George E Westinghouse High School - Sketch Book Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

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EDITORIAL OUR FUTURE OR some years young people leaving high school have seen the future through rose-tinted glasses 3 they have been confident of success in their chosen work. But, we, who are having the misfortune to graduate in a period of economic stress, are troubled and perhaps even pessimistic about the future. We see our intentions frustrated by present conditions, instead of the pleasant vista we had looked forward to we face a blank wall that gives us a feeling of despair. How- ever, because we are hindered at first, are we to give up our desires, our purposes, and our ideals to become slackers that blame the times, the government, the cap- italists, and, in fact, everyone but ourselves for our failure? Instead, our dis- appointment should make us realize that in the span of our lifetime we must constructively plan to lessen the peaks of good and hard times in order to give our people greater economic security. No other generation has been trained for in- dependent thinking as we have beeng therefore, we should be more successful than any other generation in finding the royal road to the economic and social happiness of all our people. In the history of our country these periods of economic stress have demoralized business over and over again. In times past, have our citizens ever definitely planned to avoid such casualties? Or as times have improved have they again struggled against each other to increase their wealth irrespective of the welfare of the employee and the consumer? Such a policy ignores the fact that every thrifty man is entitled to financial security for himself and family. To be sure the securing of this happy economic state will tax the intellectual and cooperative powers of our people. But can it not be done? With the knowledge of social science we have acquired in school, we should be able to see the snares of politics and by meritorious legislation remove the causes that permit undemocratic conditions to exist. It is more or less an estab- lished fact that if our predecessors had not been so disinterested and neglectful in regard to politics our country would not today be menaced by the depression and unemployment, as well as by the bootlegger, the racketeer, and the kidnapper. If we will make better use of our vote than our parents have done, we may be able to prevent a recurrence of these calamities. In this way we would maintain for ourselves safety from a plight similar to that in which many of our families find themselves today. At the same time, we may make possible the realization of dreams that, at present, seem to be shattered. To whom shall we look for guidance in formulating plans for a more perfect social state? We have the thought of the ages at our command. Again and again in history men have dreamed of the perfect state where all men really are equal, a state which has no swindles, no poorhouses, no suicides. As far back as the time of the Greeks we find Plato urging a plan on this order. Then, in the early six- teenth century Sir Thomas More presented a book, U topia, which had many new social ideas. In the latter part of the sixteenth century Sir Francis Bacon gavelthe' public New Atlantis, which is the study of an ideal commonwealth. In the nine- teenth century john Ruskin expressed theories that economists of today believe to be true. To him an employer's first consideration is the happiness of his work- Eight

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RELIGION The determinations of Providence are always wise, often in- scrutable, and, though its decrees appear to bear hard upon us at times, is nevertheless meant for gracious purposes. I shall always strive to prove a faithful and impartial patron of genuine, vital religion. It is impossible to reason without arriving at a Supreme Being. True religion affords government its surest support. Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial Ere called Conscience. PK PK P14 FRIENDSHIP True friendship is a plant of slow growth g to be sincere, there must be a Congeniality of temper and pursuits. The company, in which you will improve most, will be least expensive to you. Speak not evil of the absent, it is unjust. I t is better to be alone than in bad company. Be courteous to all, but intimate with few 5 and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. Pk :ac it PUBLIC SPIRIT The due administration of justice is the Hrmest pillar of good government. The tumultous populace of large cities are ever to be dreaded. it Pk Pk LOVE OF COUNTRY Let us have a government by which our lives, liberties and properties shall be secured. Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distresses of every one. To stand well in the estimation of one's country is a happiness, that no rational creature can be insensible of. While we do not underrate difficulties on one hand, we should not overrate them on the other 1 nor discourage ourselves from a very important undertaking by obstacles, which are to be surmountedf' Nothing but harmony, honesty, industry, and frugality are necessary to make us a great and happy people. The welfare of the country is the great object to which our cares and efforts ought to be directed. The love of my country will be the ruling influence of my conduct. Seven

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men, his second, the genuineness of his product, and his third, his personal gain. Does the modern employer base his business plans on this standard of achieve- ment? All thinking and writing along democratic lines has not been done by Europeans, nor by Washington and the patriots who established our great republic. Today, we have great thinkers who write for current magazines. Do we read their articles or the love story on the next page? If all the young 1nen and women graduating from high school this June are to find themselves prosperous and happy at sixty we must deliberately study and plan for this accomplishment. We must think straight, organize our fellows. wisely select leaders, spread the do or die spirit, and work toward one goal. In this way we may be able to prevent a recurrence of conditions such as menace the happiness of the American people today and at the same time make it possible for us to fulfill our plans of life. MUSINGS Have you ever felt the thrill Of a long coast down a hill On a sled? Have you tried to catch the words Of the songs of joyous birds In the spring? Have you listened to the clock With its steady tick, tick, tock Through dark hours? Has your heart within you whirled Wlien you saw our Hag unfurled In the breeze? In these lines there's little wrought. This is just the idle thought Of a boy. Robert Kmpf. Nine