Beschreibung
Newspaper has 4pp of text with text divided into four columns. Of note is a small illustration in the middle of the title. It depicts seven snakes labeled Baltimore, St. Louis, Virginia, Georgia, N. Carolina, S. Carolina, Texas and Arkansas with the hand that is holding them labeled "Jeff. Davis." The snake labeled Baltimore is slithering away. Like most in the North, there was likely a strong aversion to Jefferson Davis, formerly the President of the Confederate States. This cartoon could be representative of that feeling of dislike. Newspaper is in good condition with light soiling and toning affecting content, bleeding of text on pages 2 and 3, fragile at folds and light wear to all edges. This is a publication by members of the class of 1866 at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. Founded in 1778 by Samuel Phillips, this is the oldest boarding school in the United States. In the year this newspaper was published the school was run by Dr. Samuel Taylor, Principal of Phillips Academy from 1837 to 1871. A history of malcontents scattered the administration of Samuel Taylor. Some of these students, usually upperclassmen, frequently published witty, satirical, and sometimes scandalous broadsides and newspapers. Although known as a strict disciplinarian, Taylor was very tolerating of social clubs and programs run by the students. The general public however, thought that "a freedom of speech regarding [Tyler] and his colleagues was little short of extraordinary. This frankness became license in the various broadsides issued at the close of the year by the upper classes. In these, "Uncle Sam," the Faculty, citizens of the town, and members of the rival class were often made the subjects of scurrilous attacks" (An Old New England School, Fuess). This issue of the Scorpion is no different. The Scorpion, which came out July 24, 1866, included "a witty skit entitled Avunculus on a Raid and a poem in the meter of Hiawatha, ridiculing all the instructors, especially the notorious 'flogging Bridgman.'" The students authoring the newspaper often refer to themselves as wise and illustrious heroes, offering their farewells and memories. Under a column titled "A Glance at the Future" they write, "mingled with the joy we feel at bidding a final farewell to Andover, there is a sense of regret, that the places which '66 filled with such honor to itself, are now to be occupied by such unworthy incumbents as the class of '67." It is a witty and outlandish newspaper that any troublemaker from secondary school would proudly take credit. Published by a school with a long history of distinguished pupils, this newspaper is quite an amusing and rare find. We do not believe there are any other issues of this publication and the only other copy of this same issue is found at Yale. ; 4 pp. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 014542
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