Chapter D: G. C

_Members of the Family._ By OWEN WISTER. (The MacMillan Company.)

When the cauldron of contemporary American literature has boiled down and the dross been skimmed off by the years, there will be a special and enduring mold set aside for the works of Owen Wister. In his writings and in the pictures of Frederick Remington a richly romantic period of our national life will be long preserved. The Virginia, Lin McLean, and Scipio Le Moyne, even as the nightingale, were not born for death. As Scipio himself remarked, “I ain’t going to die for years and years.”

The eight short stories included in _Members of the Family_ are typical of Mr. Wister’s most delightful and vivid manner. Those who enjoyed _The Virginian_ or _Red Men and White_ will wax happy over such tales as _The Gift Horse_ and _Where It Was_. Owen Wister’s characters are unusual to us, but like that most fanciful of characters, Long John Silver, they live. For humor, strength of plot, characterization, and general worth this collection takes rank with the very highest.

F. D. A.

_A Book of British and American Verse._ Edited by HENRY VAN DYKE. (Doubleday, Page & Co.)

As a general rule anthologies are of a distinct sameness. The most noticeable thing, therefore, in regard to this collection of verse by Henry Van Dyke is his novel method of arrangement. Instead of fitting the poems in chronologically he segregates them according to their poetical form. The volume is divided into six sections, devoted respectively to: ballads; idylls or stories in verse; lyrics; odes; sonnets and epigrams; and elegies and epitaphs.

As to the selection, it is as judicious as one would expect coming from Mr. Van Dyke. An attractive feature is the inclusion of a considerable number of modern poems. In quantity the collection lies between the _Oxford Book of English Verse_ and Burton Stevenson’s _Home Book of Verse_, being nearer to the former. It is especially adapted for use in class-room work and is a valuable addition to a small library, from a utilitarian as well as an aesthetic viewpoint.

F. D. A.

_The Goose Step._ By UPTON SINCLAIR. (Paine Book Co.)

Thorough discussion of this latest book by Upton Sinclair is a task that would require many pages. A brief dissertation upon his remarks about Yale, however, will suffice to shed considerable light upon the book as a whole.

Commenting upon the University in general, Mr. Sinclair remarks: “But the secret societies come in, and now Yale is just what Princeton is, a place where the sons of millionaires draw apart and lead exclusive lives.” Disregarding for the moment the innuendo cast upon the societies here, it seemed best to interview the millionaire we know in order to ascertain whether he was really being secretly exclusive. The cause of research suffered when he proved to be out for the evening wearing the dress suit of his neighbor, who was working his way through college and could not use it himself.

Concerning societies Mr. Sinclair further opines that they encourage intoxication and venereal disease, but dictate the choice of clothing, slang, and tobacco, while preventing originality of cogitation. It is a sad thought, and the woeful plight of the American college lad is typified by the brazen indifference with which he bears his shame.

Mr. Sinclair certainly exaggerates—we are now speaking constrainedly, ourself—but his sincerity no one can doubt, as no one can sweepingly deny all his charges. He may irritate or he may distress or he may merely edify, but he always gets a reaction.

F. D. A.

_Editor’s Table_

Han and Cherrywold came across the campus together.

“What do you think of our first issue?” asked Han.

“Well,” replied Cherrywold, “a little thin, to be sure, but very fine goods—and mostly home-made, at that.”

“Yes,” mused Han, “and this one shall be better. I look forward to a short and pleasant evening.”

So saying, they approached the luxurious and delicately heated office confidently and in the best of spirits. But oh, what enemies lurk in the dark places ever eager to strike a treacherous blow at the Muse! In the window of her palace hung a filthy, yellow sheet advertising that altogether despicable sport of debating. With a mighty oath both jammed their keys into the lock, tore to the window, and stamped upon this latest outrage. That done, with spirits not altogether as calm as before, they sat down to wait for the others, who were, of course, late. In a short while they were joined by ante-moral, pro-subjective Rabnon. The conversation turned, purely by chance, upon bastard sons. The question before the house was: Whose was the greater—Aaron Burr’s or Elihu Yale’s? So rife became the argument that Cherrywold was dispatched to follow up certain clues and obtain further information upon the question. In a short while he returned greatly excited and out of breath. A number of prominent men had been interviewed—one of whom, though it may be hard to believe, was a professor. It was, however, decided to withhold the verdict on this remarkable case until the following month. As we go to press, new evidence is pouring into the office, owing to our expert secret service department, and we fully expect to startle the world by an announcement of momentous import at a near date.

In spite of this coup, our spirits were sorely tried by the sudden entrance of Mr. and Mrs. Stevens—one hour late! Due to the latter’s persuasive smile, we controlled our language. Beside, one must be cautious in the presence of three aliases. Cherrywold re-read Han’s poem for the tenth time.

“On reading this more and more,” he remarked, “I like it less and less.”

“Then read it less and less,” suggested Mr. Stevens. His wife tittered approvingly.

After that there was comparative silence, broken only by the muttered threats of Cherrywold each time he pulled out his watch. Another half-hour smoked by. Suddenly out of the darkness there appeared in the doorway a halo. With badly shaken nerves, all stared wildly at the light. Suddenly the hushed expectancy was broken.

“Well, if it isn’t little sunshine,” cried Rabnon. “And two hours late at that!”

“Then he’s the cause of all this daylight saving muddle,” asserted Mrs. Stevens. “Land sakes! Who’d think it to look at him?”

“My gosh!” yelled Cherrywold. “Aren’t we ever going to get down to work? If the rest of you don’t stop your giggling there won’t be any May issue. Now, Han, what do you want after this title; I suppose dashes?”

“No, thank you,” replied Han sweetly. “I’ll take dots.”

Eventually something was done, but no one knew exactly what nor cared much, for by that time it was far into the night and we were all three-quarters asleep. Some unknown person by the name of Briggs likes to tell people how to ruin a perfectly good day. He better look to his laurels, for he’ll have to go some to beat a new series, entitled “How to ruin a perfectly good evening,” by

CHERRYWOLD.

_Yale Lit. Advertiser._

* * * * *

Compliments

of

The Chase National Bank

* * * * *

HARRY RAPOPORT

University Tailor

Established 1884

Every Wednesday at Park Avenue Hotel, Park Ave. and 33rd St., New York

1073 CHAPEL STREET

NEW HAVEN, CONN.

* * * * *

DORT SIX

_Quality Goes Clear Through_

$990 to $1495

Dort Motor Car Co. _Flint, Michigan_

$1495

* * * * *

The Knox-Ray Company

Jewelers, Silversmiths, Stationers

Novelties of Merit
Handsome and Useful
Cigarette Cases
Vanity Cases
Photo Cases
Powder Boxes
Match Safes
Belt Buckles
Pocket Knives

970 CHAPEL STREET

(Formerly with the Ford Co.)

* * * * *

Steamship Booking Office

Steamship lines in all parts of the world are combined in maintaining a booking agent at New Haven for the convenience of Yale men.

H. C. Magnus at WHITLOCK’S

accepts booking as their direct agent at no extra cost to the traveler. Book Early

* * * * *

Top-Hole Approval

New golf suits. Ripping, rakish, rugged distinction! For men of taste. Knickers for links and field! And, of course, trousers for town! Three piece sport suits for good sports.

SPORT SWEATERS
GOLF HOSE
GOLF CAPS “KNOX”
“KNOX” COMFIT STRAWS

SHOP OF JENKINS

940 Chapel Street

New Haven, Conn.

* * * * *

The Nonpareil Laundry Co.

The Oldest Established Laundry to Yale

We darn your socks, sew your buttons on, and make all repairs without extra charge.

* * * * *

PACH BROS.

_College Photographers_

1024 CHAPEL STREET NEW HAVEN, CONN.

* * * * *

CHAS. MEURISSE & CO.

4638 Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, Ill.

POLO MALLETS, POLO BALLS, POLO SADDLES and POLO EQUIPMENT of every kind

Catalog with book of rules on request

* * * * *

CHASE AND COMPANY

_Clothing_

GENTLEMEN’S FURNISHING GOODS

1018-1020 Chapel St., New Haven, Conn.

Complete Outfittings for Every Occasion. For Day or Evening Wear. For Travel, Motor or Outdoor Sport. Shirts, Neckwear, Hosiery, Hats and Caps. Rugs, Bags, Leather Goods, Etc.

* * * * *

Tailors to College Men of Good Discrimination

_DRESS_ TAILOR _SPORTING_]

1123 CHAPEL STREET

NEW HAVEN, CONN.

* * * * *

Established 1852