Nappanee High School - Napanet Yearbook (Nappanee, IN)

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ALMEDA MILLER A i.mkda, the prophet of the class of 1»» , was horn February '.t, 1888, two miles north and two miles west of Nappanee. After finishing her education in the country schools she decided that that was not enough for her. so she came to Nappanee, and entering the class of 1IHV7 has come four years with unceasing energy to get the best the high school afforded. Her grades are mute testimony to her energy. She is always ready to help the class to the best of her ability. She will continue her education along higher lines.

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aljf Ifdl of iSrnrbirt Anuilti By ALMEDA MILLER ENEDICT ARNOLD held a position of rare opportunities. Me was a very able general of Saratoga and Quebec, the trusted ally and military idol of Washington, whose name was an inspiration in camp and at tire-side but whose name, gleaming with honor, was branded forever with treason: who, as he was gliding into highest popularity with stores of hope luring him on, lie sank into the dark vale of dishonor, an object of universal detestation. Only by pausing and inquiring into the secret of his downfall, can we learn the lesson and warn proud Ambition in her giddy (light. Arnold's rank was becoming equal to that of Washington. Montgomery, Gates, and Lafayette were men of very brave deeds, but all these acknowledged the superior leadership of Arnold. His early training in business and on the sea admirably fitted him for the work of the Revolution, that time of financial embarrassment. He was full of the Revolutionary spirit, lion-hearted and ambiti-tious to win the highest laurels. When given command of the forces in Canada he at once leaped into prominence. Washington thought him remarkable in military virtues and said he was one of Fortune’s favorites. He knew no fear but was always at the head of his men and, like Caesar, his presence among the soldiers instilled such an enthusiasm into them that they wanted to do their best, and put away all difficulties. His personality was so strong that his soldiers, as if involuntarily, greeted him as their commander, on one occasion ignoring their real general, and with great applause followed Arnold as the master to victory. Commanding like a Napoleon, executing the most daring deeds like a Grant, his renown spread everywhere and all looked to him as the hopeof their country. And to make him still more popular lie won the charming daughter of a supreme judge, a reigning belle of Philadelphia. As if to test him in higher places, the state of Pennsylvania accepted him as its military king. He made a brilliant success in this work but his success was only a step to his ruin. He ! egan to treat his subjects like a ruling tyrant. In Philadelphia lie moved in the refined circle of people and had every chance to make his name greater still. In the midst of his prosperity he became a mercenary trader. He became one of the most extravagant of men. His train of servants, his gorgeous carriage, his liveried footmen would have satisfied a Roman emperor. He gambled witli the people's money to pay his expenses, and in his bankruptcy robbed the state. He was tried, convicted, and sentenced to be severely reproved by Washington, an act which was very unpleasant to Washington for lie had been a warm friend to Arnold, had recognized his military skill and had helped him often to rise to higher positions. In performing his duty he said, ‘‘Our profession is the chastest of all: even the shadow of a fault tarnishes the lustre of our finest achievements. I reprimand you for having forgotten that in proportion as you have rendered yourself formidable to our enemies you should have been guarded and temperate in your deportment towards your fellow citizens. Exhibit anew those noble qualities which have placed you on the list of our most valued commanders. I will myself furnish you with opportunities of regaining the esteem of your country.” What better course could Washington have taken to get him back to the esteem of his friends? Rut lie was angry at congress for failing to recognize his merits, and severely stung by the mild rebuke of his best friend he plunged headlong from his height of power. He had already been in correspondence with the British authorities, and several months afterwards devised one of the vilest schemes in history, for the purpose of betraying the American cause. He determined to ask Washington for the command of West Point in order that this most important stronghold in the whole country might be turned over to the enemy for a good price. His request was granted, and Ills abominable plans came alarmingly near to success. In September the agreement had advanced so far that a personal interview between the officers in correspondence was desired. It was the intention of the British, when they got a good opportunity, to sail up the Hudson and bear the appearance of attacking the fort. Arnold was to surrender it with only a slight appearance of resistance. The American traitor was to sell his country for fifteen thousand dollars and a commission in the British army. Soon the opportunity came. Washington left the fort for a conference with Rochambeau at Hartford; this absence afforded the coveted opportunity. Andre ascended the Hudson in the British ship “Vulture” to a place near the fort, went ashore and passed the night with Arnold. The agreement was made but on returning Andre was captured and arrested and there Arnold’s crime was found out, and he escaped. When Washington read of it he burst into tears. Arnold shrank from the flag lie had so nobly defended when he hurried to the protection of the enemy. Was this the general, who, when se- 2!)