Hudson High School - True Blue Yearbook (Hudson, WI)

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TRUK HLUK 11 I he Isthmian Canal Question. By WaT.TKR llKLL. In his oration on tlie “The Isthmian Canal,” Walter Bell brought out the thought that it is the duty of every government to aspire to become a power among Nations. Advantage must be taken of every opportunity to advance. He argues that a canal connecting the two great oceans is one of the means by which the United States may grow in power. Years igo the practicability of such a waterway was conceived, but only recently was the question of an Isthmian canal agitated. The vast commerce with the Orient, and our late war with Spain has made manifest the importance of a short route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Perhaps a canal would have been built long ago were it not for the fact that Great Britain has blocked every move in that direction. In spite of persistent efforts to the contrary, England has claimed, on account of the Claj'ton Bulwer Treaty, a right for joint control of any canal built across Panama. Continental Railroads, reaping rich harvests; have also used every possible means to prevent the building of a canal. However, since the United States has secured the Philippine Islands, it has become absolutely necessary that a canal through the Isthmus and under control of our government, be constructed. Recently a treaty has been made with Great Britain, whereby we get control of any such canal built. At present two routes are under consideration; one is through Nicaragua, and the other across the Isthmus of Panama. Both routes have their advantages, but taking all things into considera- tion the Panama route seems to be the best. The actual time of transit through a canal across Panama would be 21 hours shorter than any other. Railroads traverse the Isthmus, thus aiding in transporting men and supplies for construction. Being 134 miles shorter than the Nicaraguan route, the first cost as well as the ex- pense of maintenance would be considerably lessened. Panama has a good harbor on each ocean, while Nicaragua has none. In view of these facts it is hoped that our legislators will come to a wise and speedy consideration as to choice of routes, and make the necessary appropriations for completing a canal.

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10 TRUK BI-UK Time, who it appears is at present out of employment as a chron- icler of time. Ilis trusty hour glass is superseded by clocks and watches and he was induced to appear in person and fortcll the? future of each member of the class as the roll was read. John Burnley, the illustrious class president is to be a noted bass singer. Victoria Buell is to become a physical director at Holyoke College. Chas. Wingcnder is to cease courting the Muses and acquire great wealth as a ranchman. The future of Gertrude Otis seemed somewhat veiled but is to be glorious. Olga Hanson is to become a noted singer. The story of the life of Jens P. Jen- son is to be told in a book entitled, From Hello Boy to President. Newton Inglis is to be a writer of books in which he is to devolope many scientific theories most of which are to be falacious. Emily Holmes will be a great traveller and will view many distant lands. Walter Bell is to represent the class in the pulpit and do great honor to himself and classmates. Ethel Lewis will become an ex- pert stenographer. Eva Greenfield will excell in the musical line and become a vocolist of renown. Bessie Bell will please the pub- lic in the career of dramatic reader. Nettie Johnson will be the artist of the class. Edward Oliver will be the journalist of the class and win renown. Miss Gertrude Ryan, because of her arguments and the power of persuasion, will become a lecturer. Miss Maude Dorgan will learn the healing art and become a physician. Miss Leonore Grogan will become a kindergartner whose success is as- sured. Clarence Johnson is to become a manufacturer of gum. Wendell Webster, because of excellence in debate-', will become the congressman of the class. Bertha Herum will rapidly rise in the profession of teaching. Nina Nye will grace the legal profession and win great fame. A happy domestic future awaits Esther Flynn. Hester Munson will become an educator and conduct a boarding school for girls. Henry Johnson is to be a prosperous busi- ness man and accumulate great wealth. Kitty Johnson will bean ex- pert accountant and lead a useful life. Jeannette Scott is toadornthe stage and be renowrned as an actress. Saidee Cole will be a writer and produce books of great merit. The Seer did not make known to the public what is in store for Charles Lumley but doubtless for one of such sterling qualities something good will be reserved.

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12 TRUE BLUE Developement of Languages By Clarence Johnson. In the beginning of the seventeenth century French was the language of diplomacy. It was the language that educated men of differing languages were most apt to be able to converse in. To- day the French is fast losing its prestage and English is the language that is superseding it. It is not so much the fitness of a language that gives it world wide acceptance as it is the vigor and energy of the people using it. Earlier in the history of the world it was the Latin tongue that found wide acceptance because the Romans were a conquering na- tion. It was the energy of the French that gave their language wide acceptance. In the coming centuries the contest of languages will be be- tween the English and Russians. The number of people speaking Russian is underestimated and the increase in the population of that country is not realized by Americans. The Siberian railroad has opened up a vast area and population is pouring in. The English language is fortunate in that it is a simple lan- guage gramatically. It has dropped the complications of construc- tion which young languages have. This makes it easy to acquire by word of mouth. This language is unfortunate in one thing and that is its spelling. Tnis is being gradually reformed. If it is to be reformed it will be the task of the Americans to do it for the English people are too conservative. Russian is still prim alive in its forms and grammar and will find it hard to reform since printing has been invented. Printing tends to crystallize a language in its present form. In making English the language of diplomacy the world over the Americans will have no small part. The Progress of the Languages. By Clarence E. Johnson. Clarence Johnson, in his essay, worked out the progress the English language had been making toward becoming a World lan- guage. He pointed out that Latin at one time was the language of diplomatic communication between civilized Nations. This was