Alton High School - Tatler Yearbook (Alton, IL)

Page 19 text:

cnee. The Spanish war showed two things, first the unpreparedness of the American forces, second, the lack of the so-called American genius. Did we win the war thru some marvelous invention? Xo, we won by the sheer, dogged courage of our men. Had our opponent been a stronger power than Spain, we should have had a farlorn hope indeed. American indifference toward militarism is a vice rather than a virtue. Better that we bear the burden of a well organized force than sacrifice countless lives while hastily initiating untrained men into the arts of war. Better that we appropriae a few millions in times of peace than have a war drain our resources to the dregs. It is the same old story of the trained man against the recruit. On the gridiron, the track, in the prize-ring, or in war, the trained man always wins out. The civil war found us with two armed vessels to patroi a coast line of 600 miles. The Spanish war came as a thunderbolt to an unprepared nation. Now with 90 per cent of our armed forces in the Pacific, the Atlantic seaboard open to attack, with a mobilized force of only 5,000 troops available for service, with not a single vessel in the Carribean worthy of our great nation, the Venezuelan affair stands before 11s—a ghastly omen of what might happen. Shall we never learn by experience? The key to the Pacific lies in a powerful navy. If in 1898 we needed a large navy, today we need one thrice as great. How can we expect a large merchant marine if we do not guarantee protection ? How can we ask promoters to invest capital in the Far East if we do not stand ready to uphold their clams? Let us then build a powerful base in the Philippines, construct a line of coaling stations, increase the navy, encourage the merchant marine and embark boldly on the new policy of the United States. To speak further upon the importance of the Pacific is needless. There she lies, and there she will be until God rings the death-knell of the earth. Explore the resources of Siberia, gaze upon the mighty possibilities of China, look at undeveloped Africa and then ask yourself, will it pay to unlock this treasure house of the East? And while thus advancing the interests of her own citizens, the U. S. will best fulfill her duty to the world. Already she occupies a unique position in the far East. Her actions must remain untinged with greed, must tend to uplift humanity. American blood has freed Cuba from iron-15

Page 18 text:

The Supremacy of the Pacific. Up from the East sprang Progress; she hurried thru Babylon and Assyria, thru Greece and Rome and Northern Europe, paused for a moment on England’s shore, then passed on to America. Today she stands on the brink of the Pacific, peering into the misty Orient. The world follows her course with breathless interest, and all eyes are now turned towards the Far East. The Pacific therefore holds the centre of the world's stage. No doubt exists in the minds of the men that on this broad expanse of water will be waged one of the fiercest commercial conflicts known to history. What part will our country play in the great drama about to be enacted? In acquiring the Philippines, the U. S. established herself in the Far East. We have crossed the Rubicon, we have become a world power, and in so doing we have assumed new responsibilities. To withdraw now would be to su’ly our national honor. Whether we acted wisely in acquiring the Philippines may be doubted, but that American influence must remain paramount in the islands can not he ignored. The state’s first duty is to its citizens, but its next duty is to the world at large. To be in a healthy financial condition, a state must have an outlet for its excess of natural products and manufactures. It must have new territory in which to invest its surplus capital. Look to the East, and behold the wonders that may be there wrought. Asia is the future market of the world, and it behooves us therefore to take adequate measures to promote our interests in that quarter. To sit idly by and watch the Eastern trade pass within our reach, yet make no effort to share in the golden harvest would be a blunder which we could never justly excuse. This is to be a peaceful invasion of the Orient, yet we must prepare for the unexpected. As Washington said, “To be prepared for war is the most effectual means to promote peace.” Nations have gone to war over less trival causes than the rich trade at stake. No American can rightfully overlook the importance of adequate preparation. It is mutual fear, not mutual regard, that keeps the war dogs of the nations in leash, and too many of us rest secure in the belief that in time of need some inventive Yankee will come forward with a mechanical marvel that will wipe the opposing forces out of exist- 14

Page 20 text:

clad Spanish rule, America has given to the Philippines the first glimpse of freedom’s rays. It was America that stayed the march of Europe’s greedy kings and bade them leave China whole. America waved the magic wand which awoke Japan from her sleep of centuries. So will it be America's duty to lift the veil of seclusion from the “Celestial Empire, and lead her forth to her rightful seat among nations. May the stars, in our banner, shine forever as beacons of hope to the downtrodden, the stripes immortalize blood spilt in defense of justice and liberty. On land and sea, in court and assembly hall may the American flag stand as a symbol of justice and tranquillity, of peace, prosperity and progress. May she wave in triumph from a thousand ships on the broad expanse of the Pacific, for the supremacy of that sea means the leadership of the world. LEE HULL. Just Before Exams. If you’re waking call me early, call me early, mother, clear, For I would see the sun rise, as examinations near. There’s Latin. Lit, and Solid, I fear I shall not pass; For, alas! my mother darling, I’m the dumb one in the class. There’s John and Will and Jim who did not have to take. But the teachers at poor me their heads began to shake. Whilst they pronounced my doom in calm and careless tones Caring not for long drawn sighs or sounds of muffled groans. I went to see the teachers to pump my grades up some. But, alas! 'twas all in vain for tho’ I made things hum. They answered ne’er a word, but looked me up and down. And so compelled me to receive my marks with sigh and frown. But. mother, if you only knew. I’m sure you would not scold. I’ve crammed and crammed till my poor head’s grown cold; And anyhow I’m sure you’d think the finals all red tape; If you could go to school with me I’m sure you d see the fake. Tis too late to pine so I must hum the midnight oil. And spend the evening hours in weary work and toil. For Latin, Lit and solid must receive their proper share. Oh! these tests are horrid, all one load of thought and care. Good-night, sweet mother; call me e’er the day is born, For I must study half the night, and I'll [all asleep near morn. But I must see the sun rise as examinations near. So, if you’re waking, call me early, call me early, mother, dear. 16