at the close of this same year he received, after an examination, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. With good natural mental endowments and excellent preparation for his duties Dr. Smith united a strong will and a high standard of duty. His convictions were like oak-roots, his purposes dauntless, and his industry untiring. His quick sympathies, his refined tastes, his love of music and the other fine arts, his kindly and thoughtful ministrations to the distressed and sorrowing, his ready response to every worthy appeal in the interest of humanity, were fully known only to those who were either more intimate with him or who had been the recipients of his benevolence. But the treasures of his cultured mind, the wealth of his affections and the e.xtreme tenderness of his sensibilities were best known, were only fully understood, in his home and by his family. Here he was, as every man should be, at his best—the faithful husband, the wise and loving and self-sacrificing father, and the thoughtful and watchful head and guide—God’s minister in a God-fearing household. “ The lesser griefs, that may be said. Who speak their feeling as it is. That breathe a thousand tender vows. And weep the fullness from the mind. iie Are but as servants in a house Wlio see the vacant chair, and think, Where lies the master newly dead. ‘ How good! liow kind ! and he is gone! ’ ” And yet not gone! For the memories of him and his work—his instruction, his example, his spirit— will abide in our hearts and teach and influence us evermore. 8

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fills the bill in that particular. Still less have we sought to compile a useful encyclopedia of the Tech. That would require gravity, and the Board, individually as well as collectively, have not acquired a reputation for more gravity than the law allows. Our first intention was to publish something humorous, but, after a thorough e.xamination of the material from which humor was to be evolved, our maiden intentions were thrown to the winds. What we have done is open to inspection. The publication of the book was not seriously discussed until March, and work upon it was not commenced until the April vacation. This statement is not offered as an e.xcuse but as a reason for our not being able to embody many ideas that have since occurred to us. We have endeavored to make the book as artistic as possible, and to that end have spared no expense. As to literary merits, the editors disclaim all knowledge of any such non-essentials and would consider it as very thoughtful to have “gentle reader” temporarily afflicted with like ignorance. The Socialists do not publish this book to show how little they know about such things. They do it primarily to prove that it is possible for a Tech social organization not only to thrive but also to be able to publish a record of their doings, indeed, a class-book in all but name. In conclusion, we have but one request to ask of all, please do not call this “the L’Expose.”