Santa Rosa High School - Echo Yearbook (Santa Rosa, CA)

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Commerce and Social Progress C20) OMMERCE is the exchange of goods in considerable quan- tities between producers remote from one another. iif This exchange has had a great influence on the social progress of the world, both in ancient and modern times. Perhaps the most striking examples are in the more mod- ern times, but the culture of the Greeks and Romans was undoubtedly influenced by their commerce. When we get to the point of studying one people as having an influence on another, they have advanced to the extent of settling in a definite place, and having a certain degree of social organization. Many tribes never reach this state, and on account of their migratory habits, have advanced to a very small degree along lines of industrial arts, which have not gotten to the point where they intluence social conditions, or commerce. To influence com- merce to any extent, the people must have some family or tribal organization. When tribes or nations have reached this stage there are two kinds of inter- course which have their origin in connection with commerce, that of friendly and uniriendly relations. War opens up a new way for commerce, as was illustrated by the Cru- sades, the people in western Europe were practically ignorant of the east. The Crusades started intercourse which resulted in the hightening of the social standards of the western people. A successful war gives securities for peaceful commerce, thus advancing commerce and aiding both nations ma- terially. Many tribes and cities have changing relations, and elements of inse- curity and uncertainty, are not favorable to commerce, or to advancement along lines of culture. That the uplifting influence of commerce was appreciated in early times, is shown by the actions of Solomon, King of Judah and Israel. He founded commercial centers at the most convenient points, and even went so far as to establish a commercial department of state. His merchants traded in Egypt, Syria and with the Hittites, and the result was that the Jewish nation made the most advance in social progress. n example of the marked effect of commerce on social progress, is shown by the prosperous Phoenician city of Tyre. Many times its imme- diate ruin was prophesied, but it always held its own. The secret of its power of resisting attack epended on its wealth, and its wealth was derived from its industry and skill in manufactures. But as their own raw materials were practically exhausted, they had to depend on other nations, consequently on commerce, for the necessary materials. To their manufactures they owed their life and advancement; so without commerce, Tyre would never have attained the position of culture and refinement it held. Venice can be taken as the best example of the influence of commerce on the social progress of a single city. Venice was the center of trade routes. ‘rom there vessels went to and from the Orient, through the Mediterranean [Page twenty-five]

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THE ECHO seum. Once, I looked back, and to my horror and utter despair, there came this awful night-mare, tearing at full speed after me. Never before did my legs seem to absolutely refuse to move, although I believe I was doing a pretty fair “Marathon.” Never before did the dis- tance between the music-stand and the museum seem interminable. When [ caught sight of that light in Tim's office, I yelled with all my might, “Tim! Tim! she’s after me! Quick! Quick! Save me, Tim! The office door burst open, and out rushed Tim, bre: athless with amaze- ment at my shrieks I threw myself into his arms, too faint to speak, but a moment later gained my strength very quickly, when [ heard a very human ee exclaim, ‘anxiously, “(C) Father, did I kill him?” Sarah Ann Murphy! what, in the name of all that is good, are you do ing out at this time of night? And, child, what is the matter with your eyes? What makes them shine so?” ‘Tell me. first, is he dead? Did I kill him? O Father! Father!” and she burst into tears. “Nr. child: he is not dead. Very much alive! Now, tell me what’s the matter.” “OQ! Brother dared me to ride through the park tonight, dressed like the Rider, and I took his old dare. I hunted around in the garret until I found these old clothes of mother’s. Then, I rented a black horse from the Riding Club, purchased some phosphorous paint, and the whole trick was done. But really, I hope | haven't scared the wits out of the old man,” she said, looking at me, and smiling in spite of 1erself, for I did look rather wild- eyed, “Look here, young lady, do you think it smart, to go around scaring people half to eath? Now, you go wash that paint off the horse’s face and off your own, and chase up to your room as quickly as possible. I'll take the horse to the club in the morning, and as for your brother, I'll settle with him in the morning, too. Now hike!’ said Tim, in angry tones, for he was furious. Then he turned to me with a twinkle in his eye and said, “Jerry, do you want to stay here tonight? There’s plenty of room.” | stayed. THE NEW YEAR The chilly north wind whistles through the trees, And dies. away into a gentle breeze; And all the world is silent, far and near, Watching the last breath of the dying year. The clam’rous midnight bells will soon proclaim Thee ming ofa glorious New Year r reign ; So, hasten with your songs and merry din, To help them ring the happy New Year in. The great clock’s moving fingers upward point; And all the bells in every city ring. Their welcome to the glad New Year they sound, And send their tidings all the world around. [Page twenty-four] “iin ddan Ae ee ee

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THE ECHO Sea to the Isthmus of Suez, by caravan across that, and then by sea the rest of the way. Overland routes extended from Venice to all important inland cities. Ships went to northern Africa and to England. Her great advance- ment in social progress, was due to the growth and energy of her commer- cial population. Its regularity of government was a marvel for that time, when there was so much strife elsewhere. It was in Venice that the first public bank was organized, and bills of exchange were first negotiated. AI- though the advancement of civilization has taken from Venice the place of first city in the land, there is no doubt that had not the various trading lines chosen Venice for their terminus, it would never have been the city it once was. In the Roman Empire, commerce played a great part. It was mostly as a result of her successful wars that countries opened their ports to her. The commerce took on more of a form of tribute than trade, but nevertheless Rome was advanced socially by their imports. Throughout the Roman Em- pire, roads for commercial communication were built, so that all parts might be brought closer together and all benefited by the variety of knowledge. Besides the beneficial influence which Rome exercised over her conquered nations, she learned much from them. The inhabitants of the Greek cities which she conquered, practically carried on the commerce of the Empire. In this way social progress was influenced by both conquerers and con- quered. With the downfall of the Empire, the lack of public security caused a great contraction of commerce, as a part of general lapse into barbarism. This shows that the lapse into barbarism was caused, partially, by the failure of the government to back its commerce. The Mohammedan Conquest had more effect on the social progress of the West, coming as it did at a critical time, than any other one thing. It opened ways by which the knowledge of arts and sciences of the East, might be cultivated in the remote parts of the West, where civilization was almost destroyed by a succession of barbarian invasions. One of the important advances in social progress in the middle ages. was the formation of the Hansaetic League, by the German cities. The quality and extent of the progress of trade and arts was greatly widened by this league. The discovery of the American continents, and the formation of the East India Company, did much in the fifteenth century to advance civilization. When we come down to the nineteenth century, all the world has been explored, and all the world has attained a certain degree of social progress, some parts to a marked extent. The easy transportation of goods, both by land and sea, and the prompt means of communication, have thrown the world open to trade. Trade has shown the necessity for better transportation, and this in turn has spurred on invention. Trade makes competition between the nations, and as a result better education is desired. All over the world today, various governments are working for the social uplift of the people. [Page twenty-six]