New at the White House – (PIP #46)

By Louise Peloquin

     L’Etoile covered the elections so extensively that we were hard put to choose among all of the century-old articles. Here are a couple of items from a weekly column called Au fil de la plume, literally translated on the thread of the pen, featuring bantering quips on current news. These are followed by short pieces on successful locals.

L’Etoile, October 30, 1924

     Judge Gary, president of United States Steel, declares that the country’s future prosperity will largely depend on the result of next Tuesday’s elections. Here’s an extraordinary thing – all of the rival candidates are of the same opinion.

     Alas, in the face of so many contradictory arguments, what must the poor voter think all of the parties are soliciting? These profound words from Louis XIV are truer today than ever: “It is necessary to have the strength to hold the scale straight among so many people making every effort to tip the balance in their favor.”

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L’Etoile, July 15, 1924

A Franco-American at the White House

     Major J.J. Coupal was named President Coolidge’s special doctor 

     Lawrence, Mass., 15. – The news of Major James F. Coupal’s nomination as President Coolige’s special doctor was received in Lawrence with joy by the young and brilliant physician’s many friends and particularly by Mr. and Mrs. Girard of Warwick Street. Dr. Coupal is the first cousin of Mr. and Mrs. Girard, née Rosalind Coupal. Major Coupal will replace Dr. Sawyer who had been President Harding’s doctor and has resigned.

     Major James Coupal was born in Wollaston and studied at Tufts University. His parents live in Wakefield Junction. The Major was in active service in the 26th Division during the war. Upon his return, he was named curator of the Army Medical Museum in Washington. He held a distinguished place in the medical circles of the Capital. He has written many greatly-appreciated works on medicine.

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L’Etoile, September 10. 1924

Lowellian admitted to the New York bar

     William L. Abrams, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Abrams, 377 Westford Street, learned Saturday night that he had succeeded in the New York State bar examinations. Mr. Abrams practices law in New York City at the well-known Henry Wendt firm. 

     Mr. Abrams is a graduate of Lowell High School, class of 1919, and received the Carney Medal that year. In 1921, he obtained his Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University as a student in the class of 1922. Finally, on June 4, he obtained his Bachelor’s in Law from Columbia University. He received his degrees with honours in both universities. (1)

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1) Translations by Louise Peloquin.