Laughter in Quaker Grey (review)

58Bulletin of Friends Historical Association newspaper himself, Walter Woodward was naturaUy engaged by The American Friend. His sound training in history and political science gave his editorial work a solid philosophical basis, so that he knew what his standards of judgment were and knew also something about the limitations of time and place that make public actions less than completely satisfying. Walter Woodward was therefore better able than some eager idealists to take a constructive point of view and to support the possible while maintaining the ideal purpose. The numerous quotations from his editorials stand up well under the very severe test of re-reading long afterward; he wrote well and he almost always wrote wisely. One wonders whether Quaker journalism might not have advanced farther and Quaker concerns have been more effectively developed if Walter Woodward had been free to concentrate on The American Friend. The contents were good; the circulation was never adequate, and the editor simply did not have time to devote to adequate promotion efforts. Despite the frustrations of such a situation, Walter Woodward did live on and did stimulate a part of American Quakerism to move toward the advancing frontier of Quaker awareness and concern. PhiladelphiaRichard R. Wood Laughter in Quaker Grey. Collected by William H. Sessions. London: William Sessions, Ltd. 1952. 135 pages. (Available from Friends Book Store, 302 Arch Street, Philadelphia. $1.50. T AUGHTER in Quaker Grey is a collection of anecdotes made by '""' William H. Sessions of York, England and published by his own firm. These little stories have been gathered over many years and are selected from a vast collection sent by Friends from all over the world. He hopes to publish another set if this one proves of interest. As these are English stories only a very few will be familiar to American Friends. Many weU-known Friends are mentioned and some important historical incidents. Friends wiU no doubt notice the difference between English and American humor. As befits a young emotional nation, we are a bit more lively and spicy than they are. Space will only aUow for one sample:—an Irish one. "A new matron had been appointed to Limerick Hospital. I heard some women discussing the matter. 'An' what is her religion?' was the natural Irish question. Another said, 'Av course a protestant, becos the House Surgeon is a catholic' 'But what kind of a protestant?' asked a third. To which the second replied, 'Sure they say she is a Quaker.' At this there seemed to be general agreement with another who said, 'Och thin! it's all right. The Quakers have no religion!' " Chestnut Hill, PennsylvaniaHorace Mather Lippincott ...