Dean Boody then presented the candidates for degrees which were conferred as follows: 4 A.A.'s, 100 A.B.'s, 29 A.M.'s, and 3 Ph.D.'s. Of the A.B.'s, 61 received the degree without distinction, 25 cum laude (of whom 12 had distinction in special subjects), 13 magna cum laude (of whom 8 had honors and 5 distinction in special subjects) and 1 summa cum laude (with highest honors).

The singing was in charge of Mabel W. Daniels, '00. Miss Daniels chose for one of the songs Miss Katharine Lee Bates's "America the Beautiful," and as usual the music just before the conferring of degrees was the old hymn "Veni Creator," in which Laura C. Littlefield, '04, sang most beautifully the high soprano solo.

The Radcliffe Alumnæ Association and the Radcliffe Union combined this year in a buffet luncheon in Agassiz House at one o'clock on Commencement Day. After the luncheon for the first time a joint meeting was held of the members of the two bodies, merely to listen to reports and to the presentation of certain business which was to come up later before the two associations at their individual meetings. When this conference was adjourned at 3.30, the Alumnæ Association held its annual meeting in the theatre in Agassiz House, and the Union met in the auditorium in Fay House. At the Alumnæ Association meeting about 125 members were present. Article III of the constitution, on membership, was amended to make holders of the A.A. degree eligible for membership. The Association now admits to membership holders of any degree conferred by Radcliffe College. The President of the Association was instructed to appoint a committee on war relief, with full power to act for the Association, and for the use of this committee a sum of $1000 was appropriated.

At the meeting of the Radcliffe Union several amendments to the constitution

were made. It was voted to appoint a committee to secure a room in Boston for the use of the Union. The Coöperation Committee was instructed to prepare a plan for the entertainment of sailors serving in the war, when they land in Boston, and to lay the plan before the Alumnæ Association and the Union not later than the midwinter meeting. The following officers for 1917-18 were elected: vicepresident, Penelope Noyes; secretary, Mrs. Howard G. Forbes; director for three years, Mrs. Frederick W. Rogers; nominating committee, Mrs. George P. Baker, Mrs. Comfort A. Adams, Frances Kittredge, Mrs. Charles Peabody, Elizabeth C. Putnam.

Instead of the usual Alumne Dinner it was decided to have this year a supper in the living room at Agassiz House, having the speeches afterward in the theatre. The plan worked well, as the freedom of this arrangement made one able to see and talk to many more people than is possible at a dinner. Miss Humphrey, the president of the Association, presided at the meeting in the theatre. The first speakers were Nathalie Matthews from the tenth year class, and Lucy A. Paton, representing the twenty-fifth year class.

Miss Boody, after speaking to the Seniors, told of the growth of the graduate school, and of the affection of the graduate students for the College. She showed in how many ways the alumnæ had helped the undergraduates. She told of college happenings during the year, mentioning particularly her pleasure in the appointment of a committee consisting of Mrs. Farlow, Miss Longfellow, and Professor Byerly, to gather together papers relating to the life of Mrs. Agassiz with the thought of their publication. In looking forward to the year ahead she expressed the hope that we might find ways to help the country, and at the same time find some way to prove ourselves of service to Harvard University.

Professor George G. Wilson spoke upon the conditions in regard to the war in which the United States finds itself, and to serve, he said, "as a sort of dull gray background" to those who should speak after him. In order that we might see what our own country must expect, he gave figures showing the increase in England's army, in her expenditure for war over the normal expenditure, in her manufacture of ammunition, and in the number of people, and the proportion of women, employed in the manufacture of war materials. Ultimately, he said, after something brings the parties in the war to a point where they are willing to negotiate, a settlement must be made somewhat in accordance with the principles of justice and equity. As the French philosopher has said, "might and right rule the world: might till right is ready."

Professor Lake, who was the next speaker, told of some of the problems which are likely to demand our attention in the future. The economic arrangement of the world is going to be very much more of a unit than it has ever been before; but at the same time, if this war means anything at all, it means the recognition of a larger number of nations a state of things in which the equilibrium in the body politic will necessarily be unstable. The world will be able to maintain a condition of unstable, or dynamic, equilibrium in proportion as it is really alive and not dead after this war. If we are to be a live world, the qualities that are called for from us are knowledge, and the faith which is akin to knowledge. "Faith," he said, "means the courage which goes on to that which is before, not because we know the future, but because we have studied the past, and are prepared to follow the same guidance that others have found to lead them to that which is good in their knowledge and faith, and I bear witness that there is no class where there is so much probability

that the world will find it as with that of the college man and women."

When Colonel Azan was introduced, the audience rose to give him welcome. He said that from the beginning of the war France had felt that the women of America were with her, because they gave gifts in the first few weeks which were invaluable to the French. Their sympathy France appreciated especially. He said that many times he had been asked by American girls for his advice about doing relief work in France. His advice to them was to stay in this country, because America would have more need of them than France when American boys began to come back wounded. The best thing to do was to stay at home and prepare to be helpful here. He gave this advice even with the fullest appreciation of what many American women had thus far been able to do in France, for he himself, when he was wounded, had been helped by the care of two American girls whose devotion he would always remember with gratitude. He spoke of the things being done which neither France nor America could bear, and which together they must stop.

President Briggs, who was the last speaker, said: "It is hard to remember that this country never stood in greater need of the reasonable, educated woman

to remember the quiet strength that comes from the discipline of daily work. The immediate, the urgent, the all-absorbing call of this war has not come to many of our students yet. It has come to a few. May the others train their ears to know it when it comes, to distinguish it from the false calls of demoralizing unrest. If they can make that distinction, and spring to the call when it comes, we shall be prouder than ever of Radcliffe College."

Miss Humphrey, in closing the meeting, announced that Christina H. Baker, '96, had been nominated to be the new Associate to represent the alumnæ for a term of six years under the new rules, and that the following officers of the Alumnæ Association had been elected: president, Mabel H. Lyon, '97; first vice-president, Eleanor R. Frost, '04; second vice-president, Dorothy D. Comstock, '10; secretary, Margaret A. Fish, '03; treasurer, Ethel Dodd, '04; Directors, Rose Sherman, '94, Elizabeth B. Piper, '06; Florence W. Swan, '99, Lucia A. Bosley, '03; nominating committee, Mary Almy, '05, Edith G. Bittinger, '99, Martha T. Brown, '07, Marian B. Miller, '11, Juanita D. Wells, '01.

STUDENT LIFE.

FRANKLIN EDDY PARKER, JR., '18. The entrance of the United States into the European War so strongly affected the undergraduate body of the University that activities throughout May and June were nearly all tinged with a belligerent hue. The special final examinations held the first week in May allowed eighty per cent of College students to leave, with full credit in their studies, to become soldiers, sailors, aviators, ambulancers, etc. The natural result of this exodus was that fewer things happened athletics had all ceased since April and aside from the stubborn persistence of the Crimson, Lampoon, Advocate, and Illustrated, which continued to produce regular issues from the sweat of the few editorial brows left, the interior of Harvard College was a dark, dull place. With its "Spring Number" the Monthly suspended publication. The College might well be said to have removed itself to Soldiers Field and Fresh Pond, where the R.O.T.C. was drilling and digging trenches.

Owing to their advanced age, the members of the Senior Class left in greatest numbers, and for a time it looked as though 1917 would have a farcical Commencement Week. The bulk of Senior

officers were training at Plattsburg, so that President Lowell appealed to the powers that be at that camp, and secured an order that all Harvard Seniors be permitted to return to Cambridge on June 19 to participate in Class Day. R. Harte, first marshal, and E. A. Whitney, secretary, however, were not able to be present. At the Stadium exercises this year there was no Ivy Oration, as H. Wentworth, who had been chosen Ivy Orator, was in training at Fort Sheridan, Ill. In place of this, the Regiment Band gave a musical program. W. Willcox, Jr., Class Poet, was also unable to leave the aviation camp at Newport News, Va., and his poem was read at the Sanders Theatre exercises by N. E. Burbidge.

Last year's innovation of holding the Commencement Celebration in the Stadium was given up, and Sanders Theatre once more came into its own, for on Thursday, June 21, here was the scene of the last gathering of the Class of 1917.

In order to facilitate the registering of University students between the ages of 21 and 31 in accordance with the proclamation of President Wilson with regard to compulsory military service, the University held a polling-booth where all students from other states than Massachusetts might fill out their blanks, for forwarding to their local authorities. The University kept a record of this registration, to which students in any difficulty over these regulations may appeal.

In order to stimulate interest among Harvard undergraduates in the purchase of Liberty Bonds, the following committee was appointed to carry on a campaign: A. D. Weld, '18, chairman, G. C. Barclay, '19, G. A. Brownell, '19, F. K. Bullard, '20, D. C. Hawkins, '20, and F. E. Parker, Jr., '18. The organization of the canvas was made through the efforts of W. G. Taussig, '11. Each dormitory was visited and special arrangements were made with the Cambridge Trust Co., and the Charles River Trust Co., whereby students might subscribe to the bond issue under the most favorable terms.

On June 9 the Stadium was the scene of the third annual rally and patriotic demonstration of the Greater Boston Council of the Boy Scouts of America. About 5000 boys passed in review; the Regiment Band furnished music. The territory from which the Council recruits its members includes not only Boston and the immediate suburbs, but also all the towns lying within a radius of 85 miles. The demonstration was witnessed by 30,000 persons, and all scout activities were represented in the event.

University oarsmen were bound a little closer to their Allied friends in England when President Lowell received the following letter from the secretary of the Thames Rowing Club of Putney-on-theThames, England. The letter is of such interest, and so typical of good English sportsmanship and hospitality, that it is printed here in full.

Dear Sir:

With the entry of the United States into the war, it is probable that many members of your University Boat Club will at some time be visiting this country on their way to or back from the fighting line.

I am desired by my committee to say that although our active rowing members are all in France or elsewhere on naval or military service, the clubhouse is still open, and they would be delighted to welcome as honorary members any rowing members of your University temporarily in this country, and freely offer them the use of boats and gear if they can snatch a few hours to enjoy their old sport. I should be glad, Mr. President, if you would, in the way most convenient to yourself, give this invitation the widest publicity amongst your rowing fraternity, and trust it may result in our making the acquaintance of many of our cousin "wet bobs." I. B. GROVE.

That perennial flower, the Union discussion, blossomed forth this year with a new hue, when the Administrative Board, through a special committee, made a report on the condition of that necessary but poorly supported institution on Harvard and Quincy Streets. The report stated:

Three possible solutions have been considered by your committee:

A. The raising of an endowment either directly or through the increase of life memberships. B. The assumption by the University of the financial burden.

C. Compulsory membership for undergrad

uates.

It appears to your committee that, as hereinafter set forth, some combination of these plans may prove effective.

The decision reached by the committee was that a combination of the second and third solutions would place the Union on the soundest financial footing and still have it continue the good work and advantages which it has maintained for so long. The undergraduate body has signified its readiness to accept compulsory membership, and with the University finances back of it, the Union would be placed out of further danger forever. No one has ever doubted the usefulness of the Union; there has just been a general apathy toward pulling it out of the slough. Next year will unquestionably see great changes, and future sons of Harvard may never see the flower of discussion wrought into life.

At a meeting of the Committee on the Regulation of Athletic Sports it was voted on the recommendation of the Track Advisory Committee to award the track "H" to H. W. Minot, '17, of Boston, and W. S. Blanchard, '17, of West Acton. It was voted to authorize Dean Briggs and the graduate treasurer to act on such recommendation as the Graduate Advisory Committee might make in regard to the award of the "H" to Seniors.

At the same meeting of the Committee on the Regulation of Athletic Sports it was voted to authorize the Graduate Advisory Committees in the various sports to appoint temporary captains at such time or times as should seem fitting to them.

The Illustrated announced the election of the following men to its board: news editors, F. P. Champ, '19, of Logan, Utah; E. C. Whittemore, '19, of Cambridge; A. F. Tribble, '19, of Kansas City, Mo.; art editor, J. P. Cunningham, '19, of Medford; photographic editors, C. McNear, '20, of San Francisco, Cal.; C. H. Holladay, '20, of San Francisco, Cal.; J. A. Freiberg, '20, of Cincinnati, Ohio.

The St. Paul's Catholic Club elected as officers for the year 1917-18: president, H. V. Fox, '18, of Dedham; vice-president T. J. O'Shea, '19, of Peabody; treasurer, H. Connors, '18, of Bellevue, Ohio; secretary, T. L. Freeman, '19, of Somerville; and librarian, L. Keane, '18, of Boston.

Despite the fact that war deprived the Senior Album and the Freshman Red Book of their respective boards of many valuable editors, both of these publications made their appearance this year. The Senior Album was on sale June 19, but the Class of 1920 could not bring its first child of literature to the public eye until June 22, both of these dates being late for the production of two such worthy works.

The Northfield Student Conference was held this year from June 19 to June 29. A delegation from Harvard attended, but the representation of the American colleges was not nearly so great, by reason of the intensive training throughout the country.

Perhaps the thought that was uppermost in the minds of Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors still in Cambridge during the last few weeks of the past term was whether they would return to college this fall. In this situation the value of faculty advisors was tested as never before, and each individual who consulted these men was rewarded with much sensible advice. Practically all those members of Harvard College who were physically fit and within the age limit have already answered the nation's call. That the nation will have great need of educated men with minds trained to think after this war is settled is axiomatic. There will be but one source from which to draw these recruits, and that is the bulk of men who have already started on their period of mental discipline. Those whom the college authorities selected to instruct in their respective fields because of marked ability only showed that this ability was not narrow or limited, but was of a splendidly general worth. Their advice was to complete the work which had been well begun. This fall can see nothing but a host of Harvard men serving their nation by fitting themselves to take an active part in the period of world reconstruction which must be impending.

ASSOCIATED HARVARD CLUBS.

For the first time in their history, the Associated Harvard Clubs have failed to hold their annual meeting. Scheduled for June 1 and 2 at Buffalo, and later transferred to Washington, the 1917 meeting has been indefinitely postponed. Nothing less than a world war could have induced their officers to forego the satisfaction of formally rendering an account of their year's work.

Conceived, twenty-one years ago, as a sectional society, composed of only a

small part of the Harvard alumni, and having as its paramount, though perhaps not avowed, purpose the placing of a western man on the Board of Overseers, it has grown to international proportions, comprehending over a hundred clubs, extending from Berlin (at present quiescent) westward to Northern China, and having for its object no longer any personal or provincial ambition, but the efficient conduct of every graduate activity tending to make Harvard the greatest institution of liberal education in the whole world.

Local clubs have been induced to create